The Juice


CABs of Distinction A Grand Success!

cab16We at the Paso Robles CAB Collective are delighted that our second annual CABs of Distinction event exceeded all expectations. Thanks to those of you who made this event so wonderfully successful!

Media and trade attended educational events and tastings that provided a glimpse of the true potential of Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals from our appellation. Highlighted events included En Primeur barrel tastings from the as-yet-unreleased 2013 vintage; a tasting of all current vintages; vintner panel discussion hosted by Matt Kettmann, contributing editor of Wine Enthusiast and senior editor of Santa Barbara Independent; a Library/Rare and Reserve tasting; and self-directed events at member wineries, such as component and vertical tastings.

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In collaboration with The SOMM Journal, the PRCC developed a three-day, comprehensive, educationally-focused tour of the Paso Robles AVA that explored Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals. The 20 select sommeliers and key wine buyers participated in hands-on, instructional experiences with area winemakers and vineyard managers including: component tastings; analysis of clonal selections; vineyard tours; 2013 vintage barrel tasting of 27 vintners; current vintage tasting; rare and library tastings to showcase the ageability of these wines; winemaker lunches and dinners and an optional zip-line over vineyards.

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cabcamp1Consumer events were also held throughout Paso Robles. Wineries engaged consumers with behind-the-scene walks through the cellar to illustrate the path a grape takes in the winery once it is harvested; cave tours; tastings of library wines; the exclusive opportunity to purchase futures; food and wine parings and BBQs with music throughout the day. The evening featured winemaker dinners hosted both at wineries and at Paso Robles’ most sought-after restaurants.

The April 26th CABs of Distinction Gala began with a luxury VIP multi-course gourmet lunch at Thomas Hill Organics paired with rare library wines such as: a three-liter 1984 Estate Cabernet and 1997 Reserve Estate Cabernet from Eberle Winery; JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery’s 2005 ISOSCELES; J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines’ 2007 J. Lohr Cuvée St. E; Hunt Cellars’ 2007 Red Velvet and 2006 Rhapsody in Red; DAOU Vineyards & Winery’s 2009 Reserve Cabernet, and Chateau Margene’s 2005 Reserve Cabernet.

VIP guests were provided early access to the reserve tasting prior to the Gala as well as access to the VIP Lounge throughout the day.

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The lakeside CABs of Distinction Gala at River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles showcased 32 wineries, 28 member wineries and four invited garagiste (premium boutique) producers, each thoughtfully paired with artisanal cheese or charcuterie selected by Le Vigne Winery’s Cheese Lady, Zina Miakinkova. Gourmet meals were provided in the CAB Bistro by notable Paso Robles culinary experts, Robert’s Restaurant, Crush Catering and Avant-Garde Experience, while chocolate tastings, barrel-making demonstrations, and live music rounded out the day.

“We are tremendously honored by the continued support of our sponsors, whose efforts not only help us deliver our high-caliber,  five-day event, but who are also truly cornerstone to our efforts throughout the year,” said Winemaker, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, and Chairman, Paso Robles CAB Collective, Daniel Daou.


Exciting press for CABs of Distinction

cabglassIn just a week, CABs of Distinction events begin across the Paso Robles AVA! All of us at the Paso Robles CAB Collective are busy preparing for tastings, panel discussions, tours, and much more, April 22 through 26. In the meantime, it’s fantastic to receive so much positive press about our organization and the upcoming event. See what people are saying about us below.


CAB Collective Vintners Featured at VinDiego Wine and Food Festival

We at the Paso Robles CAB Collective are delighted to be involved in next weekend’s VinDiego Wine and Food Festival.

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Friday, April 4th & Saturday, April 5th
Liberty Station – San Diego, CA

Members of the PRCC will present a panel discussion moderated by Jonathan Cristaldi of Tasting Panel Magazine and The SOMM Journal titled, “‘CAB is King’ Seminar with the Paso Robles CAB Collective,” Friday, April 4th from 1:30 to 3 PM at the Liberty Station Marriott Courtyard.

Paso Robles was awarded “The 2013 Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and this seminar will showcase why. VinDiego is proud to present this exclusive Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective seminar, presenting world-class Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals from the distinguished Paso Robles wine region. Vintners will share their superior quality, classic and age-worthy wines while discussing the history and future of Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals from Paso Robles. This private VinDiego event puts you face-to-face with acclaimed winemakers: Michael Mooney from Chateau Margene, Daniel Daou from DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Justin Baldwin from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Tyler Russell from Calcareous, Don Brady from Robert Hall Winery, Steve Peck from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines and Mike Sinor from Ancient Peaks Winery. Join us in sampling their award-winning and nationally acclaimed wines. This seminar is limited to only 80 attendees and will SELL OUT.

 – www.VinDiego.com

To purchase tickets or to learn more, please visit www.VinDiego.com. We hope to see you there!

 


CABs of Distinction 2014 Dates Announced

logo Final_red_for webWe at the Paso Robles CAB Collective recently announced details concerning the second annual CABs of Distinction event, scheduled for April 22 through 26, 2014.

For a list of participants and happenings, including the brand new CAB CAMP option for sommeliers and qualifying industry professionals – as well as tickets to the Grand Tasting and other events, please see the recently posted press release HERE.

We hope to see you at CABs of Distinction, glass in hand. Cheers!


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