Our Rating
Paso Robles
Red Blend
Paso Robles might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Bordeaux-style wines, but the 2019 Bianchi Reserve Bdx Red Cuvée makes a strong case for reconsidering. This red blend, made with a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, delivers a bold yet approachable wine that showcases the region’s growing reputation for crafting compelling, fruit-forward reds. At $80 a bottle, it’s not an everyday wine, but if you’re looking for something special to open now or a cellar for a few more years, this one deserves a spot on your list. We have reviewed another wine from this winery before; check out the 2018 Cabernet Franc Reserve review here.
Bianchi Winery has been a family-driven venture for three generations, and the passion shows. The story begins in 1974 with Joseph Bianchi’s venture into California winemaking along the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley. From those early roots, the Bianchi name quickly became known for producing high-quality wines with an innovative spirit.
In 2000, Joseph’s son, Glenn Bianchi, took the family’s wine ambitions to the next level, relocating the operation to Paso Robles. The family purchased a 40-acre estate in the Geneseo District, a region known for its warm days and cool coastal evenings—perfect conditions for growing Bordeaux varietals.
Today, Glenn’s son, Beau, continues the family tradition, adding a fresh perspective while maintaining the core values of quality and hospitality. The Bianchi estate features a modern tasting room overlooking a serene koi pond, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring Paso’s wine country. While the winery produces a wide range of varietals, its limited-production Reserve wines, like the 2019 Bdx Red Cuvée, showcase the estate’s dedication to crafting wines with character and complexity.
Todd Weiher didn’t start out planning to be a winemaker. Originally from Reno, Nevada, Todd moved to San Luis Obispo to study liberal arts with the goal of becoming a teacher. But fate—and a block of Syrah grapes—had other plans. What started as a small winemaking experiment turned into a lifelong passion, leading Todd to work with some of the Central Coast’s most respected producers before joining Bianchi in 2008.
Todd takes a “dirt-up” approach to winemaking, focusing on vineyard health and grape quality as the foundation for great wine. His minimalist style allows the natural characteristics of the fruit to shine while maintaining a strong focus on acidity—a signature of Paso Robles reds thanks to the cooling influence of the Templeton Gap.
He’s also been proactive about introducing sustainable practices at Bianchi, including an owl box program that naturally manages vineyard pests. Todd’s hands-on philosophy and deep respect for the land come through clearly in the 2019 Reserve Bdx Red Cuvée.
In the glass, the 2019 Reserve Bdx Red Cuvée presents a clear, medium-intensity ruby hue. Swirling the wine reveals thick, slow-moving legs, a sign of its high alcohol content and full body. It’s an inviting first impression that promises a wine with depth and structure.
The aromatics jump right out of the glass, with pronounced notes of cedar, oak, and a whiff of smoke. As the wine opens up, layers of dark fruit—black cherry and black currant—come into focus, followed by subtler hints of licorice, prune, and a refreshing touch of mint. The combination of ripe fruit and savory, woodsy aromas adds intrigue and complexity.
The first sip delivers a burst of ripe black cherry and currant, followed by earthier notes of leather and cigar box. There’s a pleasant, savory edge with hints of olive and eucalyptus, balanced by the wine’s oak influence. The texture is plush, with medium-plus tannins giving structure without overwhelming the palate.
Acidity sits at a medium level, providing enough lift to keep the wine from feeling too heavy. The finish is long and layered, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, lavender, and a touch of spice. Overall, the wine strikes a nice balance between richness and freshness, making it an enjoyable companion for a variety of meals.
The 2019 Bianchi Reserve Bdx Red Cuvée is a testament to Paso Robles’ ability to craft Bordeaux-style blends with personality and balance. It’s a wine that showcases the region’s warm days and cool nights in every sip, offering a mix of ripe fruit, herbal notes, and a touch of well-integrated oak.
With only 315 cases produced, this wine is a limited find that rewards those willing to give it a try. Whether you’re a Bordeaux enthusiast curious about Paso Robles or a California wine fan looking to explore something new, this bottle is worth opening now—or holding onto for a few more years. Just don’t forget to give it a good 30-minute decant to let the full spectrum of aromas and flavors unfold.
Wine like this reminds us why Paso Robles continues to make waves in the wine world. And with Todd Weiher’s thoughtful, vineyard-first approach behind each bottle, Bianchi Winery proves it’s not just riding the wave—it’s helping shape it.
USA
Paso Robles
Red Blend
14.8
Todd Weiher
30 Min
Now to 2030
Bianchi Winery
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