Raise your hands if you drive from LA to Paso Robles via U.S. 101? As I suspected, I see a lot of hands in the air. How about taking an alternative route: Interstate 5 north to Highway 46 East. After a rainstorm, you'll be wowed by the beauty of the drive on Highway 46 East between the SLO County Line and Paso Robles. It's quite an amazing sight. Plus you save a half-hour on the drive. I was in town to visit the Abascal's and Tillman's, otherwise known as Vines on the Marycrest and Alta Colina, respectively. Besides spending time with some of my favorite people and wines in the Central Coast, I drove north to participate in a good 'ol Rhone Rangers wine tasting event on Valentine's Day. Here was an opportunity to sample a great selection of Paso Robles wines, such as Terry Hoage, Villa Creek, Tablas Creek, Edward Sellers, Kaleidos, Kenneth Volk, Thacher, Anglim, and many more wineries.
Before heading to the 2010 Rhone Rangers Paso Robles Experience at Vina Robles on the Eastside, I dropped in to visit my favorite winemaking family - the Abascals of Vines on the Marycrest. Why do I always visit the Abscals when I am in town? Well, how would you feel if your family came to town and neglected to stop by to say hello? Plus, I came bearing gifts! Sadly, one member of the family was missing. A few weeks ago, Buck "The Wine Dog" Abascal passed away. He will be greatly missed, but his memory lives on for all those who had a chance to visit the tasting room.
After breakfast and a romp through the vineyard, Victor Abascal and I headed over to Alta Colina on Adelaida Road for a tasting and to talk shop. Everything on the tasting menu was popping in the palate, especially the '07 GSM and '07 Syrah. Besides the wine, I was enjoying the winemaking conversation between Bob Tillman and Victor. Plus, it was great to see Maggie Tillman again. She's always a gracious host and a great conversation. I will make it a point to visit the Alta Colina Vineyard this summer. Hopefully, we'll enjoy some collaboration between these two great winemakers and wineries in the future.
Now for the main event: 2010 Rhone Rangers Paso Robles Experience. This year's event was held at Vina Robles on Highway 46 East. This is an impressive winery that can accommodate large crowds, yet it's inviting and convenient. With glass in hand, I started plotting my wine tasting plan. Okay, I see all the familiar names and faces: there's Steffanie Anglim, Ed Sellers, Terry Hoage, Kenneth Volk, and Sherman Thacher. But where are my good friends from Los Angeles? After going back and forth between both tasting rooms (yes, it was that big), I finally ran into Daily Wine Dispatch and the hubby. Now the tasting can begin. You can't taste the wines alone nor can you taste every one. So here's a list of what I tasted and enjoyed. Check out each winery for more information about these and other wines.
-2007 Beachcomber, White Rhône Blend
-2008 Grenache Blanc, Red Cedar Vineyard
-2007 Viognier, Bien Nacido Vineyard
-2007 Syrah
-2007 Mourvèdre, Hastings Ranch Vineyard
-2007 Mourvédre
-2006 Estate Petite Sirah
-2007 Le Thief, Red Rhône Blend
-2007 Syrah Sèlectionèe
-2008 White, Rhône Blend
-2005 Morpheus, Red Rhône Blend
-2005 Syrah
-2006 Syrah
-2007 Côte à Côte, Red Rhône Blend
-2007 Estate Cuvée, Syrah Blend
-2008 White Rhônoceros
-2006 Grenache
-2007 Mourvèdre
-2007 GSMV
-2008 Côtes de Tablas
-2007 Esprit de Beaucastel
-2007 46, Red Rhône Blend
-2007 Skins, Grenache
-2008 Viognier
-2005 Syrah
-2006 Syrah
-2006 Vulture's Post, Mourvèdre Blend
-2007 Garnacha
-2007 Willow Creek Cuvée, GSM
-2007 Avenger, Syrah Blend
In comparing this event to last year's Rhône Rangers tasting in Los Angeles, I found this crowd to be more mature in age and drinking habits, but equally knowledgeable and excited about the selection of wines. None of the wines on the list above disappointed me. As far as standouts, I would give high marks to Kaleidos, Villa Creek, Terry Hoage, and L'Aventure. This was my first opportunity to sample most of these wines. There was heavy presence of single-varietal Mourvèdre on the tasting list and during the luncheon. Make no mistake, Paso Robles is producing amazing wines of distinct quality and character. I am looking forward to the next vintage. Bottling is already underway!
Of course I came away with a few wines for the cellar: Alta Colina '07 GSM and Vines on the Marycrest '07 My Generation and '07 Round Midnight. Get your hands on these wines next time you visit Paso Robles. Cheers!
Of course I came away with a few wines for the cellar: Alta Colina '07 GSM and Vines on the Marycrest '07 My Generation and '07 Round Midnight. Get your hands on these wines next time you visit Paso Robles. Cheers!
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