Paso Robles 2016 & 2015: New Releases

 BY JOSH RAYNOLDS |

Paso Robles ranks among the most dynamic wine regions anywhere in the world, in spite of a string of drought-affected vintages. There’s a youthful energy and open-mindedness here that’s palpable, and it comes through clearly in the wines, many of which are outstanding in the 2016 and 2015 vintages.

Despite ongoing drought issues, the mood in Paso Robles is noticeably upbeat. Quality in recent vintages has been mostly strong to outstanding. Two thousand sixteen and 2015 both yielded a torrent of delicious, fruit-forward wines that, in addition to their upfront charm, are built to reward patience thanks to their juicy acidity and healthy, discreet tannins. The best producers are maintaining their level of quality, while new winemakers, often with experience gained while working at established wineries, are steadily emerging with attention-grabbing wines. Meanwhile, some of the region’s habitual underperformers are stepping up their games as well. There has never been a better time to be drinking Paso Robles wine.

The mineral-rich soils of the Willow Creek District produce wines of uncanny freshness for such a hot region

The mineral-rich soils of the Willow Creek District produce wines of uncanny freshness for such a hot region

2016: El Niño Disappoints, Yet The Wines Pull Through With Aplomb

The 2016 growing season in Paso Robles started off cool, but not cold enough to pose any dangerous frost issues. Budbreak occurred on the early side, in mid-April for most vineyards. Conditions stayed cool but, unfortunately, very dry until temperatures started to warm up in early June. Heat continued to build slowly through the summer. During those months there was, again, essentially no rain. The harvest ran from the middle of August until early October, producing a normal quantity of fruit by historical standards. The fruit was ripe and clean, with healthy sugars as well as acid levels, which shows in the wines.

The current drought cycle, which began during 2012, is a major and growing concern across the region. El Niño brought some relief during the winter of 2015/2016 but eight inches of rain was far less than growers had hoped for. The winter of 2016/2017 brought slightly higher than normal precipitation, which replenished groundwater to some degree, but the overall water situation in Paso Robles remains dire.

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Paso Robles ranks among the most dynamic wine regions anywhere in the world, in spite of a string of drought-affected vintages. There’s a youthful energy and open-mindedness here that’s palpable, and it comes through clearly in the wines, many of which are outstanding in the 2016 and 2015 vintages.