Dover Canyon

Paso Robles, CA

Recently on a trip to Central California we had the opportunity to end our day at Dover Canyon. Dover Canyon got recommended to us by people we were talking to at another winery. We couldn't have ended our day in a better place with great hospitality.

DOVER CANYON is on Vineyard Drive in the northwest quadrant of the Paso Robles appellation. Dan Panico, owner and winemaker of Dover Canyon, has long believed that the northwest-running strip of calcareous soil along Vineyard Drive is optimum for growing Zinfandel and Rhône varieties. Their estate vineyard features head-trained, dry farmed zinfandel and stress-irrigated syrah. They are committed to sustainable farming. There production is focused on small lots of wine, often vineyard designated, from mountainous vineyards in the northwest corner of Paso Robles, centering around the Dover Canyon, Templeton Gap, and Adelaide Hills districts.

Dan is well known for producing wines with a silky, smoke-and-licorice profile, and a focus on vineyard presence.

We had the wonderful opportunity to have Mary Baker pouring our tasting. We had such a great time with Mary! We had the opportunity to taste their Roussanne, which is outstanding, but unfortunately as I write this is sold out.

If you have to opportunity to visit Dover Canyon, you will have to opportunity to taste the some of following exciting wines.

2004 Dover Canyon Hansen Vineyard Viognier - Tropical and floral aromas are followed by peach and citrus flavors in a creamy, exotic style.

2001 Dover Canyon Cougar Ridge Vineyard Merlot - Deep in color and aromas of blackberry, hers and cherry blossoms introduce a merlot iwth crisp, bright flavors of plum and blackberry overlying complex notes of tea, anise and leather.

2004 Dover Canyon Benito Dusi Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel - Aromas of raspberries and white pepper. It's intense raspberry flavor is accompanied by plum, cola, cinnamon and echoes of roast beef.

2004 Dover Canyon Zinfandel Reserve - Aromas of wild berry and respberry leaf tea with a wiff of white chocolate introduce this exciting Zinfandel with raspberry flavors, star anise and peppercorn.

2002 Dover Canyon Dove Pond Vineyard Syrah - Bonbon Flavors of blackberry, coconut and cherry liqueur are augmented by aromas of blackberry chocolate and espresso in this decadent Syrah

The story of the dog on the lable is quite touching. Get your tissues out and click to image the read the about Blue.

If you find yourself in the Paso Robles, make sure you stop by and vist Dover Canyon. You will be glad you did...Please tell Mary we say hello.