{"api":{"host":"https:\/\/pinot.decanter.com","authorization":"Bearer YTFmN2QxNzg2MzEyNTJkYWUyY2M2YzExMDBkMTNiZDE2YzFlOTc3NGI2MDBlNmMzYTFmYjQ1NjhkNDNhMWJlMA","version":"2.0"},"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"6qv8OniKQO","rid":"RJXC8OC","offerId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","offerTemplateId":"OFPHMJWYB8UK","wcTemplateId":"OTOW5EUWVZ4B"}}

PREMIUM

Paso Robles 2022 vintage: Best wines from a challenging year

A third drought-affected growing season proceeded in relatively untroubled fashion until a major spike in heat hit late in the season. Despite this, Paso Robles producers who were able to make swift decisions in the vineyards managed to make good wines that are affably approachable and will provide enjoyable early drinking.

After a near-perfect 2021 vintage in Paso Robles, on the Central Coast, the 2022 harvest came in hot. It was a vintage defined by a relentless 10-day heat spike of 40°C or hotter from 31 August through 9 September, forcing vintners into a sprint to pick early, resulting in a compacted harvest window.

‘The growing season was flawless,’ recalls Elena Martinez, co-owner and founder of Top Winery. But it was game over once the ill-timed heat spike came.

Growers reckoned with raisining and sunburned bunches, resulting in huge amounts of fruit having to be dropped and left in the vineyard, with further extensive sorting and rejection of fruit in the winery required. Yields suffered immensely.


Scroll to see notes and scores for Brianne Cohen’s 30 picks from Paso Robles’ 2022 vintage



Cohen’s pick: 30 Paso Robles 2022 standouts


Related articles

Willow Creek: Paso Robles’ coolest sub-region

Paso Robles looks to Bordeaux for sustainable insights

Paso Robles 2021: Vintage report and top 30 wines

Latest Wine News