Allow me to introduce you to Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery. Full-figured with rich complexity and balance that borders perfection, the wines of this Paso Robles estate are a translation of the stunning terroir that owner and winemaker, Bob Tillman, has cultivated and cared for since 2003. Of the 130 acres at 1,800 feet above sea level, 30 acres are planted to Rhone varietals including Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah. I had the great pleasure of tasting both the 2014 12 O'Clock High Viognier & 2013 Ann's Block Petite Sirah. Delicate and dynamic at the same time, with my first sip of the Viognier I was reminded about how much I absolutely love Viognier when it's done right and done well. Expressive on the nose with extensive acid on the palate, it's a white worthy of serious praise. As for the Petite Sirah, which comes from the head-trained vines in the 1.4 acres of Ann's Block, I have two words for you - mind blown. Off-the-chart intensity with inky blackberry aromatics replicated on the palate with chalky tannins and insanely stunning acid, this is a wine to impress palates now and several years down the road. Cheers to wine well done in Paso Robles by the hand of Bob Tillman. P.S. A special thanks to Maggie Tillman for a fabulous introduction to both the wine and the vineyard. Looking forward to crossing paths again (hopefully sooner as opposed to later).
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