Robert Hall Winery

Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles produces a wide range of wines, but Rhone grapes clearly are the focus. The winery gained notice when its 2004 Rhone de Robles, a red blend, was named the best California Rhone blend at the 2006 California State Fair.

Winemaker Don Brady has followed up that effort with an admirable 2005 Rhone de Robles, a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah, along with a little Cinsaut and Counoise. Although most of the grapes are from Paso Robles, part of the blend comes from elsewhere in San Luis Obispo County, including the cool climate of Edna Valley, hence the Central Coast designation on the label.

The wine, which spent 14 months in French and Eastern European oak barrels, has good concentration, with blackberry and strawberry flavors, accented by white pepper. It’s a good buy at $18, and it would benefit from a year or two more in the bottle. At this youthful stage, the tannins are still on the edgy side, so the wine should be drunk with something hearty, liked grilled steak or a robust beef or lamb stew.

Reviewed February 14, 2007 by Laurie Daniel.