(Originally published in August 2006)

For our second Drinks with Les Dames wine tasting, we moved west to California. Paso Robles, to be exact. And Robert Hall winery.

For those who don’t know, the Paso Robles wine region of California is located almost exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and about 20 miles inland from the Pacific coast. Rolling hills, warm days, and cool coastal evening breezes combine here to make intense, concentrated wines. Rhone varietals have done particularly well in the area, but other grapes also shine.

Robert Hall winery was born just a few years ago – officially opening in 2002. In the years prior to that, entrepreneur Robert Hall had combined his love for Rhone wines and extensive traveling to California wine regions, by purchasing the Home Ranch vineyard in 1995. Soon after, Hall acquired the Terrace and Bench vineyards. Grapes from the three estate vineyards go into most of the winery’s wines, under the skillful hand of winemaker/director Don Brady.

Robert Hall’s latest Sauvignon Blanc was recently reviewed in the Wine Skinny:

Robert Hall 2005 Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles ($14). Nice complexity at the price point, with smooth apple and tropical citrus fruit laced with vanilla and toasty oak accents. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 02/06)

Now, with an array of Spanish cheeses, a flaky mushroom tart (thanks to food writer/author/chef Dame Marian Tindall) and a platter full of compulsively good piroghi (courtesy of chocolatier/pastry chef Dame Heide Vukovic), we tasted our way through the rest of the lineup. Here’s how things shook out:

Robert Hall 2005 Rosé de Robles Paso Robles ($14). All agreed that this was a lovely, vibrant pink color. Rather closed on the nose, with just hints of the spice and fruit to come. Off-dry, but balanced, with “light berry (flavors) with a touch of acidity on the ending and a light, crisp finish,” according to pastry chef Dame Barbara Cook, that pulls in a bit of fresh citrus. Ready to drink now.

Robert Hall 2004 Merlot Paso Robles ($18). This wine was the surprise hit of the tasting, with everyone admiring its concentration and richness. A “slight peppery nose” introduced blackberry, plum, fig, hints of clove and cinnamon, and a plush finish. Event planner Dame Kathy Lord summed it up best with, “Good red. Smooth. Great.” Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

Robert Hall 2004 Syrah Paso Robles ($18). Deep purple, with aromas of coffee, pepper and cherry, this wine drew mixed reviews. Some of us liked it for its meaty currant and waves of tobacco and spice – and we all agreed that it needed some hearty food to really shine. Something like a well-marbled steak or winter stew would be perfect. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

Robert Hall 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($18). Eucalyptus dominates the nose here, with plum, red currant and vanilla flavors struggling a bit to come through. Everyone agreed that they liked the Merlot better!

Robert Hall 2003 Vintage Port Central Coast ($28). Made from a blend of four traditional Portuguese grapes (Souzão, Touriga, Alvarelhão and Tinta Cão), this Port was definitely the happiest surprise of the bunch – sort of a melding of California Zinfandel ports and authentic Portuguese ruby ports. Toffee aromas introduce waves of flavors, including plump raisins, fresh tobacco and licorice, with a long “grapey” finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years.