2014 Paso Robles Rhone Rangers Experience

While we did unfortunately, due to some previous commitments, miss the Rhone Essentials Seminar and the Vintners Lunch, (next time) we did manage to attend the Grand Tasting & Silent Auction. We tried to taste the nearly 150 wines from 44 members [view the list here] of the Paso Robles Rhone Rangers, including the top single Rhone varietals and the best in Rhone blends, but alas we fell a little short.  During the Grand Tasting those that wished, got to bid on lots [view the silent auction lots] generously donated by Rhone Rangers member wineries to help support the Rhone Rangers scholarship fund.

You fell short you ask incredulously? Yes, we did. In our defense there were about 150 wines to taste, which we were up for, but only given two hours to do it in was pushing our tasting skills past the limit. Besides, there were so many good wines it was not a matter of getting through them all but in visiting as many new wines as possible and catching up with a few favorites. This we managed to do.

The event was held at the beautiful Broken Earth Winery on Hwy 46 East in a grand barrel room that was a great setting, although the noise level with about 500 people in there all talking made the atmosphere very energetic.

There was a very easy to follow layout and finding wineries was as easy as any event we have ever attended (nicely done). The tasty cheeses of Vivant were nicely spaced, were always accessible and were always topped up. Given how nice they were it was a grand effort on their behalf.

With decent stemware and plenty of water bottles to keep everyone hydrated, this was a comfortable well laid out and organized event, that made for a very nice afternoon tasting some very nice wines.

Wineries from Adelaida to Zenaida were pouring and wines based on Cardigan, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Rousanne and Syrah with all kinds of variations and different blends and styles making for an interesting and enjoyable tasting. The quality was overall very high and finding a favorite was near on impossible. We even went back and re-tasted a couple but no clear winner was found. Calling out our favorites may also not be fair to some of the wineries that we did not taste and so just know that we enjoyed most all of the wines and found that the overall price quality for most had them hitting above their price point.

Overall an event not to be missed but if you did, try to get your taste on at

GRAND TASTING, SATURDAY, MARCH 28.THE CRANEWAY PAVILION, FORD POINT

GEN ADMISSION, 3 PM $75
VIP ADMISSION 1 PM $110
 

Thanks to the good folks at Broken Earth Winery for their hospitality and to Tony from Halter Ranch Vineyard for getting us set.

    Happy Tasting Adventures,

    Cheers,

  WineWalkabout

     Kiwi & Koala