Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
104 / the tasting panel / july 2014 CLAUTIERE VINEYARD Rhône and Bordeaux varietal produc- ers, all from their Paso Robles estate win- ery, Terry Brady and Claudine Blackwell of Clautiere Vineyard say they are devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon. "We've been growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes since 1999," says Brady. "I think it's the appropriate grape for this region. It's an important expression, and while Syrah can get beat up from the heat, Cab grows magnificently here." Within the proposed cooler Geneseo District of Paso Robles, the estate has soil that's chalky with sea fossils and is sur- rounded by rolling hills, with elevations up to 1,200 feet. Clautiere 2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($36) has an Old World profile with structure and acidity, augmented by California fruit. You can sense the alcohol (14.6 percent) and chomp into the meaty, soy, tobacco and black olive bigness. Chewy tannins and a tartness on the tongue leaves you smacking your lips. Adelaida District Creston District El Pomar District Paso Robles Estrella District Paso Robles Geneseo District Paso Robles Highlands District Paso Robles Willow Creek District San Juan Creek San Miguel District Santa Margarita Ranch Templeton Gap District The 11 Proposed New AVAs Paso Robles wine bottles will have new stories on their labels if this current proposal goes into effect this summer. The Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) in northern San Luis Obispo County is expected to be split into 11 distinct appellations within the existing 612,000-acre Paso Robles AVA. Terry Brady and Claudine Blackwell, proprietors of Clautiere Vineyard.