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Paso Robles

United States

Paso RoblesPaso Robles

United States wine regions

About Paso Robles

A sprawling AVA on California's Central Coast, where 40-degree daily temperature swings and calcareous soils produce some of the state's most exciting wines. Eleven sub-districts reflect terrain that ranges from western mountain slopes to eastern flatlands. Originally known for Zinfandel, Paso Robles has become a hotbed for Rhône varieties and increasingly impressive Cabernet Sauvignon.

210–730 m

Elevation range

redwhite

Wine styles

11 AVAs

Avg. slope 5°

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014
Red
White

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Outstanding Paso Robles Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Almost ready
Excellent

Early reports are very positive.

2027Peak 2030–20342036

2023

Ready
Excellent

Excellent across all varieties. Freshness and structure.

2026Peak 2029–20332035

2022

Ready
Excellent

Balanced and generous. Rain brought relief and balance.

2025Peak 2028–20332035

2021

Ready
Excellent

Concentrated from drought. Bold, powerful reds.

2024Peak 2027–20322034

2019

At peak
Excellent

Rich and complex. Cabernet and Syrah both excel.

2022Peak 2025–20312033

2018

At peak
Excellent

Outstanding Rhône varieties and Cabernet. Dark fruit, spice, and supple structure.

2021Peak 2024–20302032

2016

At peak
Excellent

Excellent balance. The return of rain produced more complex, layered wines.

2019Peak 2022–20292031

2014

At peak
Excellent

Concentrated and structured. Drought produced small berries and intense flavors.

2018Peak 2020–20282030

White

2023

At peak
Excellent

Excellent whites. Bright and complex.

2024Peak 2025–20272028

2022

At peak
Excellent

Balanced and aromatic. Fresh and appealing.

2023Peak 2024–20262027

2019

Past window
Excellent

Aromatic and textured. Excellent Rhône whites.

2020Peak 2021–20232025

2018

Past window
Excellent

Elegant Viognier and Roussanne. Good acid structure.

2019Peak 2020–20222024

2016

Past window
Excellent

More balanced. Aromatic Rhône whites with acidity.

2017Peak 2018–20202022

Sub-AVAs

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Terroir & Character

Climate

Hot daysCool nightsSemi-aridMarine influence

Hot continental days and remarkably cool nights, driven by marine air that arrives each evening through the Templeton Gap and other coastal corridors. The western districts are significantly cooler than the east. Rainfall is low, making dry farming common on hillside sites.

Terroir

Calcareous shaleLimestoneAlluvialClay

Calcareous shale and limestone dominate the western hills, while the eastern side features deeper alluvial soils. The Paso Robles Formation, an ancient seabed, contributes the chalky, mineral-rich soils that define the best sites.

Typical Aromas

blackberry jamvanilla beancocoa powderdried herbstobacco leafplum compote
Explore the aroma wheel

Grapes of Paso Robles

Cabernet Sauvignon

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackcurrantgreen bell peppermintcedar

Bold and fruit-forward, with dark berry, chocolate, and supple tannins. The best show the limestone minerality of the western hills.

Grenache

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryplumred cherrywhite pepper

Rhône-style: fragrant, with red fruit and garrigue notes. Often blended in GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre).

Syrah

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackberryblack cherryblack pepperolive

Meaty, peppery, and dark-fruited, especially from the cooler western districts. Paso Robles is one of America's best Syrah sources.

Zinfandel

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryplumblack pepper

Rich and jammy, with blackberry, spice, and high alcohol. A Paso Robles classic, often from old vines.