A Region Transformed
Paso Robles, a small town in Central California, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. What was once a sleepy cow town has become one of the most sought-after wine regions in the country, with national wine sales outpacing the rest of the market. The driving force behind this transformation is the Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC), a group of 28 member wineries dedicated to promoting the quality of cabernet sauvignon and red Bordeaux varietals produced in Paso Robles.
A Collective Effort
Established in 2012, the PRCC is the brainchild of Daniel Daou, co-owner of DAOU Winery, who wanted to share his success with other winemakers in the region. The Collective brings together wineries from across Paso Robles, all united by a common goal: to produce high-quality, premium wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.
Key Factors Contributing to Success
According to Linda Sanpei, Executive Director of the PRCC, recent NielsenIQ reports show that wines from Paso Robles have grown 7% in retail sales in the past two years, while the overall market has declined by 8%. This is a testament to the Collective’s efforts to promote the region’s wines and improve their quality.
- Unique Terroir
- Strong Spirit of Community
The Unique Terroir of Paso Robles
Paso Robles is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, perfect for grape growing, but cool ocean breezes and fog provide a chilling effect at night, creating strong diurnal temperature swings. This unique combination of conditions results in wines with bright acidity, freshness, and balance.
| Terroir Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Dry and Sunny Mediterranean Climate | Perfect for grape growing, but cool ocean breezes and fog provide a chilling effect at night, creating strong diurnal temperature swings. |
| Decomposed Limestone and Calcareous Soils | Found in many great vineyards of France, can impart freshness to the wine and sometimes a taste of minerality. |
The Spirit of Community
The PRCC is built on the principle of collaboration and mutual support. Members work together to share knowledge, techniques, and best practices, ensuring that each winery produces high-quality wines. This spirit of community is exemplified in the mission of the PRCC, which states: “To promote the quality of Paso Robles wines and to support the growth and success of our member wineries.”
Key Members of the PRCC
I interviewed seven members of the PRCC via Zoom, including owners of Allegretto, Brecon, Chateau Margene, Copia, Glunz, High Camp, and LXV wineries. They all shared a common theme: the unique terroir of Paso Robles and the strong spirit of community that pervades the region.
Tasting Seven Wines from the Paso Collective
As a professional wine judge for over 15 years, I had the opportunity to taste seven wines from the PRCC. The level of quality was mind-blowing, with excellent concentration, great balance, length, and complexity. The wines showcased the unique characteristics of Paso Robles, with each one a testament to the Collective’s efforts to promote the region’s wines and improve their quality.
- Allegretto 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles
- Brecon 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaida, Paso Robles
- Chateau Margene 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Stella’s Vineyard, Paso Robles
- Copia 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
- Glunz Family 2021 Paso Reserve 1888 Cabernet – Big, Dense and Satisfying
- LXV Meso 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Gateway Vineyard, Paso Robles
- Tres Coyotes High Camp Winery 2023 Red Blend, Paso Robles
These wines are a testament to the Paso Robles CAB Collective’s success and commitment to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.
Awards and Accolades
The PRCC has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Wine Advocate’s 98-point rating for the Chateau Margene 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Stella’s Vineyard.
Conclusion
The Paso Robles CAB Collective has transformed the small town of Paso Robles into one of the most sought-after wine regions in the country. The unique terroir and strong spirit of community that pervades the region have come together to create a perfect storm of quality and success. As a wine judge and enthusiast, I am excited to see what the future holds for the Paso Robles CAB Collective.