MAHA Estate

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MAHA Estate 2020 'Backlit' Paso Robles

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AG 95 JD 96

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Cris and his wife JoAnn moved to Paso Robles in 1996 to launch their farm-to-table restaurant, Villa Creek. Inspired by the region's burgeoning wine scene, the Cherrys decided to venture into winemaking. Their first vintage, produced in 2001 under the name Villa Creek Cellars, marked the beginning of their journey. Over the years, Cris has refined his winemaking techniques, focusing on earlier harvests, increased stem inclusion, and reduced oak usage. He and JoAnn are hands on with every aspect—a dedication of time and passion that ultimately led them to close their restaurant in 2017. The result is a collection of wines that showcase structure, depth, and an irresistible deliciousness. These wines embody both strength and elegance—a blend of power and grace.

In 2003, the Cherrys acquired 60 acres in West Paso, a site that closely resembles some of the great estates of the Southern Rhône. Known as the MAHA Estate, the property features dramatic topography with south and west-facing slopes that rise to 1,800 feet. The estate is also home to their residence and a 3,000-square-foot winery. The west side of Paso Robles and Templeton boasts California's largest exposed limestone layer, a rare and prized foundation for viticulture. The MAHA vines are rooted in this highly prized soil.

In the spring of 2012, they planted their first grapevines—four acres of biodynamically farmed Garnacha on the calcareous and siliceous shale hillsides surrounding the tasting room. Since then, MAHA has expanded to 13 acres of vines; grape varieties include Carignan, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Roussanne, Clairette and Garnacha. The vines are gobelet-trained to create natural shade canopies, essential for the hot Paso climate. Sheep assist in mowing and fertilizing. Though they did put in irrigation, dry farming is the intent. Calcareous soils retain water exceptionally well without causing over-saturation, mitigating the need for irrigation even in drought years. In 2015, MAHA achieved Demeter biodynamic and CCOF organic certification. The estate also practices regenerative agriculture.

Select barrels from MAHA Estate grapes are reserved for the MAHA-branded wines, while the remaining barrels contribute to their Villa Creek offerings. These wines are crafted by the Cherry family and a small team in very limited quantities and sell out quickly. The aging potential of wines grown in limestone is extraordinary, adding to their appeal.