Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
DEPARTMENT HEADER july 2014 / the tasting panel / 105 A Dinner with Vina Robles Our group dinner with Vina Robles and Southern CA somms, left to right: Kevin Willenborg, Winemaker; Hans Michel, Managing Partner; Jessie Birschbach, sommelier for Mastro's Beverly Hills; Paul Coker, Wine Director for St. Regis Monarch Beach; (front row) Perry Koons, wine buyer for Wally's/Los Angeles; Jerry Caruso, Wine Director for Pizza Ortica/ Costa Mesa; and Marc Laderriere, Sales Manager for Vina Robles. "In the mid-'90s it was all about Rhône varietals here in Paso," explains Marc Laderrière, Sales Manager for Vina Robles. "Our winemaker at the time said, 'We need to grow Cab on the side.' But today, as a business decision, although we do make great Syrah, we could not sell the Rhône varietals for what they were worth. So we cut back on Rhône and expanded our Bordeaux varietals to 45 percent of production and I predict that will continue to increase." Vina Robles vineyards encompass five districts through- out Paso Robles. "There's something about blending areas, not just vineyards," comments winemaker Kevin Willenborg. "Finding structure from Adelaida, Estrella for calcareous soils, early ripening from El Pomar and layers of tannins, plus creamy approachability from our many other resources. Creston Valley offers minerality, but the fruitiness from Estrella's softer fruit serves as a benchmark for our Estate Cab—Eberle was a pioneer and has been a big influence. There's richness with structured tannins that can age 10 to 15 years." We agree. Vina Robles 2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($26) is value-priced and over-delivers. It is a performer, a blend with Petit Verdot. Brandied cherries, perfumed floral notes and the depth of espresso is all contained in the body of this red. Its acidity is like a burnishing fire, hitting high on the palate with hot spiced cinnamon. Weighty and elegant. Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon is a performer that over-delivers in taste, value and quality. by Meridith May / photos by Jeremy Ball In the last six or seven years, a criti- cal mass of produc- ers are showcasing the potential of Paso Robles Cabs." —Kevin Willenborg, winemaker, Vina Robles