Castoro Cellars
Niels and Bimmer Udsen took a leap of faith when they founded their small winery in 1983, right after Paso Robles became an AVA. Castoro means “beaver” in Italian and is Niels’ lifelong nickname that suits him perfectly. “We were the thirteenth winery in Paso Robles,” says Niels. “I never thought there would be over 300 wineries here. We are now the largest grower of organic grapes in Paso Robles. All of our vineyards are farmed organically and SIP certified (Sustainability in Practice, a nationwide sustainability program). We want a healthy environment for our employees, our family, the grapes, and the wines.”
“Merlot does well with a standard length of fermentation and does not become overly tannic,” says Winemaker Tom Myers, who has been part of the Castoro team since the very beginning. “With the 2020, I found the complexity and structure was heightened with the addition of some nice Tannat and Petite Sirah. In addition, those two varieties will increase the reward of bottle aging.” “This is a great alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon when you are looking for something slightly softer with more elegance,” says Niels.
“The estate Sauvignon Blanc was harvested at a lower ripeness to retain acidity, and at a degree of ripeness that is essential to maximizing varietal character,” says Tom. “With this variety, a high level of alcohol detracts from its freshness and lively mouthfeel. The juice cool-fermented to dryness with a yeast specifically selected for Sauvignon Blanc. No oak ageing was given so as to allow its distinctive varietal aroma and flavor to stand out. The wine was bottled young so as to retain its youthful vibrancy.” “This is a perennial favorite among white wines!” says Niels.
The fabulous wines we featured:
2020 Estate Grown Paso Robles Merlot
- 90 Points, Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast
- Silver Medal, San Francisco International Wine Competition
- Silver Medal, Houston Livestock Rodeo Wine Competition
Tasting Notes: Aromas of plum, cherry-cola, vanilla, earth, and oak. The fruit has dark berry and cola nuances, the vanilla oak is moderate, and the tannins are soft but offer a full body mouthfeel. Medium-to-full body, dark fruits, and oak with soft tannins.
2022 Estate Grown Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc
- Pair With: Light seafood dishes, creamy cheeses, and warm summer days!
- Enjoy now.
Tasting Notes: The Sip Certified and organically certified estate Das ViƱas Vineyard in Paso Robles supplied all the fruit. This vineyard is on the northern edge of the Estrella District appellation on gently sloping terrain with southern exposure. The wine fermented and aged in stainless steel to retain freshness.
Winemaker's Notes
2020 Estate Grown Paso Robles Merlot: Fruit came from four SIP Certified and organically certified estate vineyards in Paso Robles: Jack Knife, Cobble Creek, Blind Faith, and Jack Creek. The wine aged in French and American oak for 9 months.
2022 Estate Grown Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc: The Sip Certified and organically certified estate Das Viñas Vineyard in Paso Robles supplied all the fruit. This vineyard is on the northern edge of the Estrella District appellation on gently sloping terrain with southern exposure. The wine fermented and aged in stainless steel to retain freshness.
Paso Robles
The Udsen Family
Tom Myers