November 2020

Vintage Twenty-Five

2020: Cancer. Covid. Chaos…..and very grateful for wine!

What an ‘interesting’ year it has been. Wow. It is hard to put into writing the were a huge factor in CA again this year, and our hearts broke for our winery
gamut of emotions this year has brought – it has been a rollercoaster to say the peers in Napa & Sonoma. The massive smoke drift that blanketed Paso for a
least. Without a doubt, staying strong and overcoming adverse situations has few weeks was high enough in the atmosphere that it did not impact our
become the theme this year, and something we are all grappling with. vineyard – but we know so many were not as lucky. Then to top it off, a huge
Speaking of overcoming adversity – a few words on Braden’s blast of heat beginning late August was relentless over a span of 6 weeks and
progress…..when I began to write this newsletter, he was thriving, happy and ignited a harvesting frenzy to get the grapes off the vines before it all became
making amazing progress since finishing chemo treatments for his Hodgkin’s raisins. Tanks and bins became overflowing with fruit, bringing us to the
Lymphoma diagnosis in January. However, he has just had a setback. Last tipping point of running out of space for everything, and it just became a
week we learned that his cancer has returned, and he will need further, more dizzying set of circumstances that further added to the insanity of this year.
aggressive treatment at this point. As a family, Interesting to note - the blazing heat at harvest time is
we are heartbroken to receive this news. He has reminiscent of the 2017 vintage – and that ended up
trained so hard these past several months to get being one of our most favorites! This summer also
back in shape so he could return to the football brought a huge transition with our office staff and the
field, but that looks uncertain at this point. past 2 months have been especially challenging to say
Nevertheless, this 18 year-old son of ours has the least as we are now without 2 key team positions.
been a HUGE inspiration to us for the way he So – we take all these things that have occurred, and
has tackled his medical challenges head on and we simply move forward. All we can do is keep
never EVER gives up. Braden and his undaunt- working hard and continue to forge ahead! This
ing determination has been our bright spot in an September marked a huge milestone, we released a
otherwise incredibly difficult year. NEW label – called Sibling Rivalry. This project
This summer we made a big decision for our began with our boy’s imagination and their desire to
family and moved both the boys out of the Paso experience what they saw their Dad doing all the
school district and into Bakersfield Christian High School. Braden will mark time. This project started when they were aged 7 and 9. Along with Dad’s
his Senior year at this wonderful new school, and Bryson is now a Sopho- doting assistance, they both harvested, fermented, cellared and eventually
more. As a family, we were all buoyed by the opportunity to experience new bottled their OWN blend of wine. Each wine’s distinct flavor profile perfectly
beginnings and make new connections. As for Brock and I, we are looking expresses their personalities. This project was a labor of love that took a long
forward to establishing a Brochelle presence in Bakersfield. There are SO time to get to completion, and we are excited to officially release the Water-
many wonderful Club Members and customers who live there! So when the man Boy’s project to you all!
time is right, we will embark on finding a secondary venue where we would I wish we could include in this newsletter the plans and events to come in
be able to connect with everyone in the Bakersfield area. 2021, but at the moment, obviously no one has clarity of vision for what lies
Over the past 8 months, operating a business in one of the strictest states for ahead. So, we take today and enjoy it for what it is. I think many will concur
Covid regulations has also been quite daunting to say the least. Our new key that one solid takeaway of 2020 is clarity on what really matters. Health,
word around here is PIVOT. We have had to pivot so many times, I lost family, friends – seizing the moments when they appear – making the most
count! We are still mandated to serve customers outside, but after creating our out of what we have right here, right now. We are SO grateful and comforted
cozy patio area, and with our recently installed heaters, I must say we’ve by your support this year, and we hope our “bottled love” brings you comfort
made lemonade out of lemons. We have been absolutely blown away by the as well. Connected to each other by fabulously fermented grape juice – we
support from everyone, from the steady stream of visits to our little “tasting stand together with you and enjoy every drop of that grape juice……taking
patio”, to the purchases made online, to your Club Memberships – everything! life one day at a time.
We have taken solace in the fact that indeed, we are all going through this To all of you, we raise our glass to your health, happiness, and perseverance in
together, and there is a comfort in forging ahead into these uncertain this incredibly challenging year. As we reflect on the past 11 months, we are
times…..together. We have been humbled to have a place where people have overwhelmed with gratitude, and as we focus more on the blessings that 2020
felt comfortable spending their time these past few months. I think in general, has brought, we wish you all nothing but the best now, and forever!
just doing things that bring back any semblance of normalcy is what brings us
all joy at this point! Truly - we are forever thankful and grateful for your
continued support! Chrs! – Bro & Mie
The things that have transpired in 2020 easily qualify this as one of the most
surreal years in our lifetime – how to make sense of it all? The summer fires

805.237.4410 | [email protected]
Ta s t i n g L o u n g e : 2 3 2 3 Tu l e y C t . # 1 3 0 , P a s o R o b l e s , C A 9 3 4 4 6
ANNOUNCING:
NEW LABEL – SIBLING RIVALRY
Inaugural Release!
$85/ea or $150/set

We are excited to announce this extremely limited wine duo. Conceived from a big desire to follow in
Dad’s footsteps, these 2 wines began their journey when at 9 years old, Braden grabbed a bucket during
the 2011 harvest and all on his own, began picking grapes for “his wine”. Not to be outdone, when
7-year-old Bryson got wind of this, he quickly followed suit and began picking his own grapes! This is
a culmination of thoughtful creation and after several years of cellar aging, we proudly introduce our
sons’ creative collaborative project: Sibling Rivalry.
***All of the proceeds from these wines goes directly in to their College Funds, with a portion set aside
for their favorite charity.

Wine Club Customer Service

805.237.4410 x 2 [email protected]
 COOKING WITH CAROL
We love the beginning of Autumn — one of our favorite food & wine seasons of the year! Fall means comfort foods and bold red wines.
The meals of Autumn feel warm, cozy, and nostalgic. Creamy casseroles and hearty meat dishes followed by indulgent desserts…what
could be better? With the holidays soon upon us, we asked Carol our resident Sommelier, to share her most favorite holiday menu.
Thanksgiving almost always includes a roast turkey, Christmas includes honey-glazed ham, Hanukkah centers around beef brisket and
latkes, and Kwanzaa celebrates with spicy Créole and Acadian dishes. However, with 2020 being such an unusual year, Carol suggests
you indulge in this less-predictable menu that can be enjoyed on ALL holidays. Every dish is perfectly paired with Brochelle wines!
Appetizer Mom’s Cranberry Pudding
Baked Brie with Granny Smith apples - serve with assorted crackers, Mom’s family is Welsh. In the UK, a steamed cake is referred to as a
Wine pairing: Brochelle Bubbles “pudding”
• 1 cup molasses
Main dish and sides: • 1/2 cup hot water
Braised Beef Short Ribs (recipe included) • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mixed Mushroom Risotto • 2 teaspoons baking soda
Grilled Hearts of Romaine • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Assorted breads with fresh butter •2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries
Wine pairing: Brochelle Foothill Series Cabernet or Estate Zinfandel
Directions:
Dessert: Steamed Cranberry Pudding with brandy sauce (recipe included)
Wine pairing: Abakos Late Harvest Zinfandel Pour yourself a little Abakos Late Harvest Zinfandel and get started!
Blend the first four ingredients thoroughly. Stir in the cranberries and
Chris’s Braised Beef Short Ribs flour. Use a pudding ring if you have one, otherwise 1-pound metal
With 8 siblings in his military family, food had to be hearty and plentiful. coffee tin works great. Butter the tin thoroughly, and place mixture
These ribs fit the bill! inside. Wrap tightly in heavy foil.
Ingredients: On your stovetop, bring a large pot of water, about 4 inches deep to a
About 5 pounds beef short ribs simmer (not a full boil). Place the tin in the water and steam for 1 hour.
½ pound bacon, sliced and chopped Let cool a few minutes, then unmold. Serve warm with brandy sauce –
Salt & pepper enjoy!
1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence 1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Olive oil 2 cups sugar
1 each, large yellow onion, carrot, and rib of celery, chopped 1 cup butter
2 cups Brochelle Foothill Cabernet ¼ cup brandy or Cognac
1 cup Beef Broth 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions: Bring all ingredients to a soft boil for about 2 minutes, pour over
First, pour yourself a glass of Brochelle Foothill Series Cabernet to enjoy! cranberryy pudding.
p g (try
( y not to eat upp all of the sauce first!))
Brown the bacon in a big cast-iron
skillet or pot. Season the ribs with Note:
te: Recipes for the Baked Brie, Grilled Hearts of Romaine and Mixed M
Mushroom
salt, pepper and herbs then sear them Risotto
otto can be given by request. Just email [email protected] and ask!
in the bacon fat until they are
browned and slightly crusted. Place
all other ingredients in the pan, and
place in a 275◦ oven for about 2 1/2
hours, basting every 30 minutes until
the meat is extra tender.

Wine Club Customer Service

805.237.4410 x 2 [email protected]
Sibling

Rivalry
two brothers. two grapes. two wines.
Winemaking is a family affair for the Waterman boys. What
began as a father’s late-night musings while passing the time during
the grueling hours of harvest work turned into a full-blown rivalry
between two brothers. Brock had a strong intuition that each son
would eventually come to him with a desire to make their own wine,
but he just could not predict in his mind when that might happen.
During the harvest of 2011, Braden was 9 years old and helping in
the vineyard picking Zinfandel grapes with his own tray when Brock
suddenly realized Braden was keeping his grapes separate from the
main bin trailer. It became clear that there was an ulterior motive
in motion. Almost simultaneously Bryson, age 7, eager to get in the
game, also picked up a little bucket and started picking grapes of his
own too! Then the very next day, Braden announced that he also
wanted to pick some Syrah to compliment his freshly harvested
Zinfandel grapes the day prior. This decision spurred Bryson into
action and he quickly hatched his own plan. He begged to stay
home from school so he could pick some of the Petite Sirah grapes
he had heard his Dad rave about for so long, and a rivalry was born!
In the ensuing days, a fierce competition began to unfold – the
boys began keeping tabs on each other: who picked the most
grapes by filling up their bins the fastest and who had the least
leaves in them. It didn’t stop there…..the competition thrived and
escalated into who could sort through the fruit as it went into the
crusher the quickest, who had the strength to do more punch downs,
and who thought they chose the best barrels in the winery first.
The brothers would come into the house after a long day of work with
bright, purple-stained lips from sampling their freshly harvested and
crushed fruit. One can only imagine what their conversations were.
Over the last decade, the two boys have maintained this fierce
sibling rivalry. This early interest in winemaking became an
unyielding passion for their individual wine projects, but
each understood that neither could have prospered without
learning from each other and strengthening their brotherly bond.
Finally, the competition to create their own wines is over - or is it?
Now, it’s your turn to join the rivalry. . .
Braden's rivalry
55% Zinfandel
45% Syrah

THE BROTHERS
Braden Waterman made the wine at age 9, released at age 18.

THE WINES
55% ZINFANDEL - Brochelle’ s flagship varietal, Zinfandel takes the lead on
this blend, with lively tangy cranberry, simultaneously sweet and tart.
There are darker flavors of brambly blackberry and hints of holiday spice.
45% SYRAH - Ripe strawberry jam, followed by smoked bacon, this Syrah is
showcased by the oak much as a painting is displayed in a beautiful wood
frame.

THE BARRELS
Braden chose heavily toasted French oak barrels from Nadalie Cooperage.
These barrels impart spicy and grilled aromas. Nadalie is a leading French
barrel maker, founded more than a century ago by Auguste Nadalié in
Montpellier, France. Through 5 generations to this day, Nadalié continues to
be family owned and operated.

TASTING NOTES
This wine displays a soft yielding texture with a glossy smoothness. It is elegant
and palate coating. There is a big hit of dried dark fruits melding together
with smoky woodsy aromatics. It is artfully blended to reveal the youth and
vibrancy of Zinfandel and the complex depth of Syrah. This is a perfect
reflection of the young winemaker himself.
Both brothers hand-picked their own fruit from our Estate Vineyard. Each
aged their wines for 18 months in French oak barrels, and only 45 cases of each
wine were produced. Both wines were bottled in 2011 and have been aging in
the cellar with great anticipation ever since. Despite these similarities, as with
brothers, their wines are as different as can be!
Besides fulfilling their shared desire to personally experience what they have
seen Dad do every harvest since they were born, this very intimate and special
project will fulfill 2 very meaningful goals as well. Proceeds from these wines
will go straight to their college funds, and to their favorite charity. We hope
you enjoy the boy’s journey from grape to glass!

"like branches on a tree we grow in different directions,

yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will be
a special part of the other.”
Bryson's rivalry
61% Zinfandel
39% Syrah

THE BROTHERS
Bryson Waterman made the wine at age 7, released at age 16.

THE WINES
61% ZINFANDEL – Zinfandel is the highlight in Bryson’s blend, bursting with
zesty cranberry and ripe raspberry laced with a hint of spice.
39% PETITE SIRAH – This component is assertive and bold, and adds a deep
chocolate flavor and inky lushness, combined with a firm tannic structure.
The dense clinging texture is unforgettable!

THE BARRELS
Bryson chose medium-plus toasted French barrels with toasted heads, which
supports the fruit with intense aromatic complexity from the cooperage
Dargaud & Jagle. D&J is a 3rd generation family that sources wood staves from
17 separate producers in France. Seasoned for 36 months with the wood stacks
are sorted and restacked midway through the seasoning. This specific barrel
has become a favorite flavor complement by many talented winemakers.

TASTING NOTES
In this wine you will experience an essence of brown sugar and caramel,
candied red fruit and wood smoke. A seamless integration of both varietals
elevates the finished wine with a supple roundness and velvety texture
expressing the young winemaker’s heart.
Both brothers hand-picked their own fruit from our Estate Vineyard. Each
aged their wines for 18 months in French oak barrels, and only 45 cases of each
wine were produced. Both wines were bottled in 2011 and have been aging in
the cellar with great anticipation ever since. Despite these similarities, as with
brothers, their wines are as different as can be!
Besides fulfilling their shared desire to personally experience what they have
seen Dad do every harvest since they were born, this very intimate and special
project will fulfill 2 very meaningful goals as well. Proceeds from these wines
will go straight to their college funds, and to their favorite charity. We hope
you enjoy the boy’s journey from grape to glass!

"like branches on a tree we grow in different directions,

yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will be
a special part of the other.”
 Brochelle Vineyards NEW RELEASES 2020 - FALL Tasting Notes
2019 Santa Maria Chardonnay
Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard, Santa Maria
SOLD OUT! $32 2017 Cabernet - Foothills
Calaveras County, Sierra Foothills
$47
A long growing season in the cool Cottonwood Canyon of Santa Maria allows fruit to ripen In 1848, people from all over the globe migrated to California’s Sierra Foothills in
slowly but fully, delivering fresh tropical fruit flavors with bright acidity! A Brochelle search of gold. Many planned for a long stay and planted vineyards. Those old vines
tradition, this unique Chardonnay is fermented and aged in three different vessels. With are now producing one of our most fragrant wines, and a favorite among Brochelle
vanilla and toasty oak notes from French barrels, creamy texture coaxed from concrete fans. Profound cherry cola flavors balanced by a hint of mint make this flavorful,
aging, and bright fresh fruit flavors preserved in stainless steel tanks, this is a Chardonnay full-bodied Cabernet one to enjoy over and over again. 2 years aging in 100% French
to enjoy on every occasion! oak, along with 9 months of bottle aging, gives this Cabernet a smooth texture and
~ Drink now through 2022~ 95 cases produced tannins that are firm but ripe and linger forever on the finish.
~ Drink now through 2035~ 190 cases produced

2018 Zinfandel $36

Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District
2018 Silk $55
Amazingly consistent from year to year, the 21st vintage of our flagship Zinfandel is “Happi- Zotovich Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, Lompoc
ness in a Glass” — juicy, jammy and fresh! The most versatile wine we produce is the perfect Silk sums it up nicely! Fine and lustrous texture from plump ripe fruit is sourced from
patio wine; easy to enjoy on its own or paired with your favorite hearty steaks fresh from the an area where cool marine air brings the grapes to full maturity and to maintain great
grill. Red fruit flavors of cranberry and cherry followed by spicy notes on the back palate acidity. The resulting wine is richly flavored yet fresh and bright. Red fruits dominate
are completed with supple and silky tannin on the finish. the palate, followed by subdued savory olive and a spicy finish. Tannins are polished
~Drink now through 2030~ 1200 cases produced
and create a well-structured wine. Stunning clarity and ruby color sparkle in the
glass. 62% Grenache,38% Syrah
~Drink now through 2032~ 75 cases produced
2018 Syrah $47
Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District
A triad of barreling in French, Hungarian, and American oak create rich savory aromas of
roasted meats and ripe red and black fruits. Complex and concentrated, this wine is nearly a 2018 Luxe Cuvee
Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District
SOLD OUT! $55
meal on its own! Ripe blueberry and strawberry balance with smoky bacon on the mid-palate
and are followed by a prolonged dry finish, and fine tannins. Though less well known than it’s Rhone siblings Grenache and Syrah, Mourvedre is
~Drink now through 2032~ 187 cases produced gaining in popularity in the Paso Robles area. For Luxe Cuvee, Mourvedre aged in
American oak is skillfully blended with Grenache and Syrah aged in French barrels.
Floral notes compete for attention with earthy aromas of tobacco and leather. Berry
2018 Petite Sirah SOLD OUT! $62 and cherry flavors evolve into savory green olive and toasted walnut. Polished tannin
provides a long silken finish. 53%Mourvedre, 28%Grenache, 19%Syrah.
Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District
~ Drink now through 2032~ 50 cases produced
This wine is massive — full-bodied, intense, and very satisfying. Espresso, dark chocolate
and vanilla swirl, along with savory smoky meat aromas. Understated fragrance of rose petal
harmonizes with well-developed tannins and glossy texture, making our Petite Sirah a
perfect after-dinner-by-the-fire wine. 18 months of aging in primarily Hungarian oak, with a
smaller percentage of French barrels.
2018 Grenache
Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District
SOLD OUT! $50
~Drink now through 2032~ 75 cases produced
Limited release, ultra-premium wine from only 400 Grenache vines planted on our
Estate. Fresh red strawberry and cherry, meld with hints of savory black licorice.
Tender rose petal aromas and a light smoky finish make this wine complete — and
2017 Cabernet – Paso Robles
Tachovsky Vineyard, Templeton Gap
SOLD OUT! $47 irresistible! Hand-selected fruit matures for 18 months in American oak barrels.
~Drink now through 2032! 75 cases produced
Paso Robles’ ‘Templeton Gap’ AVA is a special place. Cool marine breezes bring moist air
through the gap, providing the long ripening season necessary for slow-ripening Cabernet.
Fruit-forward with brambly blackberry and blueberry flavors. Our Cabernet matures for 2
years in 100% French oak for toastiness, a bit of spice and a smooth texture. Nine additional
***NOTE: These wines were recently bottled and optimal flavor profiles
months of bottle aging provide for softer, more developed tannins.
~Drink now through 2035~ 215 Cases Produced will be achieved after a short period of resting time before consumption.

805.237.4410 2323 Tuley Ct. Paso Robles, CA 93446 [email protected] www.brochelle.com

 Brochelle Vineyards NEW RELEASES 2020 - Tasting Notes
EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITION AVAILABLE ONLY IN
XXI ANNIVERSARY CUVEE SOLD OUT! $75 CLUB SHIPMENTS
Taste the passion! 2019 marked Brochelle’s 21st year of hand crafting premium wines. Each
year winemaker Brock Waterman selects the barrels he considers of the highest quality and 2018 Zinfandel - Ridge Top Reserve $62
creates a special cuvee, and each year is one-of-a-kind. The 21st Anniversary Cuvee is Brochelle Estate Vineyards, Adelaida District
comprised of 29% of our flagship Zinfandel, 20% Grenache, and smaller percentages of Syrah, Selected for the ultimate flavor, the choicest fruit from the estate vineyard grows on the
Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Alicante Bouchet. Only 300 bottles of this Ridge Top. Dry rocky soil drains thoroughly, producing small berries that are intensely
very special, collectible wine were produced. flavored! 100% French oak aging for 18 months grants more nuanced flavor, silken texture,
~Drink now through 2030~ 300 bottles produced and unforgettable aromas.
~Drink now through 2030~150 cases produced
2019 Reserve Chardonnay $55
Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard, Santa Maria
A truly special wine — Only 300 bottles of this creamy, elegant and expressive Chardonnay
2018 Hard Luck Zinfandel
Hard Luck Vineyard, Paso Robles
SOLD OUT! $45
were made. The long, slow summers in Cottonwood Canyon allow the grapes to reach ripe The old vine “Hard Luck Vineyard” was once nearly barren of fruit but years of care and
maturity and produce a golden wine overflowing with tropical flavors of guava and pineapple. gritty determination have brought it back to healthy production! A very limited offering for
7 months in a single French Oak barrel adds more creamy texture and subtle vanilla notes. Wine Club Members — Zinfandel that is fleshy and juicy along with the complexity granted
~ Drink now through 2022~ 25 cases produced
by older vines. Aged in French and American oak barrels, you’ll discover vanilla and spicy
undertones, and a pleasant tannic grip.
ABAKOS NV Late Harvest Zinfandel $50 ~ Drink now through 2030~ 85 cases produced
Brochelle Estate Vineyard
From 2009-2018 Brock picked Zinfandel late in the season to achieve the highest level of
ripeness. Every autumn, the new harvest is added the previous, and ten years later, we have a
2018 Reserve Syrah $62
multi-faceted, incredibly complex Late Harvest Zinfandel called Abakos, from the Greek word
Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District
"Abax" —meaning a tablet or calculating table, invented about 3000 BC, it was the first device
The Brochelle staff favorite! Limited fruit selection from tough soils produces a singular wine
to assist in human calculations. Abakos is a careful calculation of TEN incredible Zinfandel
from tiny grapes that are loaded with big flavor. Dark plum, dark chocolate, and smoked meat
vintages — enjoy!
~Enjoy now and for many years to come! ~ 100 Cases produced
flavors are layered with subtle spiciness. Polished glossy texture, refinement and sophistica-
tion and a gentle tannic finish make this a wine deserving of a special occasion. Aged for 18
months in French oak.
2017 Brochelle PINK Bubbles $32
Lake Clement District, Lodi ~ Drink now through 2032 ~ 90 cases produced
Let the party begin! This sparkling rose offers crisp stone fruit and red fruit aromas, and
flavors of fresh strawberry. The energy and vibrancy of fine bubbles will tickle your taste
buds. A marriage of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir bring forth gorgeous flavors and rich body 2017 Reserve Cabernet $62
which strike the perfect balance on the palate - not too dry and not sweet – this is the perfect Tachovsky Vineyard, Templeton Gap
pink for your pleasure. Create our signature ‘Brochellini’ by adding a splash of Abakos to This wine is all about pleasure! Hedonistic richness, bold flavor and glossy texture are
your glass and enjoy! gracefully balanced in this extraordinary Cabernet. Black fruit flavor coats your palate and
follows with ripe soft tannin.
2017 Brochelle Bubbles $32 ~ Drink now and until 2035~ 75 cases produced
Lake Clement District, Lodi
Méthode Champenoise produces high-quality sparkling wine known for its creamy flavor and
tiny bubbles. Brochelle Bubbles brut style blanc-de-blanc is made entirely from Chardonnay “It is with our most sincere gratitude that we thank you for
using this method. Bright and refreshing, this wine is flavorful with the crispness of apple and your enjoyment of, and membership in our Wine Club. We
the soft ripeness of nectarine. Your palate will tingle with tiny bubbles! A perfect sparkling
truly hope you enjoy our latest efforts in the cellar.”
wine for any special occasion, or simply to brighten your day!
- Brock & Michelle

805.237.4410 2323 Tuley Ct. Paso Robles, CA 93446 [email protected] www.brochelle.com