Let’s face it, “Irouléguy” might fun to say…but it’s likely to be a hard sale at most tables. However, when the former, longtime winemaker at Pétrus is behind it, wine folks will perk up and listen. And that’s the situation we have here with Herri Mina. The story goes, Jean-Claude Berrouet after spending over 30 years as the winemaker at Chateau Pétrus, returned to his Basque homeland to create Herri Mina. He made two wines: a Blanc and a Rouge. This is the former and it’s fabulous.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2022 Blanc is a blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, Petit Manseng. It pours a bright straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe tropical and orchard fruit: pineapple, green apple, some stone fruits, yellow flowers, nuts, and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, slightly saline and there’s a rich, creamy texture. Classy. Drink now through 2032. — 8 months ago
Drinks a little hot this time around and I opened it at the correct temp. Concentrated with ripe tannins and some interesting wet rock nuances in the palate. Quality for the price is definitely there. — a month ago
Total steal at Albertsons $16 — 7 months ago
Really beautiful, showing age well — 2 years ago
good food wine, very versatile — 2 years ago
Crisp citrus — 3 months ago
Light, floral aroma, hint of citrus and pear, goes well with a white fish dish. — 4 months ago
Cool label that represents the landscape of the vineyard. Very, very dark color. Like the color of a purple ink well. Aroma is warm forest duff in the sun mixed with beet and black cherry juice. Hint of green bell pepper or maybe broccoli fields after harvest, but faint. Flavors are robust and hearty. Plum sauce (like the Chinese savory version) mixed with pomegranate molasses. Tannins on the tongue are strong, but they add a savory side. Hint bittersweet like coffee/dark unsweetened chocolate. This is a very nice big boy Syrah. Not showing much age considering the 10 years in the bottle. It’s nice, but it might get better more years in. — 9 months ago
medium bodied, very nice fruit — 4 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Mina Mesa – Cabernet Sauvignon Hazeline Reserve 2021
Paso Robles AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A family-owned project led by Troy Javadi in Paso Robles’ Tin City, Mina Mesa crafts approachable, fruit-driven wines that celebrate California’s Central Coast terroir. This bottling is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Hazeline Reserve vineyards.
Aromas & Flavors
Dark concentrated berries, ripe black currant, and plum layered with subtle hints of vanilla and spice.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and generous with smooth tannins and a long, juicy finish. Bold yet crafted to remain approachable and balanced.
Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, smoky BBQ, or a hearty mushroom risotto.
Verdict
A Paso Cab that overdelivers—lush, bold fruit meets structure, showing both richness and easy drinkability. A true expression of the Central Coast spirit. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Paso Robles has more than 60 different soil types, ranging from calcareous limestone to sandy loam, giving winemakers a wide canvas for bold, fruit-forward Cabernets. — a day ago