Wild Horse GSM Central Coast 2012: Garnet color; blueberry nose; blueberry, plum, vanilla, cherry on the palate;
blend of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre in manner of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, but this also reflects Wild Horse’s expertise with pinot noir, so the result is a cross between a southern Rhône efforts and a Santa Barbara pinot. Somewhat bashful fruit (especially for a GSM), mild tannin, soft, plush, medium weight in the mouth, good acidity (3.46 pH), touch of blackcurrant tang on the finish; as with many reds, benefits from a bit of air, but diligent swirls in a large glass work in place of decanting. Founded by Ken Volk in 1981, Wild Horse is located in Templeton, south of Paso Robles, in the center of the Central Coast region. Wild Horse has long been committed to multi-vineyard grape sourcing from north (Santa Lucia highlands, Monterey Bay) and south (Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County) while also championing sustainable viticulture. The winery prides itself in making distinctive wines, which is why this effort is not a Left Coast simulacrum of a southern Rhône effort, but a GSM statement in its own right. The Central Coast is the up-and-comer area of fine California winemaking; hot days followed by near-frost nights, coupled with a commitment to quality winemaking has produced wines that deliver excellence in taste and price. This is delicious, easy drinker, saddle up and get some. $15 