We have been on the edge of our seats awaiting the maturation of Juan Mercado’s new project RIISE. Juan, former vintner behind Realm Cellars left his hallowed Napa Valley project in pursuit of a new level of excellence in west Paso Robles. RIISE focuses on producing world-class Rhone varietal and Tempranillo-based wines and this release marks his inaugural vintage.  

Winemaker Anthony Yount produces bottlings from three estate vineyards. The 2019 Jovian is from Shadow Canyon Vineyard at 1800 elevation on York Mountain, known for producing some of the most elegant and mineral-driven wines in the Paso Robles region. Tempranillo dosed with smaller portions of Petite Sirah and old-vine Graciano comprise the blend. When asked about the name ‘Jovian,’ meaning an extra-terrestrial, Juan referred to finding his footing in his new Central Coast home: “The Tempranillo is not from here and I’m not from here. Someone not from here is like an alien.”