Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/992999
day 3 70 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2018 { real somm stories } planted vineyards in Monterey before expanding south to Paso Robles in the early 1980s to focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. "Because my father is passion- ate about the land and loves what he does, we've expanded over time and this year we are celebrating 44 years of family wine grape–growing and winemaking," Lohr said proudly. After lunch, we arrived at Booker Wines to meet with Owner Eric Jensen. The energetic and candid winemaker has earned considerable accolades for his Rhône-style blends, which typically sell out through his mailing list prior to release. In 2014, he worked with a handful of dedicated growers to launch a Cab-centric brand; the labels feature stunning portraits that serve as a tribute to the men and women who farm the grapes. As we tasted through the lineup, Jensen's fastidious attention to detail shone through with high-toned, concen - trated fruit abundant in both power and acidity. We then made our way to the CABs of Distinction Grand Tasting held at Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, where somms had an opportunity to taste and revisit many of the Bordeaux-style wines from properties throughout Paso Robles. The wine flowed easily as buyers had the chance to connect directly with their favorite winemakers, but the day wasn't over yet. At our last stop of the evening, DAOU Vine - yards & Winery, we found ourselves in awe of the sunset mountain scenery, which gave us a bird's-eye view of just how dynamic and mountainous the region truly is. Winemak- ers shared unforgettable, large-format library bottlings as the Paso Robles–based group Conservation Ambas- sadors introduced the group to a few of their resident animals—including a raven, a slow loris named Mr. Lee, and a 16-year-old screech owl named Niles—as part of its Zoo to You outreach pro - gram. The energy in the room was electric: a combination of the brilliant landscape, sensational wines, and the animals that inspired the child in every sommelier there. On our final day of CAB Camp, we made our way to the Willow Creek District AVA to visit Doug Ayres' Al - legretto Vineyard. The 18-acre mountain vineyard is entirely planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in this cooler part of Paso Robles. Vineyard Manager Mindy Allen and Winemaker Alan Kinne explained at length the various pruning techniques and Biodynamic inputs used at this low-yielding, highly calcareous property. According to Kinne, Ayres takes great care in ensuring the winery adheres to standards of good stewardship. "It's nice to work with someone who is self-reflective and considerate about the impact they're having on both the land and people," he added. After our visit to the vineyard, we headed to Halter Ranch Vineyard for a panel discussion and informal blending competition. The event was moderated by former Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar National Director of Wine/ From left to right: Scott Shirley, Winemaker, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery; Steve Peck, Red Winemaker, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Vice President of Operations, Ancient Peaks Winery; Cynthia Lohr, Trade and Brand Advocate/Co-Owner, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines; Kevin Willenborg, Winemaker, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery; Ben Mayo, Winemaker, San Antonio Winery; and Patrick Muran, Winemaker, Niner Wine Estates. Hotelier Doug Ayres, Owner of the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, at the CABs of Distinction Grand Tasting. Somms tasted the 1979 Eberle Cabernet Sauvignon along- side older vintages to further their understanding of Paso Robles' aging potential. The Allegretto Vineyard in the Willow Creek District AVA of Paso Robles. Oscar Chinchilla, Beverage Manager and Wine Director for the Montage Beverly Hills hotel, composes his blend.