Visiting Paso Robles - J. Lohr Vineyards

J. Lohr Vineyards set up shop in Paso Robles thirty years ago when founder Jerry Lohr choose the region to produce world class Cabernet Sauvignon. Our group met assistant winemaker, Brenden Wood at the renowned Hilltop Vineyard to taste some of the new releases.

Wood joined J. Lohr in 2004 as a lab tech with a focus on quality control. He has been the assistant winemaker under Steve Peck for a decade now. Wood says he likes the small lot production techniques that J. Lohr promotes even though it is a larger winery. Wood talked about the different tiers of wine that they produce, from the every day drinkers to club exclusives, in the hopes that they are creating a wine for everyone.

The Tasting:

The Gesture line was originally created for the wine club members but is now available for purchase to all. Find it in the tasting room and on-line. Both of the following wines are from the 2016 vintage which was a bit cooler helping to create fruitier wines with great acidity.

J. Lohr Gesture Grenache Rosé 2016 - With only 302 cases produced, this wine has sold out. It was quite refreshing with strawberry and tropical notes.

J. Lohr Gesture Viognier 2016 - Also a smaller production at 545 cases, the grapes for this wine were
sourced from the Gean Vineyard in the Adelaida District which has shallow rocky soil on mountain hillsides and a climate similar to the Rohône. The medium bodied white was lush and ripe with nectarine, honeysuckle and a stony minerality in the lingering finish. 14.5% ABV / SRP $30

From the more widely available and wallet friendly Estate Series:
J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot 2014 - The grapes for this wine come from the cooler El Pomar District of Paso Robles where the fast draining soils naturally limit vine growth and improve the wine quality. Bright aromas and flavors of plum, mocha and nutmeg in a medium body with smooth tannins and a light toasted note in the finish. 13.8% ABV / SRP $15

From the Cuvée Series which consists of three different Bordeaux-styled blends which Wood explained was their highest level of wine from premium Paso Robles vineyards made only in the best vintages:
J. Lohr Cuvée Series St. E 2013 - With a nod to the wines of St Emilion in Bordeaux, this wine is a blend of 63% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 4% Malbec grown on gravelly well-drained soil during an ideal growing season. The wine is ripe with red plum and dark berry aromas and flavors with espresso, dark chocolate and a light savory note in the long finish. There were only 994 six pack cases produced. 14% ABV / SRP $50

An Immersive Introduction into the World of Asolo Prosecco

Dinner Views at Osteria Alla Baracca. I was very excited to visit the Asolo DOCG Prosecco region at the end of May on a press trip as it is an Italian area that I have not previously traveled through. Asolo is located in the Province of Treviso at the foot of Monte Grappa in the high hills to the west of the Piave River with views of the Dolomites. The grapes are grown in 17 communes surrounding the town of Asolo. The days were very warm while I was there but I needed a sweater or light jacket on most evenings due to the diurnal swing that makes it a great area for grape growing. Wines from the Master Class Tasting. Asolo was elevated to the DOCG level in 2009. The majority of the Prosecco that I have found in Houston is Prosecco DOC which is mostly from very large producers. Asolo was separated from this category and the region was given this higher status because there are terroir elements that make it distinctive in the world of Prosecco. The Sant'Anna Vineyard. Many of the vin

Lust Zinfandel 2007

My husband loves this wine so he purchased quite a few bottles at a recent Michael~David dinner that we had attended. Last night, I decided to open a bottle to serve with dinner. I was making a roasted southwestern pork tenderloin, sweet potato fries (w/ chipolte ketchup) and a salad consisting of baby lettuce (fresh from my garden) with strawberries, red bell peppers, red onions and walnuts tossed with a white balsamic-raspberry vinaigrette. This turned out to be a great pairing. It is a bold wine that really stood up to the strong chipolte seasoning while complementing the fruit flavors. I opened the bottle a 1/2 hour before I served it as I have found this wine to be more enjoyable when I do so. The Lust Zinfandel by Michael~David 2007 was a dark purple color with a ruby rim. It has intense aromas of very ripe mixed berries and baking spices-both allspice and ginger with hints of cedar. It has flavors of creme de cassis, milk chocolate and also more of the baking

Effervescent Elegance

In the December 2023 issue of Galveston Monthly , I explore the world of classic method sparkling wine. The holiday season is always an excellent time to enjoy some effervescent elegance in your glass!

Wine Life - Houston

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