This past weekend I had a pleasure of visiting Halter Ranch Vineyard in Paso Robles. The flight opened with the biggest surprise of all…a spectacular Rhone white blend called Synthesis. Synthesis is a blend of 46% Viognier, 35% Rousanne and 19% Marsanne. I termed this the biggest surprise because I usually pass on the whites and go straight for the reds on a tasting. The interesting nature of the blend and the fact that I LOVE Rhone varietals caused me to give the Synthesis a try…and boy was I happy I tried it. The nose was a summer blast of honeysuckle! At the first sip, I could tell it was aged in oak which gave the wine a rich, creamy texture and taste of honeydew melon! Overall, very fresh and well balanced with just enough sweetness to be extremely refreshing. What a great opening for a great tasting. and, oh yeah, I walked away with a few bottles. Halter Ranch is a “can’t miss” when visiting Paso.
