Category: Wine

The Geometry of Growth: Paso Robles’ Vineyard Rows Picture of the Week - Paso Robles, California

Neat rows of young grapevines ascending the gentle slopes under a cloudy sky in Paso Robles, showcasing the meticulous care in vineyard management.
The Geometry of Growth: Paso Robles’ Vineyard Rows – Witness the artistry of agriculture in Paso Robles, where the vineyard rows ascend like notes on a staff, composing a green symphony on the slopes.

Welcome back to our AA tour of Paso Robles vineyards. Last week, we started with a morning visit to L’Aventure, just a stone’s throw from downtown Paso Robles. After spending a good hour there, our next stop was Justin Vineyards. It’s quite a drive from the city center, but we had a plan: lunch at The Restaurant at Justin before our tasting. Little did we know, our venture to Justin Wines would be without the lunch we anticipated, making for an unexpected twist to our wine-tasting adventure.

We first learned of Justin Wines at the Cambria liquor store a half dozen years ago, and since then, we’ve seen the distinctive black labels in our familiar wine stores. We finally brought a bottle home to try and enjoy the harmonious blend of traditional Old World methods and the innovative spirit of Paso Robles. Justin Wines is a beacon in the Central Coast wine scene because they are committed to making world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Recommendations came not just from reviews or awards but from the enthusiastic tales of fellow wine lovers, stories of a winery that dared to dream big and deliver. It wasn’t just a name; it was a promise of an experience that merged the finesse of a finely aged Cabernet with the boldness of a region redefining itself.

The roots of Justin Wines are as deep and complex as the wines they produce. Founded in 1981 by Justin Baldwin, the winery’s mission was clear from the start: to produce world-class wines that belong in the company of the world’s great wines. With a focus on estate-grown Bordeaux-styled blends, Justin Wines has meticulously nurtured its vineyards to bring out the unique expression of its location in the Paso Robles region. Baldwin’s vision and dedication have created a legacy, making Justin Wines a standard-bearer for quality and innovation in the Californian wine landscape.

The inviting facade of Justin Winery's tasting room in Paso Robles, framed by mature oak branches and well-manicured greenery, photographed by Jim Witkowski.
Sipping in Style: Inside Justin Winery’s Tasting Estate – Beneath the shade of sycamores, the Justin Winery tasting room stands as a beacon of hospitality in the heart of Paso Robles, inviting enthusiasts and novices alike to savor the essence of their craft.

The varietals that grace the cellars of Justin Wines are a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality. From their iconic Isosceles, a blend that pays homage to the Bordeaux giants, to their Justification, a nod to the Right Bank with its Franc-centric profile, each bottle offers a glimpse into the heart of their craft. The Cabernet Sauvignon, with its structured elegance and the complex, layered character of their Syrah, speak to the diversity of their offerings. The winery’s dedication to reflecting the terroir is evident in every glass, as they continue to earn accolades and captivate palates with their expressive, balanced, and impeccably crafted wines.

We purchased four varietals in the Justin offering—three of which are only sold at the estate, while the last on our list can sometimes be found in Costco or Total Wine. That’s good for us because it saves on travel time and gas. Here’s the list of our choices from light to robust.

    • 2021 Rose Syrah—yeah, yeah! I said we didn’t care for Rose’s last week, but this is another exceptional wine. When you swirl the wine in a glass, you watch for lines running down the sides—they’re called legs and are an indicator of sugar content. The Rosé Syarah had great legs but was dry. It’s a magic act. $20.00
    • 2020 Right Angle—A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Petite Verdot grapes. This one had a rich combination of fruit taste with a mild tannin bite. It should age well. $40.
    • 2020 Reserve Malbec—Malbec is another Bordeaux grape that wasn’t widely grown in California until Argentina’s Malbec explosion. This example was 100% Malbec grapes and a deep purple color. This wine was robust and would pair well with anything from a good steak to lasagne. $50.00
    • 2020 Isosceles—Ooh. Dreams are made from this. This is one of Justin’s flagship wines. It’s a traditional Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes. It’s a full-bodied wine with complex black fruit, vanilla, licorice, and spice tones. Justin is right proud of this wine, and that’s reflected in the price—but you might find a bottle of Isosceles in Costco or Total Wine for less, as we did. $85.00

With this week’s Thursday being Thanksgiving, I hope you all don’t run down to Total Wine and buy out their entire inventory of Isosceles. But since you’re going there anyway, would you mind picking up a bottle for me? Borrowing the words of a great philosopher, ‘I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.’ (There are 5 points for everyone who can name that philosopher in the comments below—but no peeking at others’ answers!).

Thanks for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to visit us today. As usual, you can find a larger version of this week’s photo on my website (Jim’s Web) and its FAA page (FAA Link). Be sure to put us on your calendar next week when we finish our Paso Robles tour by visiting the King of the Hill.

Until then, keep your spirits high and your humor dry
jw

Techniques: Patterns as Subjects – The Art of Repetition

How many ways are there to shoot a vineyard? I lost count a long time ago, but sometimes, when your subject is too small or inconsequential, you must take a step back and look at the bigger picture. How can I uniquely shoot this scene?

Sometimes, the most captivating subject is not a single object but a tapestry of repeating elements that create a pattern. In the photo of the wine grove, the rows of vines form a mesmerizing way that serves as the subject itself. The repetition of lines and shapes across the frame isn’t just pleasing to the eye; it tells a story of careful cultivation and nature’s inherent symmetry. When faced with a vast scene, seek out these patterns. They can transform a landscape into a visual rhythm that engages the eye. Whether it’s the repetition of vine rows, the orderly spread of tree canopies, or the undulating waves of a coastal scene, patterns can elevate a photograph from a simple setting to a study of harmony and design. When the subject isn’t found, let the pattern become the star.

Green Symphonies: The Vines of L’Aventure Picture of the week - Paso Robles, California

Rows of grapevines basking in the Paso Robles sun at L'Aventure Winery, photographed by Jim Witkowski.
Green Symphonies: The Vines of L’Aventure – The serene rows of L’Aventure Winery, where nature’s quiet symphony plays amongst the vines.

Wine tasting is not what it used to be. I remember when all it took was a sunny afternoon and a car, and we could show up and taste. Now, it’s all about planning with reservations. The spontaneity’s gone, but the trade-off is a more intimate experience at each stop. So we were starting our day at L’Aventure Winery while the morning was still fresh, and the roosters were thinking about their wake-up calls. Not every day you get to taste fine wine with the dew still on the grapes, but it makes for a memorable morning when you do.

We had to make reservations for each stop—days in advance this year, and we had to coordinate those times because what we wanted sometimes wasn’t open. The vineyards wish you to spend at least an hour so you get the whole spiel. Then you have to allow for travel time. God forbid you’re late for an appointment because the next bus arrives, and you’re locked in the parking lot. There you have the short version of why we started tasting wine at L’Aventure at 10 a.m. before the chickens got up.

Signpost directions to L'Aventure Winery among others in Paso Robles, snapped by Jim Witkowski.
We were navigating Paso Robles’ Wine Country. Where to go next? The signposts of Paso Robles point the way to our next vineyard adventure.

L’Aventure Winery came onto our radar like a secret whispered among the vines—its name uttered with a vinous reverence in the circles of oenophiles we admire. Nestled within the undulating landscapes of Paso Robles, this winery has carved out more than a niche; it has etched a legacy in the very bedrock of the region. It’s not just the distinctive wines; it’s the philosophy permeating every bottle. Here, tradition isn’t merely upheld; it’s reimagined. Stephan Asseo’s creations have bucked the trends, danced gracefully between the rules, and presented the world with blends that defy expectations. In Paso Robles, a place flourishing with winemaking potential, L’Aventure has boldly claimed its stake, garnering approval from critics and connoisseurs alike. To sip L’Aventure’s wine is to participate in a legacy of innovation that whispers of exclusivity and guarantees your pallet something new.

Stephan Asseo’s vinicultural journey is a narrative steeped in passion and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It’s a tale that begins in the esteemed vineyards of France, where the terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape that imparts distinctive character to the wine—is as much a part of the culture as the vines themselves. Yet, after 17 vintages, the rich but restrictive traditions of French winemaking left Asseo yearning for a canvas broad enough to hold the scope of his ambitions. His odyssey for the perfect terroir brought him to the variegated landscapes of Paso Robles—a place where the soil spoke to his soul. Here, freed from the stringent Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regulations dictating French winemaking minutiae, Asseo’s maverick spirit thrived. In this New World sanctuary, blending is an art form, and Asseo, the ever-daring artist, dismisses the notion that wines must conform to preordained profiles. His wines are a triumph, not just of terroir, but of bold innovation—melding the best of both worlds to create something truly extraordinary. This is the spirit of L’Aventure: a symphony of earth and effort, a testament to the magic that happens when you refuse to accept that the status quo is the pinnacle of what can be achieved.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Paso Robles, L’Aventure has become synonymous with bold, innovative winemaking, and this is nowhere more evident than in their celebrated varietals. The winery has garnered acclaim for its exceptional Rhône blends, robust with the complexity and depth that the region’s soil imparts. But it is the pioneering estate blends that truly set L’Aventure apart—chief among them, the Optimus and Estate Cuvée, which seamlessly marry Rhône varieties with the noble Bordeaux, creating symphonies of flavor that resonate with the essence of both Old World sophistication and New World audacity. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot are testaments to the winery’s dedication to quality and the full expression of each grape’s character. Each bottle from L’Aventure is not just a beverage but a story of land and labor, a narrative told through each sip of their meticulously crafted wines.

Two of the samples in our flight (different specimens picked by the vintner) impressed us enough to purchase. We used to love finding wines priced around $10 at tasting rooms, but those days are long gone. These days, anything over $50 is out of our league unless it’s exceptional. Then I have to get down on my antique knees and beg Anne to sell one of the many jewels from her crown to cover the cost.

    • The Estate Rosé. We’re not fans of rosés because they’re often fruity and sweet—a holdover from the Mateus days. Not so in this case. L’Aventure’s rosé was dry and drank more like a chardonnay. We paid less than $30 for our bottle.
    • The Cote A Cote Red Blend. We were impressed with the complex hints of dark cherries and chocolate and how the terroir came out in this wine. I thought the tannin aftertaste was harsh but would mellow with age. This bottle sells on the north side of $50.

After our early morning tasting at L’Aventure, we left with a couple of bottles that caught our fancy and some good memories. The rosé was a pleasant surprise — not too sweet, how we like it. And the red blend? It was rich and bold, even if I think it’ll taste even better with time. With our wine adventure off to a great start, we were ready to grab a bite and gear up for the next round of tastings. Next week, I’ll tell you about our visit to Justin’s, a place you might know from your local store. But until then, don’t forget to check out my website < Jim’s Web Page> or my Fine Art America page <FAA Page> to see this week’s photo in full size.

Till next time, keep your spirits high and your humor dry
jw

Techniques: Mastering Natural Framing in Landscape Photography

This week’s photo at L’Aventure showcases a classic compositional technique: natural framing. Like curtains on a stage that focus the audience’s attention on the performance, the rows of vines guide the eye toward the central barn. Flanking the barn, the sloping hill on the left and the dark green oak trees on the right mirror each other, encasing the scene in a verdant embrace. This draws the viewer’s gaze to the heart of the image and adds a layer of depth, making the barn appear as the show’s star. Natural framing is a powerful tool, subtly suggesting where to look without overt direction. In vineyard photography, where every element tells a part of the story, such frames are the unsung heroes, providing structure and focus to the landscape’s natural beauty.

And About That Speck in the Sky

You might notice a speck against the clouds if you squint at this week’s photo. Let’s set the record straight — that’s not a smudge on your screen or a rebellious dust spot I missed in post-production. That, my friends, is a turkey vulture soaring high above the vineyard. These discerning birds of prey are known to patrol the skies over Paso Robles, perhaps keeping a watchful eye on the ripening grapes or just searching for their next meal. It’s nature’s quality control, though I’m happy to report they’ve yet to dip down for a taste test of the vintage. They may have a keen sense for the exquisite, but thankfully, they leave the wine tasting to us mere mortals.

Vineyards in the Afternoon Sun Temecula, California

Vineyards in the Afternoon Sun
Vineyards in the Afternoon Sun – On a clear January afternoon, the sun adds a warm glow to a Temecula Vineyard.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve shown you pictures of Riverside County’s idyllic countryside and recounted the story of my last visit and how much things have changed. So, I hear you asking me, “You and Queen Anne drove four hours to Temecula for wine tasting. Get on with it.” OK. Put the gun down; I surrender. As you can see, this week’s photo—called Vineyards in the Afternoon Sun—is finally a vineyard shot, so let’s talk about the wine and why they can produce fine wines in the otherwise hot and dry Southern California Desert.

Temecula Wine Country in Southern California covers over 33,000 acres and boasts over 40 wineries producing world-renowned wines. The region’s ideal grape-growing conditions are due to its Mediterranean climate, granite-rich soil, and unique geography shaped by the San Jacinto Fault Zone and the Santa Ana Mountains. The area’s rich history dates back to the indigenous Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the first to plant grapevines and make wine in the region.

The Santa Ana and San Jacinto Mountains—the snow-covered mountain in last week’s shot—offer stunning natural scenery and are popular destinations for outdoor recreation; they were formed due to tectonic activity associated with the San Andreas Fault system. Despite being part of the same geological formation, they have distinct differences in their ecology and climate. Today, both mountain ranges are home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, making them an essential part of Southern California’s ecology.

Temecula, Southern California’s wine-growing region, owes its distinct wine flavors to its terroir, a combination of soil, climate, and topography. The region’s decomposed granite and clay loam soil provides the ideal conditions for grape growing, while the warm weather and ample sunshine result in rich, full-bodied red wines and fruity white wines. The region’s topography creates a range of microclimates that influence grape flavor, with vines planted on steep slopes producing concentrated flavors and those grown in the valley producing fruit-forward wines. Sustainable farming practices and high elevation contribute to healthier grapes and complex flavors.

Temecula’s wine country has a rich history, with Spanish missionaries planting the first grapevines in the late 1700s. However, it was in the mid-1960s that the modern wine industry began to take shape. Today, Temecula is a bustling tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to taste the region’s award-winning wines and soak up the stunning scenery. Visitors can also explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy countless opportunities to taste some of the region’s finest wines.

In January, Queen Anne and I had the pleasure of embarking on a three-day adventure in Temecula Wine Country, and it was an absolute blast! The rolling hills, endless vineyards, and charming tasting rooms with picturesque outdoor patios immediately struck us. From the moment we arrived, we were swept up in a boozy frenzy that we won’t forget. Despite increasing anties, we indulged in incredible wines, taking in stunning views of the valley and experiencing the utmost charm of each unique tasting room we visited. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience, but a word of caution: after a glass or five, be sure not to drive. I strongly encourage you to visit this stunning region and toast its past and future success. But remember to snap some photos for your social media feeds – after all if you don’t post about it, did it occur?

Flower Barrels - A vintner has repurposed old wine barrels as flower pots along the patio.
Flower Barrels – A vintner has repurposed old wine barrels as flower pots along the patio.

As usual, you can see a larger version of Vineyards in the Afternoon Sun on its web page by clicking here. Next week’s chat gets even more specific when we review the last tasting room on our tour. You won’t want to miss it.

Till next time

jw