The 2008 GSM is an attractive, mid-weight wine well-suited to near-term drinking. Sweet cherries, crushed flowers, tobacco and spices are some of the notes that flow from this delicate red. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Unfortunately I was not able to taste Alta Colina's 2009 reds, as they had just been bottled and the winery understandably preferred to give the wines time in bottle prior to showing them.Tel. (805) 801-5989; www.altacolinawine.com

The 2008 GSM is an attractive, mid-weight wine well-suited to near-term drinking. Sweet cherries, crushed flowers, tobacco and spices are some of the notes that flow from this delicate red. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Unfortunately I was not able to taste Alta Colina's 2009 reds, as they had just been bottled and the winery understandably preferred to give the wines time in bottle prior to showing them. Tel. (805) 801-5989; www.altacolinawine.com

A musclebound red, with firm tannins wrapped around a core of dense dried berry, currant, cedar, mineral, graphite and roasted herbs. Full-bodied and concentrated, ending with a long, chewy finish. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2018. 334 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Paso Robles Select to Add