Tobin James: Local Boy Makes Good Wine

Back in May, Kevin and I popped open a bottle of the 2005 Tobin James Dreamcatcher Muscat. We enjoyed it - I can't find my detailed notes, only scribbles (I lost my wine notebook) - but it was light, refreshing, and loaded with fruit and flowers. Our score:

Yesterday, an email from Tim Shumrick (Chateau Pomije) unintentionally reminded me that I'd planned a specific post around that particular wine. You see, Tobin James has a Cincinnati connection.

Back in May, I asked Tim for a quick run-down on the Cincinnati connection:

Toby is my younger brother. He moved out to Paso Robles about 25 years ago to work with Gary Eberle when Gary was the winemaker at Estrella River Winery - before it became Meridian. Gary left to start Eberle Winery and Toby went with him.

Toby worked at Eberle for over 10 years, then went to Peachy Canyon with Doug Beckett. He made the first 2 or 3 vintages there before heading out on his own. The rest is history.

My favorite quote from the email?

I’m not sure how much more you need or how much I can really tell you because when he comes into town we don’t talk a lot of business; we’re too busy drinking wine.

Well, my guess is that Tim is pretty busy drinking wines, but he's sharing. Toby is in town and Chateau Pomije's Casual Friday tasting features Tobin James Winery. It's a great opportunity to meet a local winemaker who followed his dreams and enjoy our wonderful weather out on the Chateau Pomije deck. And in case you're in the buying mood, Toby will be signing those bottles.

Chateau Pomije
2019 Madison Road
O'Bryonville, OH 45208
513.871.8788
5:30 - 8:30
Drop by anytime
$15, includes appetizers