Hospice du Rhône is an absolutely amazing event celebrating the world of Rhône style wines. Sadly, the event stopped in 2012, BUT made its way back home to Paso Robles this year. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until we wandered the event on the Friday of the two-day event.
Seeing all those familiar Rhône faces from literally, all over the world…it kind of felt like going home.
So here’s what we participated in on Friday:
9:30am – 10:45am Seminar One: The Intricacies of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
11:00am – 12:15pm Seminar Two: Washington Rhônes – State of Address
12:30pm – 2:30pm Rosé Lunch with Chef Spencer Johnstone of Danior To Go
3:00pm – 4:00pm Private Trade and Media Tasting
My favorite two things of the day were the Châteauneuf-du-Pape seminar run by Rhône wine king, Jeb Dunnuck, and the Rosé Lunch. Jeb put together an amazing presentation with absolutely superb wines and the lunch was amazing.
Here’s what we tasted in the first seminar:
2010 Domaine de la Font du Loup – 55% Grenache, 25% Mouvedre, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault
2012 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne – 60% Grenache, 10% each Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise, Mouvedre
2012 Domaine de Cristia – 100% Grenache
2010 Domaine Bois du Boursan – 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise
2010 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe – 65% Grenache, 15% Mouvedre, 15% Syrah
2012 Domaine du Pegau – 85% Grenache, remaining Syrah, Mouvedre
2012 Clos du Mont Olivet – 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mouvedre
2011 Le Clos du Caillou – 60% Grenache, 40% Mouvedre
2012 Domaine de la Mordorée – 80% Grenache, Missed the rest of the blend.
2010 Domaine de la Janasse – 85% Grenache, 10% Mouvedre, 5% Syrah
These wines were so fascinating; such depth and range of flavor. It was interesting to taste so many wines from the same region with such diversity and they were all excellent in their own right (sidenote from Annie). I’m primarily a Paso Robles and California wine drinker so this was such a delicious tasting through Châteauneuf-du-Pape. My favorites out of these were the Domaine de Cristia, Domaine Bois du Boursan, Domaine du Pegau, and the Le Clos du Caillou. These wines ranged in price from roughly $50.00 all the way up to about $120.00. Well done to Jeb Dunnuck, your passion for Rhône is clear.
Here’s what we tasted at the second seminar:
2015 Rôtie Cellars – Southern White, Washington (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne)
2014 Rôtie Cellars – Northern Blend, Walla Walla Valley (Syrah, Viognier)
2014 Tenet Wines – The Pundit, Columbia Valley(Syrah)
2013 Tenet Wines – Tenet, Columbia Valley (GSM)
2013 Gramercy Cellars – John Lewis, Walla Walla (Syrah)
2013 Gramercy Cellars – Lagniappe, Columbia Valley (Syrah)
2013 Force Majeure Vineyard Grenache Estate
2013 Force Majeure Vineyard Syrah Estate
I’m not going to get into the full story of Washington wines but if you want to geek out…go learn about it. From the West to the East side of the state is very different. The history and impact of the Missoula floods on the Washington terrior is absolutely surreal. Mindblowing, actually.
I enjoyed these wines for how different they are from Paso Robles. I’ve had Gramercy before but the other two labels were new to me. Great tasting and truly interesting information.
The Rosé Lunch is amazing because…um….Rosé. The lunch menu consisted of:
Foie Gras Royale and Brioche – Raspberry and Rosé Champagne Gelee, Pickled Mustard Seeds, California Sea Salt
Snap Pea, Morel and Spring Arugula Salad – Fromage Blanc, Mint, Green Garlic Vinaigrette, Toasted Pasticcios
Grilled Vegetables – Local Asparagus, Young Potatoes, Romanesco
Grilled Skuna Bay Salmon – Dill Créme Fraiche
Whole Roasted Pig – Onion Jus
Pan d’Oro Breads – Fresh Churned Butter
Dessert Choices – Assorted California Cheeses, Strawberry and Rhubarb Crisps, Buttermilk Custard, Chocolate and Salted Carmel Tart
There is absolutely nothing I can say negatively about the lunch. It was done beautifully and we tasted roughly eight or so Rosés. Quite literally, this is my heaven. Well done Chef Spencer and the crew.
Big thank you to all who participated, all that helped put the event together, and HUGE thanks to John Alban, Vicki Carroll, and Faith Wells. This is the one event that always expands my wine knowledge outside of Paso Robles and allows me to converse with other Rhone wine lovers from around the world. A very unique and special event. We were thrilled to see it back in Paso Robles.
Please enjoy the slideshow…there’s a ton of great stuff in there, including some of the wines we had at the Media Tasting.
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