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Janell Dusi, Justin Baldwin and Jason Haas and Tablas Creek – Oh my!
As a wine lover, attending the “Paso Robles Pioneers” Wine Tasting at The Taste in Los Angeles with three true wine pioneers on the panel was “delicious”:
- Justin Baldwin, Founder, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery
- Jason Haas, General Manager, Tablas Creek Vineyards
- Janell Dusi, Owner & Winemaker, J Dusi Wines
We got to taste two wine samples from each of the three winemakers, beautifully displayed along with a brochure well designed to take copious notes on each wine (which, unfortunately, I didn’t – sorry!)
Wines sampled (from left to right):
- Tablas Creek 2009 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc
- JUSTIN 2009 JUSTIFICATION
- J Dusi 2009 Dante Dusi Zinfandel
- Tablas Creek 2009 Esprit de Beaucastel
- JUSTIN 2008 ISOSCELES
- J Dusi 2007 “Haute Haute Haute” Zinfandel Port
The three winemakers specialize in three different varietals: J Dusi – with Zinfandel; Tablas Creek – with Rhone grape varietals; and JUSTIN – with Bordeaux blends. I learned a lot in this session, including that Paso Robles is now the third most popular wine growing region in California! After learning how these winemakers can make incredibly different but delicious wines, all from the same region, I’m beginning to understand why.
Tablas Creek and Rhone Varietals
With Rhone, where do I begin? I’ve blogged before about how much I love Chateauneuf du Pape … when Wine Rapper Justin Warner rapped about it at The Taste:
And when I learned about the Hospice du Rhone (HdR) festival that occurs every April in Paso Robles (this year will be their twentieth anniversary for the event so I’m sure it will be extra special).
But, before The Taste, I wasn’t familiar with Tablas Creek who is known for Rhone varietal wine. Where have I been?
Jason Haas Tablas (background)
Jason Haas, their General Manager, shared some of its history. His winery is jointly operated between his family and the Perrin family who run Château de Beaucastel in France. Tablas Creek imports fresh cuttings of key Rhone varietal grapes from the French estate and plants them at their vineyards in Paso Robles. The Paso Robles location was chosen because it shared many of the characteristics of the Perrins’ Rhone property (limestone clay soil, Mediterranean climate).
Well, Jason, I hate to say it, but you had me at “Beaucastel.” Being a longtime Chateauneuf du Pape fan, I’ve seen that name many times on menus which offer the varietal. And, yes, I’ve enjoyed a few immensely. So, any “friend” of Beaucastel is a friend of mine. I also learned that you serve on the board of directors of the Rhone Rangers – another reason to like you!
Jason also writes a popular wine blog, the Tablas Creek Blog, which has been a Wine Blog Awards finalist for “Best Winery Blog” every year between 2008 – 2011. As a fellow food and wine blogger, Bravo! Believe me, I know how hard it is to blog – even about subjects you love. I’ve subscribed to the blog and will list it on my Blogroll now as well.
JUSTIN – and Bordeaux Blends
I’ve long been a fan of JUSTIN and, specifically the two wines we tasted (JUSTIFICATION and ISOSCELES). I knew its founder, Justin, was a wine legend with the likes of Robert Parker naming him one of his “Wine Heroes of the Year” and the “Star of Paso Robles.” So, it was great to meet meet him at this event.
Justin Baldwin, Founder of JUSTIN.
I also learned a few new things about JUSTIN … specifically, about their Guest Chef Dinner Series where they invite some of America’s most celebrated chefs to the winery to prepare a dinner, paired, of course, with JUSTIN wine. The next Dinner will be October 21st with Chef Ris Lacoste, Executive Chef of Georgetown’s 1789 Restaurant. Hmm, amazing chefs and JUSTIN wine … think I’d want to go?
J Dusi and Zinfandels
Janell began making wine with her grandfather, Dante Dusi, and launched her own label, J Dusi, in 2006. The Dusi focus is Zinfandel. I’ve long admired the Zin. When I’ve been lucky enough, Turley has rocked my world. Interestingly, Janell told us that her vineyards supply Turley with some of their grapes. After tasting the wines she provided, I can see why. I even liked the Zinfandel Port tasting and I don’t typically like Ports … maybe the name of it got to me (“Haute Haute Haute”).
Janell Dusi, Winemaker, J Dusi Wines.
I asked Janell about the rise in popularity of the Zin (personally, I think Zins may be the new Pinot Noir … and Pinot was, as we know from Sideways, the new Merlot … perhaps, as the Panel discussed, how Paso Robles may be the new Santa Ynez). Janell feels it’s partially due to Zins becoming more “Pinot” like, more subtle, and not as “big.” Basically, easier and more enjoyable to drink with more types of food and circumstances.
Paso Robles Dining … Of course, being the crazy foodie that I am, I was really interested when someone in the audience asked about the best restaurants, in their view, in Paso Robles. They mentioned Artisan and Il Cortile. I’m definitely putting these on my to-try list when I go up to the Hospice du Rhone Festival in April.
Winemaker DeathbedFood … Finally, I had to ask what would make their lists.
Jason’s? A simple roast chicken with a vintage 20 year old Chateau de Beaucastel Chateaneuf du Pape. Jason, I’m 100% with you on that wine choice.
For Janell and Justin? Interestingly, they both said pizza! Justin would pair his with a $400 Bordeaux. Meantime, Janell shared how she’d pair hers with a Zin (surprise!) in this video:
So, many wine thanks to The Taste planners. I learned about some great new Zins, Rhone varietals and got to enjoy my favorite JUSTIN wines – all in one sitting. Cheers!