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W
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W E L C O M E
Other
dreams in Paso Robles weren't just about geography, but rather,
artistic expression, about combining love of the arts with lives
on the vineyard. Located in the Linne Valley on the east side
of Paso Robles, the area offers a unique micro climate with plenty
of sunshine, but less heat than other locations making it ideal
for their estate grown cabs and petite sirahs. Committed to low
yields, the vineyards are hand manicured and deficit irrigated,
creating a high grape skin to juice ratio, ensuring intense varietal
flavors and concentrated wines. Here, after aging wines for 12
- 18 months in American, French and Hungarian oak, Sculpterra
is then ready to make their proprietary blends. Engaging in such
interesting labels as "Statuesque" and "Maquette",
they strive to create the final touches to be a reflection of
their love of art.
At Sculpterra Winery, they've merged the worlds of wine and fine
art together. From their point of view, the process of winemaking
requires them to sculpt the earth, sculpt the vines, and sculpt
the wines in order to offer up a unique expression of the region
and of California. With such an artistic mindset, it is no surprise
to find a grand sculpture garden comprised of enormous bronze
figures right on the property. The work of sculptor John Jagger
is quite awe-inspiring. One might even debate which is more beautiful
- the work or the wine. Tasting room manager Martha Clyde comments
with pride, "Like any grape growing region, the terroire
here is distinct and different.
Our
wines in our region are really coming out now with lots of press
and gold medal wines. We are sourcing our grapes from our own
estates so our estate grapes are mature, growing since the 90s,
doing phenomenally well in the tasting room." 2005 is not
only the first year of their own estate wine, but it is also a
gold medal year, acknowledging their Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sculpterra
is part of a group called "The Backroads". This is a
group of a dozen wineries that all have something distinctive
to offer - high quality wines, chefs, restaurants, and bed &
breakfasts. The fun part is that they are all in one small area,
connected by a winding back road that connects them together.
Make a day of just these fun places to visit..
Get
more information at http://www.backroadswineries.com/id1.html
Amenities
- Tasting room
- picnic grounds
- connection to Back Roads Wineries
- wine club
- events
- wine reviews
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www.sculpterra.com
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2008
Viognier / Paso Robles
This Viognier is a first vintage from the Frankel Family
Vineyard located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles.
The nose is rich with intoxicating honeysuckle, layered
over notes of tropical fruit and zesty hints of lemon.
Sip it slowly and flavors of mango, sweet pineapple,
and California flowers flow into touches of stone fruit,
honey, and grapefruit. The finish is bright with a crisp
clean acidity that ends with lingering floral notes.
This is an excellent choice for an aperitif or to savor
with some fresh crab cakes.
Score:
90
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2007
Figurine / Paso Robles
A California blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Zinfandel,
and 11% Merlot, this wine opens up with a big, bright
nose. Aromas of spicy blackberries and strawberry jam
meld nicely with currants and white pepper. Bold tannins
carry rich dark berry flavors with accents of spice
and vanilla that close with lush notes of raspberry
and strawberry. Open a bottle and turn dinner into a
small celebration with barbequed chicken, ribs, and
hamburgers.
Score:
91
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2005
Cabernet
Sauvignon / Paso Robles
Conditions in 2005 allowed for a long growing season
and great hang time. After aging in French and Hungarian
Oak, the resulting wine is elegant and soft with an
excellent classical structure. Given a chance to breathe
in a glass, scents of ripe cherry, currants, and raspberry
give way to softer notes of vanilla, chocolate, and
a touch of oak. On the palate, the layered berry flavors
return, moving into dried fruit flavors alongside dark
chocolate, spice, earthy truffles, and hints of smoke.
Pair this with a rare prime rib or a luscious dessert.
Score:
91
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2006
Syrah / Paso Robles
This Syrah is another first vintage from Sculpterra.
From its deep, dark purple hue emanates powerful aromas
of plum, blackberry, and blueberry with effervescent
accents of spice and hickory smoke. The palate is packed
with bramble fruit and sweet cherry, with an engaging
zest of pepper and other spices. The wine is light,
its mouthfeel smooth, and the finish bright as it closes
upon notes of spice and dried fruit. Look out for future
vintages of this varietal. There is plenty of potential.
Score:
90
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2006
Maquette
/ Paso
Robles
This brilliant Bordeaux blend of 63% Cabernet, 25% Merlot
and 12% Petite Sirah was carefully handcrafted in small
lots to capture the dominant characteristics of the
Cabernet, while the warm berry flavors of the Merlot
continue to unfold into a lingering finish of the Petite
Sirah. This bright, piquant wine has a deep color and
nice legs with a soft perfume nose. Well balanced with
a hint of oak, this oh so drinkable wine offers a completely
balanced feel in the back of the mouth with a triumphant
finish minus the heat and sharp edges. Easy to drink
with your favorite barbecue fare. We went with thick,
juicy rib eye steaks done to a very precise 135 degree
center. Get one bottle for now, and one for the cellar.
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2006
Statuesque
/ Paso
Robles
If you drink wine to feel the love, be one of those
that partake of this wine maker's efforts to create
the ultimate Rhone Wine experience. An incredible blend
of classically grown and nurtured Cabernet Sauvignon,
Syrah, and Petite Sirah, each varietal's characteristics
are defined by what nature brought to the table. Yes,
the wine has plum and floral notes on the nose with
rich tannins and cherries, boysenberries and leather
that linger, but the wine maker wants you to close your
eyes and picture the steep cliffs of the Northern Rhone,
while you taste the luscious calcareous and chalky soil
of the Southern Rhone so carefully nurtured and replicated
in the versatile growing environment of Paso Robles.
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2005
Cabernet Sauvignon
/ Paso Robles
A wonderful aroma with a spicy nose and great legs, this
estate grown cabernet was handled with extreme care during
the growing stage to bring you a classic cabernet with
an intense fruit flavor with strong tannins. The resulting
complex palate with a balanced middle and peppery, tart
spikes maintained its balance with a strong finish that
worked well when paired with full flavored cheeses, steaks,
pork and even salads. This wine is drinkable now and will
age well in the years to come.
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2006
Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
This full bodied cabernet sauvignon follows in the footsteps
of its 2005 sister, with its full bodied, rich tannin
profile, balanced with rich cherries, blackberries and
hints of oak and yes, eucalyptus, too. Well balanced
by 12 months in American oak barrels, this second vintage
of Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon represents the continuation
of the winemaker's vision to produce complex and full
bodied wines with attention to every detail in the growing
and nurturing stage of the grape's glorious life. Its
final rich fruity flavor with a well centered structure
and strong peppery finish makes it a perfect red to
pair with your heartiest meals this winter, whether
it be game, lamb, stews or roasts.
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2006
Petite Sirah / Paso Robles
Keep an eye on this robust wine, for its small, delicate
grapes have yielded to a big flavor with brilliant color
and intense aromas. Boasting strong plum flavors surely
as a result of judicious pruning and intentionally low
yields, this very well balanced wine has a smooth mouth
feel followed by rich tannins. Aged one year in American
oak, its rich profile makes it a contribution to any cellar.
Winemaker Shannon O'Neill deserves a following.
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2006
Syrah / Paso Robles
Slowly swirl and take your time before your first sip
of this intensely spicy, fruity aroma. Notice its brilliant,
deep purple color with a pale red edge that matches the
setting sun along with its deep legs, and then taste the
plums and cherries balanced superbly with a light tannin
and spicy fruit finish. Aged in American, French and Eastern
European Oak, the wine was aged for one year. The details
are in the nurturing prior to harvest, leaving the purity
of the fruit your rich reward at the table, paired under
a variety of circumstances, such as grains and seafoods
in addition to your beef or pork. Only 140 cases of this
wine, grown right here in the Paso Robles region.
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5015 Linne Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Toll Free: 888 302-8881
Local: (805) 226-8881
FAX: (805) 226-8883
http://www.sculpterra.com/
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