Bushong
Paso Robles Tannat
Paso Robles, Central Coast, California, USA
Bushong – Tannat 2022
Paso Robles, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Tannat, often associated with the rugged wines of Madiran (France) and Uruguay, finds an impressive New World expression in Paso Robles. Known for his bold, experimental style, winemaker Jason Bushong crafts this Tannat as both powerful and approachable, reflecting Paso’s generous sunshine and diverse soils.
Aromas & Flavors
Dense layers of blackberry, blueberry compote, and plum lead the way, wrapped in savory notes of cocoa, espresso, and graphite. Subtle accents of violet, tobacco leaf, and baking spice linger in the background, giving dimension to the dark fruit core.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and firmly structured, as Tannat should be, with bold yet polished tannins. A vibrant streak of acidity cuts through the richness, balancing the power and setting the stage for excellent age-worthiness. The finish is long, earthy, and slightly smoky.
Winemaking Notes
Crafted in small lots, Bushong’s Tannat highlights meticulous vineyard sourcing and careful oak integration, allowing the grape’s naturally tannic profile to soften while still retaining its bold, age-worthy backbone.
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled lamb chops, short ribs, or braised beef. For a rustic twist, pair with cassoulet or a smoky BBQ platter — this is a food wine built for hearty dishes.
Verdict
A commanding Paso Robles red that shows both the raw strength and refined potential of Tannat in California. Built to impress now with decanting, but worthy of cellaring for the next decade.
Personal Pick Highlight
Bushong’s wines stand out as daring, playful, and utterly Paso — Jason Bushong has built a reputation for crafting bold, limited-production wines that excite collectors and adventurous drinkers alike. This Tannat is not only a stellar showcase of that style, but also my new favorite Tannat from the New World. Cheers!
Bushong – Tannat 2022
Paso Robles, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Tannat, often associated with the rugged wines of Madiran (France) and Uruguay, finds an impressive New World expression in Paso Robles. Known for his bold, experimental style, winemaker Jason Bushong crafts this Tannat as both powerful and approachable, reflecting Paso’s generous sunshine and diverse soils.
Aromas & Flavors
Dense layers of blackberry, blueberry compote, and plum lead the way, wrapped in savory notes of cocoa, espresso, and graphite. Subtle accents of violet, tobacco leaf, and baking spice linger in the background, giving dimension to the dark fruit core.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and firmly structured, as Tannat should be, with bold yet polished tannins. A vibrant streak of acidity cuts through the richness, balancing the power and setting the stage for excellent age-worthiness. The finish is long, earthy, and slightly smoky.
Winemaking Notes
Crafted in small lots, Bushong’s Tannat highlights meticulous vineyard sourcing and careful oak integration, allowing the grape’s naturally tannic profile to soften while still retaining its bold, age-worthy backbone.
Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled lamb chops, short ribs, or braised beef. For a rustic twist, pair with cassoulet or a smoky BBQ platter — this is a food wine built for hearty dishes.
Verdict
A commanding Paso Robles red that shows both the raw strength and refined potential of Tannat in California. Built to impress now with decanting, but worthy of cellaring for the next decade.
Personal Pick Highlight
Bushong’s wines stand out as daring, playful, and utterly Paso — Jason Bushong has built a reputation for crafting bold, limited-production wines that excite collectors and adventurous drinkers alike. This Tannat is not only a stellar showcase of that style, but also my new favorite Tannat from the New World. Cheers!