Paso Robles

Paso Robles Willow Creek District

Merlot

Strawberry, blueberry and dark wood aromas converge on the nose of this bottling. The palate is fruit-forward, with ripe and juicy but not overpowering flavors of strawberry that are balanced by seriously woody tannins and sharp acidity. MATT KETTMANN, Wine Enthusiast

Estate Merlot

United States

California

Midnight Cellars

Cabernet Franc "Moonlight"

Full Moon

Luna Rose

Petit Verdot "Synnove"

Syrah "Nocturne"

Grenache Blanc "Andromeda"

Malbec "Solstice"

Tannat "Titan"

Hannah & Joe's Gemini Port

Gemini Reserve

Mare Nectaris

Zenith Estate Cuvee

Grenache "Moonbeam"

Petite Sirah "Eclipse"

Sangiovese "Starlight"

Zinfandel "Crescent"

Cabernet Sauvignon "Nebula"

Aurora Reserve

Estate Chardonnay

Estate Zinfandel

Vin Celeste

Midnight Cellars began as a slightly tipsy, laughing mention on the back patio at Domaine Carneros in the summer of 1993. Enjoying a family getaway to Napa and Sonoma, and after several winery visits, Rich is responsible for making the whimsical statement that would change their lives forever: "hey old man, when you retire you should buy a place like this and have us run it for you."

Laughed at and forgotten, years later it became a possibility. Robert decided to retire early from his career as a patent attorney and was still full of energy and passion to begin a new venture. He amazingly remembered Rich's idea and said to him "if you were serious about this winery thing, I'm in." Rich was newly married and living in Chicago with his beautiful wife Michele, and the initial response was "no way Dad."

However, after considerable thought and glasses of wine, Michele and Rich committed to the crazy plan. They sold their new house, one of their cars and drove to California to start a new life. It sounds crazy, but no kidding this happened! They arrived in California on July 31, 1995 and immediately dove into country life. No bars. No restaurants. No shopping. There was nothing in Paso Robles. The Chicago city folk experienced a major culture shock. 

Each family member selected a job and set about learning their role: Robert and Mary Jane focused on the overall operations.  Michele managed the tasting room and later became the bookkeeper. Rich began learning how to plant, maintain, and harvest the vineyard followed by the heady task of making wine. 

After 27 years of steep learning curves, the focus remains on keeping wine accessible, affordable, and fun for everyone. 

Cheers to the Hartenberger Family for making this dream a reality.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Grenache

Grenache Blanc

Malbec

Petite Sirah

Petit Verdot

Picpoul Blanc

Roussanne

Sangiovese

Syrah

Tannat

Viognier

Zinfandel

Syrah-Zinfandel Blend

The color is a vibrant ruby. Aromas of strawberries, mocha, vanilla, and cherries unite. Fresh red raspberries dominate the palate, with underlying flinty chalkiness and hints of dried sage, all accented with balanced acidity, and tannins.

Zinfandel Blend

Rosé

White

Fortified

Red Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

A lighter styled, easy drinking, fruit driven wine with delicate flavors of strawberry, cherry, and bramble that finishes with a surprisingly structured acidity. This lovely Rhone varietal has found a new home in Paso Robles as our soil composition, being predominately calcareous limestone, is similar to the Rhone Valley of France. The limestone helps bring out a chalky minerality in the wine.

Dark blueberry, blackberry and a hint of tar show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is softer in texture, with blueberry, pepper and woody flavors. 

Light aromas of cranberries, strawberries and dried roses have hints of wet clay on the nose of this bottling. The palate is tightly woven with tart red-fruit flavors, as asphalt and game elements add intrigue.

White Blend

This wine is a beautiful straw color and the nose is dominated by honeysuckle, flinty minerality, and subtle honey essences. The mouthfeel is surprisingly full and complex with flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla, Asian pear, and stone fruit that mingle playfully on the palate. The finish is framed with firm acidity, minerals, and fresh fruit.

Green apple and minerals on the nose coupled with a delicate balance of vanilla from new French oak. The palate is moderately creamy with notes of brioche and Asian pear. Crisp and refreshing finish with a well-balanced liveliness that entices you to enjoy another sip.

This wine’s warm dark plum scents offset a panoply of spice, clove, mocha, licorice and unsweetened cocoa. Its dark-fruited concentration has a mildly resinous savor to the brambly tannins. —P.J.C. 

Paso Robles

Midnight Cellars

California

2019

2018

Estate Merlot

Paso Robles Willow Creek District

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