The Clos Erasmus is off the shelf, but in its place, we have a new world equivalent for $10 less. Paso Robles does Priorat, and the result is everything you’d hope for - inky, full-throttle, can’t-put-it-down goodness.

“Edgar Torres continues to fashion rich, full-throttle Paso Robles reds that have a Spanish flair.” - Jeb Dunnuck

Do you love those big, bold, pedal to the medal reds from Paso? The “Inky dark in the glass” teeth staining kind that comes with 94 points from Wine Enthusiast?

This is a winery you NEED to know, and a wine you need to taste. One of those hip, authentic discoveries you’ll only find on Wine Spies. And the price, y’all!! Over 40% OFF.

Bodega de Edgar comes to us straight outta Paso Robles (be on the lookout for their sister label Straight Out of Paso, too). It is the brainchild of server turned winemaking badass, Edgar Torres. He and his family landed on the central coast in the mid-80s from Michoacán, Mexico and he has watched the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo wine scene blow up since then.

Edgar has a passion for Spanish wines and started the winery with his wife Erika in 2007. With his Hispanic heritage, the Spanish word for winery or cellar, “Bodega” was fitting for the brand. And “Priorato” is obviously a reference to Priorat, where some otherworldly, megalithic reds are bred and his home of Paso Robles.

This is a story of believing in the American Dream. Coming to this country with nothing in hand, Edgar worked hard to save enough money to buy 4 barrels and experiment with varietals that excited him. Starting at 250 cases, Edgar now makes over 4,000 cases and is growing more and more each year. He also now has a vineyard and tasting room in Westside Paso’s Adelaida District next door to Law Estate Wines and across the way from DAOU Family Estates and Adelaida Vineyards. Those are some fine neighbors to have!

In the glass it’s everything you expect from Paso Robles. Bold, sweet tannins, an elegant finish and layered up like a kouign amann. It has vibrant aromas of muddled strawberries and black cassis that led into complexity and beautifully balanced acidity on the palate. A flood of ripe raspberry, blueberry bramble, black tea, charred cherrywood and fresh leather wash over your taste buds. Sexy, supple, and luscious all the way through, it’s a smooth operator sure to have you swooning for the next sip.

Edgar doesn’t make much wine, and what little we have will likely sell out on this sunny Saturday. Make it yours!

94 – Wine Enthusiast

”Inky dark in the glass, this blend of 64% Carignan, 18% Garnacha, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Syrah is rich with cassis, smoky wood and kirsch aromas. Tannins hit firmly on the front of the sip, then the penetrating, intense flavors of dark fruit and hard spice remind very much of Priorat.”