PasoWines.com

This is a hardy Pinot Noir done in a bigger, bolder style. Smooth, yet rich with plum and spice.

Robert Parker notes, "The 2006 Optimus Proprietary Red, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot, performed slightly better than it did last year. Reminiscent of a northern Rhone blended with a Bordeaux, it exhibits sweet cassis, graphite, and a chalky, powdery minerality, good structure, and full body. As the wine sits in the glass, hints of espresso roast and white chocolate emerge. This structured, slightly backward, well-endowed 2006 should age effortlessly for 10-15 years. One of the reference point producers in Paso Robles, Frenchman Stephan Asseo continues to turn out an intriguing as well as provocative range of brilliant red wines."

78% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon

This full-bodied red has flavors of plum, red currant and black cherries with a supple lingering briery spice finish.

The Nadeau Family Vintners’ 2006 “Bouncer” Zinfandel is another big, blockbuster Zin. A boorish brute of a Zin, this wine is a blend of the Zins from the West side of the Paso Robles appellation.  Big fruit aromas and flavors framed with just a subtle hint of American Oak make this one a very interesting wine.