Eve's Wine 101

Yellow Rose Distilling Unveils Harris County Whiskey

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Houston, PR Web – Yellow Rose Distilling, an award-winning distillery located in Houston, Texas, widely known as Houston’s first legal whiskey distillery, is pleased to announce the launch of Yellow Rose Harris County, a High Rye Bourbon. Named for the county in which the distillery is located, Harris County fits the characteristics of a high rye bourbon with 25% of the recipe coming from Texas-grown rye and uses all Texas grown corn and malted barley.

Making its debut across Texas, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida this month, via distribution partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wines & Spirits, Harris County will retail for $44.99 per 750ml bottle.

Since launching its first whiskey in 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has established itself as one of the premier Texas whiskey companies, with its portfolio comprised of three original whiskey offerings, Premium American, Rye and the flagship Outlaw Bourbon, alongside several limited batches. Yellow Rose Distilling has been focused on finding new, innovative expressions and processes, ultimately bringing consumers the finest Texas whiskey in the world. Since 2012, Yellow Rose Distillery has garnered some of the spirit industry’s highest accolades including ‘Best in Class’ for Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon at the American Distilling Institute and was recently awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition, Yellow Rose Rye collected a series of awards from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020, with a 96 Point rating and named Top 100 Spirits of 2020.

“Harris County Bourbon represents an evolutionary step forward and an important milestone for Yellow Rose Distillery. While in the past we had our gaze set as a single distiller toiled to create whiskey as quickly as possible, today we think in terms of how a talented core group of distillers will work together as we endeavor to create the ideal whiskey. The blueprints of Harris County Bourbon reflect this as we set out to create the best possible High Rye Bourbon from our little Houston Texas Distillery,” says Michael Langan General Manager of Yellow Rose Distillery. “We selected Texas grown grains, settled on double pot distilling and a low entry proof to barrel. This allows us to highlight our region as well as the expertise of our team, while paying homage to pre-prohibition techniques that we feel allow us to balance the maturation of this whiskey within our dynamic local climate. Despite its low entry proof, we choose to bottle at 92 proof to maintain density of flavor and mouthfeel that was hard earned in our slow double pot distillation and 30 months in the Texas heat and humidity.”

“The addition of Harris County rounds out the Yellow Rose portfolio perfectly. While most high rye bourbons are typically described as having a spicy character, we wanted more than spice alone, it needed to have an underlying sweetness with the typical vanilla, caramel, coconut notes. We are using all Texas grown and malted grains. We have the power of the Southeast Texas climate during maturation, and, in that regard, Harris County is not an imitation, nor can it be imitated,” says Houston Farris, Head Distiller at Yellow Rose Distillery.

In addition to Harris County making its debut, and due to increasing sales and increased brand awareness of all the Yellow Rose Marques, the distillery has been expanded. As a result of the expansion, the Yellow Rose Distillery has undergone a major refurbishment of its visitor and experience center. Features include a brand-new bar, lounge, presentation and tasting rooms well as a new 1,200 sq ft. outdoor deck.

On the nose of Harris County, you’ll find notes of brown sugar, cherry, fruit-wood smoke, toasted pecan, and tobacco. Upon tasting, brown sugar and cinnamon engulfs, followed by warm pecan pie, balancing the spice profile, paired with toasted coconut, black tea, and peanuts. Finishing with sweetness throughout, combined with a pop of cinnamon candy.

Yellow Rose Harris County is available in 750ml, bottled at 92 proof (46% Alc/Vol), with a suggested retail price of $44.99 per bottle. Like all Yellow Rose offerings, Harris County will be sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States.

About Yellow Rose Distillery

We’re proud to bring you the finest whiskey from the first legal distillery in the City of Houston since Prohibition. This isn’t one of those distilleries with rolling hill and fields – we craft our whiskey in the heart of the city, where the art of making fine whiskey is married with the spirit of the city it’s born in. The idea for Yellow Rose Whiskey was born one night among friends more than 10 years ago. In the years since, Yellow Rose Distillery has challenged traditions, won awards, and put the city of Houston, Texas, on the global whiskey map. Fittingly, our name Yellow Rose pays homage to a legendary character, Emily West, The Yellow Rose of Texas, known for her bravery and independent nature. Yellow Rose Distilling’s core portfolio currently includes Premium American, Rye, Harris County, Outlaw Bourbon and several limited-edition offerings. For additional information please visit https://yellowrosedistilling.com/

Tasting Tequila Codigo 1530 Rosa Blanco

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During last month’s Nightclub and Bar show in Las Vegas I tasted Tequila Codigo 1530 “Rosa” Blanco. I learned that this particular tequila spends one month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French oak barrels and is the only tequila that has been approved to use a particular cross emblem from the Jalisco state in Mexico, as seen on the front and the bottom of the bottle. The brief tasting, and only knowing some of the stories behind the tequila, made me want to learn and taste more. Before reviewing it in full for Eve Wine 101 readers, I did a little research via their website.

Codigo 1530

Photo from the Nightclub and Bar show, credit: Edward Bushman.

Just going to their website will blow you away as it opens up with a gorgeous short film to learn how this tequila came to be, in three glorious minutes. The family in Jalisco behind it, their water source, the filtering process, organic yeast from a local bakery, no flavoring or chemicals are added and having “the right people…that have been growing agave all of their lives.”

They have five different types of tequila in their line-up – learn more about each of these award-winners via the film and the website. The Rosa is made with their Blanco that benefits from uncharred oak barrels from Napa, aged one month, and gained a beautiful color – and flavor – without any additional additives to make it so.

This recent article on VinePair shares even more interesting information: https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-codigo-1530-guide/

The Cross

From their Facebook, regarding the cross embossed on their bottles I learned, “…Código 1530 proudly bears the Jerusalem Cross as the symbol of its heritage story. This iconic cross sits atop the Jalisco Coat of Arms and dates back to 1530 when after colonial struggle, Amatitán was officially recognized as a city of New Galicia and Jalisco was given a coat of arms by the Spanish monarchy, which was anchored by the Jerusalem Cross. Código 1530’s name honors ‘Los Códigos’, the old world codes and customs that shaped and still live on in Amatitán and the Los Bajos region to this day. These values are at the core of the proud families who served this tequila in their homes, and the artisan distilling family who has been the custodian of this private tequila for generations.”

The Tasting

After my brief tasting at the show, though I did benefit from having “ Bar Explorer” Collin De Laval (Instagram: @tilting_at_windmills_) there with me, I looked forward to sitting over a tasting and really getting my nose and mouth wrapped around this beautiful tequila. So here you go:

Greeted by the most delicate color of rose gold, and very leggy in my glass, I was ready to search my memory of what the aromas reminded me of and found: sweet cream, cling peaches, dried dark cherries, white chocolate and biscuit. On the palate I was rewarded with tingly flavors of dried red fruits and mixed nuts, with a rich and lingering creaminess coating my palate. Going in for a second sip, and using master mixologist Richard Paterson’s technique of allowing the spirit more time in my mouth before swallowing, I noted that the flavor just got richer and multi-layered. Though there are plenty of cocktails you can make with tequila, this is one I would sip, this is heady stuff.

https://codigo1530.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 (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.

The Award-Winning Lost Explorer Mezcal Brand Expands Distribution Presence in U.S.

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OAXACA, Mexico/PRNewswire/ — The Lost Explorer Mezcal, an award-winning, sustainably crafted and Oaxacan-cultivated mezcal, announces expanded distribution across the U.S. by partnering with Infuse Spirits Group. Infuse has built a strong distribution network spanning 34 states for their unique single-bottle infused vodkas and unapologetically non-traditional Broken Barrel Whiskey brands. As a part of the agreement, Infuse Spirits Group will lead U.S. sales for The Lost Explorer Mezcal, making inroads in 12 markets by the end of 2021.

 

Seth Benhaim, founder of Infuse Spirits Group says, “Working with The Lost Explorer Mezcal will open many doors for all brands involved. The undeniable popularity of Mezcal and the unique profile, quality and packaging of The Lost Explorer are perfect compliments to the vodka and whiskey brands we currently sell. There are so many great synergies between our two teams.”

Launched at the end of 2020, The Lost Explorer Mezcal most recently received Double Gold (Salmiana), Gold (Espadin) and Silver (Tobala) recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most established and influential spirits competition in the world. The brand was also named Taste Master, the prestigious accolade of the best of the best across the tequila and mezcal category, in a competition hosted by The Spirits Business.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Infuse Sprits Group to bring The Lost Explorer Mezcal to even more consumers across the country,” said The Lost Explorer Mezcal CEO Tanya Clarke. “As a new brand entering the growing Mezcal market and gaining recognition quickly, this partnership puts our sustainably-crafted and Oaxacan made Mezcal on the fast track for growth.”

In addition to its direct-to-consumer platform, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is now listed with a variety of e-commerce partners including Caskers.com, ReserveBar and Mercado de Mezcal. The Lost Explorer Mezcal is also available in high-end retailers, restaurants and bar locations throughout California, including Gracias Madre, The Peninsula Hotel, Old Town Tequila and Beverly Hills Liquor & Wine.

The Mezcal is now available in Mexico, the UK and US, and was created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali as a premier, earth-centric spirit. For more information on The Lost Explorer Mezcal, visit www.thelostexplorermezcal.com or follow their journey on Instagram @thelostexplorermezcal.

ABOUT THE LOST EXPLORER MEZCAL
Handcrafted from 100% agave cultivated in the sun-soaked Valles Centrales, Oaxaca, Mexico, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is co-founded by David de Rothschild and Thor Björgólfsson, and created in partnership with award-winning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and his daughter Xitlali. It is a toast to empowering sustainable Mexican enterprise, while protecting the ancient artisanal craft, heritage, and biodiversity of Mexico. Harvested in harmony with the elements and in tune with the rhythm of nature, the three uniquely profiled varietals – Espadín, Tobalá, and Salmiana – invite people to celebrate the earth and live curiously, exploring the diversity and wonder of the sacred agave.

ABOUT INFUSE SPIRITS GROUP
Infuse Spirits Group [ISG] is based in Los Angeles, California but produces its one-of-a-kind vodkas in North Las Vegas, Nevada and its small batch craft whiskeys in Owensboro, Kentucky. ISG is unlike any other spirits company in the industry, focusing its attention on the diversification and process behind spirits, rather than just the provenance of spirits. In addition to the six current vodka expressions, its Broken Barrel whiskey brands each feature a unique Oak Bill™, which like the “mash bill” describes the barrel stave composition that finishes each whiskey batch. All Broken Barrel whiskeys are finished with various broken cask staves, steeped into the whiskey. ISG’s portfolio is made with passion and purpose and is currently sold in 34 states throughout the U.S. ISG’s brands have received over 70 awards in the past seven years including (3) Double Gold Medals & Best-of-Show at the San Francisco & New York World Spirits Competition.

Tasting A Tribute Wine: 2011 DON Cabernet Sauvignon by Pure Cru Napa Valley, Winemaker Mitch Cosentino

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Eddie and I tasted the 2011 “Don” Cabernet Sauvignon Tribute Wine with Mitch Cosentino, founder and winemaker at Pure Cru Napa Valley, in 2015. We liked it so much then we bought a few bottles, found them in our cellar recently and decided that we needed to crack one open. Below are notes from the back label, my tasting notes from 2015 and 2021, the technical notes, and a new quote from Mitch.

What is the tribute for?

In April 2014 we lost a family member, friend and partner, Don Held, aka Superman. This wine, like Don who had so many special qualities, has been developed as a tribute to his life. He lived life to the fullest and enriched the lives of those lucky enough to be around him. Two of the rarest clones of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have been blended to produce this extremely rare, one of a kind wine. 

For those that knew Don, we hope when you drink this wine it will bring back so many beautiful, lasting memories. For those of you who did not have the pleasure of knowing him, our hope is “Don” will inspire you to makes some special memories of your own.

We never met Don, but we do raise a glass – from his remarkable wine – to him now.

2015 Tasting Notes

2011 The Don: (25% of the sales of this wine go to Make-A-Wish foundation and is named after a former partner in the winery that has since passed away.) 100% Cabernet from “two of the rarest clones” that shall not be named…I got aromas of dust, what Mitch referred to as “lead pencil”, blackberry and hard candy; very rich dark fruit, velvety, intense black cherry that would be hard for any taster to miss, doesn’t need food or aging. 96 Eve pts.

2021 Tasting Notes

14.8% alcohol.

Opaque, dark purple in color. Aromas included dried blackberry, fresh blueberry pie and chocolate mousse desserts, pecan, campfire, black pepper, toasted wood/sweet bark, spicy. Velvety layers of dark spicy fruit flavors that goes on and on. Found the same blackberry and blueberry notes as on the nose, balanced with spice notes, coffee grounds, tannins doing their job. Doesn’t need food, which seems remarkable as it’s a big wine. 97 Eve pts.

I texted Mitch after we tasted Don and he added this news, “…we just bottled the same blend from 2017 in honor of another partner who passed, Dr. Prab. That is the last we can do because one of the clones (the Lafitte) was torn out by the current owner of the property unfortunately. It will be offered to club members this summer. I have hidden the Don’s that I have to keep me from drinking them.”

Technical Sheet

Napa Valley (100%), 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking: Each lot was punched cap fermented and barrel aged for 36 months in selected French Oak barrels then blended before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Currants with a hint of spice and a gravel like mineral element in the nose. On the palate it is intense and dense with black fruit. Very varietal and well structured, accented by spice throughout add to that long, complex and complex finish.
https://www.parkviewortho.com/wp-content/languages/new/clomid.html

Special Notes: This is a very special tribute wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon components are very unique. The two clones used are the rarest in the Napa Valley. One is the Secret Clone from its original vineyard on a hill in Pope Valley and from a small block in Yountville. The other is the “L” Clone which supposedly traces its origin to the famous Chateau Lafite Rothschild property. This is the first use from new plantings in Pope Valley where it exhibits a distinctive Pauillac minerality and dense black fruit as it does in Bordeaux.

(Production limited to 80 cases.)

https://www.purecruwines.com

https://www.facebook.com/PureCruWinesNapa

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.

Universal Whisky Experience 2021 – The High Rollers, An Exclusive Event April 23 and 24, Will Get…

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It’s no surprise that the Universal Whisky Experience is back for 2021, starting with an Exclusive Event for the High Rollers at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas. This is the pinnacle of whisky events worldwide for aficionados and whisky fans like myself. Tickets are here for the event Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24, details below and on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

This Just In From Richard Paterson

Watch Richard Paterson, Master Blender and Distiller for The Dalmore, talk about his upcoming appearance at the 2021 Universal Whisky Experience. He and Craig Bridger, Malt Specialist Director, will be sharing “some extra special expressions” of The Dalmore with High Rollers April 23 and 24 at the Wynn Las Vegas. For more details about everything being offered at this exclusive event, once again orchestrated by Mahesh Patel, go to https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/

The High Roller Experience

From High Roller Super Pours, High Roller Lounge Dinner Experience, World-Class Tastings, Master Classes, Meals and more. Learn, savor, and network with like-minded whisky lovers from around the globe. High Roller gets you access to:

Exclusive Super Pours at the High Roller Lounge Dinner.
One on One interaction with brand ambassadors.
Private events with other High Rollers.
A series of Exclusive Master Classes Friday and Saturday.
Whisky Speed Dating.
Luxury Amenities.
High Roller Gift Bag.

Some of the brands that are in attendance for Master classes at the Nth 2021

The Dalmore Experience with Richard Paterson

The Royal ‘Royal Salute’ Experience

Hardy Cognac with Benedicte Hardy

Single Malts of Dewar’s with Stephanie Macleod

William Grants & sons Experience with Ian Miller

Ian Logan’s journey through the ‘House of Chivas’ hidden malts

The Gordon & MacPhail Experience

And More…

Master Classes

Look at our amazing and rare never been done before anywhere Master Classes being held at the Nth 2021 for our elite High Roller Attendees hosted by Royal Salute and Chivas Brothers. Be part of the experience this April!

The Royal Salute Ducal Tasting with His Grace the Duke of Argyll and Peter Prentice

An opportunity to savour a magical collection of Royal Salute whiskies in the company of His Grace the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich.

Five deliciously contrasting marques from this iconic range have been personally selected so as to showcase the art of blending at its magnificent best. This includes two unique drams from the Royal Salute Polo Collection with the Snow Polo Edition providing a mouth-watering insight into the delicious world of aged grains. We’ll then be sharing the new Royal Salute 21yo Malts Blend and indulge in a rare opportunity to taste a collector’s dream with the bespoke 30yo cask-strength Royal Salute Flask Edition. With the legendary Royal Salute 38yo Stone of Destiny as a Grand Finale for ‘The Royal Toast’, this is an incredible opportunity to join His Grace and Peter, one of the industry’s most celebrated double acts with many stories to tell across twenty years of flying the Royal Salute flag together.

  1. Royal Salute 21yo Snow Polo Edition (Blended Grain @46.5% abv)
  2. Royal Salute 21yo Beach Polo Edition
  3. Royal Salute 21yo Malts Blend
  4. Royal Salute 30yo Flask Edition (cask strength @50.1% abv)
  5. Royal Salute 38yo Stone of Destiny

The Jewels in the Chivas Brothers Crown with Ian Logan

Normally available only to those that visit the Chivas Brothers Brand Homes on Speyside, this a unique opportunity to try some of the rarest and most exclusive Single Malts in the Chivas Brothers Distillery Reserve Collection. All bottled at natural strength with no colouring or chill-filtration this is as close as you can get to visiting each distillery and sampling directly from a cask..

The Distillery Reserve Collection has now been expanded to include all of the thirteen working distilleries Chivas Brothers while also including the Single Grain produced at the Strathclyde Grain Distillery in Glasgow. Several of the more hard to find expressions are included in the whiskies that will be tasted in the class. Joining us to take you through the whiskies will be Ian Logan, International Brand Ambassador at Chivas Brothers and someone who has seen the range grow from a handful of bottlings to the comprehensive range that is available today.

Caperdonich 18yo, 48.1%, 2nd fill barrel

Aberlour 15yo, 52.4%, 1st fill barrel

Scapa 20yo, 51.0%, 1st fill barrel

Glen Keith 22yo, 56.1%, 2nd fill butt

Longmorn 24yo, 55.5%, 2nd fill butt

The Glenlivet, 25yo, 55,6%, 2nd fill butt

A Note On Safety

Universal Whisky Experience’s top priority is the health and safety of our attendees, vendors, and staff at the Nth 2021 event taking place at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas. Full Story click here.

Tickets https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/nth-2021/#high-roller-exclusive-sec

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/universalwhisky/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/universalwhisky/

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.

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend Returns March 19 – 21, 2021

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Paso Robles, CA – Paso Robles Wine Country will once again toast its heritage variety, Zinfandel. Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21, 100+ local wineries celebrate with three days of unique experiences. Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend will not feature a single, ticketed marquee event but rather promotes the individual events happening throughout wine country on pasowine.com.

Visiting Paso Robles Wine Country will look a little different with many wineries scaling down their activities to a more intimate experience. Live music will abound at J Dusi Wines throughout the three days with different musicians each day. Derby Wine Estates invites the artist in you to paint a portrait of your pet while sipping on their delicious wines. A new release of Zinfandel will be on offer at Parrish Family Vineyard, along with a paired Irish-inspired lunch, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Barrel sampling is one of the fun treats to experience while in wine country and Locatelli Vineyards & Winery offers it up on this special weekend. Niner Wine Estates proposes A Fancy Night Out by dining under the stars at the foot of the iconic Heart Hill Vineyard, socially separated of course. These are just a few examples of the many smaller engagements on offer. Visit pasowine.com for a full list of winery events.

Not able to make it to Paso Robles Wine Country but still want to experience the Zin? The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s podcast, Where Wine Takes You will feature a discussion with two Zinfandel producers of Paso Robles, Turley Wine Cellars and Opolo Vineyards. These two iconic brands are all about Zinfandel and helped elevate the Paso Robles wine reputation through their excellent bottlings, including Zinfandel. Also, on the virtual space is the weekly Paso Wine Hour show from the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. This Zoom-based, one-hour show brings winemakers together for a friendly, unscripted chat and will feature conversations about Zinfandel throughout the month. Including conversations with many of the brands that have popularized Paso Robles Zinfandel. Go to pasowine.com to learn more about the Where Wine Takes You podcast and the weekly Paso Wine Hour.

Until your next visit to Paso Robles wine country, share your love of the region with friends and family by sending them a postcard. Visit travelpaso.com to request your 4-Pack of “Postcards from Paso Robles”. Each card captures an iconic image from wine country that is sure to inspire future visits to Paso Robles.

Currently, large-scale gatherings are not approved. Wineries will be conducting business much in the same way they are now, with groups of no more than six people per party, socially distanced, with all precautions in place to create a safe environment for both guests and employees. Reservations are required at most Paso Robles wineries and calling ahead is encouraged. At this time, wine tasting rooms and restaurants are only allowed to operate outdoor service, however, with the continued drop in COVID-19 cases, wine country remains optimistic that indoor operations will resume soon. Visit pasowine.com to learn more up-to-date information on the current guidelines set forth by county and state health agencies.

Starward Australian Whisky, Penfolds and Chocolate! Oh My!

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Most of you know that Eddie and I are both wine and whisky fans, so we were thrilled to try a little Shiraz wine along with a lot of Australian whisky (all aged in wine casks) in a Zoom meeting via the Southern California Whisky Club:

Starward Tasting Room in Australia.

We are delighted to welcome David Vitale, the founder (and maker) of Starward Australian whisky, for a virtual Masterclass. Founded in 2004, in an airport hangar in Melbourne’s Essendon Fields, the Starward distillery has built a fine reputation over the years. Inspired by Melbourne’s foodie culture, Starward has developed a world-class, premium whisky that challenges people’s perceptions of what whisky can be. The distillery is focused on 3 things: whisky, culture and flavor. Starward has embraced its Melbourne roots, maturing almost all of their whisky in big, Aussie red wine barrels, and even Apera casks (basically sherry, except they can’t call it that). Although they have a foot firmly in the single malt world, they’re also not afraid to draw outside of traditional constraints.

 From Vitale and Sean O’Connell, Starward Whisky Brand Ambassador:

  1. Vitale said that “single malt is craft beer grown up” and he began his journey into scotch with Johnny Walker Black and Chivas as his “repertoire of whisky.”
  2. All of their whisky hits their sweet spot at 3 years of age, there are no aging years shown on the bottles.
  3. Water is added before aging, so they are aging the water, but it makes for a better product Vitale said.
  4. Bourbon is the number one brown spirit in Australia.
  5. If you want to know when their whisky is released you can register at their website (below) or check with Wally’s (also below).

The line-up (my tasting notes are in bold)

  1. Penfold’s Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro (2017, South Australia) – The wine, with 14.5% alcohol was spicy and filled with dark tannic fruit, quite quaffable and a great palate cleanser before tasting all the whisky.
  2. Starward Two-Fold (wheat + malted barley / red wine barrels) 40% ABV – No burn on the nose, sweet, kernel, buttercream chocolate, Bourbon like.
  3. Starward Nova (red wine barrels) 41% ABV – Again, no nose burn, pineapple, lemon bar, cream and toast with lots of spice on the palate. This was my favorite, but I really liked all of them.
  4. Starward Solera (fortified wine barrels) 43% ABV – Aged in Apera (like a Sherry) casks, menthol, pine needles, creamed corn, dried fruit with a lot of spice and cream in the long finish.
  5. Starward Wally’s Single Barrel Cask #3330 55.6% ABV – Didn’t need to really add water to the previous tastes, this one I definitely did though. (Water opens up flavors and aromas in whisky, also lessens heat.) This was a barrel chosen and carried by Wally’s. Tobacco, sweet cream, florals, huge flavors. This was Eddie’s favorite.
  6. Starward 10th Anniversary 52% ABV – Lots of cream again, apricot, suede with flavors that included spices, dried fruit and caramel.

+ Violet Crumble bar (Australian honeycomb toffee coated in chocolate) Eddie tried to steal both bars, this stuff was like crack, especially paired with the whisky!

Starward Australian Whisky website [link]

SCWC website

WSKYCVLT
SCWC Facebook

Wally’s Starward Page

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.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2018: And the Best of Show Goes To…?

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By now you’ve (hopefully) read my two articles on judging the first annual Global Wine Awards; you may have even seen a third installment on the winners. But what you haven’t seen, or had your virtual taste of, is the wine the judges awarded a Gold, then a Double Gold, and then finally the Best of Show to: Martellotto 2016 Il Cappocia Riserva (Barrel Aged) from Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara.

So, I’m here to rectify that. I ordered a bottle for myself, just for a little R and D, and to give me a full opportunity to savor over. For good measure I thought it wise to try another red from the same winery and same AVA, the 2016 La Bomba Cabernet. So, without further adieu, here are the results:

 

2016 Martellotto Il Cappocia Riserva

(Barrel Aged)

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara

Best in Show and 97 points at the Global Wine Awards

https://martellotto.com/products/2016-martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

Color: Dark purple with some raisin-coloring on the edge.

Aroma: Crushed black cherry, blueberry, char, dark chocolate, cream, cigar, dried leaves and the tiniest whiff of menthol.

Flavor: Blue to black fruit, cracked black pepper, dark chocolate again, velvety at the start and then a great bite of spice and tannin, yet balanced and just as good as I remembered. Excellent blend of Bordeaux grapes.

Pairing: Cheese and charcuterie board was our dining choice for the evening but this would pair well with anything from a juicy steak, Bolognese pasta to chocolate crème Brûlée.

Conclusion: As I noted when I had my taste: just as good as I remembered and well deserving of the Best of Show award we gave it. I was really looking forward to trying the Cab next…

 

2016 Martellotto La Bomba Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara

Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; Double Gold and Best of Show at the Central Coast Wine Competition.

https://martellotto.com/products/martellottocabernet

Color: Beautiful opaque blackberry.

Aroma: So, knowing that La Bomba translated is The Bomb I was looking forward to what I would find on the nose: a LOT of fresh and ripe blueberry, plum, green peppercorn, rich, spicy, coffee bean and no nose burn. The nose definitely called you in for the taste.

Flavor: bold red fruit followed by dark fruit in luscious layers and incredible balance, nice spicy qualities that lingered in the palate, both green and black pepper with the same velvety quality on the palate as the Il Cappocia Riserva.

Pairing: I had this with a bacon-wrapped filet mignon smothered in sweet onion and sautéed mushroom. Yea, that was pretty great. But I also imagined this with a robust charcuterie board filled with Mortadella with pistachio, chorizo and both hard and soft cheese.

Conclusion: I found both an unexpected flavor and balance – akin to a young Napa Cab – for a SBC Cabernet. Very well done. Makes me want to seek out Happy Canyon and the winery to learn more.

From the Winery

Martellotto Wines is the only winery in Santa Barbara County to be winning this many awards for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, specifically from Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara.

The Rise of Santa Barbara Wines

As you know, this area is already well regarded for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production (which I also make). However, were you aware that our region is also producing some outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals? The TTB established the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA in 2009 given its distinctive climate in the far eastern part of the Santa Ynez Valley. This warmer climate is proving to be fertile ground for high quality Bordeaux varietals, especially since the diurnal temperature changes are so dramatic.

Today, a handful of producers are leading the way. I’m pleased to report Martellotto Winery is one of those wineries. In fact, Martellotto is one of the few wineries in California bottling varietally labeled wines of each of the five noble Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. 

Martellotto Winery

100 Los Padres Way #7

Buellton, CA 93427

(619) 567-9244

*Tastings Available by Appointment Only 

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.

Perlises Pick What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 2

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I’ve written about Stillman Brown and the wines he makes somewhere in Paso Robles often enough over the last several years that people might think I owe him something. All I really owe him is a thank you for his delicious wines as well as for his witty emails. Karen and I have really enjoyed all his wines, but since this series of articles is primarily about the “lighter” wines that we’ve been enjoying at home, I thought I’d share with you two of those that were released most recently. And rather than bore you with my descriptions, I figured I’d just turn you over to Swilly himself:

The deal goes down with Stillman in the La Quinta parking lot — photo by Mike Ortiz (Photo is from this website’s library, taken well before Covid.)

“2019 Chateau d’Abalone Vermentino.  It’s light and it’s big, it’s crisp and it’s soft, and it smells like….Vermentino, not like table grapes, dirt, and Muscat de Middleman was added instead of the best possible yeast for the variety.  Unusual vine canopy management and my little enological tricks – a ‘secret ingredient’? – make a difference, I think: it’s the equal of the 2015, which … oh well, how about a more recent brag?  The new swill slayed all comers at a post-Christmas party I was semi-forced to attend,  There were some pretty good palates there, but a few belonged to “snobbeliers” so I didn’t mention that the wine was still in bottle shock at that point.  It might have been interpreted as winemaker egomania watered down to mere smugness…

2019 Colossus Viognier.  There would have been more if not for Bambi & family, who munched away undisturbed for the extra weeks it took to ripen everything this year, but I did manage to get enough to partly fill a beautiful Caucasian 265 liter barrel – second use, as when new it had held the previous vintage only three months.  Second is not second best for barrel fermented whites, sez me.  I also had enough to partly fill a 55 gallon stainless drum.  (Fill  >80% and ferment —> yeast lava flow.)  No sweetness, no cloying warm climate perfume, no “it’s cool climate Viognier, it’s supposed to be thin and weird'” Santa Barbara marketing spin.  It’s 31 proof.”

Did you follow all that? Yeah, me neither.

From Karen: But the wines were great. These wines go with all our “lighter meals” – turkey, chicken, fish and also what we like to call our “snacks” nights – shrimp cocktails or even steak tartare. Add some fruit, cheese and crackers and we can have dinner on the table in 10 minutes. We know these wines complement whatever we are having for dinner.

The bad news is that I expect these wines are long gone. The good news is they were released about a year ago, so maybe we can expect something equally exciting sometime soon. But the only way that you will know is if you get on his email list, so contact him at swillyidle@gmail.com. You’ll have the opportunity to get some wonderful wines and also some entertaining emails.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Releases from Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei and Eve!

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Another week, and another great opportunity for a Zoom meeting, this time with a winery in Italy, Chianti Classico to be exact:

…Giovanni Mazzei debuts three new Chianti Classico Gran Selezione releases from Castello di Fonterutoli, the historic Tuscan estate where his family has been making wine for 24 generations. Castello di Fonterutoli’s vineyards are situated within the territory of three adjoining Chianti Classico municipalities: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. Beginning with the 2017 harvest, the Mazzei family launched a new approach to its Sangiovese-based range of wines, aimed at highlighting the biodiversity of these three terroirs in three Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines, each with its own inimitable character.

What We Learned from Mazzei

The wines we would taste were from different vineyards and varied terroirs. These were to highlight a new approach to Sangiovese winemaking. In over two dozen generations of making wine – back then it was talked about in barrel now it’s talked about in bottle – there has been an evolution to the winemaking.

The different vineyards, see the photo of the map, cover three districts and include seven vineyard zones. Each give different “aromatics, elegance and power.” There will be discernable little differences between the different districts. We were one of the first to sample these wines. Mazzei then invited us to visit, said he would love to take us through all of the vineyards in his Land Rover to see it for ourselves. Who doesn’t want to do that?

The Wines and Tasting Notes (Some of the notes are ones I agreed with but made by Mazzei or another participant in the Zoom.)

Badiola Gran Selezione 2017 –  from the estate’s highest altitude vineyards, below the 12th century church of La Badiola. SRP $99 From the tech sheet: Aged 16 months in French oak barrels (500L, 30% new), then finessed for five months in concrete tanks before bottling. JAMES SUCKLING, 96 points, July 2020. 94 PTS WINE ADVOCATE 8/20 .92 PTS VINOUS 9/20. 91 PTS DECANTER 2/20. Our notes: Red cherries, red currant, spice, toasted oak, earth; same tart cherries, brambly.

Castelllo di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione 2017 – made from a selection of the best vineyard plots surrounding the hamlet of Fonterutoli. SRP $74. From the tech sheet: Aged 18 months in French oak barrels (500L, 50% new), then finessed for four months in concrete tanks before bottling. JAMES SUCKLING, 96 points, July 2020. 93 PTS WINE ADVOCATE 8/20. 92 PTS VINOUS 9/20. Our notes: Robust red fruit, black cherry, more brambly than the Badiola, lavender, peppery; full bodied, dry red fruit with silky tannins.

Vicoregio 36 Gran Selezione 2017 – a blend of 36 different Sangiovese biotypes (aka clones) deriving from 50 years of research, from the single Vicoregio vineyard. SRP $99. From the tech sheet: Aged 18 months in French oak barrels (500L, 50% new), then finessed for four months in concrete tanks before bottling.  95 points WINE ADVOCATE, August 2020. 95 PTS JAMES SUCKLING 7/20. 94 PTS VINOUS 9/20. Our notes: Thick, rich, raisins, prunes and other dark fruit; tannic, dry, “grip” and velvety.

Giovanni then shared the soon-to-be-released Siepi 2018 Toscana IGT, a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that was first produced in 1992. SRP $130. From the tech sheet: 70% of the wines are aged in new French barriques (Merlot: 18 months; Sangiovese: 16 months), then blended and aged an additional 4 months in concrete tanks. The wine is bottle aged for 4 months before release. 94-96 POINTS, WINE ADVOCATE, August 2020.

Our notes: Really pretty nose, red to blue fruit, earth, smoky; complex, balanced (probably due to Merlot influence), silky, black fruit, chocolate, very drinkable now.

About Castello di Fonterutoli

In the Mazzei family since 1435, Castello di Fonterutoli stretches across 1,600 acres of rolling Tuscan countryside in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone, taking in 7 areas under vine that cover a total of 290 acres. The seven vineyard zones are themselves broken down into no less than 120 plots which lie at an altitude of between 230 and 570 metres above sea level. Vineyard cultivation is entirely manual, up to and including the grape harvest, with vine care solutions tailored to each plot. Our centuries-old acquaintance with this territory, combined with more than half a century of research, has allowed us to base our range on36 biotypes of Sangiovese, 18 of which are mass selections exclusive to Castello di Fonterutoli. No other Chianti Classico winery can boast this level of biotype diversity.

The 2017 Vintage

It’s hard to remember such a remarkable season as 2017, when a succession of challenging weather events demanded all our instinct and expertise. A frost around 20 April was followed by a spring and summer when it hardly rained at all, with summer temperatures hitting the high notes and inducing a water stress that limited grape growth and reduced bunch weight. Towards the end of the season we took a gamble, waiting for September rains, and were rewarded with 130mm of rainfall in twenty days, which together with an abrupt fall in temperatures (with lows reaching 5 °C) gave the grapes new vigour. Grape quality was therefore good overall with peaks of excellence, far exceeding our pre-rainfall expectations, though yields were down 35% on the yearly average.2017 turned out to be of those ‘textbook’ years when great experience and a careful monitoring of every single vineyard, on a tailored, plot-by-plot basis, were essential to winemaking success.

www.palmbay.com

www.taubfamilyselections.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 (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.