The Cincinnati Bailliage held a much-anticipated Paul Hobbs wine event at the Ohio Valley Wine & Beer Company on the evening of January 22nd. The event was organized by Vice Echanson Mary Horn and Vice Echanson Honoraire Mike Monnin with assistance from Bailli George Elliott.
Paul Hobbs’ brother, Matt, was the guest speaker of the evening. He currently serves as the sales manager of the mid-central US region and export manager for Canada and the Caribbean. Members were greeted with glasses of Crocus Malbec de Cahors 2012 and passed appetizers from Funky’s Catering. Once all had arrived, Mondiale members were seated at several long tables of eight with wine flights placed elegantly in front of them.
Matt Hobbs positioned himself in the center of the room and relayed personal, humorous, and informative stories about growing up with his brother Paul and their nine brothers and sisters. While enjoying Mr. Hobbs witty anecdotes, members sampled Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Hobbs’ California vineyards as well as Malbec from Mr. Hobbs’ ventures in Argentina. These wines were elegantly paired with a sumptuous buffet prepared by Michael Forgus, owner of Funky’s Catering.
The jewel of the evening was the Paul Hobbs Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 which paired beautifully with a churrasco style bistro filet. Comments from members echoed the feeling that this event represented the perfect Mondiale gathering; wine that is a “cut above” shared with well-crafted food in the presence of good friends.
Graig Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse