A Season for Discovery: Sunset Magazine Awards Two Serial Wines

Paso Robles is not a region defined by uniformity. It is a place where marine-cooled mornings meet sun-drenched afternoons, where deep-rooted tradition is constantly shaped by innovation. The soil changes under your feet. The light shifts by the hour. And from this dynamic terrain, bold wines are born.

At Serial Wines, we pursue that energy. We don’t flatten the landscape to fit a formula. We let it lead us. That spirit of exploration is present in every bottle we make—particularly the two wines recently recognized at Sunset Magazine’s 2024 International Wine Competition.

We’re proud to share that two of our latest white wines received top honors: 

• 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño — Double Gold, 96 Points
• 2023 Serial White Blend, Paso Robles — Gold, 93 Points

These accolades speak to more than just taste. They reflect how we think about wine—through the lens of place, process, and precision. Let’s dive in.

 

2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño

Estrella District, Paso Robles
Double Gold | 96 Points

Albariño is not native to Paso Robles. That’s exactly why we were drawn to it. Grown in the Estrella District, where warm alluvial soils meet stark diurnal shifts, this wine captures a clarity that’s rare and compelling. The fruit was cold-fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its natural expression.

In the glass, it shows pale gold with shimmering edges. Aromatics of green apple, lychee, and white blossom rise first, followed by hints of sea breeze and white pepper. The palate is precise and mineral-driven, with notes of stone fruit, lemon meringue, and honeydew melon layered over a crisp, electric line of acidity.

We made only 200 cases. It’s Albariño at its most focused—pure, and fleeting. The kind of wine that disappears before you realize it, especially when the sun is low and the table is full.

Seasonal Pairing:
Serve chilled alongside oysters, citrus-dressed ceviche, grilled scallops, or a watermelon and feta salad. It’s the wine you reach for when the evening still feels like daylight and the air is thick with summer.

 

2023 Serial White Blend, Paso Robles

Paso Robles
Gold | 93 Points

Paso gives us space to experiment. With the 2023 Serial White Blend, Paso Robles we took that freedom and created something intentionally layered and refreshingly different. The composition—Chardonnay, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, and Albariño —brings together varietals that each carry their own personality. Together, they speak as one.

Fermented and aged on neutral French oak with a small addition of lightly toasted acacia, this wine is built for texture without heaviness. On the nose, it opens with lemon curd, ripe pear, and white peach. The palate follows with richer tones of orange marmalade, a touch of marzipan, and a lingering note of toasted almond.

The 2023 vintage was defined by extremes. A cool spring delayed the growing season, and a long, slow ripening period added depth. These grapes were picked late, under pressure, and they delivered something compelling.

Seasonal Pairing:
Pair it with roast chicken over fennel, grilled halibut with stone fruit salsa, creamy corn soup, or a charred peach and burrata salad. This is a white wine that commands attention at the table and brings dimension to even the simplest summer fare.

 

Why These Wines Matter Right Now

Late summer in Paso Robles is a turning point. The vineyard is alive with movement—cluster thinning, canopy management, and early signs of veraison. The days are still hot, but the light has changed. There’s a subtle shift in the air, a buildup of momentum.

These are the moments when our palates crave something in between. Wines that refresh, but don’t retreat. Wines with energy, but also depth.

The 2023 Serial Estrella District Albariño is that first sharp inhale—a wine that wakes up the senses and doesn’t overstay.
The 2023 Serial White Blend, Paso Robles invites you to stay longer—fuller in structure, generous in flavor, and built for golden hour.

Together, they reflect a season that is anything but still. Wines made with precision and curiosity, meant to be opened now, shared generously, and remembered long after the bottle is empty.

 

Curious?
Explore these wines and the rest of our portfolio at serialwines.com