2021 Mis Pasos
Blend: 36% Tempranillo, 32% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard & AVA: Paper Street Vineyard in the Willow Creek District, Paso Robles CA • Zotovich Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills AVA, Santa Barbara County • Sancta Vineyard in Templeton Gap AVA, Paso Robles California
Alcohol: 15.5%
Aging: Drink now through 2030
Vinification: 19 months on the lees in 8% new 228L new French oak barriques, 35% once used 228L French oak barriques, 18% neutral 265L French oak barriques, 21% neutral 300L French oak barriques, and 18% neutral 500L: French oak Puncheons
Crafted in Limited Quantities
Vision
The 2021 vintage of Mis Pasos features a photograph of my mom and dad in Cambria, California—the day our family finally arrived at our new home after migrating from Mexico. It was a monumental day, full of hope, new beginnings, and the first steps of a new chapter.
“Mis Pasos” means “my steps” in Spanish, and this wine reflects my own journey. With it, I get creative, crafting a true “California Red Blend” using small percentages of various grapes from multiple vineyards, defying conventions through both the blend and the winemaking process.
Unlike my other wines, which honor my wife, my son, a region of Spain, or a specific grape, Mis Pasos is all about my evolution as a Paso Robles winemaker. It’s also the most limited production wine I make—most of it is reserved for club members or kept to share with family and friends.
Vintage Notes
Overall, thanks to a relatively temperate growing season, the timing of the 2021 harvest is about a week or two later than in recent years, with most growers pulling the first of the core white wine grapes in late August. While the region has seen smoke from wildfires up north, it didn't affect the vineyards in Paso Robles.
The ongoing drought conditions are presenting growers with a double-edged sword of sorts. The good news is the dry conditions this vintage created smaller, more concentrated grapes, which is ideal for winemaking. While yields are lower, it produces more flavors, bolder colors, strong acidity, and manageable tannins. These conditions have winemakers feeling it's an epic vintage for quality.
Tasting Notes
The Mis Pasos is always a blend of Tempranillo and Syrah, while including a Bordeaux counterpart. This years blend is almost equal parts Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each vareital compontent contribues something intriguing to this unique, atypical blend.
The nose immediately suggest cool climate Syrah with notes of purple flowers, think lavender and verbena, as well hints of gram cracker and clove. The pallate is smooth and cohesive with polished tannins that boast perfectly ripe blue and black fruits which serve to gently guide you the finish.