paso-robles-wineries
2021 Donati Family Vineyard Petit Verdot
Photo from Donati Family Vineyards webpage
Background
This story unfolded from Donati’s participation in the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition on March 5th. They won Best of Category in the $56-$70 California Category and Double Gold Medals from the Professional Judges. They also received a Silver Medal from the People’s Choice Judges. This price category included wines from Lodi, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, Alexander Valley, Napa Valley and Temecula and perhaps one of the toughest categories in the California portion of the competition. This was their second year participating.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While attending the #CabFrancMasters in Paso I contacted Donati Wines to arrange a visit as I did not know the winery. We agreed to meet on Monday after the event and what a fun, delightful and engaging visit pursued with winemaker Briana Heywood. Her background prior to joining the Donati Family was at J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery for almost 10 years as an enologist and previous experience with a variety of wineries.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
During the visit with Brianna we sampled various wines from their award winning lineup. We left with two of their wines, one being Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot is best know as a blending wine for Bordeaux style wines. It was used consistently in Bordeaux as it was a late ripening grape varietal. It struggled to reach full maturity and when used in moderation (1-2%) for blending produced generally produced wines that were overly tannic and caused the vineyards to decline. More recently however Petit Verdot has had a resurgence due to plantings in warmer climates like California, Australia and Spain. The warmer climates allowing the fruit to fully ripen and provide a distinct character for the varietal. Providing a very drinkable wine full of body, tannins and structure.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Donati Family Vineyard Petit Verdot displays all the key components of this beautiful and often misunderstood varietal. First on the eyes, this wine is a lavish and royal purple in coloring contrasting from other varieties. In the glass, it has a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, aromas of violets and lavender along with plum and blackberry rise up to beckon your first sip. Once on the palate the essence of dark fruits, strong tannins and firm acidity greet the imbiber. Blueberry notes soften the impact of the tannins with a silky smoothness and flavor. On the finish, black pepper and spices and dried herbal notes and rustic smoky tastes linger. After the finish, you are struck with its full body, structural characteristics and tannins. Aging in oak barrels tends to soften the wine with a slight vanilla taste. Only 68 cases were produced and the wine lists for $56/bottle. The wine is 13.9% alcohol.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was chosen this evening to be paired with slow cooked beef short ribs. Many wines could be selected, especially for how the ribs are prepared and cooked be it braised or BBQ for example. Petit Verdot with its acidity and tannins complement the richness of beef. While the beef was cooked in red wine, the strong Petit Verdot continued to break down the proteins in the meat to enhance a more tender texture.
The recipe called for seasoned short ribs braised first and then transferred to the slow cooker. A sauce was prepared with onions, mushrooms, garlic, beef broth, oregano, thyme, rosemary and marjoram. Then in the slow cooker, red wine and the sauce were added with the meat along with bay leaves. It was cooked for 9 hours. When the meat was served it was so tender it fell apart with a fork. Accompanied by twice baked Russet potato. The food and wine pairing hit the target with the tannins from the wine standing up to the meat and the flavorful meat enjoying the dark fruit from the wine. Extremely simpatico!
The Winery
Photo of a small portion of the winery ©Michael Kelly
The winery produces both a larger scale commercial wine offering and very small artisan & boutique wines for direct to customer purchase and their wine club. They are located at 2720 Oak View Road in Templeton, California. Their tasting room is quaint and inviting and more like a family room atmosphere.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Here is the lineup of some of their commercial and mass-produced wines. They are moderately priced for the consumer and Donati Family produces approximately 11,000 cases of these brands.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They also have a fair number of varieties of wines for their club members and are sold only in the tasting room. These small artisan and boutique wines comprise a limited production totally roughly 700 cases. The tasting room is quaint and inviting to enjoy sipping some or perhaps all of their wines!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A great visit meeting Brianna with her enthusiastic energy, bright smile and her knowledge of both the vines and making wine. While not one of the “major names” in Paso Robles AVA, they are getting noticed by wine aficionados and discerning wine drinkers. I will look forward to a return visit on the next trip to Paso Robles AVA. In the interim I have both a Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc to be tasted and enjoyed in the coming weeks.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Austin Hope “Cellar Select” Cabernet Franc – A Special Treat!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
This year’s #CabFrancMasters in Paso Robles at a dinner gathering I was seated next to Stasi Seay, Director of Vineyards at Hope Family Wines. While having had some exposure to Hope Family Wines, when the Austin Hope Cellar Select Cabernet Franc was served, I was startled by it opulence and richness. Having just completed the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition with one hundred Cabernet Franc wines participating and Austin Hope’s Quest wine being entered in the less than $40 category for California Cab Franc wines. It received Silver Medal’s from both the Professional and People’s Choice Judges. Hosting the event I never had an opportunity to taste it. Stasi mentioned that Austin Hope, owner and winemaker, had been working on this additional label (Quest) for five years before releasing it. That alone was a startling statement. I had previously tried many of their Cabernet Sauvignon wines but had very little knowledge of the scope and breath of their operation. When the Austin Hope Cellar Select Cabernet Franc was served with a chocolate molten cake with beet and vanilla anglaise then I understood that this wine was on a different level than most Cabernet Franc wines. As I previously wrote it was one of the richest and “almost chewable” wines of the evening which paired so well with the food. It was between Austin Hope and one other Cabernet Franc wine for the best of the evening, which is saying a lot as all were outstanding. Mentioning we were having a dinner party and would like to buy a bottle to share with our guests the following Friday, she was kind enough to secure a bottle and ship it to us.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled it out of the cellar three hours in advance of dinner to allow it to breathe and “warm up” for the dinner. When popping the cork, a floral boutique of aromas rushed into the olfactory senses. Later in the glass this dark and enticing color with a heavy viscosity had a brooding and mysterious allure. Upon the first sip, it was as I remembered from the #CabFrancMasters dinner, a deep and sensuous flavor of dark fruits of plum and blackberry swirled about in the mouth. This was no ordinary Cabernet Franc. Secondary flavors of dark chocolate counter balanced by a dry earthiness provided an all-encompassing experience. On the finish, layers of enjoyment and strong tannins both with some angularity and yet velvety, along with dark cherry completed the experience.
As I researched this magnificent bold and dry wine, I found out it was rated the #2 California Cabernet Franc wine today by Vivino. It sells for approximately $90/bottle, and it is an ageable wine that will only improve further! It will make my annual list of Best Wines tasted during the calendar year for 2025.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Prepared one of our favorite dishes last evening, Mediterranean beef kebabs. The recipe calls for sirloin beef but substituted filet mignon. Cut the filet mignon meat into 1 ½ inch squares and were marinated for almost two hours in the refrigerator. The ingredients for the marinade include fresh lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, Himalayan Sea salt, olive oil and fresh minced garlic.
Pieces of the filet mignon and vegetables were cut up to fit in the kabab grilling baskets preferred for grilling to capture all the ingredients rather than skewers. Besides the beef, two different colored bell peppers slices (yellow and orange), and purple onion slices were loaded into the baskets. Plus, fresh Rosemary. Placed on the BBQ between medium to medium-high for about 10-12 minutes rotating the baskets 90 degrees every 3 minutes. Emptied from the basket and served.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The meal was accompanied by Greek roasted potatoes in chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder and fresh oregano
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Additionally, a fresh garden salad with onion, tomato and Kalamata olives. Served with a Greek dressing.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Also sautéed asparagus with minced garlic, shallots, topped with roasted peppers and feta cheese.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Dessert for those who could possibly eat anything more were both fresh blackberries and raspberries and Milano Double Dark chocolate cookie wafers.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This meal was extremely tasty, spicy and provided a real Mediterranean experience. It was like Spain, France, Italy and Greece combined to throw a party! Combined with the exquisite wine, one of the better food and wine pairings enjoyed last evening.
The Winery
Photo Hope Family Wines website
I have yet to visit the winery but have had the opportunity to speak with many of the folks from the winery such as Austin Hope Owner/winemaker, Stasi Seay Director of Vineyards, CJ Gormley Tasting Room and many others during this years and previous #CabFrancMasters in Paso Robles. What I did not know or understand was the enormity of the breath of wine offered by the Hope Family Wines! Austin Hope who I had a conversation with at last year at #CabFrancMasters has a quote that took on new meaning after tasting this wine stating, “the goal is simple: to make wines that express everything Paso Robles has to offer, with its pastoral beauty, perfect soils, maritime climate and limitless possibility.”
Photo Hope Family Wines website
Trying to sum up the Hope Family Wine offering is like taking a tour of a large luxury cruise ship. Behind each doorway and deck is waiting a new experience. So, this description is only the beginning of several on the winery. First off, the Hope Family Wines has six labels which are Austin Hope, Treana, Quest, Liberty School, Troublemaker and Austin. The wine offering is mind boggling with Graciano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Chenin Blanc, a dry Rosé, Syrah, GSM, Grenache, Verdelho, Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre, various Rhône blends, etc. Way too many wines to mention and an astonishing assortment of wines to be explored. They source from over 50 growers from Monterey to Santa Barbara. All 42 acres of their estate are SIP Certified for Sustainable practices. It is estimated that Hope Family Wines produces around 400,000 cases of wine per year.
I am already contemplating my next visit to Paso Robles and will most likely need 2 or 3 days alone to comprehend the expanse of Hope Family Wines. Truly an amazing line up of wine!
Special thanks to Stasi Seay for providing the background and scope of Hope Family Wines over dinner.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Copia Vineyards “The Cure” GSM – Paired with a Gourmet Mediterranean Dinner
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
What a wonderful experience last evening tasting for the first time the 2021 Copia Vineyards “The Cure” GSM wine. Words come up short in describing this delicious and full body wine. I tend to be a fan of straight varietals but have found some good blends over the years. However, this was off the charts in quality, taste and value. Upon the first sip it was like an Olympic diver penetrating the water with merely a splash. So, it was with this wine entering my palate that it went directly to my soul of wine experiences and memories, confirming its mysterious origins. True to its name, “The Cure”, it provided a healing of many preconceived notions on GSM blends being “soft and light”.
A little bit on the wine facts before describing the taste. It is a blend of Mourvèdre (45%), Grenache (28%) and Syrah (27%). Only 380 cases were produced from fruit mostly from Copia Vineyards Willow Creek Estate in Paso Robles (their first harvest from this vineyard) and smaller portions from another Willow Creek vineyard and one in Santa Rita Hills. The wine was aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak and the balance being neutral French oak. The wine comes in at 15.2% alcohol.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes, this a dark and brooding ruby red and medium-heavy viscosity. Once placed under the nose to gain an insight to what was to come, aromas of mocha, dark French coffee and floral notes wafted into the senses. Then on the palate this wine exploded with dark chocolate, depth of the three varietals not commonly found in a GSM. Blackberries and blueberries bounced joyfully in the mouth beckoning yet another sip! On the finish, a plushness of the black fruit, along with a smoky quality and spice notes provided ample time to savor each sip. Additionally, beautiful and elegant, yet surprisingly perfectly appropriate tannins were present. The chocolate finish provided a great counterbalance making the textual chewy finish that was elegant and memorable.
This wine received ratings of 95 points from The Somm Journal, 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 94-96 points from Jeb Dunnuck. This is a pedigree of quality represented in this GSM. This wine will make my Best Wines Tasted for 2025 (which is 7-8% of the 1400-1600 wines tasted annually). I record, log and rate each wine and this wine received my highest rating.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While not generally having GSM wines in the cellar, needed to figure out a food pairing. My wife and I did some research and came up with a Mediterranean meal which is highly recommended with a GSM wine. Then the cut filet mignon meat, along with the following ingredients were marinated for almost two hours. The ingredients for the marinade include a purple onion, fresh lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, Himalayan Sea salt, olive oil and minced garlic.
The recipe called for sirloin beef but substituted filet mignon. Pieces of the filet mignon and vegetables were cut up to fit in the kabab grilling baskets preferred for grilling to capture all the ingredients rather than skewers.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The meat was then placed into the baskets along with three different colored bell peppers slices (yellow, orange and green), purple onion slices and fresh whole rosemary springs. Placed on the BBQ between medium to medium-high temperature for about 10-12 minutes rotating the baskets 90 degrees every 2 to 3 minutes. Emptied from the basket and served in a pan.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The meal was accompanied by a Mediterranean cauliflower rice consisting of almonds, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Himalayan Sea salt, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice and freshly ground pepper.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Additionally, a Ladolemono Greek salad and dressing was served that was delicious. Iceberg lettuce along with fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, sliced kalamata olives, minced garlic, Kosher salt, black pepper and extra virgin olive oil.
This meal was extremely tasty, spicy and provided a real Mediterranean experience. It was like Spain, France, Italy and Greece combined to throw a party! Combined with the wine, one of the best food and wine pairing enjoyed last evening.
The marinade was so tasty we are planning to use it in a tri tip steak later this next week.
The Winery
Photo from Copia Vineyards
The owners of Copia Vineyards and I have exchanged various emails and have set a plan to meet in March of this year. The word Copia means in Latin “abundance or plenty”.
Photo from Copia Vineyards
The owners Anita and Varinder Sahi became owners of 50 acres to farm Rhône and Bordeaux varietals in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Today they have 40,000 vines planted and the estate grew another 26 acres in the Adelaida District.
Looking forward to tasting their complete line up that includes Rose, a white wine blend (48% Roussanne, 39% Viognier, 13% Picpoul Blanc), Grenache, Syrah, Tempranillo and Mourvèdre and of course another tasting of GSM! They are known for their concentrated and rich varietal characteristics with scores reaching 97 points.
Sláinte,
Michael