Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/29638
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines The Vines: When J. Lohr founder Jerry Lohr began planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Paso Robles in 1986, he could not have imagined that today the winery would con- trol 2,000 acres of red varieties in Paso (not to mention the vines in Monterey County and Napa) and be known as one of the finest producers of Cabernet Sauvignon in California. The winery’s J. Lohr Cuvée series, inspired by Bordelais winemaking in St. Emilion, Pauillac and Pomerol, is a reflection of California terroir at its best, with well-drained gravelly soils and harsh climactic conditions. The Wine: J. Lohr 2007 Cuvée POM (SRP $50) is modeled after the blending of Bordeaux varietals in Pomerol, and, according to Executive Vice President Steve Lohr, is “meant to represent the style of how the best châteaux in Bordeaux would blend their wines.” After selecting only the very best of lots of Merlot (81%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%), Petit Verdot (2%) and other Bordeaux reds (1%), the 2007 Cuvée POM is aged for 21 months in French oak, then rested for at least one year in bottle. Crisp, clear and bright with blueberry, plum, black pepper and a touch of marjoram rounding out medium-soft tannins; bright and fruit-forward. J. Lohr Executive Vice President Steve Lohr. Zenaida Cellars The Vines: Sustainably-farmed estate Zinfandel, Syrah and a variety of blends mark this Templeton Gap-based winery. A biologist by trade, winemaker Eric Ogorsolka understands Paso Robles terroir and hand-crafts his wines for a unique profile. The Wine: Zenaida Cellars 2008 Zephyr (SRP $32) may be the only blend of Zinfandel, Syrah and Viognier we’ve ever tasted, and it reminded us of our grandma’s homemade jam. Floral and spiced on the nose, the fruit combines for a sensation- ally textured treat. Vina Robles The Vines: European-inspired wines, produced from 19 variet- ies, have made Vina Robles one of Paso’s most remarkable up-and- coming wineries in the past five years. With its awe-inspiring tasting room along Highway 46 East and its stunning, roll- ing Huerhuero Vineyard, Vina Robles works with interna- tional talent to create memo- rable wines. Production is expected to increase from just over 25,000 cases to close to 40,000 by 2012. The Wine: What we like about Vina Robles 2009 White4 (SRP $14) is the unusual blend of Vermentino, Verdelho, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc from the Huerhuero Vineyard. All varietals are fermented separately before blending. Zenaida Winemaker Eric Ogorsolka. A sweet fruit sensation of pineapple and summer pear. Minerality zings with a fresh breeze of white flowers. Thacher Winery The Vines: The Adelaida Hills area of west Paso Robles is known for its high-elevation vineyards and limestone soils, capable of keeping yields low and resulting in rich, complex flavored wines. Sherman Thacher, morphing from the brewing industry to winemaking, pro- duces fewer than 2,000 cases. The Wine: The 15.7% alcohol doesn’t deter us or cut our palate! The Thacher 2007 Triumvirate Zinfandel (SRP $36) draws on a trio of vineyards to create a blend that shows how Zinfandel rules in Paso. Rich and plummy, a stirring mouthful of cocoa and plum jam, with a better-than-average acid structure for a big wine that dusts the mouth on the way out. april 201 1 / the tasting panel / 97