Paso Robles has always had a special place in my heart.  As a teen, I spent many summers in the playful waters of Lake Nacimiento, and all the while knew nothing of the delicious fruits that blessed the region. Then in the mid 90’s, as a novice bartender, I had the pleasure of tasting a then fairly unknown wine from Paso Robles…Justin.

The wines were described as Bordeaux style blends, one right bank the other left and their names respectively were Isosceles and Justification.  At the time I did not quite understand the terms of right and left banks, but I knew that the lush fruit inside these bottles were rich and delicious.  The red wines of Bordeaux generally consist of 5 primary varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, and Malbec.  Left bank wines usually feature Cabernet Sauvignon as the heaviest percentage in the cuvee, where right bank tends to lean towards Merlot.

The Justin story begun in 1981 when Justin and Deborah Baldwin planted their 160 acre property on the West side of Paso Robles.  The plantings were mostly Bordeaux varietals with an emphasis on Bordeaux-style blends and single varietals, combining Old World tradition, with New World techniques. They are known as the first to produce this style of wine on the Central Coast and today are recognized as a world leader in that category.

Since my introduction to Justin Wines, I have been a standard bearer for their label.  Their wines have followed me to every restaurant since my introduction to them.  Proudly I can boast that the tradition continued when I came to Saddle Peak Lodge.  On Thursday, August 12^th, Justin Wines will make their second visit, as we will be hosting them for a wine dinner.  Chef Adam has created a wonderful menu featuring those delightful Bordeaux blends while our Pastry Chef Kasra Ajdari is pairing the very limited production Deborah’s Delight for what is sure to be an amazing and delicious event!

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