Vina Robles Winter 2016 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

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WINTER 2016/17

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WINTER 2016 / 17

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, The bustle of the autumn harvest season is winding down here at Vina Robles, and we now set our sights on the new year ahead.

We are approaching a milestone in 2017, as it will mark the 20th anniversary since we planted our first estate vineyard in Paso Robles in 1997—specifically Jardine Vineyard, which remains one of our cornerstone vineyards today.

It is almost hard to believe how much has transpired in the 20 years hence. The Vina Robles experience now includes seven estate vineyards, a beautiful Hospitality Center and the Central Coast’s premier wine country amphitheatre. I would like to say that I envisioned all of this when we started. To some degree I did—I had a long-term vision for Vina Robles, and an ironclad belief in Paso Robles as one of California’s premier wine regions. But the reality of the past 20 years has nevertheless exceeded my expectations. I am grateful to be part of a local winemaking community that has taken Paso Robles to such great heights.

While we fondly look back, we are also ever moving forward at Vina Robles.

We recently wrapped up our most successful season to date at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, which included a wide range of world-class music talents such as Dolly Parton and Bonnie Raitt, as well as comedians Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. Our new lunch service has also been a success, and we have more surprises planned for the new year ahead.

I am most grateful for those of you who have joined us on this journey. Sharing our wine with you is our greatest joy. May your holiday season be filled with family, friends and fine wine.

Best regards,

Hans Nef Cover: Terra Bella Vineyard

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FEATURED WINE 2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON – Estate The Cabernet Sauvignon – Estate has long been a cornerstone wine at Vina Robles, reflecting our founding belief that Paso Robles would become a world-class region for Bordeaux varieties. We believe that day has arrived, and we are proud to be a part of this movement along with our peers in the Paso Robles CAB Collective, which has been instrumental in taking our shared efforts to the next level. True to form, our 2014 vintage reflects the signature qualities of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon—rich flavors, beautiful acid balance and fine tannins. This wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from our Huerhuero and Creston Valley vineyards for enhanced complexity and dimension, with a contribution of Petit Verdot also from Huerhuero Vineyard for added structure.

Tasting Notes This well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon presents aromas of dried cherry and cassis with suggestions of anise liqueur and fine tobacco. On the palate, a full-bodied texture is loaded with deep cherry flavors, followed by hints of licorice. Sweet, juicy tannins linger on the finish.

Pairing Recommendations The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon – Estate is a fine match for hearty dishes, including duck confit, braised beef, rosemary rack of lamb, and pasta with mushrooms.

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NEW RELEASE 2014 TERRA BELLA – Syrah As recounted in “Terra Bella Terrain” later in this newsletter, the 2014 Syrah is our inaugural release from this new estate vineyard for Vina Robles and will be offered exclusively to the Wine Club for the first 30 days upon release. Located in the Adelaida District in the rugged westside of Paso Robles, Terra Bella Vineyard boasts optimal conditions for Syrah—sloping terrain, rocky limestone soils and a long growing season with a pronounced marine influence from the Pacific Ocean, which is just 17 miles away. All of these attributes converge to produce a Syrah that offers profound concentration without sacrificing structure. True to form, the 2014 vintage offers notes of ripe dark cherries, violets, dark chocolate, and fine tobacco. Fine acid balance and dense layers of richly textured fruit cascade into a creamy, lasting finish. It is, in the end, a very ageworthy Syrah.

AGING: 20 MONTHS IN NEW FRENCH OAK BARRELS BOTTLING DATE: 06.15.16 RELEASE DATE: 02.17.17 ALCOHOL: 15.3%

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TERRA BELLA TERRAIN Behind the Vine with Viticulturist Sukhy Sran For the past three years, we have been quietly working with a new estate vineyard for Vina Robles, and now it is time to let everyone in on the secret.

The vineyard is Terra Bella, and earlier in this newsletter

you saw details on our first vineyard-designated release from this site, specifically a Syrah from the 2014 vintage.

Terra Bella Vineyard is located in the coastal

mountains west of the city of Paso Robles, in what is known as the Adelaida District. You will find it off Bear Valley Road, which is appropriate, not only because black bears used to roam the forests out there, but also because farming this vineyard is a “bear.”

The southwesterly slopes are so steep at Terra Bella Vineyard that we do not allow wheeled tractors into it. We only use steel-tracked crawlers for mowing and tillage, which is the only way to fight the gravity of the downhill vine rows.

It is not easy for humans, either. As I write, we are around three weeks removed from finishing the 2016 harvest at Terra Bella. All of the fruit there is hand-picked, which means trudging up and down the slopes on foot. It is like being on the stair machine at the gym, and our crew is always wiped out after picking there.

In other words, pretty much everything is a challenge at Terra Bella Vineyard—but it is all worth it, because it provides us with some of the best fruit in our program.

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The quality of Terra Bella is rooted in the conditions of the Adelaida District, which include rocky limestone-rich soils and a moderate marine climate that promotes balanced ripening.

When you add in the steep slopes of Terra Bella, then you get something really special.

The slopes ensure excellent drainage, which limits vine vigor. On average, we get just two or three tons of fruit per acre. The clusters and grapes are always small, which translates to dark color and intense flavors.

Terra Bella Vineyard is currently planted to Syrah and Grenache across 32 acres. I would not be surprised if we eventually planted Cabernet Sauvignon there as well. In the meantime, you can count on this vineyard to produce remarkable Syrah for Vina Robles.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS From the Cellar with Winemaker Kevin Willenborg At Vina Robles, our identity revolves around one succinct message: “European Inspiration – California Character.”

This is more than a marketing slogan for us—it is an authentic value statement that goes to the heart of our wines, vineyards and way of life.

Of course, it all stems from the fact that we combine Swiss family ownership with wines grown here in Paso Robles. But it is in how we operate—and in the wines we make—that we truly live up to the motto.

“We do not try to force our California terroir to fit the European model, but we do draw from certain European winemaking traditions to make the most of our potential here in Paso Robles,” explains Winemaker Kevin Willenborg.

First and foremost among these traditions is the concept of producing estate wines, whereby we own and control our vineyards, rather than purchasing fruit and relying on other growers.

Kevin says, “Investing in the land, growing the grapes, controlling the entire process from ground to glass—it’s an approach that owner Hans Nef has always believed in, continued page 8...

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS cont. and that is rooted in the European experience.”

Kevin himself worked in Bordeaux early in his career, and later collaborated with Philippe Bascaules, a winemaker who hailed from Chateau Margaux. “When Philippe would talk about vineyards, it was in terms of 50 or more years, something that will extend to the next generation,” he says. “That’s the European mindset, and I think it’s something we have here at Vina Robles as well.”

As for the growing conditions in Paso Robles and around California, however, there is quite a divide compared to Europe.

“We are lower in latitude than most of the notable European winemaking regions,” Kevin indicates. “Our summers are longer, warmer and drier, which translates to rich, bold flavors, smooth textures and slightly higher alcohols. We don’t run from that—we embrace it.”

Nevertheless, there are certain European winemaking traditions to which Kevin subscribes.

“I like the term ‘balanced,’” he says. “Here in Paso Robles and across most of California, where the summers are long and warm, it’s very easy to make overripe, heavily extracted wines—which is something we strenuously avoid at Vina Robles. So while our wines proudly exhibit the flavors of Paso Robles, there’s a common thread of balance that is rooted in the European ideal.”

Kevin also notes that winemaking is a fluid art that is always evolving: “As a famous French enologist put it, ‘Tradition is the result of many successful experiments.’ I think you have to embrace some of the newer innovations to keep pushing the envelope of modern winemaking, while embracing the tradition that has come before us.”

In other words, there is no reason to pick a side when you can have the best of both worlds.

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FEATURED RECIPE About the Chef – Michael Learned Our recipe comes from Vina Robles’ chef Michael Learned. Chef Michael recently launched Vina Robles’ new lunch service offered Thursdays through Sundays. With this recipe, he offers a flavorful salad that complements the creaminess and earthy aspects of our 2014 Syrah from Terra Bella Vineyard.

Roasted Beet & Caramelized Fennel Salad Serves Six Pair with the Vina Robles 2014 Terra Bella – Syrah Salad 2 each Golden beets, roasted and peeled 2 each Red beets, roasted and peeled 3 tsp. Extra virgin olive oil, divided Salt and pepper to taste

1 each 8 oz. ¼ cup ½ cup

Fennel bulb, shaved and caramelized Spring lettuce mix Cider herb vinaigrette (recipe follows) Feta cheese

Method Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rub 2 tsp. olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper over beets. Roast uncovered in a shallow dish for 45 minutes or until beets are tender. Let cool for 10 minutes; peel and chop beets. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Place pan on the stove on medium-high heat; add 1 tsp. olive oil. Add shaved fennel to hot pan and a

pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown. Remove from heat and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cider Herb Vinaigrette ¼ cup ½ tsp. ½ cup

Apple cider vinegar Fresh oregano, chopped Olive oil

1 tsp. Fresh mint, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Method Add all ingredients to blender except oil; puree. Slowly add oil. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. In a large serving bowl, add spring mix and toss with vinaigrette. Top with roasted beets and caramelized fennel, then sprinkle with feta cheese.

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HAPPENINGS A Decadent Date to Save: Chocolate Festival February 11 Here is a chance to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County while you discover the magic behind the soothing power of the cocoa bean. Indeed, the Chocolate Festival on Saturday, February 11 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. is a delicious evening where local wineries, restaurants and chocolate vendors will be on hand to share their chocolate-themed offerings, including wine and port tasting, confections, baked goods, cigars, and more. This festive evening will be complemented with live music by local favorite Melody Klemin. Tickets are $40/pp; $35/Wine Club. Visit VinaRobles.com for tickets.

SIGNATURE WINE CLUB EVENTS Save the Date! Wine Club Library Tasting on February 18 Our Signature Wine Club members are invited to experience some of our favorite vintages that are dear to the hearts and palates of the Vina Robles team. This special tasting is happening on Saturday, February 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Details are coming soon—for now, please save the date!

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HAPPENINGS Holiday Shopping Made Easy at Vina Robles Make your gift shopping a breeze by visiting our online Holiday Gift Catalogue at VinaRobles.com—or by perusing a wide range of elegant gifts amid the luxurious setting of our Hospitality Center.

Throughout the season, we are offering specials and discounts that you will not want to miss. Gift items include an ultra-limited vertical vintage set of our Suendero blend from 2007 through 2012. Magnums of select wines with etched wooden boxes and larger format three to nine-liter bottles are also available and make great additions to any dinner party. Wine Club members may enjoy as much as 30% off cases of our Brut NV, which is sold exclusively during December. Another find is our Cuvée Collection Gift Trio, which includes bottles of our Signature, Syrée and Suendero red blends. And, of course, do not forget decadent stocking stuffers like gourmet olive oils, vinegars, chocolates, kitchen tools, artisan serving dishes, and Vina Robles logo gear.

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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