From elevations hitting 1800 feet above sea level, Paso Robles’ Alta Colina Winery crafts Rhone-style wines with character. Meaning “high hills” in Spanish, the Adelaida District estate vineyard is known for fractured shale soils, which gives a minerality to the well-rounded wines. All grapes are hand harvested at optimal ripeness, and enjoy spontaneous fermentation from native wild yeasts.

Using stainless, barrel, and large puncheons during fermentation with continuous stirring of the lees, Alta Colina 12 O’Clock High Viognier is textured, structured, and slightly creamy. Aromas of peach and orange blossom meld with Meyer lemon and soft herb. These aromas are followed by stone fruit flavors of peach and apricot with tangerine and guava, with a wonderful note of minerality on the finish. There is lovely acidity thanks to the vineyard’s elevation and close proximity to the Pacific that brings cooling breezes in the evening, dropping the high heat temperatures of the day, locking in freshness.