The Rhone Ranger Experience was on February 16 and was all that and a bottle of Rhone. It started with a seminar moderated by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein and a panel of nine Paso Robles winemakers. Each winemaker discussed a different varietal or blend.
Grenache Blanc: Jason Haas from Tablas Creek (tasted: 2012 Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc)
Viognier: Jim Shumate from Pomar Junction (tasted: 2012 Pomar Junction Viognier)
White Rhone Blend: Jeremy Weintraub from Adelaida Cellars (tasted: 2012 Adelaida Cellars “Version White Reserve” – Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc)
Dry Rose: Kevin Riley from Proulx (tasted: 2012 Proulx Grenache Rose)
Grenache: Chris Cameron from Broken Earth Winery (tasted: 2012 Broken Earth Grenache)
Mourvedre: Christian Tietje from Cypher Winery (tasted: 2011 Mourvedre “El Pelon”)
Syrah: Gary Eberle from Eberle Winery (tasted: 2012 Eberle Syrah – Steinbeck Vineyard)
Petite Sirah: Eric Ogorsolka from Zenaida Cellars (tasted: 2011 Zenaida Petite Sirah)
Red Rhone Blend: Steve Anglim from Anglim Winery (tasted: 2010 Anglim “Best Barrel Blend” – Syrah, Mourvedre)
They each did a good job giving some information about their subject along with some personal stories. Gary Eberle got a couple of big applauses when introduced and when he was finished, well, he got cut off by the moderator but time limits are time limits I suppose. I was quite happy to feel the support in the room for Gary.
As each person discussed their varietal we tasted one of their wines. It’s nice to taste in that format. You can learn each winemaker’s perspective on the varietal itself but also about their specific wine, a great learning opportunity.
When the seminar was over lunch was served via Chef Jeffrey C. Scott. It consisted of Slow Braised Niman Ranch Lamb, Grilled Free Range Chicken Tagine, Winter Vegetable Gratinee, Thyme Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad, Organic Watercress Bisque, and Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding. Everyone loved the food, I didn’t hear one single complaint.
Each table had a winemaker at it, so during the luncheon that winemaker would pour their own wine for the table. Luckily we had two, Amy Butler from Ranchero Cellars and Stephan Asseo from L’Aventure Winery. Awesome people and fantastic wines!
Once lunch was over it was time for the Grand Tasting (44 wineries pouring) and Silent Auction. We did not stay too long because it got quite crowded in there and we had to get home to the little dude. It was an amazing turnout at Broken Earth. They do a great job handling events and have a terrific facility for such things. I know, I’m biased because I work for them but it’s the truth!
That’s all for now, be sure to check out the Rhone Rangers for other Rhone related events. Fantastic job from all who set up and participated! Cheers!
They were just applauding because Evan finally pulled the plug on me. Very good event.
Gary, you were fantastic and I loved hearing that room erupt with clapping when you were introduced. And as usual, I love the stories. Well done!!
Sounds awesome! Time to take that on the road for an East Coast rendition of the Rhone Rangers. (haven’t had a chance to look for an existing one yet 🙂
David, I love Rhone wines and this group, the Rhone Rangers, does a fantastic job of spreading the news. Our local chapter of the Rhone Rangers put this event together and it was awesome. They also try to do a monthly varietal tasting at a winery…where many wineries will get together and pour the same variety, example Grenache, which is cool because that way you get to taste the differences and similarities to that one type of wine. pretty fun.