Niven Family Wine Estates
For those in the know, California’s Edna Valley on the Central Coast just south of San Luis Obispo is a hotspot for some very cool wines. Jack Niven pioneered the region when he first planted the historic Paragon Vineyard here in 1973. “Over the course of the past 10 years, we’ve gone from growing and selling grapes to having a diverse portfolio – Baileyana, Tangent, Trenza, True Myth and Zocker,” says John Niven, V.P./Sales & Marketing and member of the third generation of Nivens managing their estate. “Each has a distinct personality, like five children.”
The California Wine Club has history with this winery - before it was Niven Family we featured it to our wine club members as Baileyana Winery. No matter the name, impressive selections always await!
The fabulous wines we featured:
2016 Trenza Tiemposlo Paso Robles Red Wine
- Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Barbera, Malbec
- Only 750 cases produced
- Pair with grilled meats, including beef, chicken, pork or venison
Tasting Notes: Jammy and full-bodied, with blueberry spice and ripe strawberry flavors. Smooth and rich with distinct depth.
2013 Tangent Paragon Vineyard Edna Valley Grenache Blanc
- 95 Points, Gold Medal, Best of Class, Best of Region, California State Fair
- 100% Grenache Blanc
- Pair with Thai food
Tasting Notes: Crisp acidity stars in this lovely white. Apricot, orange peel, apple and stone fruit aromas are mirrored on the palate, along with rich, lush peach flavors and a note of white pepper. Citrusy grapefruit and melon on the finish lure you to another sip.
Winemaker's Notes
The Trenza Tiemposlo delivers an adventure in your glass. The word trenza is Spanish for “braid” which is quite fitting for Trenza’s focus on red blends from San Luis Obispo County. This wine braids together a quiver of Paso Robles grown varietals. It’s predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Tempranillo, Malbec and Barbera.
The Tangent Grenache Blanc is typically one of the last varieties picked at the Paragon Vineyard. “It is the quintessential example of what these whites can do here –zesty, with a beautiful fruit profile, full of natural acidity. It’s Mother Nature in her purest form,” says John Niven.
Central Coast
The Niven Family
Rob Takigawa