2016......in terms of wine and friends and experiences and family was a very good year. I (my wife and I) are fortunate to have so many wonderful friends who share like interests. We don't get to see them as often as we wish, but every time we do it is special.
We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful friends in the wine industry: Winemakers, winery employees, wine writers, etc. And again, we just don't see enough of you often enough.
The View From Daou Vineyards
I am so pleased to be associated with some very special publications and the people involved with those publications:
The San Luis Obispo Visitor's Guide
The Paso Robles Daily News
Wine Country This Week
Wine Country This Month
Very Napa Valley.....
and soon to be announced...another very exciting writing project I am so honored to be taking part in. It is SO MUCH FUN and such a pleasure to be able to visit so many wineries and restaurants, to meet and sit with so many winery owners and winemakers, and be able to bring the stories of these places and people to the public. Being able to write about so many wineries on the AMAZING Central Coast, from Ventura up through Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez, Edna Valley and Paso Robles is just an incredible ongoing adventure.
I love the wines I taste everywhere.....and the differences between them. However, one thing is certain: I have a Paso Palate! And I love Paso---the people, the wines, the everything.
Many years ago I was fortunate to meet an incredible individual...one with a vision and a passion to prove to the wine world that Paso Robles, long recognized as producing world class Rhone Varietals, was up to the challenge to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon that would stand shoulder to shoulder with any cabernet in California. This was his dream and his passion.....he was forefront in forming the Cabernet Collective and has received top ratings and awards for his Cabernets. You all know who I'm talking about: Daniel Daou---a man of dreams, passion and a vision.
Last night a group of us went to a brown bag holiday party. We were asked to each bring a California Cabernet for a blind tasting----and to rate each wine. After all the wines were rated, we opened them up-----There were 5 from Napa---there were 4 from Paso Robles. ALL the wines were wonderful---expressive---there was not a mediocre bottle in the bunch (well, what do you expect from a group of wine geeks).
When I looked at how I rated the wines....my FIRST three were from Paso Robles,
In fact, MOST of us had the first favorite 3 wines rated from Paso Robles.
Does this mean we all just have "Paso Palates"? Over 20 people picked Paso Cabs over Napa Cabs----
Or.....does this prove in some way that: Paso Cabs are as good as any Cabs produced in California....or beyond! I know what my friend Daniel would say! And I know what our palates said!
Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday Season...a grand New Year, with lots of wine, food, friends, laughter, and health during 2017.
Don and Lynn Sonderling
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