PASO ROBLES, CA—On a recent whirlwind trip to Paso Robles I made it a point to stop by some favorites wineries. My first stop was Lone Madrone.

They have been making wine on the west side of Paso Robles since 1996 and specialize in small-production, single varietals, and unique blends. Their annual case production is only around 3,500. That’s it. Their focus is on sourcing grapes from small, quality vineyards, almost exclusively from the west side of Paso Robles, including many that are dry-farmed and organically grown. 

I like this place… they have goats here!

I mean, really, who doesn’t like a goat! I had a couple of milking goats many years back but had to sell them due to the neighbors complaining about the noise. I still miss them.

Lone Madrone has a really unusual rural ambiance. (No one lives in the treehouse.) Be sure to check out the whole property when you visit. Around back you’ll find an on-site nursery selling fresh and dried herbs as well as potted plants. Another very good tasting room shares part of the interior space: Kenneth Volk Vineyards but I’ll talk about that in a future post…. Right now, let’s get to the wine!

The Lone Madrone tasting list usually changes weekly on Thursdays. You’ll often find a mix of at least 2 whites and 3 reds. Their $10 tasting fee includes a logo glass. (If you purchase 3 wines, they’ll waive the fee altogether.) I really enjoy winemaker Neil Collins’ style and so I tasted through all five wines available. I liked all of these wines and wouldn’t hesitate to drink them with gusto. Here are my notes.

 2009 La Mezcla: In homage to Spain, this wine is a blend of Grenache Blanc and Albariño. It was very dry and delicate. In the mouth this wine was refreshing with nice minerality. Nice acidity added to a long finish. I tasted a squeeze of lime. Perfect with ceviche or just by itself. Just 360 cases produced.

 2009 Points West White: This white Rhone blend was just released last month. I found it amazingly soft in the mouth with a long, stony finish. Again, nice and delicate. (42% Rousanne, 27% Viognier, 22% Picpoul Blanc, 9% Marsanne). 241cases produced.

 2007 Bailey Ranch Zinfandel: An organically dry-farmed Zin. I got red apple with toasted peppercorns and a touch of smoke. It was delightful and well-balanced. I was told that this wine might not be available in the tasting room much longer. But, fear not, it will undoubtedly be replaced with another of Neil’s terrific reds. 535 cases produced.

 2007 Points West Red: Good acidity and velvety tannins. I found this to be another very good and solid wine. I was told that this wine might also be substituted for another within a week or so. 388 cases produced.

 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: Light aromas of cherry and fig. Some clove. Hold it in your mouth to discern red fruit and the spice of toasted oak. I found this wine soft yet full flavored. It won’t overpower your steak. 250 cases produced.

An extra treat: I was fortunate on the day that I stopped in. They had an open bottle of their “Enigma” (Paso Robles). A blend of 61% Syrah, 39% Petite Syrah. This was the first blend of this type for Neil. Well done. It was quite nice and very evenly balanced.

Each of these wines had a long, pleasing finish. My thanks to Michael who poured for me! In short, when in Paso Robles, don’t miss this winery. Highly recommended.

(An interesting note about the Lone Madrone winemaker: Neil was trained as a French chef. He is also the winemaker for the more widely known Tablas Creek Vineyard. I promise to talk about Tablas Creek Vineyard in a future post very soon…)