Law Audacious Rhone Blend, Red Paso Robles 2021 750ml
DescriptionNestled among the rolling hills of Paso Robles, where morning fog gives way to sun-drenched afternoons, the LAW Estate tells a story of passionate defiance. Founded by Don and Susie Law, who abandoned convention to pursue their winemaking dreams, LAW Estate embodies their audacious spirit in every bottle they produce. This rebellious philosophy is perfectly captured in their 2021 Audacious Rhone Blend—a wine that refuses to follow rules, much like its creators.
The Laws' journey began when they left behind successful careers to search for the perfect terroir. After an exhaustive three-year quest spanning multiple continents, they discovered their destiny in Paso Robles' western hills. Here, on steep limestone slopes at elevations reaching 1,900 feet, they established their estate in 2007, committing to sustainable farming practices that honor the land's natural rhythms.
The 2021 Audacious is winemaker Philipp Pfunder's masterful expression of Paso's unique character. Hand-harvested from the estate's most expressive blocks, each variety is fermented separately before being thoughtfully assembled. The wine opens with an intoxicating perfume of blackberry preserves and sun-warmed cherries, gently yielding to whispers of garrigue—that distinctive blend of wild herbs that speaks distinctly of Mediterranean landscapes. As it unfolds on the palate, layers of dark chocolate-covered espresso beans intertwine with crushed violets and black pepper, creating a tapestry of flavor that continues to reveal itself with each sip.
What sets the Audacious apart from other Rhône-style blends is its remarkable tension between power and elegance. While many Paso reds lean heavily into ripeness and extraction, this wine maintains a vibrant freshness that dances alongside its concentrated core. The finish lingers with notes of graphite and spiced plum, framed by fine-grained tannins that promise excellent aging potential while remaining approachable in its youth.
The Laws' meticulous attention to detail extends from vineyard to bottle. Their gravity-flow winery, designed by renowned architect Paden Prichard, eliminates the need for pumping, allowing for gentler handling that preserves the wine's most delicate characteristics. Each bottle is numbered, reflecting the limited production and artisanal approach that defines LAW Estate.
This 2021 vintage tells the story of a challenging growing season transformed into opportunity. Early spring frosts reduced yields naturally, resulting in intensely concentrated fruit. The moderate summer that followed allowed for extended hang time, developing profound complexity while maintaining the vibrant acidity that makes this wine so compelling with food.
Whether paired with herb-crusted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, or simply enjoyed on its own during meaningful conversation, the Audacious delivers an experience that transcends the ordinary. It's a bottle that belongs in the collection of serious enthusiasts yet remains accessible to those beginning their wine journey—an invitation to embrace the audacious spirit that inspired its creation.
