Vina Robles Fall 2017 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

FALL 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FALL 2017

3. . . . . . . . . A Note From Hans Nef 4. . . . . . . . . Featured Wine 5. . . . . . . . . New Release 6. . . . . . . . . Behind the Vine 7. . . . . . . . . From the Cellar 9. . . . . . . . . Featured Recipe 10. . . . . . . . Happenings

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Dear Friends, As I write, the 2017 harvest is about to get underway in Paso Robles.

While this year marks our 20th anniversary, we have not slowed down a bit, and remain energized as we look forward to the coming season. The beauty of the vines in autumn, the long days of hard work, the promising aromas of wine fermenting in the cellar—the overwhelming whole of it never fails to strike a special nerve.

We are expecting great things from the 2017 vintage. The ample rainfall in the winter and spring was quite a relief from the drought.

The extra groundwater has invigorated the vines, and the summer weather has been steady. The resulting fruit looks very promising.

Fall is also a perfect time to visit Paso Robles. The weather could not be better, and the autumn colors in the vineyards are always stunning. The smell of fermentation is in the air, and there is something charming about seeing the loads of grapes being hauled along local roads.

While you are at it, I encourage you to stop by for our new Wine and Food Pairing Experience. This four-course meal matches some of our finest wines with delectable fare prepared by our Executive Chef Randal Torres, including grilled filet mignon paired with our 2014 Signature red blend.

We look forward to seeing you here.

Best regards,

Hans Nef

FALL 2017

FEATURED WINE 2014 SIGNATURE Signature is the cornerstone bottling of our Cuvée Collection, a trio of limited-edition red blends that represent the crown of Vina Robles’ portfolio. With Signature, the aim is to always produce a memorable, ageworthy wine of distinction and balance—in other words the signature wine of the vintage. In keeping with Signature tradition, the 2014 vintage is an unconventional union of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah—two varieties that find a remarkable synergy in Paso Robles. The Petit Verdot (80% of the blend) comes from our estate Huerhuero and Adelaida Springs Ranch vineyards, while the Petite Sirah (20%) is from our estate Creston Valley Vineyard.

These vineyards feature limiting soils that produce concentrated flavors with symmetry and structure. Prior to blending, the separate lots were aged for 20 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes The 2014 Signature is redolent with bold aromas of black raspberry, dried blueberry, mocha, and spice. A full-bodied palate is elegantly layered with chewy dark fruit flavors, all concluding with creamy tannins on a rich, mouthfilling finish.

Pairing Recommendations The polished richness and fine complexity of the 2014 Signature are a particularly fitting match for braised short ribs, venison osso buco and gorgonzola gnocchi.

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NEW RELEASE 2015 CABERNET SAUVIGNON – Estate Our 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon hails from two estate vineyards— Huerhuero and Creston Valley. The cooler conditions and calcareous soils at Huerhuero Vineyard yield Cabernet Sauvignon with a classic Bordeaux-style cassis fruit profile. The warmer inland temperatures at Creston Valley produce Cabernet Sauvignon with a brighter fruit character. Lastly, a dash of Petit Verdot from Huerhuero Vineyard heightens the color and structure of the final blend. The result is a multidimensional Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibits sleek complexity and vivid varietal character. Aromas of cassis and cedar entice the nose, while flavors of blueberry, juniper berry and black olive join chewy tannins on a firm, structured finish.

AGING: 20 MONTHS IN FRENCH, HUNGARIAN AND AMERICAN OAK BARRELS BOTTLING DATE: 06.06.17 – 06.14.17 RELEASE DATE: 09.04.17 ALCOHOL: 13.7%

FALL 2017

GENESEO DISTRICT Behind the Vine with Viticulturist Sukhy Sran At Vina Robles, we are well acquainted with the diversity of Paso Robles.

In fact, we maintain estate vineyards in 5 of the region’s 11 different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). These AVAs are united by a certain sense of regional Paso Robles character—but they also

SAN MIGUEL PLEASANT RD

exhibit their own individual qualities.

A perfect example is our estate Huerhuero Vineyard, which has the unusual distinction of straddling two of these AVAs. You might wonder, “How much difference can these AVAs make in a single

Pleasant vineyard?” The answerValley might surprise you!

Huerhuero Vineyard is divided by a ridge. To the south of that ridge is the El Pomar District (introduced ESTRELLA in our last RD newsletter), while the Geneseo District resides to the north.

As you walk over the spine of Huerhero Vineyard from the El Pomar side to the Geneseo ESTRELLA

side, you will discover some noticeable differences.

DISTRICTThe daytime temperatures are warmer,

Jardine

and theTOWER nights RDare cooler. The soils contain less clay—they are lighter and more gravelly, SAN MIGUEL

PLEASANT RD

and thus retain less water. These qualities are amplified even further as you continue north.

ESTRELLA RD

TOWER RD

ings Ranch

Jardine

temperatures, we perform less vine canopy manipulation. In cooler areas, we will pull leaves to enhance sun

Hospitality Center

Winery Site D

ILL R

PASO ROBLES

Winery Site

UNION UNION RD RD

NIBLICK RD

Huerhuero

LINNE RD

EL POMAR DISTRICT

CR

EST ON LINNE RD RD

We also plant fewer cover crops here,

GENESEO RD

CRESTON RD

GATE 4 CAMP 8 RD

LINNE RD

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because the soils are so naturally well 41

drained that we do not need extra

CRESTONGENESEO RD DISTRICT

vegetation to soak up surface moisture.

Creston Valley RD

GAP STOTEMPLETON N RDISTRICT D

TEMPLETON

shade to protect the fruit from sunburn.

GENESEO Creston Valley DISTRICT

LINNE RD

TON

TEMPLETON EL POMAR DISTRICT

GENESEO DISTRICT

CRES

CRE

FONTANA

FONTANA

WILLOW CREEK RD NIBLICK DISTRICT

District, however, we want the extra

Huerhuero

SHERWOOD

SHERWOOD

exposure for the grapes. In the Geneseo

MILL RD

EN H

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RD

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GOLD

ADELAIDA

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ELAIDA TRICT

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For example, due to the warmer

ESTRELLA DISTRICT

JARDINE RD

Hospitality Center NA

JARDINE RD

SAN MIGUEL DISTRICT

AIRPORT RD

Needless to say, these growing conditions have a profound impact on what we Pleasant Valley grow in the Geneseo area, as well as how we grow it.

CRESTON

CRESTON RD

GATE 4 CAMP 8 RD

41

CR

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We find that Zinfandel and Petite Sirah are particularly suited to the Geneseo District.

These are fruit-forward varieties that thrive amid the wide daily temperature swings and welldrained soils. Red grapes that can have excessive tannins—such as Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot—enjoy a natural softening amid these conditions as well.

So when you have a bottle of our Zinfandel or Petite Sirah from Huerhuero Vineyard, you can take pleasure in knowing that these wines are the product of a specific area, and that the quality you are tasting is a direct result of matching the right grapes to the unique conditions of the Geneseo District.

THE TRUTH OF TERROIR From the Cellar with Winemaker Kevin Willenborg Of all the timeless concepts surrounding wine, the notion of “terroir” is perhaps held with the greatest reverence.

Indeed, this French term has been adopted by winemakers worldwide to help describe the sense of place behind their wines. Terroir is something that many hold sacred—including those of us at Vina Robles.

“Terroir is very real, and you could say it represents the soul of our wines,” says Winemaker Kevin Willenborg.

The Oxford dictionary definition of terroir is: “The complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as soil, topography and climate.”

Of course, that definition remains open to interpretation.

“Winemakers describe terroir different ways,” Kevin explains. “Some like to factor human inputs into it, such as how the land is farmed. But I am a purist. I believe that terroir describes only those things that Mother Nature has provided.”

On that note, he adds, “I want to make wines that people can identify as unique to Paso Robles and our vineyards. I want to express—not override—the natural personality of our land. A great Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles should taste different than one from Napa Valley or Bordeaux.” continued page 8...

FALL 2017

THE TRUTH OF TERROIR cont.

So how does that translate into the wines of Vina Robles? First, let us look at it from a regional perspective.

Paso Robles resides on the Pacific Plate of California— essentially a raised sea bed—where the soils are largely calcareous and alluvial. These soils are naturally limiting, producing lower yields with bold, expressive flavors and finely textured tannins. Meanwhile, the climate is marked by warm days and cool, marine-influenced nights, allowing for a balance of full ripeness and lively acidity.

“Taken together, these qualities are what you would call a regional sense of terroir in Paso Robles,” Kevin says. “From there, you can now start to drill down into the qualities of individual districts and vineyards.”

Our estate vineyards reside in 5 of the 11 sub-appellations of Paso Robles, and each exhibits its own personality through the magic of terroir.

For example, the Cabernet Sauvignon from our Adelaida Springs Ranch Vineyard in the Adelaida District is grown on rocky, calcareous soils at an elevation of 1,700 feet.

The growing season here is long, owing to a pronounced marine influence. Yields are low, as is the pH of the fruit. This terroir produces a Cabernet Sauvignon with cassis flavors and firm tannins for extraordinary aging potential.

Meanwhile, at our Creston Valley Vineyard in the Creston District, approximately 20 miles to the southeast of Adelaida Springs Ranch, the elevation is slightly lower with more eroded calcareous soils and warmer temperatures. The resulting wines exhibit dark cherry fruit tones with a more rounded structure.

“At the winemaking level, I am always mindful of these native qualities,” Kevin states. “I never want to strong-arm or manipulate a wine to fit into some formula. I believe that the most interesting and most balanced wines are those that reveal their origins, and I think that is something that people have come to respect and love from the wines of Vina Robles.”

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FEATURED RECIPE About The Chef – Randal Torres Randal Torres has worked as a chef and restaurateur throughout California and Hawaii for nearly 30 years.

He has developed several restaurants, including the successful Grappolo Restaurant and Bar in San Luis Obispo, where he first became acquainted with the wines of Vina Robles. A believer in “true California” cuisine, Chef Randal uses simple, fresh and healthy ingredients to create dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Central Coast regions. In this newsletter, he shares a recipe that pairs perfectly with our new release 2014 Signature red blend.

Grilled Asian Marinated Baby Back Ribs Pair with Vina Robles 2014 Signature Ingredients

1 cup Soy sauce ¼ cup Rice wine vinegar ½ cup Water Juice of three limes 2 tbsp. Fresh minced ginger 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced 1 tsp. Black pepper 1 bunch Fresh cilantro, chopped 2 racks Baby back ribs, 3 lbs. each

Method Mix all ingredients. Place ribs in pan with marinade, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours up to 24 hours maximum. Cook over a red oak fire for 15 minutes on each side, or on a gas grill on medium for 15 minutes on each side. Remove ribs from barbecue and let rest for 6 minutes, then slice ribs.

FALL 2017

HAPPENINGS Stomp, Sip and Savor a Swiss-Style Harvest Weekend Share in the labors of harvest from ground to glass (literally) as we invite you to our 11th Annual Swiss Days & Grape Stomp Celebration on Saturday, October 21 from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Here, as part of Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend,

you

will

stomp

grapes;

imprint

your own commemorative t-shirt; and enjoy delectable Swiss-inspired dishes. Executive Chef Randal Torres will prepare traditional Raclette, Ă„lplermagronen,

Bratwurst,

Cervelat,

and

Vermicelle, all paired with Vina Robles estate wines. Meanwhile, plenty of Swiss spirit will be in the air thanks to the live melodies of accordionist Michael Gutin. Tickets are $50/pp; $40/Wine Club members.

Additionally, case specials and new releases will be offered at our Hospitality Center throughout the entire weekend of October 20 – 22. We will wrap up the festivities on Sunday, October 22 with complimentary live music at the Tasting Room from noon to 3:00 p.m. This is the perfect time to enjoy our lunch and tapas menus, and to soak up the good vibes of the harvest season in Paso Robles.

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Amphitheatre Calendar Vina Robles Amphitheatre Upcoming Show Schedule

CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 2

PEPE AGUILAR SEPTEMBER 8

GIPSY KINGS SEPTEMBER 9

EARTH, WIND & FIRE SEPTEMBER 19

PEPPER & TRIBAL SEEDS SEPTEMBER 21

GLORIA TREVI VS ALEJANDRA GUZMĂ N SEPTEMBER 24

THE SHINS SEPTEMBER 28

LEE BRICE OCTOBER 7

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM AND CHRISTINE MCVIE OCTOBER 15

RON WHITE OCTOBER 27

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

SIGNATURE WINE CLUB EVENTS Wine Club Open House Weekend on September 23-24 Our next Signature Wine Club pick-up weekend is all about leisurely afternoons paired with delicious flights and bites on September 23-24. You will enjoy our latest releases paired with small culinary surprises crafted by Executive Chef Randal Torres. Please save the date; an email invitation will arrive soon with additional details. We look forward to seeing 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