We Travel & We Taste: Paso Robles

Recently, a group of us at DLM took a trip to Paso Robles, which was a new wine region for me to explore. We landed in San Luis Obispo, better known as SLOCal. I was in for a surprise as the topography is just beautiful—rolling hills dotted with green vineyards. There also is a diurnal shift in temperature from day to night. It might reach 80-100°F during the day and then start to cool down to the 50s from the Pacific Ocean breeze at night, resulting in chilly evenings I was not prepared for. The people in Paso Robles have a laidback, casual lifestyle. The downtown of Paso Robles has a town square with restaurants and little shops. I sound like a travel agent, but it was charming and fun. Now on to the wine of this beautiful region! 

Paso Robles is a renowned wine region in California's Central Coast, known for its diverse range of wines, particularly bold, full-bodied reds and crisp whites. The area is celebrated for its unique terroir and innovative winemaking, offering a blend of classic styles and experimental blends. There are over sixty different wine varieties and many micro climates due to the change in topography and location of the ocean. 

This is also home of the Rhone Rangers, wine makers who specialize in Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Then there are the Bordeaux-style varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. That’s just a few of the most wellknown Reds. Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are the two most widely planted white grapes. 

There are over 200 wineries currently, and more to come in the future. One of the amazing qualities I observed was that the different wineries get along and are willing to help each other. You don’t always see this in other wine regions that I have visited. This is the next major wine area in California.

Diving Deeper to Meet the Makers

We were there for four days, spending our time at three different wineries. This allowed us to spend quality time with each to better understand their approach to vineyard management and wine making.

MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR: CELEBRATING NEIGHBORLY FRIENDSHIP

The first winery we visited was called My Favorite Neighbor. The name is inspired by the friendship between winemaker Eric Jensen of Booker Vineyard and Stephen Asseo of L’Aventure Winery. Eric was new to winemaking, and his neighbor Stephen helped him get started. Their collaboration and friendship created this brand. 

My Favorite Neighbor Chardonnay focuses on the lushness of a warmer growing season but still keeping its freshness and minerality. It offers aromas of citrus and apple with some creaminess and ripe fruit favor. The finish is longer and balanced. 

My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon is a fuller bodied red with blackberry and plum and a touch of tobacco from the oak treatment. The tannins are integrated giving a crafted structure. This is a serious wine you will enjoy.

BOOKER VINEYARD: A BROTHERLY TRIBUTE 

The second winery was Eric Jensen’s next effort, Booker Vineyard. Named after two orphan brothers Claude and Dick Booker who purchased the original property in the 1920s. Eric bought 100 acres in 2001 and started making his wine. His first vintage was in 2005. Booker focuses on Rhône varietals, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. 

Booker Vineyard Perl is a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. This wine is full bodied with earthy tannins and great structure. On the palate you get cured meat, olives, spices, and dark berries. This gives the wine a long and extended finish. 

Booker Vineyard Oublié is a blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 27% Mourvèdre, and 1% Tannat. This is a true Rhône-style GSM. This wine has a nose of cherry and toasted oak. The palate is lush with berry flavors and softer textures which gives way to a firmer finish. This wine reminds me of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape as it is great with all types of food.

DAOU VINEYARD: VINEYARD WITH A VIEW 

The last winery was Daou located in the hills of the Adelaida District. Daou Mountain rises 2,200 feet in elevation and has breathtaking views from the highest winery on the Central Coast. The terrior (soil and climate) of the property is especially suited to Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. 

Daou Pessimist is a blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Lagrein (Italian varietal). This is a bolder style wine with aromas of blueberry, plum, and strawberry. There are notes of roasted coffee with floral tones. The wine has a lush mouthfeel and strength that finishes with smooth, juicy flavors of cherry and cassis. 

Daou Cabernet Sauvignon is what Paso Robles Cabernet is all about. The nose is fragrant with aromas of black cherry, plum, and cassis with notes of cedar, leather, and black olive. The palate is lush but structured with flavors of black cherry, currant, and spices. The fine tannins give way to a lingering finish.