Doce Robles Winery & Vineyard

Jim Jacobsen and his wife Maribeth are third generation family farmers from Fresno county. When peaches tanked, they went to almonds, and when that dropped, they opted for raisins. Then in the early 90s, the raisin market shrivelled up. Having an interest in wine, and some familiarity with Paso Robles, the couple figured that if they could grow raisin grapes, they darn well could grow wine grapes. Fortunately, they chose the west side of Paso, where they began planting in 1996. Initially, they sold most of their fruit to neighboring wineries like Grey Wolf Cellars, and Dover Canyon Winery, the latter of which made a lovely wine called “Jimmy’s Syrah.” Over the years, Jim became not only a renowned grower, but quite a talented winemaker in his own right.

Yet, even though this small, very hands-on family winery off Highway 46 produces a variety of well-made wines from the estate vineyard, Jim Jacobsen has a continued passion to explore varietals he is not currently growing. Originally purchased to make his signature Bordeaux blend called Robles Rojos, Jim became fond of the flavors and aromas of singly fermented Cabernet Franc. So he decided to bottle a 100 percent version of the grape in 2005. What a lovely nose this wine has: it’s filled with ripe, gorgeous raspberries and vivacious violets. Then it floods the palate with lithe fruit, big raspberries and cherries, racy ginger and hints of cilantro. This is a very fine example of Cabernet Franc and one that will age beautifully for many years to come.

Reviewed May 23, 2008 by Laura Ness.