Saturday Search Party: Fresh Finds for Your Glass
This week’s lineup brings forest strolls, spring blooms, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
Welcome back to Saturday Search Party, where we hunt down the bottles that make life a little more vibrant — one pour at a time. This week’s tasting took me from the sun-drenched, rolling hills of Paso Robles to the crisp coastal breezes of the SLO Coast, with a quick stop for a refreshing white in St. Helena.
We’ve got a Grenache that could go toe-to-toe with anything on the planet, a Pinot Noir that’s practically bursting with crunchy red fruit, a Chardonnay that balances citrus with savory sesame notes and a white blend so fragrant it smells like a spring day bottled up just for you.
Grab a glass (or a few), because you’re going to want to sip along for this one.
Bouchine Carneros Chardonnay 2022 ($70): Tropical fruit and Meyer Lemon and flinty rock on the nose with yellow apple, lemon, pear and toasty marshmallow hints.
Ehlers "Sylviane" St. Helena, California 2023 ($50): Fragrant and fresh, Sylviane opens with a springtime bouquet of tropical fruit, pear, and green notes. The palate is rich with stone fruits, pear, and lemon, wrapped in an oily texture that gives it great weight. Tart and vibrant, it finishes with a refreshing hint of grapefruit. 87% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Sémillon.
Talley Vineyards, San Luis Obispo Coast, Chardonnay 2023 ($38): Bright and expressive, this Chardonnay opens with aromas of lemon and pear. The mid-palate brings a unique combination of sesame and citrus, adding texture and intrigue. It all wraps up with a beautiful finish of dried apricots — fresh, layered, and endlessly drinkable.
Talley Vineyards, San Luis Obispo Coast, Pinot Noir 2023 ($46): Highly floral on the nose, this Pinot bursts with tangy red fruits right away — cranberry, smoky cherry and crunchy pomegranate. Hints of tea leaf linger on the finish, adding a savory layer to the vibrant fruit.
Torrin "Senechal" Paso Robles 2021 ($96): Winemaker Scott Hawley absolutely nails it here, especially with the inclusion of Graciano. In the glass, it’s a gorgeous deep red, with an aromatic profile that evokes a walk through a forest at sunrise — woodsy, earthy and touched by sandalwood. The floral notes from the Grenache shine beautifully, complemented by subtle black cherry flavors. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced. 86% Grenache, 14% Graciano
If there’s a better Grenache on the planet, I want to drink it.
Until next week, may your wines be as wild as your weekend plans — and your Saturday searches always end with something delicious in your glass. Cheers!