We are excited to say that our 2017 CAB Camp was a success, and we thank everyone who participated!
In collaboration with The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel Magazine, members of the Paso Robles CAB Collective developed a three-day comprehensive tour of the Paso Robles region. Member wineries hosted 20 key wine buyers and select sommeliers to educational seminars, tours, tastings and winemaker dinners.
CAB Camp kicked off with a seminar led by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, in which Communications Director Chris Taranto led guests through an in-depth look at the 11 sub appellations in Paso Robles and the unique qualities that wines from each AVA portray. Guests then visited each of our member wineries were they experienced barrel samples, vertical tastings and private vineyard and winery tours. The evening concluded with winemaker dinners at various notable restaurants around Paso Robles including; Villa Creek, Thomas Hill Organics, Mistura, and Bistro Laurent.
On the second day of CAB Camp, Master Sommelier Fred Dame led guests through a series of panel discussions that focused on the importance and potential of Cabernet and red Bordeaux varietals from the Paso Robles region. The first panel discussion was centered on Cabernet Sauvignon. PRCC winemakers talked through the varietal characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, the winemaking practices and approach to this specific varietal and discussed why Paso Robles rivals some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon regions.
Winemaker panelists and the wines they showcased:
- Jeremy Weintraub, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery – 2014 Viking Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Jim Madsen, The Farm Winery – 2012 Cardinal
- Kevin Willenborg, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery – 2013 Mountain Road Reserve
- Alan Kinne, Allegretto Vineyards & Wines – 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Jason Diefenderfer, Treana Winery – 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Following the Cabernet Sauvignon Panel, Fred Dame led the group into an in depth discussion about the slightly lesser known, but equally important varietal, Malbec. Winemaker panelists discussed why Malbec grows so well in the Paso Robles region, and compared winemaking approaches and resulting wines.
Winemaker panelists and the wines they showcased:
- Christian Tietje, Rotta Winery – 2014 Malbec
- Sterling Kragten, Cass Winery – 2013 Malbec
- Patrick Muran, Niner Wine Estates – 2013 Malbec
- Roger Nicolas, RN Estate – 2012 Malbec
- Don Brady, Robert Hall Winery – 2012 Malbec
The final seminar of the week focused on the makings of a red Bordeaux blend. Led by Fred Dame, the winemakers each presented a single red Bordeaux varietal and the components that specific varietal adds to a blend. Guests were then tasked with creating their own blend based on what they had learned, and submitting the resulting wines to be judged by Fred Dame.
Winemaker panelists and the wines they showcased:
- Mike Sinor, Ancient Peaks Winery – 2015 Merlot
- Anthony Riboli, Opaque – 2011 Malbec
- Chris Rougeot, Opolo Vineyards – 2012 Petit Verdot
- Michael Mooney, Chateau Margene – 2013 Margene Signature Series Cabernet Franc
- Daniel Daou, DAOU Vineyards & Winery – 2014 Soul of the Lion Cabernet Sauvignon
Other event highlights throughout the week included the VIP Grand Tasting for media and trade at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort where each of the 28 PRCC members showcased current vintages, new releases, and library wines, a zip lining excursion through the vineyards at Ancient Peaks Winery, and a tour of San Antonio Winery’s new state-of the-art winemaking facility.
We enjoyed every second of this year’ s CAB Camp and we can’t wait for the next one!
