Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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High quality wines don’t just happen, there’s a lot of work and planning, and a good bit of luck from Mother Nature.  Law Estate Wines is a perfect example, the culmination of a couple’s desire to produce the wines they enjoy drinking, at the very highest level. This, combined with a sleek sense of style that is reflected in the state-of-the-art winery, has yielded notable wines that are snagging high scores and glowing reviews.    


A life-long passion for wine condensed into a dream come true for Don Law and his wife Susie.  Their love of Rhône-inspired wine blends led them to Paso Robles.  Here, in the rolling hillsides of what is considered “America’s Rhone”, the Laws, both geologists by trade, found their pot of gold, a vineyard site that held prized limestone deep within its soils.  Their exhaustive two year search for the perfect virgin site, fueled by a desire to make the very best Rhône and Priorat style wines, was rewarded with the Law Vineyard purchase ten years ago.  Situated on the west side of Paso Robles, in the highly coveted Adelaida District, the steep slopes were thoughtfully laid out, planted to Rhône and Spanish varietals over 57 acres on south-facing hilltops in 2008.  The vines breathe a rarified air, crowded into small lot blocks, perched at elevations between 1600-1900 feet, and cooled by ocean breezes.  Rhône and Priorat varietals were chosen, Grenache and Syrah make up over half, the rest belonged to Mourvedre, Carignan, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.    


By starting from scratch, the Laws were able to realize a grand plan, which revolved around sustainable and organic farming practices.  Solar panels, gravity flow winemaking, underground processing and storage, and waste water recycling are some of the eco-friendly benefits.  Design played an important part.  BAR architects out of San Francisco came up with the blueprints for the winery and tasting room, the clean, contemporary lines facing the vineyards, a nod to the expression of place that is Law Estate Wines, and is echoed on the very stylish wine labels.  Winemaker Scott Hawley has been part of this vision since the beginning, he has fashioned the philosophy that is Law, all estate-grown, hand-picked, hand-sorted clusters blended into premium, limited-production wines with a minimalist approach.  


Law Estate Wines released their first vintage in 2010, whose names are a clue to their influences.  These wines are named for the personality traits of people that Don and Susie met while establishing the winery:  Beguiling, Audacious, Sagacious and Intrepid.  The later wines’ names are evocative, and meaningful to the Laws, such as Prima, the oil and gas company that Don owns, or First Tracks, like “first tracks in the snow”, and Beyond Category, “beyond expectations”.  The Law name on the label uses three different fonts for each letter, underscoring the Laws’ expression of love, life, and land through their wine.  The black label wines are 100% varietal, highly rated and sought after, The Nines, their 100% Grenache, is what put Law on the map; the white label wines are the blends.
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Tasting Room Manager Adelaida Pitts shared Law Estate Wines’ story with the LA Wine Writers recently, assisted by Maggie Boneso, over a fabulous lunch at Cafe del Rey.  Two black and two white label wines were poured, paired with Chef David Vilchez’s delicious creations.
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First course, and the first wine, The Nines 2012, is their flagship, a 100% Grenache blend consisting of two clones, grown in a different spot in the hilltop vineyard, the only northwest slope among the blocks, 9A and 9B, and so the origin of the name.  Lots of buzz surrounded the initial bottling, the 2011 received rave reviews and very high scores from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker, lauding the concentration, depth, and texture of The Nines.  The 2012 is refined and polished, with raspberry, cherry, and strawberry fruit, mineral, herbal and spice notes, balanced with vibrant acidity and lush tannins that float on a long, supple finish.  Such a beautiful wine!   Aged in 500L French oak puncheons, the oak influence is minimal, with a small percentage done in a concrete egg.  Chef David served a Roasted Fennel Flat Bread, a really delightful contrast of textures and flavors, with Roasted Fennel, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Dried Cranberries and Manchego Cheese.
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Second course, the Sagacious 2013, 37% Grenache, 34% Mourvedre, and 29% Syrah, uses a Spanish and French clone for the Mourvedre, adding some intrigue to the blend.  Sagacious, translated as sage or wise, is delicious and so well balanced, it seems to have a lightness of being despite being a powerhouse wine.  Juicy and full-bodied, with blackberry and plum fruit, exotic spice, a hint of dark chocolate and cassis, it’s fine-grained tannins slowly unfold over a very long finish.  Served with an Herb Crust New Zealand Lamb Loin drizzled with a Prune and Porcini Mushroom Sauce, the richness of the lamb was matched by the wine, yet balanced with its acidity.
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Third course, the Prima 2013, 100% Mourvedre, is a blend of the Spanish and French Mourvedre clones in Law’s estate vineyards.  An opulent wine, it crosses your palate with ripe blackberry and cherry fruit, a mineral spine, accented with a smoky vanilla note, the fine tannins frame a savory finish.  Chef David really brought out the big guns, Grilled Octopus with Vanilla Forbidden Rice, drizzled with Squid Ink Yogurt and garnished with Black Radish and Blackberry.  The smokiness of the grilled octopus matched the smoky oak notes of the wine, a really great pairing!
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Fourth course, the First Tracks 2013, 40% Petit Verdot 32% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a sturdy wine, with violet floral notes and dark fruit, and notes of dark chocolate.  The percentage of new French oak doubles in this wine, from 30% for the others to 65% for this one.  Paired with a Coffee Spiced Filet en Croute, with a Blue Cheese Sauce, the Petit Verdot in the blend really enhanced the beef and blue cheese in the dish.  This wine needed a little more time to meld its structure and flavors, perhaps another year of aging will do the trick.
Law Estate Wines is branching out into white varietals, coming out this Spring is the Soph 2015, a white wine blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Clairette Blanche, that will be bright and textured, with primary fermentation in concrete, and aged in oak barrels.  If its anything like the reds, Soph will be delicious.  A Tavel-style Rosé is also on the list, a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah, a more substantial pink wine that will pair well with most dishes.
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Law Estate wines are sold through a two week allocation process for members, no wine club here.  These exclusive, small production wines are only available to allocation members upon release, either a Black Label or White Label Series.  If you’re interested in trying these wines, the Winery tasting room is open seven days a week by appointment only, and if you fall in love with them, you can join the Allocation, and share your treasure chest of Law Estate wines among friends!