Recommended by Daniel Gehrs Winery, we opted to stop by their tasting room and taste their Rhone-style approach. They were only a stone's throw from us so it was an easy decision to make.
While in Los Olivos, we were ready to head back and call our trip to an end but then a sign appeared as we walked down the (very) small downtown strip. The sign was for Andrew Murray Vineyards and it still read: "OPEN" ...We stopped in with an hour before they were going to close their doors and once again were dazzled by the wines being made in the Central Coast!
This winery could be dubbed a "Syrah Shop" with all they make. Andrew Murray is highly regarded throughout the American wine industry as one of its finest young winemakers. Murray produces his wines from Syrah, Viognier, Mourv�dre and several other Rh�ne varietals grown at elevations of 1,200 to over 1,500 feet---many above the frost line! The Murray family's Southern French inspiration carries through from the vineyards to the production facility.
Their tasting room was very quaint and approachable. The had trinkets all about the small room and decorated in the classic wine-loving style of barrels and grape galore.
Once again, the hospitality and patience of those working behind the counter was most appreciated by my novice wine-loving friends, Mike and Melissa. They helped educate and explained the difference in the styles without the "wine-snob" lingo and encouraged their questions. We joked and made fun of the snobbish lingo that typically arises, eliminating any apprehension they had while wine tasting. By the end of the day, they learned a lot!
Andrew Murray is making great wines. His focus and passion for Rhone wines is obvious and his wines exudes the love he puts into making each style. His wine is the kind you can enjoy now but most of them will truly show their true colors in the coming years if you have the patience to wait that long.
Visit Andrew and taste his wines yourself - you won't be disappointed!
