Deep ruby color; raspberry, plum, dried herbs, sage on the nose; strawberry, plum, leather, blueberry, spice on the palate.
Dry; very polished offering with elegant, velvety tannins; soft, polished and supple in the mouth. Blend of 82% grenache, 18% syrah. Excellent balance of acidity and tannins. Medium-full body. Excellent depth. Delicious grenache with the syrah giving some oomph. Dead center perfect blend for those who enjoy softer, subtle reds that still has some backbone on the finish.
Paso Robles strives to compete with its more famous neighbors to the north, Napa and Sonoma, and this helps their case by showcasing classic Paso Robles big, hedonistic fruit. The Farm is an effort uniting Santiago and Mercedes Achaval—Santiago is credited as a malbec pioneer in Mendoza—and Jim and Azmina Madsen, who are in the winners in the corporate world in San Diego. The long-time friends visited Paso Robles together in 2008 and immediately decided to start a winery. The Farm’s first vintage was 2009; they produce about 700 cases a year.
The winery’s website proclaims its philosophy (in part): “Our goal is to make small amounts of fine red wines with the very best fruit from Westside Paso Robles (Adelaida and Willow Creek Districts). We will always remain a small winery working with ultra-low yields of special fruit. We believe that the work done in the vineyards is critical. Year round, we walk the vineyards, feeling the slant of the sun, the feel of limestone soil, the durability of the vines. This terroir, limestone and microclimates, combined with custom farming, where each vine is individually tended to produce but a few clusters so that our wine will get the fullest flavor of the berries.” You can taste the extra effort in this bottle.
The Farm Winery is a private residence with no tasting room, however tastings are offered at the 15C Wine Shop and Bar in downtown Templeton. Tasting is by appointment only and should be arranged a week in advance. More details can be found on The Farm Winery website.
The Farm Winery touchy-feely 2014 Paso Robles Adelaida District is elegant, delicious, smooth, soft on the palate, delicate tannins, superb effort; 14.9% ABV. Southern Rhône style blend, but with a dollop of California swagger. Pair with beef stews, pork, lamb, turkey; because of its higher alcohol and softness, avoid seabass, salads, oriental cuisine. $60-69
