Eve's Wine 101

Chinola® Liqueur Awarded Double Gold Medal 

by

MIAMI (PRWEB) – Chinola®, the handmade beverage crafted from distilled spirits and fresh passion fruit, is honored to announce its Double Gold Medal win by the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), the oldest and largest competition of its kind. The Double Gold award is given to those who received a gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel, a highly competitive honor that’s given among the finest products in the world.

“We are extremely grateful to be awarded such an influential accolade by one of the top competitions in the world. We take pride in not only the quality of our product but our philosophy and authenticity. It is a great honor to stand out and be recognized in this year’s competition, especially because we are the only Latin American and Caribbean liqueur to receive this award,” said Andrew Merinoff, Co-founder and Chairman of Chinola.

The SFWSC received a record-breaking number of entrants this year and all those who participated were judged by some of the most well respected experts in the spirits industry, led by Executive Director Anthony Dias Blue and Head Judge Wilfred Wong.

As a brand, Chinola® (chee-noh-lah), recently grew its presence from six to twenty states and launched internationally in less than a year. Gaining widespread popularity since arriving on the spirits scene in 2015, Chinola as the passion fruit is referred to by locals in the Dominican Republic, has a unique blend creating an old-world artisanal style liqueur that balances tart and sweet essences with tropical aromas. The result of this blend is an unparalleled taste and versatility that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with any spirit to create a high-quality cocktail.

For information on where to purchase, visit shopChinola.com/shop. For cocktail recommendations and other news, visit Chinola.com and follow Facebook @ChinolaOfficialPage and @Chinola on Instagram.

###
About Chinola®
Chinola® passion fruit liqueur is a handcrafted beverage made from distilled spirits and fresh passion fruit. Chinola®, recently awarded with the Double Gold Medal by the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, is a creative collaboration of hospitality experts, spirit industry professionals, and a multi-generational master blender. Their dream was to create an old-world style liqueur from fresh fruit and in 2013, they discovered the magic of the Dominican passion fruit locally called ‘chinola (chee-noh-lah)’. The fruit’s unique tartness is balanced perfectly with natural sweetness and tropical essence which makes it ideal for creating sensational cocktails. Chinola is produced in the Dominican Republic with a commitment to authenticity and sustainability practices. Available in the United States, Australia, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, Follow the journey by visiting Chinola.com and follow us on Facebook @ChinolaOfficialPage and @Chinola on Instagram.

Vintage Eve Circa Nov 2017: Tasting the Double Gold San Francisco Competitions at République

by

At the end of October I had a chance to taste a selection of Double Gold winners from the 2016 and 2017 San Francisco International Wine Competition and the 2016 and 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The San Francisco Competitions 2017 Double Gold Tour gives wine and spirits professionals a unique opportunity to taste the Competitions’ top winners and to discover the next trending tastes, styles, and varietals we’ll be seeing in 2018.

At the LA stop on this year’s multi-city tour, the San Francisco Competitions are proud to also offer a seated seminar showcasing Double Gold winning wines and spirits. Join Executive Director Anthony Dias Blue as he gives you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of the SF Competitions and walks you through the complexities of tasting wines and spirits like a competition judge.  

Wine and Spirits…That I Took the Time to Taste and Loved (I did skip those I’ve already tasted too.)

Cakebread Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Reserve Family Vineyards, Carneros, Napa Valley; Goodmills Family Winery 2013 Teroldego, Lodi; 1849 Wine Company 2014 Declaration Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; DeLille Cellars 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Four Flags Red Mountain; J. Lohr Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature and Premium Bordeaux Blend Cuvee St. E, both Paso Robles; Ordaz Family Wines 2014 Zinfandel, Montecillo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley; IPPIN Junmai Sake, Tamasakee, Shiga Japan and Junmai Daiginjo Sake, Yamada Nishiki, both from Hyogo, Japan.

Mission Vodka, Arizona; Frey Ranch Gin, Nevada; Belle of Dayton Gin, Dayton Ohio; New Holland Brewing Knickerbocker Gin, Michigan; Vanagandr London Dry Gin, A Coruna-Galicia, Spain; Conniption Navy Strength Gin, North Carolina; Stonecutter Spirits Single Barrel Gin, Vermont; Tattersall Distilling Barreled Gin, Minnesota; Springfield Manor Lavender Gin, Maryland; Mad March Hare Small Batch Poitin, Ireland; Hyde 10 Year Old Pure Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Ireland; Rogue Dead Guy Whiskey, Oregon; Whiskey Del Bar Classic Cask Strength Single Malt, Arizona; from Paul John: Bold Indian Single Malt, Edited Indian Single Malt and the Peated Select Cask Indian Single Malt all from Goa, India; Starward Single Malt Wine Cask Whisky, Melbourne, Australia; Kings County Distillery Peated Bourbon, New York; J Henry and Sons 5 Year old Bellefontaine and Cask Strength Patton Road, both reserve straight bourbons from Wisconsin; One Eight Distilling United Whiskey No. 6, Washington D.C.; two Whistle Pig: the Old World Cask Finish Rye Whiskey and the 15 Year Old Rye Whiskey, both from Vermont; Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, Baltimore.

Behind the Scenes with Anthony Dias Blue

Granted, I have judged a couple of times, as I’m sure some of the students in Blue’s class have done, but it’s good to be reminded just how serious the judging is.

  • When the competition began they had a scant 300 entries, now they are up to 2,400.
  • There are 28 countries from the current competitions.
  • While they usually receive more wine to review, there are still 80 – 100 spirits.
  • Judging is done blind, the bottles are not seen, and they don’t know the price or the area they came from – only the varietal is known.
  • As price is sometime a factor to the general public, and more expensive is perceived as more valuable, the price points of the wine and spirits are not revealed.
  • After the Double Gold winners are awarded, then all of the judges get to taste all of the Double Golds to determine the sweepstake’s winner.

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.

Vintage Eve: The 15 Most Influential Wine Men in My Life – 2011 Edition Part One

by

Instead of reflecting on last year’s favorite wines, or making any pesky wine resolutions, this article, one of the first for Beaconeers in 2012 is my 15-member list (alphabetical, and not in order of importance) of men that have contributed to my wine education in 2011.

I prompt you to start working on your own list if you are like me, and continually strive to learn more about that heavenly elixir we call wine. And, feel free to steal my contacts, as most of these wonderful men are on Facebook:

IMG_5975

Eve and Ian Blackburn

  1. Ian Blackburn, CSW, JWE – Founder of LearnAboutWine.com, established in 1995. Ian is studying for the Master of Wine and drinks wine for a living.   LearnAboutWine focuses on the best quality events and classes, and a wine credential program that has graduated over 300 wine students in the last 3 years with a Junior Wine Executive credential (JWE).  In 2011 Ian released his own wine called www.Beekeepercellars.com and in 2012 – WineCloudInc.com – debuts with a online wine store that provides education with your wine purchase.  Focused on smaller artisan producers and limited production collectables that put you “in the know.”  Ian has invited me to many events as press where I’ve had a great opportunity to: Learn About Wine via http://www.winela.com
  1. Anthony Dias Blue is a James Beard Award-winning wine and food writer, and Editor-In-Chief of The Tasting Panel Magazine. He is also Executive Director of the SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION and the SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION. Not only do I get a monthly dose of news on spirits and wines from Tasting Panel magazine, I’m also lucky enough to be included in several media tastings a year – further educating my palate. http://www.TastingPanelMag.com
  1. The Husband, Eddie Bushman, has tirelessly kept our wine cellar well stocked –the key hidden – and my wine glass full of irreplaceable memories.
  1. Chef Lance Cowart has kindly allowed me to lift any and all recipes he has with wine as an ingredient for my website. His Facebook group, which you can join, is called “Turn Up the Heat – Men That Love To Cook and Women That Love Men That Cook.” Lance says, “I love cooking. I cook all the time when I can. Yes I am that guy. I love to turn up the heat in my kitchen.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/Theat
  1. Tim DeLuca is my oldest wine friend. He works in the TV industry, and one year invited me to an Emmy dinner. Once seated at a large table with people I didn’t know, Tim broke the ice by suggesting I choose the wine for the table. Don’t recall what the wine was, but the table approved my selection, and it was the perfect “ice breaker”. Tim also started giving me Wine Spectator subscriptions maybe 20 years ago. When he used the word “flabby” to describe a wine I scoffed, later, after some time and reading, I learned how to use the word myself.
  1. Dr. Joel Fisher, founder of the LA Wine Fest, and our new SCV Wine Fest, has kept me educated via his events. Fisher draws on decades of knowledge garnered from his many associations: writing for the Culinary Connection of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California, the Beverly Hills Courier and the Underground Wine Letter; teaching at Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, wine instruction for the Culinary Arts Department of the Art Institute of California, Los Angeles, as a sommelier for the Escoffier Association of Southern California, a member of The Tasting Panel (formerly the Bon Appetit Tasting Panel) and as a Wine Host for CRN’s What’s Cooking Show….just to name a few. http://www.LAWineFest.com
  1. Our latest contributor on the Eve’s Wine 101 site, brought in by Contributing Editor Mike Perlis, Rick Fraga, provides me (and you) a wealth of knowledge: he currently performs wine education, hospitality and sales for Martinelli Winery, writes his blog, and works full time at following his passion for wine.  His experience – over the last 20 years – includes working for a number wineries in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.  Additionally, after adding educational background in Wine Business, Marketing, Evaluation and Service at Santa Rosa JC, he continues to work with the Wine Studies program at the JC as a guest speaker and a member of the Wine Studies Department Advisory Committee.  Read more about Rick on his site, http://www.GatewayToWine.com
  1. “Chef” Mike Fraschilla is noted among friends, family, and acquaintances to be “The Passionate Advocate” for wine, beer, spirits, food, and most matters considered to live La Dolce Vita! Mike has over 20-years experience as collector, caterer, promoter, consultant, educator, and pundit in matters relating to the food & beverage industry. I met Mike via Facebook, and later, in a dark parking lot…to buy from his allocation of Robert Mondavi reserves. And lucky for us, he has become a frequent contributor in my blog. He welcomes questions, comments and critiques and can be reached through email at: askchefmike@hotmail.com

Nearing the end of my column’s normal length, and not wanting to edit out any of the accomplishments of my top 15…tune into the Beacon next Friday for numbers 9 and beyond.

Seeing (and Tasting) the STARS of Napa

by

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

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

 

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