Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/29638
Future by Rachel Burkons and Meridith May / photos by Tom Zasadzinski In our last issue, we got to know some of the producers from Paso Robles—the fastest- growing wine region in California—and met the area’s pioneers as well as its newest players and game changers. Based on our readers’ response and the quality of wines bursting out of this fertile region, we have no doubt that this “rural sprawl” of a wine country has ignited a fervent following. And thanks to its uniting organization, the Paso Robles Wine Alliance, its big-hearted reds and Rhône-rousing whites are making headway into stores and onto wine lists all over the country. Wrapping up its Los Angeles Grand Tasting in early March—while winemakers and sales reps head to New York City on April 12, Chicago on April 14 and end up in San Francisco on July 17—THE TASTING PANEL introduces you to more of our top sips and favorite personalities from El Paso de Robles. The region is blessed with diverse calcareous soils, huge diurnal swings in temperature and a growing band of talented winemakers who are crafting ever-improving trib- utes to its unique multi-faceted Central Coast terroir. Visit pasowine.com for event information. Le Vigne Winery The Vines: Owned by the Filippini family (best known for their gourmet cheeses), Le Vigne crafts approach- able, well-made wines on the Northeast side of Paso. The Wine: We savored Le Vigne 2007 “Âme de la Vigne” (SRP $35); its name— “soul of the vine”— is appropriate. We deemed the small- production blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah and a smidgen of Grenache world-class. Good architecture and inky black fruit could have made for a big bad boy of a wine, but this plushy drinker —with its pretty hints of lavender—was well- rounded and generous on the fi nish. Pomar Junction Vineyard The Vines: Named after the Pomar district in Paso Robles, in the Templeton Gap, Pomar Junction’s 1920s farmhouse tasting room and historic train paraphernalia make the visit unforgettable. The best part? The rustic charm translates to the wines as well. The Wine: The Zinfandel blend known as the Pomar Junction 2008 Train Wreck (SRP $50) stopped us in our tracks. Look for a ribbon of texture, a ballast of fruit and an engine of Zin that elegantly powers this beauty. april 201 1 / the tasting panel / 95 PASO ROBLES’S TIME HAS COME, AND ITS SURE-TO-BE-SHINING FATE LIES IN THE HANDS OF ITS TALENTED WINEMAKERS