Virtual Tasting Room

South Coast Winery

By Thom Elkjer, Wine Editor

The winery is just one of the attractions at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula, near the boundary of Riverside and San Diego Counties. The others include a 76-room bed-and-breakfast inn, a restaurant, and a day spa. If you can tear yourself away from the fountains, gardens, and other earthly delights, you’ll find a warm reception in the tasting room (open seven days, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, 866-994-6379). Owner Jim Carter is betting big on Temecula, and the wines in his tasting room should convince you that the odds are a lot shorter than you thought. Here are four wines not to miss when you visit:

	Sauvignon Blanc South Coast “Elevation” 2003 ($12): aromatically abundant in fruit and flower scents, then turning darker and more mysterious in your mouth. Find another aperitif and drink this SB with dinner – preferably something spicy.
	Chardonnay Temecula Valley 2003 ($15): a delicious reminder of what the Chardonnay grape really tastes like, with apples pears, quince and clover honey melding into a rich yet refreshing elixir that needs no oak to give it weight and body.
	Syrah Temecula Valley Rolling Hills Estate 2003 ($24): Blackberries, sour cherries, raw meat and cola flavors are still integrating, so pair this earthy, robust Syrah with a roast or grill of something wild – or age it a few more years.
	Cabernet Sauvignon South Coast Wild Horse Peak Vineyard “Devil’s Hole Block” 2002 ($28): a convincing argument for the whole South Coast region: classic Cab aromas and flavors in a wine of style and substance, at a great price. From one of Carter’s prize vineyard blocks.