Team C&J
San Francisco Chronicle – There’s Been A Historic Shift In What Californians Are Drinking
A very interesting article by Ester Mobley and Nami Sumida. The charts show how much of a clear drop-off there has been in Wine consumption in California. But the bottom line is that people aren’t drinking less, just differently. From the article:
This increased spirits drinking was enough to tip California’s overall alcohol intake to a higher rate than it was pre-pandemic, despite the lower levels of wine and beer consumption. These numbers seem to complicate the California wine industry’s perception that people aren’t drinking as much as they used to. In fact, the data here suggests that people may just be drinking differently.
Decanter – Château De Beaucastel Completes Radical €12m Cellar Project
We can’t wait to visit here next summer. The new winery and cellar build started in 2018 and will have a grand opening in May of this year. The benefits of this project seem to be a bargain for the cost. Here are some key takeaways from the article:
The Robb Report – Penfolds Grange and La Chapelle Team Up for a Limited-Edition Wine Collaboration
This partnership between two top wineries from France and Australia has resulted in a one-of-a-kind, delicious Syrah-Shiraz blend. Why not. From the article:
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago and La Chapelle owner and winemaker Caroline Frey are longtime friends. They came up with the idea to blend their products over—what else?—a glass of wine after meeting at the Vinexpo trade fair in Bordeaux many years ago. And though both prestigious businesses produce coveted vintages, the resulting bottling is somehow far greater than the sum of its parts.
You won’t find it on a store shelf anywhere: The tightly limited bottling is being sold directly to customers (at $2,500 apiece). Those who miss out will be pleased to learn that the 2022 and 2023 vintages are already bottled and resting in the Penfolds museum under Gago’s watchful eye.
Or you can buy a bottle of Penfolds Grange Shiraz for $500 and a bottle of Domaine de la Chapelle Hermitage Rouge for $370 and get two bottles of what should be pretty much the same wine for about $435 a bottle. Just a thought.
Robb Report – Why Winemakers Are Trading Their Wood Vats for Glass Globes
The headline is a bit misleading; no one is trading in anything. But they are adding this vessel into the mix for fermentation and aging. From the article:
Oak barrels from France were only introduced to Napa Valley around 50 years ago, and in the years since, we’ve heard a lot about alternative vessels like amphora and concrete eggs. The latest tool used by winemakers to show off the pure terroir of their grapes is the Wineglobe, a 100 percent glass orb to vinify and age wine. Introduced in 2015 by the Paetzold family in Bordeaux, Wineglobes are used today by around 500 wineries around the world, including about 20 in the United States.
Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles, CA
Bianchi Winery offers a range of tasting experiences, all designed to let you explore their lineup at your own pace. Tastings range from $35 to $80, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. No matter where you choose to sit, you’ll be treated to sweeping vineyard views and plenty of fresh air.
One thing to note: Reservations are required, so don’t just show up expecting to snag a seat on a whim. Plan ahead, and you’ll be rewarded with a leisurely, well-paced tasting that showcases everything from silky reds to refreshing whites.
2019 Bianchi Reserve Bdx Red Cuvée 94 Points $80
With only 315 cases produced, this wine is a limited find that rewards those willing to give it a try. Whether you’re a Bordeaux enthusiast curious about Paso Robles or a California wine fan looking to explore something new, this bottle is worth opening now—or holding onto for a few more years. Just don’t forget to give it a good 30-minute decant to let the full spectrum of aromas and flavors unfold.
Wine like this reminds us why Paso Robles continues to make waves in the wine world. And with Todd Weiher’s thoughtful, vineyard-first approach behind each bottle, Bianchi Winery proves it’s not just riding the wave—it’s helping shape it.
2018 Bianchi Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc – 92 Points $80
The 2018 Bianchi Vineyards Cabernet Franc is deep garnet in the glass. The nose is ripe with dark pitted and berry fruit like plums and raspberries. An interesting bouquet of white pepper, chalk, and verdant grass follows the dominant fruit aromas.
The palate of this wine really asserts itself. A good Cab Franc is an austere mix of spices, like the white pepper we picked up, ripe berries, and notes of bell pepper. We also found green olives, old leather, minerality, chalk, and the slightest touch of dark chocolate.
Somm’s Kitchen in Paso Robles, CA
Somm’s Kitchen is one of those rare dining experiences that manages to be both educational and incredibly fun. Chef Ian Adamo has created a space where food, wine, and storytelling collide in the best possible way.
The food is inventive without being fussy, the wines are world-class, and the atmosphere feels more like a dinner party than a restaurant. The Chef’s Counter Experience offers incredible value, especially compared to the steep prices of other chef’s tables in wine country.
If you’re planning a trip to Paso Robles, make this a priority. Book your seats early—word about Ian’s culinary magic is spreading fast. We’ve already added Somm’s Kitchen to our must-visit list for future Paso Robles trips.
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