Personalities
Neil Roberts
Owner & Winemaker, Clavo Cellars
Our story began in the vineyards of El Paso De Robles, California; with one of the best known viticulturists in California, Neil Roberts. Neil has over 20 years of experience in the wine industry throughout California’s many appellations. His career may have started with the Mondavi family, but it truly began when he got the chance to express himself and his knowledge through Clavo Cellars. In 2004 Neil made the decision to create his first wine label.
The name Clavo was given to Neil by the Mexican-American field workers he worked very closely with during his time with Mondavi. This nickname was a symbol of acceptance and respect. When it came time to name his brand, there was no question.
All of the vinification and aging of the wines are done with a consistent set of standards. We try to pick balanced fruit at harvest. We like to showcase true ripeness to express the full potential of each varietal. In keeping balance we maintain a high amount of natural acidity and slightly softer tannins. When vinified we try to maintain the fruit the vineyard gave us. We enjoy a clean ripe representation of what Paso Robles offers. When aging the wines we used mostly 1-2 year old French oak barrels. The Malbec and Syrah have some new French oak. All of the reds have 20% new French Oak Puncheons.
He created Clavo Cellars with the intent to showcase the many qualities of the Paso Robles Appellation. Neil believes wine is grown in the vineyard and simply maintained in the cellar. Through Neil’s primary business, Roberts Vineyard Services, he manages over 1,600 acres of vineyard from the southernmost part of Monterey County down through Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo.
Neil has chosen to use only fruit from the vineyards he manages to insure quality from the ground to the glass. Clavo focuses on varietals that flourish in the microclimates throughout Paso Robles. With access to some of the best vineyard sites on the central coast of California we have created a brand that truly focuses on the best that our region has to offer.
