Clayhouse Tasting Samples

From the good folks at Clayhouse in Paso Robles came this sampler via TastingRoom.com. I've gone through many of their tiny bottles, and in honor of this tasting, I made a batch of "Munchkin Burgers" with a nod toward Julia's love of The Wizard of Oz.

Small beef burgers topped with homemade red onion marmalade, smoked cheddar, mesclun greens, sliced Roma tomatoes, and a variety of crazy mustards, because I have at least half a dozen in the icebox at any given time. And of course, a nice cold Claussen pickle to accompany the burgers and fries.

A brief note on ingredients... While I was a cheddar fiend as a child, enjoying all levels of mild/medium/sharp/etc., covered in wax or not, I really didn't like smoked cheddar. I'd eat it with the same enthusiasm I employed while chomping down the questionable abalone dish at Dah Wah near Rhodes. Interesting but not something I'm going to seek out often. Yet as with Scotch and a few other things, I've discovered that smoked cheddar is amazing, even if it refuses to melt and is difficult to separate into single slices.

The meal was delicious, and fun to try with the variety of wines. I've had plenty of Clayhouse wines in the past, and have liked the various Paso Robles blends that made their way to my glass. And for the record, these are all Paso Robles wines...

2009 Clayhouse Estate Cuvée Blanc
40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Roussanne, 20% Viognier
672 bottles made
$23, 13% abv.
Light, mild, slight apricot aroma, low acidity, mellow mouthfeel.

2008 Clayhouse Estate Malbec
86% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
672 bottles made
$35, 14% abv.
Plum and spice with low tannins and a long, delightful finish.

2006 Clayhouse Hillside Cuvée
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec
3054 bottles made
$33, 14.5% abv.
Black cherry and pepper with a touch of green bell pepper.

2006 Clayhouse Estate Cuvée
Rhone blend with Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
3960 bottles made
$30, 14.6% abv.
Plum and licorice, mellow and mild, soft tannins, full-bodied.

2007 Clayhouse Show Pony Petite Sirah
98.5% Petite Sirah, 1.5% Syrah
1620 bottles made
$40, 14% abv.
Nice black cherry and licorice, touch of chocolate and leather, soft tannins and delicious.

2007 Clayhouse Estate Petite Sirah
15000 bottles made
$23, 14% abv.
Nutty, earthy, rich black cherry. Great example of the Petite Sirah grape.

Note: These wines were received as samples.

Clayhouse Wines

NOTE: Trying out the new header, based on an old scratched up copy of the Saturday Evening Post. Love it or hate it, let me know. I always love to mix things up every few months.

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I've had the opportunity to try several of the Clayhouse Wines in the past, as well as wines from other producers run by the parent company Middleton. Clayhouse has a good selection of entry level wines, such as the Adobe series shown here.

Clayhouse produces its wines with balanced blending in mind, and those blends will change over the years to deliver the correct house style and structure. All enclosed with a convenient screwcap.

2009 Clayhouse Adobe Red
Central Coast
$14, 13.5% abv.
32% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 13% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 9% Petit Verdot.
Nose of blackberries, firm tannins, and a dark fruit profile. There are some powerful grapes in this mix, but it remains a balanced wine that's a good casual blend for a weeknight dinner.

2010 Clayhouse Adobe Pink
Central Coast
$14, 13% abv.
38% Mourvedre, 32% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Dominant watermelon flavor, with light aromas of wild strawberry and a hint of lemon zest. Tannins barely show up on the finish, which makes it fascinating as it warms up. Full fruit but dry. I served this to a half dozen different people with very different tastes in wine, yet they all loved it.

2010 Clayhouse Adobe White
Central Coast
$14, 13% abv.
46% Viognier, 27% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Grenache Blanc, 9% Princess and 2% Chenin Blanc.
Princess is a cross between the Thompson seedless (the big green grape most people eat) and Muscat, but oddly it's not legal to list that grape name on a label yet. Slightly musky, touch of acidity. There's a little peach and apricot present, but the fruit is not overpowering here. Good all-purpose white, and a blend that you're not likely to see anywhere else.

2010 Clayhouse Sauvignon Blanc
Paso Robles
$14, 13% abv.
96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Grenache Blanc
And here's one extra from the middle tier of the product line. Crisp and acidic with lots of grapefruit both on the nose and the tongue. Very much like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and likewise this should work well with lots of seafood dishes.


Note: These wines were received as samples.

Middleton Family Wines

In the past month I've had the opportunity to taste nine wines produced by Middleton Family Wines. Since 1898 they've been involved in a variety of agricultural pursuits in the Pacific Northwest--starting with lumber, and then later in table grapes. Indeed, they remain a leading producer of the kind of big plump grapes that you buy at the grocery store. I don't think I've mentioned this here, but I'm descended from farmers on both sides of my family. These days it's mainly cotton, corn, and soybeans, and while important to our country, there's not a lot that I have to write about on the subject. If we got too much rain in southeast Missouri or too little in northwest Tennessee, it's a topic already known to the folks that are impacted by such news. Instead, I end up writing about processed fruit from around the world. Odd how things turn out.

In the past decade, the Middleton family has entered the wine business with ventures in Washington, California, and even Western Australia. Nearly everything that I've reviewed has been associated with the Clayhouse line. (See the recent Petite Sirah roundup for two red wines and a rare Petite Sirah Port-style wine.) With the exception of the Cadaretta SBS, all of the wines reviewed in this post are from California.

I had the pleasure of having dinner with Rusty and Andy of Middleton at Central BBQ during their recent visit to our fair River City. We spent about two hours shooting the breeze, talking about wine, and enjoying some great smoked pork, chicken, and even fried bologna over a few beers.

2009 Clayhouse Grenache Blanc
Red Cedar Vineyard, Paso Robles
13% abv.

Light aroma of cream and lime zest, like a Key Lime pie without the sweetness or toasted meringue. Soft and well rounded with good minerality. I could swear that this was from France based on the profile--a Côtes du Rhône Blanc or Provençal blend. The fact that the label has a big chunk missing out of the bottom is entirely my fault, trying to grip a chilled bottle and ripping off part of the paper with my thumbnail. Unfortunately, this one is a small production wine only available at the winery, but it's a real winner, and displays the skill and attention that the winemakers are paying toward their products.

2009 Clayhouse Sauvignon Blanc
Paso Robles
$14, 13% abv.

I've had a lot of Sauvignon Blanc this summer, and it's nice to try something that still surprises you. This one has aromas of grapefruit and orange with a touch of vanilla. Soft, not tart, with a short clean finish. Gentle and creamy. Lovely antidote if you're tired of sharp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc. Highly recommended with seafood like trout, salmon, or barramundi.

2009 Cadaretta SBS
Columbia Valley, Washington
$23, 13.4% abv.
78% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Semillon

Honey, flowers, and just a touch of lemon. Light and delicate, elegant, and certainly enjoyable simply on its own during a quiet afternoon. I don't see a lot of white Bordeaux-style blends from the US, and this one is lovely. Serve this with your best roast chicken, French style, or some very simply grilled shellfish. Washington wines are becoming deservedly popular among many younger wine fans, and this is definitely one that you want to add to your wine rack. The SBS represents everything that is right about Washington.

And now it's time for the red wines...

2008 Clayhouse Malbec
Paso Robles
$15, 13.5% abv.

You don't see a lot of California Malbec--there are plantings throughout the state, but the grape as a single bottling tends to get overshadowed by Argentina and the odd bottle of Cahors. This Golden State Malbec combines elements of buttered toast, a hint of vanilla, deep blackberry jam aromas. Pair this one with game, buffalo, lamb, or any deeply flavored red meat, and I think you'll be happy with how it works.

2007 Clayhouse Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Petite Verdot
$15, 13.5% abv.

Big cherry and black pepper aroma, with medium tannins. Affordable Cabernet Sauvignons are often terrible, but this is a notable exception. I thought that the wine paired very well with the flatiron steak fajitas I made, shown below. Marinated in spices for 24 hours, grilled to medium rare, sliced thin and served with a tangy salsa verde... That's some good eating.

2008 Clayhouse Adobe Red
Central Coast
40% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, 9% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Tempranillo, 3% Merlot.
$15, 13.8% abv.

There are some heavy hitters in this blend, but overall it is soft and round with light tannins. In place is a big fruit character, dominated by plum and blackberry. With every sniff you get a little something different: ash, spice, jam, flowers, etc. Definitely a great wine for cookouts. Sometimes a diverse blend is just perfect for a situation with a dozen or more different dishes: you may discover that the Petit Verdot brings out the zing in the baked beans, or that the Tempranillo provides the necessary spice to complete Uncle Abner's homemade sausage.

Note: These wines were received as samples.

Adobe Trio

Clayhouse Wines in Paso Robles has an extensive line of wines, and I've tried a lot of them over the past four years. On the introductory level you'll find the trio of wines under the Adobe marque. While commonly associated with graphic design software, the word adobe refers to the mud wall construction popular for the past 4,000 years in various parts of the world. In a desert climate, it has the magical benefit of being cool during the day and warm at night, yet that doesn't really work in a humid region like Memphis. A true adobe building here would never stay dry (if you could even get the bricks dry in the first place) and would pretty much steam cook you during the night.

Here's a look at all three of the Clayhouse Adobe wines:

2012 Clayhouse Adobe White
Paso Robles, California
36% Viognier, 34% Grenache Blanc, 24% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Princess
$14, 13.5% abv.

Light herbal notes with a hint of musk and just a touch of sweetness on the finish. Firm acidity and a fun pairing for chicken salad on a croissant. The Princess component of this is a familiar green seedless grape you can purchase from the supermarket.

2012 Clayhouse Adobe Pink
Paso Robles, California
39% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 27% Mourvèdre
$14, 13.5% abv.

This rosé is bright with a profile of watermelon and raspberry. Round body and a smooth finish. Great GSM blend and one that will pair well with a wide range of foods. Keep this in mind as BBQ season approaches.

2011 Clayhouse Adobe Red
Paso Robles, California
23% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Tempranillo, 3% Syrah
$14, 13.7% abv.

Big ripe plum and cherry flavors, round mouthfeel, low tannins. With so many grapes, it's difficult to discern any individual varietal characters, but it's a fun table wine to go along with a Tuesday night burger.

Note: These wines were provided as samples for review.

Clayhouse Reds

Going back through my notes I noticed that I've reviewed a lot of Clayhouse wines over the past couple of years. Across the many different varieties I've noticed consistent quality along with affordable prices, which is a great combination. Add in convenient screwcaps and you've got a reliable choice when you stop at the wine shop on the way to a party or casual dinner.

2010 Clayhouse Vineyard Syrah
Paso Robles, California
100% Syrah
$15, 13.8% abv.

Black cherry and black pepper aromas with a bold fruit profile. Slight bite on the finish with lingering tannins. This one was great with pepperoni pizza.

2010 Clayhouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot
$15, 13.5% abv.

This one was actually sent by mistake--the 2009 is the current release and this 2010 will be coming out next year. But I like the combination and the Petit Verdot brought forth a great depth along with some floral aromas. The tannins are still strong here, but I'm excited to see what it's like in another two years.

2010 Clayhouse Vineyard Malbec
Paso Robles, California
100% Malbec
$15, 13.6% abv.

Soft and plummy, good dark fruit flavors but restrained in presentation. Mild and easily drinkable now, and a great bargain. California Malbec is really starting to surprise me.


Note: These wines were received as samples.

I ♥ PS

One of the more clever marketing slogans I've seen since I started paying attention to wine is the name of the Petite Sirah advocacy organization: PS I Love You. When I was contacted by Jo Diaz, I jumped at the chance. Petite Sirah is not particularly rare, but not terribly well known either. "Oh, does that mean half a glass of Syrah?" Also known as Durif, it's a cross between Syrah and Peloursin, and the tiny berries have a lot of concentrated flavor. However, skilled winemakers can shape it in a number of ways, and especially in Sonoma it is a delightful blending addition to Zinfandel.

I tried these wines with a group of friends and for a few people it was their first introduction to the grape. I'd encourage any wineblogger that has a bunch of samples on hand to invite some acquaintances to help with the tasting. (Note that the greatest PS tasting of all time was Fredric's Blind Tasting of '07, also involving PS I Love You.)

2008 Line 39 Petite Sirah
Lake County
$9, 13.5% abv.
Boysenberry and blackberry, medium tannins, slightly ashy and short finish.

2007 Victor Hugo Petite Sirah
Paso Robles
$13, 13.8% abv.
Raspberry and ash and earth. Little brambly. This and the Line 39 were big favorites due to their bold profiles and big fruit. I was surprised to see the big bold versions be so popular.

2009 The Crusher Petite Sirah
Don Sebastiani
Clarksburg
$18, 13.5% abv.
Big and jammy, wild blueberries, touch of spice, creamy finish.

2008 Vina Robles Petite Sirah
Paso Robles
$26, 15% abv.
Sharp and tart, with big tannins. Overripe strawberries and a little earthy nose.

2008 Diamond Ridge Petite Sirah
Lake County
$18, 14.5% abv.
Blackberry and eucalyptus, with a big tannic finish. Dark fruits, roasted plums, deep lingering flavors. This is a great one to show off if you have friends that love the huge brassy Zinfandels. It's not overpowering, but you get a whole lot of fruit here.

2007 Parducci Petite Sirah
Mendocino
$11, 13.5% abv.
Dark and closed, very light body, mild, earthy.

2007 Parducci True Grit Petite Sirah
Mendocino
$30, 14.5% abv.
Plum and black cherry, light body, mild, earthy as well. Much better than the other Parducci, and one that went exceptionally well with steak and creamed spinach.

2007 Clayhouse Petite Sirah
Red Cedar Vineyard
$25, 14% abv.
Violets, mild, plum, blackberry. Light, low tannins, and a pleasant finish. Serve with roast duck or good cured pork.

2007 Clayhouse Show Pony Petite Sirah
Red Cedar Vineyard
$40, 14.6% abv.
The aroma is similar to the above, but the body and flavor are a lot different. This one is tarter, leaning more towards raspberry. With some breathing it softens out, and I would recommend it as a good pairing with high quality pork chops stuffed with diced apple and raisins.

2007 Clayhouse Late Harvest Petite Sirah
$30/375mL, 19% abv.
Nice black cherry, deep, dark fruit, prune, and stewed fruit flavors. Of course, since it's California you can't call it a Port, but this is a Port in everything but name. We served this with a selection of chocolates from around the world, and it was a big hit with the assembled group.

I had one latecomer that showed up after the tasting and photos, but it was a big and powerful Petite Sirah.

2007 Pedroncelli Petite Sirah
Dry Creek Valley
$15, 14.3% abv.
This one displays elements of violets, cherry, and pepper, with big bold tannins. Petite Sirah can be delicate or strong, fruity or restrained. It all depends on the winemakers, and there are enough quality wines out there on the market that you can explore a wide world of flavors within a small grape.


Note: These wines were received as samples.

Adobe White & Pink

I reviewed the 2010 releases of the Clayhouse Adobe wines and this past weekend had the chance to try the 2011 bottles. These are great blends, great bargains, and every year the mixture is a little different based on what works best for the grapes that year.

Most people never get to see wine grapes in person, but they're really tiny--the size of a blueberry or smaller, and with big seeds. It's amazing that anyone ever thought they'd be a great source of juice. The white Adobe blend does a rare thing by employing the use of a big, plump table grape: the green Princess grape, bigger than the standard Thompson Seedless. Since I've never had a Princess wine on its own, I can't say how much it contributes to the flavor, but I enjoy the fact that they're trying something unique. Julia was a huge fan of this wine and took the rest of the bottle home with her after our nibbling lunch of various appetizers: dolmas, pita, hummus, baba ghanouj, chips and salsa, and an assortment of fresh fruit.

2011 Clayhouse Adobe White
Paso Robles, California
49% Viognier, 26% Sauvignon Blanc, 19% Grenache Blanc, 6% Princess
$14, 13.5% abv.
The aroma is light and fruity with apple and pear and mild floral notes. The flavor is rich with ripe fruit and there's just a touch of honey on the palate. At the end there's a clean, refreshing finish.

2011 Clayhouse Adobe Pink
Paso Robles, California
38% Mourvèdre, 37% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah
$14, 13.5% abv.
This lunch was perfect for a dry rosé like this. Classic Rhône pink with aromas of strawberry and watermelon. Great fruit flavors, a touch of ash, and a great balance of acidity and a tiny amount of sweetness. Serve well-chilled, and highly recommended for picnics and casual lunches everywhere.

Note: These wines were received as samples.