Paraiso Vineyards

Owner(s)	Smith Family
Web site	www.paraisovineyards.com

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Paraiso (Pa rye zo) is the name given to the mountainside by early Spanish explorers where the Smith family has lived for over 35 years on a Certified Sustainable (CCVT) vineyard. Rich Smith and his son Jason oversee 3,000 acres of grapes throughout Monterey County, providing fruit to many other producers. The Smith family has always been innovators, perfecting mobile vineyard pressing, mechanical harvesting, and advanced trellising and irrigation systems. They helped outline and establish the Santa Lucia Highlands American Viticultural Area. The portfolio of wines includes Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah and Pinot Noir. There are three Pinot Noirs currently offered: Paraiso Estate, West Terrace and a very limited bottling, “Falte.” The winemaker is son-in-law David Fleming, making this truly a family wine estate.

Articles About Paraiso Vineyards

California Recession-Busting Pinots (7.6 11/17/2008)
Monterey County: Great Pinot Values (7.25 9/5/2009)

Reviewed Wines

2007 Paraiso Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $16. Pronounced “pa-rye-zo,” a name given to the early Spanish explorers “Because it was like heaven.” The Smith family has practiced sustainable farming for 35 years on this estate. · Dark fruits are prominent on the nose which has an appealing underlying minerality. Light on the palate with mild ripe dry tannins and balanced acidity. Decent. Reviewed September 5, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Paraiso Vineyards Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., $19. Paraiso (pa-rye-zo) is the name given to the mountainside by early Spanish explorers where the Smith family has lived for 35 years on a sustainably farmed vineyard. · This wine shows the dark side of Pinot Noir. Deep ruby color. Restrained and brooding scents of dark Pinot fruits, black tea, and earth. Sweet plum sauce on the palate with some richness, a velvety mouth feel, and a smooth and tangy finish. Reviewed November 17, 2008 ARTICLE »