Vina Robles Fall 2015 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

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FALL 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FALL 2015

3. . . . . . . . . A Note From Hans Nef 4. . . . . . . . . Featured Wine 5. . . . . . . . . New Release 6. . . . . . . . . Behind The Vine 7. . . . . . . . . The Secret of Signature 8. . . . . . . . . Recipe 10. . . . . . . . Happenings

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Dear Friends, All good things must come to an end, so it is time to put the wraps on what proved to be another festive summer here at Vina Robles, which included some of the finest concerts to date.

We now turn our attention to the harvest season, and to the task of taking the 2015 vintage from ground to glass. And as always, we must look back to understand where we are headed.

On that note, we got off to an early bud break this year, but we were thrown a curveball in later spring when unseasonably cool weather prevailed during the “blooming� period. The cooler weather resulted in a lighter crop set, so we can expect lower yields for varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

As always, however, there are silver linings. For starters, recent vintages were marked by normal-to-heavy yields, so there will be no shortage of Paso Robles wine despite lower yields this year. Also, in this time of drought, it is not a bad thing to have a reduced crop load that requires less irrigation.

Lastly, certain varieties such as Petite Sirah are set to really shine in 2015. Petite Sirah clusters are typically big, heavy and tightly packed. This year, they are smaller and looser, which should translate to excellent balance and intensity.

We look forward to what the harvest will bring, and hope that you can visit us during this signature season in Paso Robles.

Best regards,

Hans Nef Cover: Vina Robles Petite Terrace

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NEW RELEASE 2012 SIGNATURE Signature is the cornerstone bottling of our CuvĂŠe Collection, a trio of limited-edition red blends that represent our finest efforts of the vintage.

The 2012 Signature is an unconventional union of Petit Verdot (80%) from our estate Adelaida Springs Ranch and Huerhuero vineyards, and Petite Sirah (20%) from our estate Creston Valley Vineyard. As explained

by Winemaker Kevin Willenborg later in this newsletter, both of these grape varieties perform exceptionally well here in Paso Robles. In 2012, moderate weather was sustained through harvest, providing ample hang time for full flavor development. Prior to blending, the separate lots were aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, including 80 percent new oak. The selected barrels featured tightly grained wood and medium toasting to ensure a subtle oak presence, allowing an intense fruit character to set the tone for this unique blend.

Offering aromas of dark berries and plum with hints of mocha and anise, this rich wine features creamy tannins and a structured finish that promises excellent aging potential.

AGING: 20 MONTHS IN FRENCH OAK BARRELS BOTTLING DATE: 06.18.14 RELEASE DATE: 09.04.15 ALCOHOL: 13.9%

FALL 2015

BEHIND THE VINE Behind The Vine with Viticulturist Sukhy Sran Just when I started thinking about making soil moisture the topic of this newsletter piece, the unthinkable happened—a rare major summer thunderstorm in Paso Robles.

In some areas of Paso Robles, more than three inches of rain were recorded over a period of around 12 hours, all in the company of a spectacular lightning show. To put that in perspective, we recorded less than ten inches of rainfall total in Paso Robles during the preceding 12 months.

It is funny how things work out. During this prolonged drought in California, we have been waiting years for a storm like this, and then it finally comes at the most unlikeliest of times. But we are not complaining, and we can only hope that it is a precursor for a wet winter ahead.

As you can imagine, the rainstorm heightened the soil moisture in our estate vineyards—and for the first time we were able to track it all with a network of new moisture probes that we worked hard to install in our vineyards throughout the spring.

The idea behind the new probes is to be as precise and efficient as possible with our irrigation. We have always been judicious with our water use, but with the ongoing drought, we felt it was time to invest in the latest technology for irrigation management. Toward that end, we inserted more than 40 probes in varying blocks across our estate vineyards.

The probes are shaped like six-foot pipes. They have sensors from the top to bottom to measure soil moisture at different depths. At the top of the probe is a transmitter that can wirelessly beam the probe’s data in real time to a centralized software program.

In other words, if I want to know the level of soil moisture at a depth of four feet in a certain area of our estate Huerhuero Vineyard, I can now find out instantaneously by logging into the program on my smartphone.

These real-time readings eliminate any guesswork and ensure that we are using only as much water as necessary. I know what levels of soil moisture are needed to

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keep the grapes healthy at different times in the growing season, and now I can target these levels with absolute precision.

To produce wine, you still need dirt and grapes and barrels— the very ingredients that have been at the heart of winemaking for centuries. But modern winemaking is also becoming increasingly technological for the greater good.

These new soil probes are just the latest example of how technology enables us to become better stewards of the land, and to make even better wines along the way.

New Weather Station

THE SECRET OF SIGNATURE From the Cellar with Winemaker Kevin Willenborg As the original cornerstone wine of our Cuvée Collection, the Signature red blend has always aimed to live up to its name.

Each year, winemaker Kevin Willenborg selects varieties that best exemplify the vintage and so our Signature truly not only becomes the signature wine of the vintage, but also of our estate vineyards and our region.

For the 2012 vintage, Kevin chose two varieties that uniquely excel here in Paso Robles—specifically, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah.

“These are two grapes that most winemakers in other regions would never think of pairing, and yet when grown here in our estate vineyards, they are a surprisingly perfect pairing,” Kevin says. “I think that Paso Robles is the only region where you could pull off a blend like this.”

This is because Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah are notorious in other viticultural areas for yielding wines that are tough and tannic. continued page 9...

FALL 2015

RECIPE About the Chef – Brian Stein As the founder of Stein’s BBQ & Catering Co., Chef Brian Stein has been crafting memorable dining experiences for Central Coast clients since 1981. From intimate wine pairing dinners to large corporate functions, Chef Brian provides customized menus that fit the specific needs of each event. He is also the featured chef on the KSBY and KCOY television affiliates, offering cooking demonstrations such as how to grill authentic Santa Maria Style Barbeque. Whether cooking locally or conducting classes at exhibitions throughout California, Chef Brian cares about leaving a lasting impression and delicious memories. Chef Brian kindly shares his Coq au Vin recipe as a mouthwatering match for our 2012 RED4. For more information, visit steinscatering.com.

Chef Brian’s Coq au Vin Enjoy with Vina Robles 2012 RED4 Ingredients (serves 4 to 6) 6 slices 3 lbs. ½ cup 2 cloves 2 cups 2 2 cups ¼ cup

Bacon, cooked Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breast) Flour Garlic, crushed Pearl onions, peeled Carrots, large, sliced Mushrooms, fresh, halved Cognac

3 cups Vina Robles RED4 2 cups Chicken stock or beef bouillon 2 Bay leaves 4 sprigs Thyme, fresh 2 tsp.

Herbs de Provence ½ can Tomato paste Sea salt and pepper to taste

Method In Dutch oven, fry the bacon until crisp. Drain cooked bacon on paper towel. Coat chicken pieces in flour, season with sea salt and pepper. Brown chicken pieces in bacon drippings.

Add the garlic, onions, carrots, and mushrooms and sauté until softened. Remove pan from heat, add

the cognac and flambé by lighting with a long match. Burn off the cognac for about one minute. (Makes for an impressive show!)

Add wine and broth, blend in herbs and simmer covered for one hour. Reduce sauce by removing cover for 10 to 15 minutes. Add tomato paste to finish thickening.

Serve chicken and vegetables topped with crumbled bacon and fresh chopped parsley!

Great with a nice garlic mashed red potato.

Enjoy with a glass of 2012 RED4.

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THE SECRET OF SIGNATURE cont.

“If you look around Napa Valley and other areas of the North Coast, you’ll see that Petit Verdot rarely accounts for more than five percent of a given blend,” Kevin explains. “Winemakers up there will use it for structure and color, but are careful not to include too much because it can often make the wine astringent.”

And yet in our 2012 Signature, Petit Verdot accounts for a full 80 percent of the blend, while Petite Sirah represents the remaining 20 percent.

So how does Kevin get away with it? The answer is rooted in the unique growing conditions of Paso Robles.

“We are fairly south in latitude compared to many other wine regions, so our spring bud break starts relatively early,” Kevin says. “Then, come summertime, the days can get hot, but the marine influence remains strong and you can have diurnal temperature swings of up to 50 degrees within 12 hours.”

During those diurnal temperature swings, when the temperatures exceed 90 degrees in the afternoon or dip into the 50s at night, vine respiration significantly slows down.

When this happens, the grapes stop ripening from a sugar standpoint, yet continue to mature in other ways.

“This is part of our uniqueness, because we get all of this extra time for the skin and seed tannins to evolve and soften before the grapes are ready to be harvested,” Kevin says. “We enjoy this long, drawn-out ripening process that really mellows the aggressive tannins associated with these two grape varieties.”

This phenomenon explains why Paso Robles has forged a reputation for remarkable Petite Sirah, and why Petit Verdot is also on the rise locally.

“Both varieties have been mainstays in our estate vineyards and our wines for many years, precisely because their performance here in Paso Robles defies their astringent reputations,” Kevin says. “We don’t let convention get in the way of making a great wine – both these varieties excel here and together create balanced, richly textured wine.”

So it is only fitting that the wine we call Signature is emblematic of our winemaking mentality while showcasing what makes our region different.

FALL 2015

HAPPENINGS JOIN THE HARVEST FUN Join us during the Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend on October 16-18 for festive seasonal adventures:

Join in the Crush at Harvest Festival Swiss Days Calling all grape stompers! We invite you to help us finish the job at our annual Swiss Days & Grape Stomp on October 17 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This is a joyous day of taking in the beautiful wine country views as you mash grapes underfoot and savor traditional Swiss food prepared by local chefs paired with Vina Robles wines. Plenty of Swiss spirit will be in the air thanks to the live melodies of accordionist Michael Gutin.

Savor a Sparkling Harvest Brunch For millennia, the bounty of harvest has been an important occasion. Help us savor the fruits of our labor at our Harvest Brunch happening on October 18 on the Vina Robles Petite Terrace from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. An elegant meal will be complemented by Brut sparkling wine and special savings on wine purchases.

Meanwhile, we will be serenaded by the soothing sounds of The Belmores, an “electrified acoustic duo� that wins fans wherever they perform.

For tickets and more information about our Harvest Wine Weekend festivities visit VinaRobles.com

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Mark Your Calendar for Black Friday Deals Vina Robles is getting into the “Black Friday” spirit on November 27 as we plan to offer exciting wine specials on the day after Thanksgiving from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Stay tuned for details as the date nears!

UPCOMING 2015 SEASON SHOWS

TEARS FOR FEARS SEPTEMBER 19

GEORGE THOROGOOD / BUDDY GUY SEPTEMBER 20

JUDAS PRIEST W/ MASTODON OCTOBER 16

RINGO STARR OCTOBER 2

MARILYN MANSON OCTOBER 23

RED4 ARTIST SERIES OCTOBER 4

W/ THE TIPSY GYPSIES, JILL KNIGHT, CUESTA RIDGE, CHORO DE OURO, BEAR MARKET RIOT

DEFTONES OCTOBER 30

Visit the Amphitheatre website for tickets and an up-to-date schedule: vinaroblesamphitheatre.com

SIGNATURE WINE CLUB EVENTS Flavorful Pairings at September Pick-Up Parties Our next pick-up party weekend is all about leisurely afternoons on our Petite Terrace.

We invite Signature Club members to enjoy our latest wine releases and delicious complimentary bites on September 26 and September 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Three hors d’oeuvres crafted by Tom Neuhaus, a professor in Cal Poly’s Food Science & Nutrition program, will be available to pair with our 2012 Petit Verdot - Huerhuero, 2012 Signature and 2011 Syrée. Enjoy all of this and live music by Dawn Lambeth (Saturday) and Martin Paris (Sunday). We will see you here!

3700 MILL ROAD, PASO ROBLES, CA OPEN DAILY 10-6 SUMMER / 10-5 WINTER

ABOUT VINA ROBLES We craft wines that represent a stylistic bridge between the Old and New worlds, capturing the finesse associated with European wines while celebrating the bold natural flavors of our estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Here, proprietor Hans Nef and managing partner Hans—R. Michel bring their Swiss heritage to California’s Central Coast, where they aim to unite the best of both experiences. Our wines are available across the United States and overseas, and can be enjoyed at our hospitality center in the heart of the Paso Robles wine country. Please visit us soon to taste the Vina Robles difference.

P.O. Box 699 Paso Robles, CA 93447 tel: 805-227-4812 fax: 805-227-4816

www.VinaRobles.com