2017 Vina Robles The Arborist Red Blend ($18)

The Arborist is dedicated to the founder of Vina Robles, Hans Nef, and named for the arborist who saved the life of the iconic 300+ year-old oak tree featured on the label. Mr. Nef was known for his love of trees; he named the winery for them (Robles is Spanish for oaks), and put an oak tree on the first Vina Robles wine label. That same tree still exists on their label, and in their Jardine Vineyard as well.

Through Vina Roble’s partnership with One Tree Planted, they plant trees with a portion of the proceeds from every bottle of The Arborist that they sell.

The Arborist Red Blend is made mainly of varieties grown in their Huerhuero Vineyard, located directly behind the winery in the rolling hills of Paso Robles. It is produced with a blend of 44% Syrah, 32% Petite Sirah, 18% Grenache and 6% Mourvèdre.

The clusters are cold soaked for two days prior to fermentation. Various pump-over techniques were implemented during progressive stages of fermentation to enhance fruit extraction and balance out the tannin structure. The wine was then aged in both small and large format French, Hungarian and American oak barrels for 18 months

This is a fruit-forward wine with complex flavors, moderate tannin and a nice finish that goes well with most any meal and is wonderful just by the glass.

Vina Robles The Arborist Red Blend is affordable and attainable making it a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!