Robert Hall Winery
Robert Hall moved west from St. Paul, Minnesota, landing in Paso Robles, California nearly 3 decades ago. “Paso” as it is often referred to, lies 20 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Cool breezes flow from the Santa Lucia Mountains after a hot day, offering ideal growing conditions for many wine varietals. The diurnal temperature swing can be as much as 50 degrees or more (meaning day time highs can exceed 100 degrees and nighttime lows can be 65 degrees or less!). The winery boasts over a dozen varietals grown on their 173 acre estate- with various micro climates and soil types.
Robert Hall’s story is one of passion. Hall moved to California in the early 1990’s and founded the winery in 1999 with his wife Margaret. They grew it to the fifth largest winery in the region, complete with an updated production facility, and massive tasting and hospitality center, as well as acres of underground caverns-with an annual production of around 85,000 cases. Hall was always considered a self-made, hard-working man. In addition to the winery he had several other investment businesses, but the family lived at the winery estate. Hall was well into his 80’s still walking the vineyards with his crew. He earned a reputation for producing distinctive wines from Paso, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Rhone varietals. The winery earned accolades from the trade such as Winery of the Year in California, and continues to show growth. Hall passed away at 85 years of age in 2014. Margaret continued to run the winery with Don Brady at the helm of winemaking. Don had been a partner to the Hall’s since the beginning. Don Brady helped establish Paso Robles as an American Viticultural Area in 1983, and helped to create the unique style that the region is renowned for. The Hall family sold the winery to O’Neil Vintners in 2016- O’Neil is the seventh largest wine producer in California by volume. O’Neil is a family owned and operated business, and Margaret Hall agreed there were no greater stewards for Robert Hall Winery. O’Neil provides winemaking services for many wine makers in the industry at their facility in Fresno, and produces several labels of their own. Call us or stop by to try out any of these wonderful selections from the Paso Robles region.
Robert Hall Viognier features honeysuckle blossom and sweet spice aromas, with flavors of white peach, apricot and tropical fruit. A pleasant lime zest hint on the finish. I give it three bones!
Robert Hall Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of green apple and citrus and lemongrass. Refreshingly dry with crisp acidity. I give it two bones!
Robert Hall Chardonnay features apple and lemon peel aromas with a hint of vanilla spice. This wine is rich from gentle oak aging; flavors of poached peach and butterscotch. I give it two bones!
Robert Hall Merlot has aromas of ripe black cherry with hints of cedar. The palate is dark plum and black cherry fruit with a velvety finish. I give it three bones!
Robert Hall Cabernet Sauvignon has intense dark ruby color with a core of black currant and hints of cedar along with cocoa aromas. Dark chocolate and anise with rich velvety tannins on the finish. I give it three bones!
Take a trip through the region of Paso Robles with these fine selections from Robert Hall Wines. Remember, we have curbside pick up, just give us a call. See you soon.
By Brunello Giancola as told to CRBrown
