Martin & Weyrich Nebbiolo 2001 Paso Robles

I know I'm always the bombast for authenticity, but once in a while, I pick up some calculated-risk-wine, at the local Safeway when I'm traveling to another part of California. This bottle was around $15 or so in the Paso Robles or Cambria Safeway the last time I was down there tasting. The only other California Nebbiolo in my cellar is from Benjamin Silver, which I have yet to try, from down in Santa Barbara County. If an excellent winemaker like Benjamin can make Nebbiolo in a hot region, why can't someone do it in Paso? Martin & Weyrich has 17 acres of Nebbiolo in production and another 27 getting ready to go, so they must think they are on to something. Gusty.

Anyway, I still had my doubts.

Martin & Weyrich Nebbiolo 2001 Paso Robles

No, it's no Barolo or Barbaresco, but it's clearly Nebbiolo. It has a nose of cocoa powder and spice, and that cellar dankness that the Italian interpretations have. But, it's after all, from California, so it's got a lot more new fruit to it. Light in body, it still has the subtle brown hue that is indicative of Nebbiolo. Chewy on the palate and full of dried red fruit flavors, this has an enjoyable, long finish. Overall, a pretty good find!

Would I buy it again for $15? You bet. Would I if they jack the price up to $25? Probably not.