Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/237615
Marketing at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, also a founding member of the CAB Collective. "Paso Robles is a burgeoning region and its time has truly come, which is reflected in the consumer, trade and media's reception of our wines." After receiving a Double Gold and Best in Show Bordeaux Blend for the winery's 2009 Cuvée POM, the San Francisco International Wine Competition awarded J. Lohr its coveted "Winery of the Year" distinction. This winning wine was one of the few present that primarily showcased Merlot, at a dominant 59%. Consumer Appeal J. Lohr Cuvée POM is inspired by Bordeaux's Left Bank. The Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon showcases Paso's ideal terroir for producing Bordeaux-style varietal wines. his 2010 Viking Vineyards Reserve Cabernet. "The entire area is full of variety, from valley floors to mountains, which gives Paso wines unique balance and agreeability." productions that have existed in Paso Robles have tended to be the winery equivalent of 'privateers.' The lesscommercial and more passion-driven environment has provided the wine growers with the opportunity to be more experimental and adventurous in their philosophies and strategies for their production. It's the wine equivalent of an artists' commune, where variation, creativity and uniqueness are celebrated, rather than stamped out." "There's more passion coming out of Paso than any other region. We have a conviviality, making it less competitive here and more about banding together," says Cynthia Lohr, Vice President of "An Artists' Commune" of Wine Above and beyond terroir, it's the genuine passion of Paso's winemakers that truly sets the region apart. "As a winegrowing region, the challenges of the varying soil types have historically made it a less attractive area to begin cultivation for the larger houses," says Tyler Dow, General Manager of NOE restaurant at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. "As a result, the types of The authentic excitement pouring from the Paso region has translated into increased on- and off-premise sales across the board. "Paso wines are extremely popular with the more adventurous consumer," explains Trey Beffa, Domestic Buyer for K&L Wines in Hollywood. "They're smaller, more boutique wines with a riper and fruitier style that sell themselves." Daniel Farr, Sommelier at The Eveleigh on L.A.'s Sunset Strip, has seen a certain influx in Paso's popularity: "Paso is in a renaissance right now. Their wines are so beautiful and marketable that I'm seeing consumers run to their hills to experience great wine!" While trade and consumer's love for these wines continues to grow with each passing vintage, one thing is certain for Paso Robles: this is just the beginning. With a glass of Paso Cab in hand, Daniel Daou toasted the eager crowd: "The best is yet to come!" A Justifiable Conversation with JUSTIN Winemaker Scott Shirley For anyone who loves Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux blends as much as I do, the Paso Robles CAB Collective tasting at Ago restaurant in West Hollywood, CA was time well spent. Among the 18 Paso wineries showing, I naturally gravitated to a few of my favorites, one of which was JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. I was pleased to see they were pouring the current 2010 Isosceles. What's more, winemaker Scott Shirley was doing the honors. "This is our flagship line and what we're known for, Shirley said. "In fact the brand was " founded on Isosceles, a 'Left Bank' Bordeaux-style blend, with the isosceles triangle representing the three varietals that go into it: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. For the 2010 vintage, which was a cooler year, I blended 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot help bring that fruit character, ripeness and intensity to the blend." Indeed, this is a big, bold wine, coming in at 15% alcohol and loaded with walnuts, caramel and blueberries with a touch of black pepper and lemon in the finish. The 2010 was the 24th vintage of Isosceles, but only the second Isosceles vintage for Shirley, who has been making wine for 17 years. "I came to Paso Robles because I thoroughly believe it is the most exciting, up-and-coming appellation in the United States for quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties, he " said. And JUSTIN's 2010 Isosceles is definitely proof of that. —Richard Carleton Hacker Scott Shirley. january 2014 / the tasting panel / 87 TP0114_66-108.indd 87 12/19/13 9:48 PM