Wining with SLO Pourers...

Broken Earth Winery

JD and I were finally able to participate in one of the monthly blind tastings that Sophia Stephens hosts with her group of enthusiastic wineaux, the SLO Pourers. We met at the new Broken Earth Tasting Room on Route 46 East on February 1st. It was great fun, and we hope to be able to play with the SLO Pourers again soon!

Petit Verdot is a red grape, mainly used in classic Bordeaux blends. It ripens much later than other varieties in Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favor in its home region. When it does ripen, it is added in small amounts to add tannin, colour and flavor to the blend. It has been planted in the New World, where it ripens more reliably and has been made into single varietal wine. It is also useful in 'stiffening' the midpalate of Cabernet Sauvignon blends. When young its aromas include unripe banana and pencil shavings. Strong tones of violet and leather develop as it matures.

Wining around SLO County...Days 3 & 4

It rained all night, and was raining hard when I padded downstairs at Sara and Bill's. JD slept in while Sara and I caught up over coffee and eggs. Bill was off to coach at a basketball tournament, and it was a lazy morning, so the three of us sat and chatted about family matters for a few hours.

We paid a brief visit to JD's dad and stepmom in Morro Bay, but the rain deterred us from doing anything other than going back to Sara's, opening a bottle of 2007 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir (Santa Rita Hills), and waiting for Bill to return. By the time he did, we were onto a bottle of the 2005 Kiamie Kuveé purchased the day before. We munched on cheese and crackers, and talked way too much about family, and finally it was time to head out to dinner.

Wining around SLO County...Day 2

After an early evening in Morro Bay, we had a semi-healthy breakfast (see Facebook for photos) at the Blue Skye Coastal Cafe on the Embarcadero and headed to our appointment at the Paso Robles Wine Services custom crush facility to meet General Manager, Aram Deirmenjian, of Kiamie Wine Cellars. The rain was just beginning, so we took our time, especially along the 46, but we still got there a bit early, which was good, as Aram was ready for us.

Kiamie is a collaboration between three guys with diverse yet complementary backgrounds. Winemaker Steve Glossner has been making great wines in Paso for a long time, and is the winemaker who made the first Isosceles for Justin. Aram Deirmenjian’s family has been farming grapes in California for 30 years, and Greg Johnson has extensive retail wine experience.