Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/688647
118 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2016 118 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2016 A total of 33 wines submitted by the members of the Paso Robles CAB Collective has already been narrowed down to three in a sommelier blind tast- ing. These joined the two wines from Bordeaux and three from Napa Valley that were selected by the board members of the CAB Collective. The basis for the choice was, in part, high ratings garnered from Wine Advocate. It was orchestrated as an interactive event, meant to engage the industry professionals in attendance. After the tasting, the participants were revealed as: Calcareous Vineyard's Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Chappellet Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley Château Lascombes, Margaux Château Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac Continuum Estate, Napa Valley DAOU Vineyards "Soul of a Lion," Paso Robles Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red, Napa Valley The Farm Winery LPF, Paso Robles All wines were from the 2012 vintage, with prices ranging from $65 to $175. Bordeaux wines were the easiest to identify, particularly the Lascombes, with its signature "barnyard" aromatics and earthy palate. Notably, Napa Valley and Paso Robles offerings presented a greater challenge due to their intense, sophisticated and integrated flavor profiles. Daniel Daou, winemaker at DAOU Vineyards, along with other legendary Paso wineries such as Adelaida Cellars, Chateau Margene, Eberle, J. Lohr, Justin and Viaa Robles started the CAB Collective in 2012 with the intention of bringing the high-quality Paso Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends to the world's stage. Daou spoke passionately of Paso's terroir potential and about pushing the limits of region's viticultural practices. He noted that the region's vinous blessings come in many forms: Great weather that facilitates the fruit's physiological ripeness, ensuring luscious flavors and age-worthiness Lack of governmental planting or blend - ing regulations An endless sense of adventure and spirit of camaraderie shared by the vintners "This event has shown the world that like other great regions that grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso can deliver world-class wine," said Daou. "The sommeliers were stunned with the quality of the PRCC producers and how these wines reflect the terroir they are grown on by showing concentration, complexity and depth." The "Judgment of Paso" clearly confirmed that Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon and Paso Bordeaux-style blends are world-class. They are on par with top-notch wines from Napa and Bordeaux, yet often less expen - sive—great news for consumers and trade. The most intriguing takeaway? "I feel remiss that there aren't many Paso Cabs on my restaurant's wine list. That will change" – says Marianna Caldwell. About the Paso Robles Cab Collective Formed in 2012, the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective (PRCC) is an independent collaborative effort of leading Paso Robles growers and producers of Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals specific to the Paso Robles AVA in California. The PRCC strives to promote the full potential of the Paso Robles region in producing superior quality, classic and age-worthy Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals that compete with like varietals on a global stage to consumers and media worldwide. The PRCC hosts of the annual CABs of Distinction. For more information, visit www.pasoroblescab.com. From left to right: Paige Bindel of Pèppoli/The Inn at Spanish Bay, Steve Hua of Stripsteak in Las Vegas, NV; David Gadd, VP/Executive Editor,The Somm Journal; Elizabeth Kelso of Wally's in Beverly Hills, CA; Scott Young of Blackhouse Hospitality Management; Nathaniel Muñoz of Rose Café in Venice, CA; Jessie Birschbach Wine Editor, The Somm Journal; and Marianna Caldwell of Baltaire in Brentwood, CA. A few of the "Judgment of Paso" contenders.