Capturing the Essence of Paso Robles

Developing a consistent, distinctive wine style takes many years. In 2001, when Robert Hall was first introduced to Don Brady by a mutual acquaintance, the two men walked the vineyards to discuss their vision of what the new winery being built on Mill Road, just off of Highway 46 East, could produce. Robert hired Don Brady as winemaker on the spot with the comfort of knowing that they shared a vision of working with a focus on the vineyards to develop the best wine possible.  

Don Brady has been perfecting the portfolio at Robert Hall Winery for the past twelve years to create a product mix that reflects the best of Paso Robles. At the heart of the portfolio is the Cabernet Sauvignon accounting for over 40% of the winery’s production. While other Bordeaux varietals and blends can be found in the mix, it is the Rhone blends that take second place in importance. The estate vineyards have over a dozen different Rhone varietals and clones planted. These can be found blended in wines released at price points for every day drinking.

Working with fruit from the same vineyards has enabled Brady to develop a consistent house style that is elegant, food friendly, balanced and age worthy. “It takes time to really understand a vineyard and what it can produce. With twelve years sourcing from our estate vineyards and vineyards where we have had long term partnerships, I have been able to learn what each vineyard block will deliver and know how to finesse that into something special in the winery. As a winemaker, my top priority is high quality fruit and as a result I spend a great amount of my time in the vineyards.”

The focus on vertical integration from vineyard to bottle, while continually perfecting both vineyard and winery techniques, has paid off. What was essentially an unknown brand in 2001, is now a healthy, well received one in national distribution with a case production in excess of 60,000 cases. Core wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah can be found in retail outlets and chains such as Trader Joes’, while specialty wines such as Orange Muscat and Vintage Port made from estate grown Portuguese varietals are also in national distribution. A few of the limited production wines such as Grenache Blanc and in some vintages Cabernet Franc and Grenache can only be found in the tasting room. The wines have received top honors in competitions including the 2010 Golden State Winery award for highest metals at the California State Fair.

Stop by the hospitality center located at 3443 Mill Road in Paso Robles for a taste of wine produced from the surrounding vineyards. During your visit you will discover the essence of Paso Robles captured in each sip. Phone (805) 239-1616 or visit roberthallwinery.com for additional information.