Tag Archives: Jim Shumate

May Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoPomar Junction Cabernet Forward bottle imagePomar Junction
2014 Cab Forward
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Bordeaux blend is an opulent wine that delivers notes of licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, blackberry, and spice, combined with incredibly silky tannins.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Merlot
pH: 3.60
Residual Sugar: 0.26%
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard: Paso Robles
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 30% New Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 158
Accolades: Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; 94pts The Somm Journal.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“Cab Forward is a Reserve blend of our best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. This wine honors the railroad heritage of the Merrill family. Excellent aging potential.” – Jim Shumate

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography
© Photo by Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
© Christina W. – Pomar Junction Vineyard

Bold wine Style logoPomar Junction Reserve Cabernet bottle imagePomar Junction
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Everything you desire in a Cabernet Sauvignon! Ripe blackberry and black currant flavors with a hint of pencil and cigar box in the mid-palate. It pairs perfectly with a peppercorn New York steak.

Analysis: 15.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: El Pomar District AVA
Vineyard: Pomar Junction Vineyard
pH: 3.62
Residual Sugar: 0.33%
Total Acidity: 7.1%
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 35% new oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 164
Accolades: Double Gold San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made entirely from Estate Grown grapes. It was handpicked from the hillside portion of the vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. Yields were limited to produce an intensely dark-hued wine. As is typical from this vineyard, the wines maintain complexity while remaining a soft mouthfeel. As always, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon features our favorite barrels from the cellar. The ripening for previous vintages carried well into the late fall, typical of this vineyard which experiences the afternoon breezes and climate effects of the Templeton Gap Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Jim Shumate, Winemaker

VINEYARDS:
Made entirely from hand-picked, estate-grown grapes, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the hillsides of their vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. It takes patience to grown this varietal on their ranch as it often is not picked until late October, nearly a month later than a typical Eastside Paso Robles vineyard. The cooling Templeton Gap breezes moderate the summer temperatures and combine with their Linne Calado soils for idea Cabernet growing conditions.

Jim Shumate_Winemaker

© Jim Shumate

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011.  Read more >

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here >

© Information and photos from Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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Pomar Junction Brooster

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Asian Steak Skewers

© Photo by the Recipe Critic

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1 red onion
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • sliced green onions for garnish
  • skewers

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut steak into one inch cubes. Cut the red onion into large chunks and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, vegetable oil, sugar, ginger and sesame seeds. Add the steak and toss to coat in marinade. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meat and the red onion onto the skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes until the meat is done to desired liking.

© Recipe courtesy of Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomarJunction_2018BroosterPomar Junction
Brooster Fighting Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The “Brooster Fighting Red” Blend is an approachable red wine that is medium-bodied with spicy accents. It highlights flavors of red cherry, plum, berries, caramel and black pepper with hints of spice and oak. This wine is excellent on its own or paired with a casual meal.

Varietal: 30% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Grenache Noir, 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
PH: 3.48
TA: 6.1 g/L
Production: 1715 cases
Aging: 18 Months, Neutral Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate

 

 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“In homage to historic and traditional Paso Robles table wines, it is approachable with domesticated red cherry and plum flavors with just a hint of oak. This style of wine is reminiscent of Zinfandel blends commonly produced before the days of “over the top” ripeness and high alcohol levels. Caramel, black pepper, and a hint of minerality add complexity to this affordable red wine. It is accessible via the convenient Stelvin screw-cap and its bright, colorful package is a big hit in restaurants. It goes with many lighter foods that heavier red wines might overwhelm. It is sure to give you something to crow about!” – Jim Shumate, winemaker

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Located in the El Pomar District in the heart of the Paso Robles AVA, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is family owned and operated by the Merrill Family. Here, they grow premium grapes, focusing on small lot, food friendly wines with sustainable vineyard management techniques. The winemaking experience is further enhanced by their Head Winemaker and Cal Poly SLO Enology Professor, Jim Shumate. Learn more about the Merrill Family and Jim Shumate here.

© Photo by Pomar Junction
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction

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Pomar Junction Sidetrack White

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Peach Chicken Ricotta Pizza

© Photo by Liz Andrew / Styling by Erin McDowell

Grilled Peach, Chicken and Ricotta Pizza

INGREDIENTS:

  • two 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 peaches, halved
  • 1 red onion, peeled
  • extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • one 8-ounce ball of store-bought pizza dough
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil leaves, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Brush the chicken breasts, peaches and onion with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. 
  2. Grill the peaches and onion until they are charred and tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Grill the chicken until it is cooked through, 9 to 11 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Thinly slice the peaches, onion and chicken; set aside.
  4. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough until it is ½-inch thick. Place the dough on a baking sheet and top with the ricotta, peaches, onion, chicken and Parmesan.
  5. Bake until the crust is golden and crisp, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. 

© Recipe courtesy of Erin McDowell from Pure Wow.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Silky styleSide Track White wine bottlePomar Junction
Sidetrack White
Paso Robles, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The Sidetrack White is a blend of Rhône grapes grown in the El Pomar District of Paso Robles, California. On the nose, there are scents of white peach, spiced pear, and orange blossoms. The palate is well balanced and tropical.  This wine can be enjoyed on its own or enhance various meals.

Varietal: 50% Viognier, 35% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc
Region: El Pomar District AVA
Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
Brix: 24.2
PH: 3.52
TA: 7.0 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.61%
Production: 888 cases
Aging: 5 months in 10% new acacia wood, 90% neutral oak
 
ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here.
 
PASO UNCORKED: Click play below to hear Pomar Junction’s winemaker, Jim Shumate, speak about the El Pomar District with The Krush 92.5 FM.
 
 
 
 
Rachel Lomeli Photography www.rachellomeli.com

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography

 

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August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Roast Beef & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese

Roast Beef Smoked Gouda Sandwich

© Photo by Running to the Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, coarsely chopped
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1/4 pound sliced roast beef
  • 3-4 ounces smoked gouda, sliced

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and sage.
  3. Toss to coat all the onions in the butter, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the onions sauté slowly for 30 minutes, only stirring very occasionally. After 30 minutes they should be nice and caramelized.
  4. Use the remaining tablespoon of butter to spread on one side of each slice of bread.
  5. With the buttered side facing down, layer half the cheese slices on top of the bread.
  6. Next lay the roast beef on top of the cheese.
  7. Spoon some of the onions (you may have extra) on top of the roast beef.
  8. Top the onions with the remaining cheese and then the other slice of bread with the buttered side facing up.
  9. Transfer the sandwich to a skillet over medium heat.
  10. Press the sandwich down using a large spatula and hold pressure on it so that the cheese melts. After about 2 minutes, flip the sandwich over and repeat. The first side should be a nice golden brown. Alternatively, you could use a panini press for this if you have one.
  11. Once the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove from the skillet, cut in half and serve up with your bowl of soup!

© Recipe courtesy of Gina Matsoukas from Running to the Kitchen.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoSidetrack RedPomar Junction
Sidetrack Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Sidetrack Red is a proprietary blend highlighting the distinct flavors from the El Pomar District of Paso Robles. It is vibrant, deep and rich in colors, with aromas of plums, blueberries, red roses and caramel. On the palate, there are notes of berries, dark chocolate, and spices.

Varietal: 44% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 1% Grenanche Noir
Region: El Pomar District AVA
Analysis: 14.08% alcohol / volume
Brix: 24.5
PH: 3.54
TA: 6.6 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.40%
Production: 1235 cases
Aging: 9 months
Critical Acclaim: Silver Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Food Pairings: Roast beef, cabernet braised cabbage, gouda & cheddar cheeses
 
WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Pomar Junction Vineyard has a unique terroir, as our limestone soils, cooling Templeton Gap breezes and expert sustainable farming techniques (SIP Certified Vineyards) combine to produce this outstanding wine. The Sidetrack Red makes a fantastic, food-friendly wine.” – Jim Shumate, winemaker.
 
ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Dating back at least eight generations, the Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes on California’s Central Coast since the 19th Century. Originally, the family was growing grapes for other wineries in California – from premium small producers to large international brands. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. Learn more here.
 

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