Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
april 2014 / the tasting panel / 89 At Jada Vineyard & Winery with David Galzignato Jada's modern and homey tasting room and winery sits just off a winding road, shaded by large oaks, abutted on all sides by rolling hill vineyards. On the property a large pile of calcareous chalk boulders dug up from the vineyards offers a proud display of the soil that forms the base for Jada's intensely mineral-driven wines. David Galzignato, the winemaker, joined up with Jada in March of 2011, having worked in Washington State, Napa, Italy and Sonoma. One of the reasons they brought me on board was to take Bordeaux to the next level," he said, pointing to the property that if approved by the TTB will become part of the Willow Creek Appellation, which is known more for Rhône varieties. Today, the property is split between Rhône and Bordeaux grapes. Galzignato is as detailed and precision- driven a winemaker as they come. His innovations span the establishing of all Jada's properties as Estate Vineyards, work- ing alongside his team in the field every day and the initiation of night-picking to avoid the scorching heat of an intense Paso sun. "We're a tiny winery and we don't have big budgets for exposure—the Paso Robles CAB Collective provides that while combining big wineries and small wineries, which doesn't happen very often. And it's like a wine technical group: If I need something, can't find bins, have a question on something I've never seen in a wine before, I can call anyone from J. Lohr, JUSTIN, Vina Robles, Chateau Margene, and they'll help out." Galzignato is one of many believers that feel Paso is untapped, welcoming and has the potential to be the best appellation in the state. he says. Wind, farming, elevation and much more shape differences, which he notices. Acidity is the hallmark of ADELAIDA's wines and for Paso Cabs in general, "They're a little bit softer, the amount of phenolics is less than that you would find on more iron rich and volcanic soils from other regions," says Weintraub. For Weintraub, being a part of the Paso Robles CAB Collective means having access to people who know the history of the region and who can help potentially prevent mistakes of the past. Sowerby himself is a 20-year veteran of the area who believes Paso CAB, which largely goes into wines that don't boast the words "Paso Robles" on the label, "is ready for its close-up." Jeremy Weintraub feeding the "ladies." David Galzignato atop Jada's calcareous rocks. 2011 Jack of Hearts. Dense and lush with ripe black raspberry and blueberry; mouth-gripping minerality with hints of white pepper and a rich mocha finish. TP0414_072-101.indd 89 3/21/14 8:28 PM