Review: Wines of San Simeon, 2025 Releases
San Antonio Winery’s San Simeon label is a budget brand that features fruit from most of central California. Today we look at five recent bottlings from the label. Let’s dive in.
2022 San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles – This cabernet has a surprising depth, with an intense punch of currants backed up by dark chocolate and a gentle herbaceousness. Fresh notes of rosemary and juniper build on a moderately yet distinctly tannic body, with hints of licorice and gingerbread on the finish. For my money, the best wine in the lineup by a wide margin (though considerably more expensive than the rest). A- / $25
2019 San Simeon Syrah Paso Robles – An attention-grabbing wine with big notes of cocoa powder and graphite that evolve into heavy black currant and cloves on the nose. Ripe black cherry, violet, and plum deliver a complex finish with some minerality. Pairs well with a wood-fired pizza. B+ / $15
2023 San Simeon Viognier Paso Robles – A curious expression of viognier, more honeysuckle flower than honey or apricot, with a distinctly earthy, almost tarry quality on the finish. The wine opens up as it warms, but it’s slow going. Eventually, touches of sweeter honeycomb and a potpourri note take a stronger position, though the finish ultimately lands on a soapy note. B / $18
2021 San Simeon Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles – Bright notes of peach and lemon on the nose and palate mingle together with ease in a very balanced manner. There’s light acidity with mild undertones of green apple and lime showing on the finish. Consistent and approachable, with no real flaws of note. B / $15
2022 San Simeon Chardonnay Monterey – Doughy and intense with melon notes up top, this wine comes across first as chewy and slightly candylike before quickly retreating into tougher territory dominated by notes of cooked margarine and vanilla soda. A certain industrial quality makes for a funky finish that feels rather manipulated, lingering on the palate for far too long. C / $16
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