Search Results for: dotto

Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico: From Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa to Zanzonico Wines in Ensenada

January 25, 2019 by evebushman

A few weeks ago I shared some news in my weekly Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter that I’m still struggling with:

Wine News: I recently learned that longtime Del Dotto winemaker Gerard Zanzonico is moving off to Ensenada, where he has already been making wine, and moving into the role of consulting winemaker for Del Dotto. While Gerard holds a permanent place in my heart as one of the first winemakers I’ve interviewed, and continue to interview every year or so, I do understand that winemakers have to retire like everyone else. He’s invited Eddie and me down to his home to work on his memoirs – we’ve joked about doing this for years – so at least it’s not goodbye just yet. #SadFace

Eve in Del Dotto caves with Gerard. Photo by Ed Bushman Feb., 2012

So, long story short (if possible!) I reached out to Gerard to find out more about his work in Ensenada. I learned that he’s been making wines for MD Vinos, and already has four years under his belt as a Baja California winemaker. What seemed like a shock was already experienced territory for Gerard, he’d obviously had four years to get used to the idea.

“Not retiring but changing directions…I will have my own brand Zanzonico Wines and consult for MD vinos in Ensenada…(making) probably two more wines (for them).”

Loving the sound of Zanzonico Wines I pressed Gerard for more info. He would be making a Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Nebbiolo. About 1,000 cases in total so he could “still have fun.”

Gerard and his wife Patricia “bought a nice place looking over the ocean just north of Ensenada (with a) separate Casita” for my husband and me to get “comfortable” in once they are settled, and have a full tasting and tour of the Guadalupe Valley. Gerard said we “would love the experience.” Well this invitation did soften the blow of him leaving Napa!

Over the years I’d learned a lot about Gerard, with him starting his career as a cellar rat at Chateau Montelena during the Judgment of Paris. I remember asking him what it was like, after the tasting brought such fame to the winery and he said – and I’ll never forget – “We were too busy working hard and having fun to notice!” (Here was one of the reasons I love to visit Gerard. He may be at one of the most amazing properties in the Napa Valley, hosting club members with tastings, dinners and bungalow visits – but he was just so down to earth and natural to be with.) It was with that one sentence that I knew Gerard had a story to tell, and we’ve been chatting for years about him doing just that. Looks like he’s been working on drafts of his story in Ensenada, and “with your help maybe can finish it off.”

As far as what will change at Del Dotto Vineyards, I learned that Robbie Meyer will take over the day-to-day winemaking duties though Gerard will come in every three months for two weeks at a time, for at least three to four more years. I look forward to meeting Meyer and tasting with him at some point in the future.

So, that about covers it. Except that over the past ten years or so we had several tastings, these are the articles I could still find on the Internet, though I know there are more. If you are interested in learning about Gerard I suggest you take a peek:

March 2012 Elite Magazine: The Unique Beauty of Napa

October 2013: This is What We Chose and Why – The Upcoming Napa Trip

December 2013: Tasting with Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico and Winery Owner Dave Del Dotto = Priceless

October 2014: Visiting ZD and Drive By Del Dotto

September 2015: Vintage Eve Circa 9/2015: Old and New Finds at Del Dotto and Regusci

September 2017: Napa 2017 After The Fires: Del Dotto

Lastly, from Gerard, “Thanks for all your support over the years…many fond memories of tasting, sorting and being together. Always loved the photo of us walking into the cellar at Del Dotto…Gerard.”

So, Ensenada anyone?

MD Vinos

Or Napa?

Del Dotto Vineyards

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2015: Old and New Finds at Del Dotto and Regusci

November 27, 2018 by evebushman

After visiting the PureCru wine bar on the first night of our recent trip to Napa Valley we spent our second day tackling a wee bit more: Regusci Winery, Hall, Del Dotto and Vintner’s Collective. The first and last stops were not planned, but happy circumstances brought us to them. (This is the album of our trip.)

Tasting DEL DOTTO VINEYARDS “The Beast” behind the curtain, in the dark recesses of the caves, with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico

We thought we were starting at Hall at 10a.m. and found out the day before, no, we were to be there at 11. My friend “Double E” had made me a fan of Regusci Winery, by way of her wine club allotment that she generously shared, so we made a detour from Highway 29 over to the Silverado Trail to visit the nearly 200 year-old winery.

We were greeted by three dogs, yellow Labradors I think, that framed the driveway. Once we parked we walked up a short walkway, past a display of farm fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, to a lovely building filled with a welcoming wine tasting room staff.

Tasting Regusci

We started with a 2013 Chardonnay that had spent 14 months in American oak and had a very tart lemon-lime Sauvignon Blanc flavor profile. It was fine, just not destined to be my all time favorite.

From there we sampled a 2012 Estate Zinfandel from 90 year-old vines. It was dark, bold and spicy with a medium length. A nice wine…but hold onto your hats.

Then we had the 2012 “The Elders” Cabernet Sauvignon that I had enjoyed at home recently – the wine is stellar.

But hold on, we then were given a sample of the 2011 “Patriarch” Bordeaux blend. This wine had it all: velvety dark rose petals, a bowl of dark fruit and dark chocolate on the nose was followed by a very dry, firm and balanced flavor profile. 99 Eve pts.

Gerard Zanzonico, another winemaker I disturbed from harvest for a visit, took a brief respite from crushing the sweetest Cabernet grapes I’ve ever had, to take us through a short tasting at Del Dotto Vineyards.

There really is nothing better than tasting with a winemaker, in the barrel room with a wine thief. And at Del Dotto, one of the most grand barrel rooms in Napa, this is wine lovers heaven. We stole past some of the other tasting groups to sample some of their best new selections.

We enjoyed remarkable samples of: Del Dotto Napa Valley 2013 Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Darnajou, French Oak Family Reserve, Connoisseurs’ Series to release in Fall 2015; Villa Del Lago 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, to be released February 2016; Del Dotto Napa Valley 2013 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Centre Sylvain, French Oak, South, Family Reserve, to be released Fall 2015; and a killer finale, the Del Dotto Napa Valley 2013 The Beast Cabernet Sauvignon, blend of all of their estate vineyards: Howell Mountain, Rutherford Estate, Oakville Vineyard, St. Helena Mountain, Vineyard 887 and Vista Del Lago, set to be released Fall 2015.

We reluctantly said goodbye to Gerard, promising to visit anytime – other than harvest! Maybe even for a glimpse of their latest property, Piazza Del Dotto:

Piazza Del Dotto is the latest winery and caves of the Del Dotto Family. Located in beautiful Oakville, Napa Valley, California. The Piazza in Italy is known for being the “hub of action”. Come enjoy the synergy of food and wine with your family and friends at the “Barchessa”, (Barn in Italian). The Barquessa is anticipated to open early 2016.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Napa 2017 After The Fires: Del Dotto

December 1, 2017 by evebushman

Been to visit Del Dotto Vineyards Estate almost annually for ten years now, covering their amazing cave tour and tasting for Elite magazine, Eve’s Wine 101 and the SCV Beacon. I have never had an experience like it: After entering the subterranean entrance, guests are greeted with expansive views of marble floors and Venetian glass chandeliers, a large tasting bar…and then you notice the private bars set up around the room, and a large curtain off to your right that, when opened, reveals the long path of barrels – many with different oak expression from different sources – and expectantly you’ll follow their guide and his wine thief to what will truly be a most remarkable tasting.

This time we started at the bar with a tasty sip of the 2015 Chardonnay from the Cinghiale Vineyard, a Family Reserve, while Gerard Zanzonico, Del Dotto’s winemaker of ten years, shared his stories on the recent fire.

#NapaFire

“All fires are now contained…just finished Harvest…415 tons of grapes…long year…fire effected many people and destroyed homes and vineyard land..569 homes were lost in Napa County…” Gerard explained. “In Santa Rosa there was 5,400 homes burned down, many commercial structures also (with a ) loss of $3 billion. Tourism is down and it is a good time to go to restaurants, etc. At times, it is hard to believe this happened.”

No Del Dotto employees lost their homes, though some of the grapes still hanging came back from the lab with “smoke taint” and therefore could not be used. During the fire roads were closed, however winery workers that wanted to (and were able to) come in worked with Gerard doing pump overs. The whole town was evacuated. Rumor is that the cost to rebuild homes in Santa Rosa has skyrocketed to $1,000 per square foot.

The Estate Tasting

As we followed Gerard into the caves we stopped to try a barrel sample of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 887 in French oak. We are the first to taste this according to Gerard – and there would be more than one first! Really got a nice flavor of black fruit and toasted oak. This would be one of many to watch when it’s released. We tried the same wine in a different French oak – Fouquet Margaux – here, as Gerard explained, the oak wasn’t as integrated. For me it was a bit less dark and brooding, and equal in quality, another to watch out for.

The wine thief then stole a taste of another we were the first to taste: 2016 St. Helena Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon in French oak. Gerard said this one had earned a full 100 points in the past from wine critic Robert Parker. (A full 50% of this Cabernet was destined to go into another grand Cabernet, The Beast.) This wine retails for about $200 a bottle, which works out to about 60k a barrel. Why would we need to know the cost of a barrel? As some people – a few – have purchased by the barrel.

Next came the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 887, currently on the market but with not much left. Big and balanced, and good to go. Destined to be a 100-pointer when reviewed.

The 2015 Oakville Vineyard Estate Cabernet in French oak has since been moved to a Piazza Reserve label (we would be tasting wine in a paired lunch there next). Gerard said his best wines come out of Oakville, and that the AVA produced higher priced wine. The south section is notably better than the north. He drops tons of fruit to make an intense wine for the 887 labels. This had more perfumy aromas to me, very welcoming.

Onto a sample of the 2015 St. Helena Mountain Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine also goes into the making of The Beast; making it more age worthy.

The 2016 barrel sample of the Villa del Lago Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon – the 2014 garnered 100 points – should be bottled and ready for release in February of 2019. Gerard said that “some of the best wines are from Pritchard Hill.” Their vineyard on the east side, which is near the lake, allows the grapes to be cooled off at night.

Winemaking

Most of these wines are only produced at between 12 to 14 barrels a year. They are either sold via VIP allocations or direct to consumer at the winery. They rarely sell wholesale to restaurants or stores.

Gerard focuses on the vineyard over the winery, “We grow the wine in the vineyard” as he walks his vineyards, manages the canopy, isolates the weaker areas, looks at the clusters – all in his effort to make the finest wine for the average $200 per bottle price tag.

The “winery work is a mathematical equation”, according to Gerard, while the vineyard doesn’t work that way.

The Piazza

Not as grand in size as The Estate but just as appealing, the Piazza focuses on food and wine pairing with seated tastings and two different menu experiences. When you arrive here you will notice the bright yellow two-story tasting room, rustic ceiling, fountain and gardens – which will soon be dwarfed by the caves, with large portals (what doors leading into caves are called) and a hospitality area currently under construction. Stay tuned, as caves will most likely open in phases over the next three years. The Piazza itself just opened in September of this year.

Entering the Piazza you will notice the large open kitchen on your right, the tasting bar on your left, another tasting area directly in front, and just outside the doors are several tables set up for the wine and food pairing experience.

Gerard took us upstairs where there were several seating arrangements for guests as well as a conference table set up for a large meeting and/or tastings.

Piazza Del Dotto Food and Wine Pairing

Chef Josh Schwartz, formerly of The Laundry and one of many chefs in Napa in the TKG (the “Thomas Keller Group” as jokingly referred to by Gerard) and sommeliers work together on two different menus. The four “Poppers” isn’t not what you think of when you think poppers, these are four small bites created for the sole purpose of pairings. The second menu is called the “Delicacies Tasting Menu.” We had samples from each that included a cheese and fruit plate; Maine Lobster Roll on Toasted Brioche paired with the 2014 Piazza Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard; Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef Piccoburger with Black Truffle paired with 2014 Piazza Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley and the 2014 Piazza Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon; and finally the sous chef presented Cabernet sorbet. It was both a grand experience and an enlightening one as we discussed how each pairing worked out.

Piazza Del Dotto Wine Tasting

The wine list currently includes tasting from the Estate as well as Piazza labels. The Chard mentioned above is made with California clones and is French oak aged. We also enjoyed a 2016 Rose of Pinot Noir from the Cinghiale Vineyard. A treat for me was a rather tasty and easily affordable $45 2014 Petit Verdot what was from St. Helena Vineyard. There are only about 200 cases of this wine, their first foray into Petit Verdot.

http://www.deldottovineyards.com/Visit

http://www.deldottovineyards.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Visiting ZD and Drive By Del Dotto

October 23, 2014 by evebushman

Our first day in Napa Valley took us (I was traveling with social networking maven Claudia Sheridan) several places — here are two that turned our heads.

ZD Wines

http://www.zdwines.com/wine

Assistant tasting room manager Chris explained that the winery practiced all organic farming, including from the growers they use. Having the benefit of long term leases from where they buy their fruit, they have nice relationships without owning the land. They also do their own bottling. (see notes below on the bottling.)

The founders’ initials are Z and D, and zero defects was the department the two worked in together as aerospace engineers. Both families were involved for awhile, however, since the 1980s the deLeuze family solely owns and operates the winery.

Tasting ZD

2013 Chardonnay – 45th Anniversary Vintage (Their flagship wine, from all over, 10 months in oak)

Blond oak, unsalted butter, Meyer lemon, steely; tangy, navel orange slices, medium acid, long oaky finish.

2012 Reserve Chardonnay – 16 months in oak.

More toasted oak aromas, white peach; bright acidic fruit, creamy, lingering.

2012 Pinot Noir, Carneros (what they were founded on in 1969, 10 months in oak)

Dried cherries, sweetness, stems and seeds; bright strawberry, tangy, finish never ends.

2012 Rosa Lee Cabernet Franc 100%

All Rosa Lee labels are one white and red that is never planned to be repeated.

Berry, jammy, wet bark; dry, tannic, taste buds standing up, refreshing for a dark red wine.

After the tasting Chris led us on a tour. You know me and winery tours, but I was surprised by two things at ZD: a library cellar with Pinot Noirs dating back to 1969 and Chardonnays dating back to the early 70s. The second surprise was the on-site bottling line. According to Chris most wineries use a bottling truck, however, to keep the control “in house”, they wanted full control of the bottling and labeling too. They only use the room five weeks a year and never bottle for others. And, of course, keeping in line with the way they do things, ZD also does their own shipping.

Del Dotto Vineyards

http://www.deldottovineyards.com

No visit to Napa Valley is complete without at least a Del Dotto drive by. Though I have visited winemaker Gerard Zanzonico almost every year since my first as press in 2008, my travel partner, Claudia Sheridan, hadn’t.

Gerard was in the midst of harvest and with heavy eyelids he still ran us through a quick end-of-the-day tasting of some his new 2013 wines in the ornate barrel room. (Gerard said the 2013 is going to be his best vintage – so get some!) We could tell, though these wines were going to see more barrel time before their release, the incredible rich fruit and oak influence in many, including the new Villa Del Lago Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, due to be released in February of 2016.

We also loved tastes of the 2012 Oakville Connoisseurs’ Series Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2012 Rutherford Estate “The David” blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Claudia was impressed. From the outside of the winery on highway 29 a first time visitor cannot tell what is waiting for them – down stairs. I’ve written about the entire “experience” before but I’m still awed in Gerard’s presence, and by the grandeur of Del Dotto.

Reluctantly we said our goodbyes, though Gerard thought I might want to come by and help sort grapes as I had briefly done once before…I so wished I could.

Facebook album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204030874999605.1073741881.1455706632&type=1&l=ef858e481a

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Tasting with Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico and Winery Owner Dave Del Dotto = Priceless

December 13, 2013 by evebushman

In this, maybe my sixth visit to Del Dotto, I knew winemaker Gerard Zanzonico had a plane to catch so I suggested we skip the barrel tasting and limit ourselves to whatever he had in bottle. So what did he do? He pulled barrel tastings and put them in bottles for us to taste. The only difference was we didn’t take the barrel tour with other guests in the Venetian-styled cellar. Nope, we had to be satisfied with our tasting at a gigantic table where we sat alongside Zanzonico, winery owner Dave Del Dotto and later, their new Salumist and Sous Chef, Tony Incontro. Can you imagine how this went? You don’t have to as I took notes:

l-r: Gerard Zanzonico, Eve and Dave Del Dotto

Loosely Based Dave Del Dotto Quotes

On Del Blotto: As people sometimes hit up to three wineries before their appointment at Del Dotto, we added food to the experience (salami, cheese, pizza, etc.), to keep people from getting blotto.

The New Facility: Ca’Nani means House of Dwarves, aka a Venetian fairy tale, aka Snow White. Now we’re going from Vegas to Disneyland, our newest location will be across the street from Mustards in Oakville, and it’s set to debut in August 2015. Wineries just might want to expand on the trends. As all three million visitors want to be entertained. One tasting room is successful, then I opened the second, and each has its own story behind it. This will be a new chapter in the book of wine.

For the trends, like wine and food pairings, our new place will be like going to a beautiful gourmet Italian garden. I want to build something that I myself would want to go to. And that means showing the beauty of Napa – so going outdoors will be the next step; I see gardens and mountains in the view, while sitting under an ancient fig tree and eating a two-day stew of wild boar, or a slice of pizza piping hot from an outdoor pizza oven; and all over great wine. Take the wine into the garden to eat. Then visualize more: an ancient Italian garden, people shaded by olive trees while watching food cooking before you.

Membership: (I had to ask again about their wine club) VIP club, $2,000 is first level and $5,000 is second level. Come taste with them and choose your wine a year in advance. Big difference is that the member selects the wine instead of the winery. It’s like getting fitted for an Italian suit. New members may be skeptical of the process until one year later and they get their tissue wrapped wines, then they remember the tasting a year ago, and they get it – that it really works and it really happened.

On Winemaking: Gerard is the master, Del Dotto just loves interacting and seeing how it all works out. 1000 hummingbirds getting the best flowers and the best nectars for their wines, that’s Del Dotto.

Zanzonico picks the grapes when the birds, not just the scout, come out of the tress to eat his fruit.

We are teaching the public about barrels and aging their wines. Zanzonico has been making wines here since 2006 and people can tell. There are no library wines at Del Dotto and they can’t sell to restaurants either as there isn’t enough.

Do I blend early or late? I believe you can sometimes ferment different varietals together – if they ripen at the same rate – so that they meld/marry. Giovanni 2013 was the first time they blended the two different grapes together. Like a good baseball team working together.

All mountain wines, like our Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, take a year longer than the valley floor. Theses wines are the “closer” or “hand of God” wines to drink at the end of the night.

The Beast, a blend of all vineyards, is a Parker favorite, though he didn’t know what was in it.

All of the 2011 vintages sold out, people are buying futures.

If you want to make high-end wine you have to spend time with the grapes.

As a winemaker you must pull out different notes from the vineyard.

Zanzonico does great tannin management, as he pays attention, “sorts the crap out of the grapes”, does gentle pump overs, uses all free run juice, never been to the press, no bruising, no breaking of the seeds, no stems…

Vines are all over 20 years old.

2012 Barrel Samples and Some Notes from Me, Zanzonico and Del Dotto

(These will be available summer 2014 and are now being presented to the consumer as futures.)

Sangiovese, planted 1990 in Rutherford, ages beautifully per Del Dotto. These, made on the valley floor, show beautiful balance. Will make their Giovanni Tuscan Reserve blend with this Cab.

Merlot, Sugarloaf Vineyard in Napa, firm, balanced, moving on schedule.

Merlot, Rutherford, Estate, Seven Rows, soft and rich per Del Dotto, different fruit profile.

Cabernet Franc, Sugarloaf Vineyard, bright fruit.

Cabernet Franc, Rutherford, Seven Rows, very well done for being so young.

887 Cabernet, front section, smoke and leather, redder fruit. (The section has more clay and less clusters)

887 Cabernet, south and front, nose is good to go, taste is fruity. Zanzonico blended these two together, Del Dotto joyously smacked his lips together while tasting, saying that he liked the fruit and earth components.

Oakville vineyard, north and south, blackberry juice, jammy.

Oakville, north, tannins.

St. Helena Mountain vineyard, block one, purple-black color, firm tannins.

St. Helena Mountain vineyard, block two, highly rated, green and dark fruit.

Rutherford Vineyard, north, clone seven, Margaux clones.

Rutherford Vineyard, south, clone seven, Margaux clones, ready to drink now.

Giovanni, 887 Cab and estate Sangio, 50% of each.

Howell Mountain Cab, east side, Los Pasadas, Del Dotto said Margaux clone, planted in white chalky earth, is the wine to have at the end of the evening. “Tiny berries need tiny treatment.”

Villa de Lago, Pritchard Hill, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, cult wine, Del Dotto said sweet berry fruit. Zanzonico’s favorite.

Salumi

About halfway through our tasting Del Dotto suggested we have some of their home-cured salumi and prosciutto, we declined as we were headed out to dinner after the tasting. A few minutes later their Salumist, Tony Incontro, walked by and Del Dotto suggested he join us in the tasting. Within minutes Incontro was regaling us in stories about his work, the pigs he had selected and the flavors of the famous Prosciutto di Parma he hoped to capture. We gave in. All excellent, I wish I had taken notes just on each.

Tony Incontro’s bio from The Butcher’s Guild:

Tony is the Salumist and Sous Chef at Del Dotto Winery, a family-owned winery which focuses on small production, premium wines. He has worked in many other indisputably fine establishments, including Perbacco & Barbacco, Martini House and Omaha Country Club.

Tony’s love affair with salumi started at age 8 when he would help his nonno from Calabria break pork and make salame in the garage during the winter. He is a “chef gone curer/salumist.” Primarily using Mangalitsa hogs and helping to preserve and promote this noble breed has become a vital “ingredient” in his work. Keep an eye out for Incontro Salumi in the bay area!

Vintage Eve Circa 2/14: Kym’s Kreations, Wine in Art

September 12, 2017 by evebushman

I’m sure the first time I was drawn to Kym and Ron Cappi was at a local wine event. We shared mutual friends and mutual interests, and they’ve since been to my home for dinner and my husband sees Dr. Ron Cappi for his chiropractic needs.

But this article isn’t about our friends or whatever ails my husband. It’s about me finding out that Kym is an artist.

It happened like this: Ron flew past me in his silver sports car on a road to Leona Valley Winery one afternoon. It was maybe the second time I had met them, and once I caught up to them at the winery I noticed something there that Kym had created. It was a cute little hand-painted dog bed made from a wooden wine box for the pooch that resided at the winery. (I wish I had room to put up all of Kym’s Kreations. Follow this hyperlink to see MORE: http://www.kymskreations.net/gallery.html )

Fast-forward a few wine-filled years and I’ve learned that my new pal has a painting business here in Santa Clarita. And she’s been very busy…but she took the time to do one of my 5-question Beacon interviews:

Eve: I’ve included your bio from your website (below) but what else do you want Beacon readers to know about you and your work? I found this on your Facebook and thought that what you wrote was an incredible testament to your compassion:

When buying from an artist, you’re buying more than just an object or painting. You are buying hundreds of hours of failures and experimentation. You are buying days, weeks and months of frustration and moments of PURE JOY. You aren’t just buying a thing. You’re buying a piece of my heart, part of my soul, a moment of my life. MOST importantly, you’re buying the artist more time to do something they are passionate about.

Kym: The above quote is from an unknown author that epitomizes my feeling about art and the creative process. My motto is “art from the heart…where passion meets paintbrush!”

Eve: Okay, for our readers, our very wine-y readers, besides canvases, cheer boxes, furniture refinishing, pet portraits and murals, what wine-themed items have you made?

Kym: First and foremost the personalized wine staves which are the mainstay of my “uncorked” line. I have also created custom hand painted wine and martini glasses. I created signs with hand painted wine quotes such as “I’m aging like a fine wine…I’m getting complex and fruity”, or my favorite for you is “I only drink wine on days that end in ‘Y’”. I can also paint custom wine carriers and cases.

Eve: The hand-painted barrel staves, your latest “Kreation”, are very popular! Have you got some positive feedback from your customers that you would like to share with readers?

Kym: Realtors are ordering them for their buyer’s new homes with an “established” date.

C.S send me a note saying, “ Can’t tell you how many comments we get from friends and family and how great they look!”

A.C. wrote “Bought one for a friend who had just bought a home, the owner who gave me ideas and Kym hit the nail on the head.”

Over the holidays one of my wine quote staves was the last give “stolen” at one of those gift exchanges, which I took as a great compliment since there were 20 other wonderful gifts they could have chosen from.

I have painted staves for wineries, also scotch drinkers and for home wine bars and cellars.

Eve: Is there a connection between your love of art and your love of wine?

Kym: I think there is definitely a connection between my love of art and my love of wine. As a fine vintner must put passion and care into every bottle and glass, I must do the same with my art. A winemaker must pick the right parcel of land for his vineyard, must walk the vineyard, inspect and pick the very best vines and grapes for the wine, and that is just the beginning of the process. As with art, I must listen to my clients find out what type of mural or art they desire, and make their words and ideas into a mural, canvas or stave. As the vintner takes the grapes and works them into wine, I take the desires and ideas of my clients and work them into the finished product.

Eve: Where do you and Ron like to go, both locally and in wine country, for wine? Are there any places that you visit that also share a love of art?

Kym: As far as local wineries we love going to Malibu, which is an emerging wine market. Cielo and Malibu family wineries are our favorites. We also enjoy Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and Santa Maria on a regular basis. Paso Robles wine country and Napa get a visit at least once a year as well.

As far as places with art and wine, Artesa in Napa has a fantastic collection of art that you can tour while tasting, and the winery is fantastic. Del Dotto’s newest location in Napa has some wonderful pieces as well. There are many fabulous art collections in Napa.

From the Website

Kym’s KreationsTM is a decorative painting and mural business based in Santa Clarita, California run by Artist Kym Cappi.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” As a child, painting was my life. At age 5, bored with plain white walls, I decided to paint on those walls. My mother was furious at the time, but with encouragement and paper to paint on, I found my calling. I took every art class available to me in school and with some entrepreneurial spirit, I ventured out to paint storefront windows for the holidays. Sign painting, graphic design and tole painting classes helped me to further my business by offering clients stylish and hand painted items thus, Kym’s Kreations was born.

I create decorative illusions with paint for residential and commercial clients. I have a wide range of training and experience that allow me the ability to implement a variety of mural projects regardless of scale and subject matter. Artistically experimenting with many different mediums over the years has given me knowledge and skill, which is executed in my work. My murals have been featured on “HGTV”, in Santa Clarita’s local paper “The Signal”, and “Inside SCV Magazine”. I’m honored to have been voted “Best of 2007” by Santa Clarita Living Magazine.

Call me for a complimentary consultation. I’ll meet you at the commercial site or residence, evaluate the project, take measurements and pictures, etc. I’ll come up with an estimate complete with sketches for your approval. Prices vary according to size, subject matter and detail.

“Life’s too short to live with plain, white walls!”

http://www.kymskreations.net

Vintage Eve Circa March 2012: Napa Eats Lunch (Aka The Car Picnic)

September 20, 2016 by evebushman

After a recent trip to Calistoga and Napa Valley, I wanted to do a column on some of the lesser-known restaurants, markets and what some of the wineries are doing to quench your hunger along with your thirst:

Calistoga Roastery, Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga: Warm and inviting, with a Brit behind the counter that was all jokes and silliness at 7 in the morning. I enjoyed the largest blueberry and cream cheese scone known to mankind, warmed up just for me, which was matched only by an extremely large mug of their house blend coffee. Ed had a “breakfast muffin” that he also thoroughly enjoyed. There were several breakfast noshables, and plenty of different house brewed coffees. The Calistoga Roastery sells their own brand of roasted coffee beans to take home too. Also, if you happen to have finished the book you brought on vacation, feel free to take one from their free sharing shelf.

Sarafornia, Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga: Recommended as the best breakfast spot per the Calistoga Tourism office. We slipped in just before 7 in the morning as the waitress that day opens up “when (she) get here.” A couple of gents sat at the big U-shaped counter discussing life under a gathering of festive holiday ornaments that were strung – taken down periodically to wash and re-string – from the ceiling.

We happily sipped the fresh brewed coffee before being served our select-your-own-ingredients in a ham, cheese and salsa omelet along with fresh blackberry topped pancakes. What a great place to linger while waiting for the sun to warm up the streets outside.

Dean & Deluca, Highway 29, St. Helena: A staple for the eclectic picnic. Gigantic sections of cheese, deli meats, coffee, chocolate, pre-made and made to order goodies. You can also choose to peruse their wine selection, including their own wine label. (Think of it as a Trader Joe’s label with panache.)

We ended up buying a seeded French baguette, some soft cheese, tuna salad, deviled eggs and a Black Forrest prosciutto. As our winery appointments began to jam up we found ourselves picnicking in the car – me prepping while Eddie drove, and it was probably one of the best meals we had.

My backside…as the picnic was in the car.

Napa Valley’s Finest: Cal Mart, Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga: Oakville Market was gutted for re-furbishing, so in the meantime, take advantage of wine country markets that cover the gamut of gastronomic delights – and at a lower price point than the high end markets.

At Cal Mart they have a small area where a cheese monger shares samples and makes recommendations. Adjacent to her is a large selection of olives and an even larger one of cheeses. A bakery and made-to-order sandwiches rounded out our needs. Not to mention I was able to get a new travel toothbrush at the same time!

Pacifico Restaurante Mexicano, Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga: Craving guacamole, fresh ceviche, soft tacos, chips and all paired with a Mexican Margarita that isn’t heavy on mixers but more on fresh lime? Worked great on arrival day before spending the next day filled on Napa Cabernets!

A word about winery food: Pleased to see so many wineries with so many choices. Tastings are sometimes served with small nibbles, pairings, bistro lunches, brunches to full out dinners. Check in advance. Some are complimentary as part of a tasting fee.

Of note from this recent trip was: The Wild Boar panini sandwiches and fresh-from-the-oven meat pizzas at Del Dotto, a trio tasting for meat lovers or vegetarians at Round Pond, nibbles of nuts, fruit, bread and cheeses at Robert Sinskey, cheeses and chocolates at Terra Valentine.

Vintage Eve Circa Feb. 2012: Memories of Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Membership(s)

September 13, 2016 by evebushman

In 2005 I took a memorable trip to Napa Valley, not my first or last, with good friends. By the time we got to Joseph Phelps for our reserved tasting and lunch, I was in love with the (wine) world once again. But this time, I decided to take it home with me. Or, to be exact, I convinced my husband to take it home for me.

Old group shot – picnic at Joseph Phelps. (Eve is at left, rear.)

It went something like this:

Me: “Wow, Eddie sweetie, look at these pretty fleece jackets. The best we’ve seen so far. A little pricey, but if you get a membership you get a discount.”

Him: “Are you cold? Do you need a new sweatshirt today? Or, perchance (he couldn’t have used that word but it fits now) you are really just after the wine?”

Me: “Well, my b-day is in April, a couple of months away, but…as it’s always when you deal with our taxes I kind of get…you know…screwed. This could be my present for a few years, you wouldn’t even have to think about it.” (Knowing full well by April 2006 – he would completely forget.)

Him: “Well, we could get Insignia for a great discount, along with the Cab and Mistral…” (wavering)

Me: “Oh, look, they have a fleece in forest green to match your other dozen!”

Eavesdropping GOOD Friends: “This is by far the best wine we’ve tasted…yes, go for the membership.” (Thinking they know they will get more Joseph Phelps this way – from us!)

After that was settled I enjoyed at least five years…if not more…of membership. Wines I could give as a gift when a dozen of one varietal arrived, wines I could drink as there was so much to store now and special wines that I could cellar or save for occasions.

I don’t have many wine club memberships anymore. One reason is that I taste so much that I can purchase what I’ve tasted and liked, as opposed to relying on someone else to select my wines.

But, for those of you that don’t write about wine for a living, there are several reasons why wine club memberships do work.

If you don’t have the time to taste and shop the wine still arrives on your doorstep like a gift you forgot was coming.
You are supporting a winery that you want to see stay open for a long time when new competitors are springing up all of the time.
Being a member, and agreeing to purchase a particular allocation, will not only get you your wine at a discount, but will also ensure your status if that winery is ever in demand.
Pairing dinners, private tastings, pick-up parties, VIP treatment and other member-only events.
Usually the clubs are free to join, and there are more than one tier so you can cater it to your price range.

Local SCV Wine clubs I recommend based on what I’ve read, heard or tasted. I did not list wineries whose clubs are over allocation already:

Pulchella Winery: (Local winemakers) http://www.pulchellawinery.com/http___shop.pulchellawinery.html

Valencia Wine Co: (Local and an International Club on Amazon) http://www.valenciawine.com/club.asp

Wine 661: (Local) http://www.wine661.com/

Paso Robles

Paso Wine Club: (highly recommended) http://www.buypasowine.com

Villa Creek: (Love their Rhone varietals) http://www.villacreekstore.com/the-clubs

Terry Hoage: (Again for the Rhones) https://www2.cleverconcepts.net/terryhoagevineyards/wine-club/index.php

Napa, Calistoga, Sonoma

Joseph Phelps Winery: http://www.josephphelps.com/about-phelps-preferred/

The Wine Guerrilla: (Sonoma Zinfandels) http://www.wineguerrilla.com/wine-club

Phifer Pavitt Wine: http://www.phiferpavittwine.com

Terra Valentine: http://www.TerraValentine.com

Schramsberg (sparkling): http://www.schramsberg.com

HALL Rutherford: http://www.hallwines.com/hall-rutherford

Robert Sinskey Vineyards: http://www.robertsinskey.com

Del Dotto Estate Winery and Caves VIP Club: http://www.deldottovineyards.com/VIP-Club.aspx

Miscellaneous

Wall Street Journal wine club: (Highly recommended) http://www.wsjwine.com/

Joseph Phelps Tasting

2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

14.5% alcohol

Appearance – Deep ruby center to a creamy colored edge, opaque.

Aroma – From inches away I got a fruit bowl of red to dark fruits: strawberry, red and black cherry, plum, something stewed. Then up closer: notes of cinnamon, red licorice, black pepper fresh from a peppermill, cigar, red, rich and mineral-filled earth, toasted oak.

Taste – Nice peppery dark fruit, nice viscosity/chewy/mouth feel, smokiness on the back palate and finish.

Conclusion – Drink NOW. We have been routinely letting our Napa Cab go ten years in the cellar. But, maybe due to winemakers trying to appeal to that drink-it-now palate, or climate conditions, this was ready. Not too much tannin, and great, developed fruit.

Seeing (and Tasting) the STARS of Napa

March 11, 2016 by evebushman

On March 2, at the beautiful Beverly Hills Peninsula hotel, once again organizer Ian Blackburn of WineLA.com brought together the most acclaimed STARS of the Napa Valley wine scene. And, as we all know how stars can be bright or fade from view, leave it to Blackburn to select shining stars year in and out in all of his STARS events, including STARS of California Wine, STARS of Pinot Noir, STARS of Italy, STARS of Cabernet…

Now, for this current STARS event I attended the media and trade “pre-show” that had all of the same vintners the public would taste from later in the evening. Some of which, like Del Dotto Vineyards, are rarely seen at tasting events.

With my wine glass and cell phone camera in tow (see the event via this YouTube slideshow in under 2 minutes) I made my way through much of the incredible lineup below. And, as usual, I bolded the wines that I loved, some of which I was told I couldn’t miss by Sommelier/Wine Distributor/Consultant George Skorka (Schweiger Vineyards) and wine critic/author/ radio personality Anthony Dias Blue (AVE Winery).

Eve and WineLA.com founder Ian Blackburn

Wine List

Acumen Wine

Acumen Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Acumen Red Wine 2011

Acumen Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Mt. Brave
Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

La Jota
La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

COHO Wines
Pinot Noir, Stanly Ranch 2013
Headwaters (Cab/Merlot/Petit Verdot) 2012
Merlot, Michael Black Vineyard 2012
Cabernet Sauvignon, SummitVine Ranch 2012

Round Pond Estate
Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Kith & Kin Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Fisher Vineyards
Mountain Estate, Chardonnay 2013
UNITY, Pinot Noir 2013
Coach Insignia, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mountain Estate Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

AVE Winery
Mt. Veeder “Crouse Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Beckstoffer G111 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Mt.Veeder “Crouse Vineyard” Merlot 2014

Del Dotto Vineyards
2013 Cave Blend

2009 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Ft. Ross Seaview

2013 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Ft. Ross Seaview

2013 Piazza Del Dotto Pinot Noir

2013 Piazza Del Dotto Chardonnay

Eleven Eleven Winery
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Laki’s Vineyard, Oak Knoll AVA, Napa Valley 2013
Pinot Noir, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2013
Chardonnay, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley 2013
Estate Syrah, Oak Knoll AVA, Napa Valley 2013
Neal Family Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet 2011
Rutherford Dust Cabernet 2006
Rutherford Dust Zinfandel 2013
Rutherford Dust Petite Syrah 2010

Patland Estate
Sauvignon Blanc, Tench Vineyard 2013
Rosa 2014
Proprietary Red Wine, Stagecoach Vineyard 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard 2013

Raymond Vineyard
Raymond Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Sommelier Select 2013
LVE Cabernet 2012
Generations 2012

Coup de Foudre
Pinot Noir 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Cuvee 2012
Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Alpha Omega Winery
ERA 2012
Alpha Omega Chardonnay 2012
Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Alpha Omega Proprietary Red 2012

JH Collection
Clark Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Clark Claudon “Eternity” Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
The Debate 2012
Michel Rolland Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Krupp Brothers Wines
Krupp Brothers Chardonnay 2014
Krupp Brothers M5 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Krupp Brothers Black Bart’s Bride 2014
Krupp Brothers “The Doctor” 2013

Oberon Wines
Oberon Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2013
Oberon Los Carneros Chardonnay 2014
Oberon Napa Valley Merlot 2013
Oberon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Michael Mondavi Family
M by Michael Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Animo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Emblem Oso vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011

Kenefick Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Calistoga’ 2012
Merlot ‘Calistoga’ 2012
Pickett Rd White 2014

B Cellars
Blend 23 (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier Blend) 2013
Maldonado Chardonnay 2013
Blend 24 (Cabernet, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah Blend) 2011
Ehrlich Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Tres Sabores
Tres Sabores Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Tres Sabores Por que no? Napa Valley Red Wine 2012
Tres Sabores Zinfandel, Rutherford Estate, Napa Valley 2013
Tres Sabores Petite Sirah, Guarino Vineyard, Calistoga, Napa Valley 2012

Frank Family Vineyards
Chardonnay, Lewis Vineyard 2013
Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2013
Pinot Noir, Carneros 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012
Petit Sirah 2012

Schweiger Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Chardonnay 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Dedication 2011

Bougetz Cellars
2014 Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Jovana Merlot/Cabernet Franc
2012 Eminence Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Amaryllis Cabernet Sauvignon

Merryvale Family of Wines
Merryvale 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Starmont 2013 Chardonnay, Carneros
Starmont 2013 Pinot Noir, Carneros
Forward Kidd 2012 Napa Valley Red Wine

Oakville East
Oakville East Exposure – Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Oakville East Core Stone – Red Blend 2012
Oakville East Franc ‘N Stern – Cabernet Franc 2012

2014 Pinot Days by Rusty Sly

January 12, 2015 by evebushman

I know that I say this every year but the Pinot Days event is something that you do not want to miss. This year, the 6th Annual Pinot Days Southern California wine tasting event was held at the Skirball Center on November 15. This facility is gorgeous, offering a flavor of elegance and character for the numerous vintners to display their wines. The producer of the event, Steve Rigisich, and his entire staff did a marvelous job putting together such a fantastic venue to taste this noble wine varietal.

Santa Claritan Gloria Stahly at Del Dotto.

This year there were wines from California, Oregon, New Zealand, Chile, and other parts of the world. Such an array of terroirs to sample allowing us to learn the difference and develop an appreciation of this unique wine from different regions. Even within California you had the opportunity to smell and taste the differences in Pinot Noirs from Santa Barbara and Santa Lucia Highlands to Russian River. They are quite different.

To add to this complexity, there are 43 certified Dijon Pinot Noir clones but due to genetic instability there could be from 200 to over a 1,000 clone variations. Talking with different vintners, I was amazed at all of the different clones that were being used and why they selected specific ones. Does this set the stage for what you can get from this beautiful varietal?

As noted by tasting different Pinot Noirs at this event, you can have a beautiful light and elegant Burgundian style to a chewy deep full bodied wine that coats your entire palate. So many variations based on all of the different influences. The bottom line is that no matter what your palate desires you can find it in Pinot Noir.

I found it interesting that there was a high proportion of lighter Burgundian style Pinots, but that may have been due to my personal selection at the event. Pinot Noir flavors often times are much more than the color leads you to believe. The grape is capable of producing flavors such as cherries, strawberries and raspberries and with age, it can produce aromas of game, licorice, and autumnal undergrowth in certain Pinot Noirs. These earthy aromatics along with the silky texture create the sensual reputation for which Pinot Noirs are widely known.

Below is a list of Wineries and Representatives in attendance:

Attune Wines, August West, Belle Glos Wines, Bucher Vineyard Wines, Calista, Cargasacchi, Cellars 33, Cornerstone Cellars Oregon, Crate Big ideas, Davis Bynum Wines, Del Dotto, DeLoach Vineyards, Dolin Family Cellars, Domaine Chandon, Donelan Family Wines, FEL Wines, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Foley Family Wines, Furthermore Pinot Noir, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Ken Brown Wines, Kendric Vineyards, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, LunaOlivo, MacPhail Family Wines, Martin Ray Winery, Martinelli Winery, Monterey Chocolate Company, Navarro Vineyards, New Zealand Winegrowers, Pali Wine Company, Papapietro Perry Winery, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Ritual, Romililly Wines, Rusack Vineyards, Sanford Winery, Siduri Wines, Sojourn Cellars, Sokol Blosser Winery, Stoller Family Estate, Tantara Wines, Test Winery, The Wine House, Thorne Wine, Trombetta Family Wines, Van Duzer Vineyards and Wrath.

This event, as always, was extremely memorable. The bonding and friendships developed around a single item called wine is irreplaceable. At this event I ran into many people both tasters and Vintners, that I have grown to know over the years.

The one message that I would like to share on a personal note is that we ALL need to support and help these individuals that provide us with wines to enjoy. However, more importantly, we need to support and thank the people like Steve Rigisich who relentlessly challenges obstacles to make this event happen. I also want to extend my thanks to his entire team for a job well done. I tip a glass to you all.

As a closing, I would like to share a quote from Appellation America’s on Pinot Noir, ” You’re beautiful…a goddess…but so exasperating! Loving you is like worshiping an unfaithful temptress! As often as you’ve disappointed us with your undependable ways, you always seem to draw us back. Your alluring beauty and elegance leave us helpless and forgiving of all your moodiness. So long disdainful of any place outside of your home on the golden slopes of Burgundy, we’ve learned to pacify your temperamental nature with brisk coastal breezes and hillside vistas of the New World. Perhaps now you will grace us with all the charm and beauty that has kept the Burgundians devoted to you for centuries.”

Use the link below to get a feel for the size and excitement of this annual event.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204510050742839.1073741834.1579908883&type=1&l=2183639d40

Cheers,

Rusty Sly