Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley Part 2: Falcone Family Wines

 While I was at Rusack, John Falcone opened up some of the wines that he and Helen have been making from their Paso Robles vineyard. Keep your eyes out for this label in the coming years.

Tasting Notes:

2005 Falcone Family Syrah Paso Robles
Helen and John have vineyard property they are developing in Paso and this offering shows very good ripeness without being stewed. This is another very big, meaty Syrah, and that's what it should be. If you're in the mood for something light and elegant, grab a Pinot. If it's muscle you want, reach for the Syrah. The Falcone Family Syrah is by far the best Syrah I have had from Paso. Recommended.

2005 Falcone Family Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
John Falcone describes his vision of this wine as coming from Paso Robles but in the spirit of a wine from the Napa Valley floor, in the Rutherford/Oakville area. There is no way I would guess this is from Paso, and would indeed put it in Napa if tasted blind. Heady with fine cab scents of menthol and dark red fruit. Very well made wine. As with John's Syrah, I would put this at the top of the heap of Paso Cabs. And a steal at $28.