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

February 23, 2021 by evebushman

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.

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2018: What Did We Love the Most at Live and Dine LA?

February 16, 2021 by evebushman

Angeleno‘s annual Live & Dine LA event honors the city’s most distinguished chefs and restaurateurs that continue to shape and evolve L.A.’s culinary scene. Guests will be treated to exclusive culinary demonstrations prepared by award-winning chefs, which will be paired with delicious wines and artisanal cocktails. This evening of culinary indulgences and refreshing libations is sure to make for a memorable date night, with its luxury lounges and unique tasting experiences under the stars and the Fairmont’s iconic (and romantic) fig tree.

Count me in! The last time I covered an event at the Fairmont Miramar – on Wilshire Blvd. just a block from the beach – was a Union des Grands Crus (UGC) Bordeaux Tasting in one of the large convention rooms. This time, as promised, we were outdoors under their enormous fig tree. Being outdoors was fine with me, as long as it was away from the street that, if you’ve been reading the news, is littered with abandoned electric scooters, the latest “craze” that may be dismantled by the time this article runs.

But lets move on, sorry about that, my attention had definitely been happily taken over by all of the restaurants, wineries and spirit companies – no scooters needed. (Read on or skip to the photos here.)

The crowd of smart couples and singles meandered from one welcoming table to another. My favorites of the tables (I couldn’t do it all!) started with

Menhir Salento Winery represented by Gaetano Marangelli, where I tasted Italian wines from Puglia. Between the Pass-O white blend to the Primitivo – I was enchanted. I hope to go through a tasting of their complete line up soon!

From there I inhaled: the Crab Guacamole with shaved Truffle from The Nixon in Whittier, Garlic Crostini from HomeCooked, the incredible Burrata cheese from di Stefana, a refreshing Lillet-based (a white Bordeaux wine made with quinine and citrus) cocktail made simply with tonic, Chick Souvlaki from Cleo, Roasted Peppers from FIG, Provence’s Domaine de Cala Rose wine, Ocean Prime Watermelon Salad, looooved the Mongibello blood orange juice with Tito’s vodka, and Deviled Green Eggs and Ham from Boa Steakhouse stole the show until I had a Deviled Egg from Yardbird that was equally yum-worthy.

Moving to the other side of the fig tree my taste buds were further delighted with wheat-based Carbonadi Vodka from Italy, AN Catering Garlic Noodles, a carved tri-tip sandwich from Grand Food and Beverage, really tasty cocktails from Gratitude, and Viva Tequila 32 Reposado in my favorite cocktail of the day made with Grapefruit and lime juices, agave, orange bitters and Aperol!

Still not done I munched on a heavenly slice of Grilled Cheese with Summer Truffle from Salt in Marina Del Rey (well worth a short wait in line), killer Reposado cocktails from Gracias Madre in West Hollywood and more lovely Burrata from Mozza. Of final note guests really appreciated the two open lounge spaces that served delicious Brugal Rum from the Dominican Republic and chilly gin cocktails from Sipsmith.

Restaurants and Beverage Companies

Sponsors

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Hornburg Jaguar Land Rover Santa Monica, CBS 2, KCAL 9, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, and nonprofit partner City of Hope.

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 15k 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.

My Fave Wines From 2020: The Year When Drinking Wine Became Everyone’s Favorite Pastime

February 12, 2021 by evebushman

Lots pop into our heads when we think of 2020, and of course we aren’t out of the woods yet, or even close, so far for 2021. For me it was a windfall of wines sent for review, often accompanied by a Zoom tasting led by the winemaker. I (virtually) traveled to Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy and more in those meetings and via my own cellar. And before Covid shut things down I did have quick trips to Los Olivos, Paso Robles and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Below is a collection of some of my favorite wines from 2020. If any of this sounds good to you, go find these wines!

It turns out that I had about 50 wine tastings, if not more, in 2020. These shout-outs are from EveWine101 website articles: the 2020 Gambero Rosso Master Class, 2017 Bordeaux presented by the Union des Grand Crus, Vega Sicilia collectors dinner with Pablo Alvarez, Fontanafredda Barolo, wine from New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay, Folded Hills Winery with winemaker Angela Osborne, California Wine STARS 2020, LA County Wines (Byron Blatty, Acri Wine Company, Angeleno Wine Company and Cavaletti Vineyards), Zoom tasting with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt and their 2012 Date Night Cabernet, Camins 2 Dreams, Gary Farrell single vineyard Pinots with winemaker Theresa Heredia, revisiting Montemar, catching up with winemaker Mark Cargasacchi and Jalama wines, also visiting Ampelos and Zotovich in Lompoc, Switchback Ridge via the Grand Reserves Reward Master Card, tasting from family-owned wineries with Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, great wines that stole my palate but not my wallet from Guarachi Wine Partners, reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion, Tenuta Montemagno sparkling Barbera, Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei, Paul Kornell Sparkling…

In SCV Elite Magazine this year I got to write about wine tasting in Paso Robles just before the shutdown. Had exceptional experiences at Thacher Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Derby Wine Estates, Steinbeck Wines, Cass Wines, Eberle Winery, Oso Libre Winery, HammerSky vineyards and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

January started out great with my first, and last, visit and dinner at Marstons with my VP/BFF Michael Perlis, our wonderful spouses, all over lots of wine ($10 corkage!) including 2013 Audacious Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend by Law Estate, 2013 Comstock Rockpile/Sonoma County Zinfandel, 2009 Regusci Zinfandel Napa Valley…

At Wine 661: Lucas And Lewellen tasting where we sampled five of their Santa Barbara County wines, including a Rose of Pinot and a Bordeaux blend. Had a couple of wines off of the Happy Hour menu. This was not the last time I went to Wine 661 in 2020…

Now some single bottle shout outs:

Vinos Zanzonico 2017 Syrah Reserva: 100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol, from the Valle de la Grulla area of Baja. With a regal dark purple color, I was drawn in to fantastic aromas of sweet black cherry, plum, tri-color peppercorns, layers of rich bark, milk chocolate…all very welcoming. I went in for a taste and was rewarded with a very rich and layered mouthfeel, with dark and dry blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, peppery spicy goodness and tannins that held my back palate at attention for a length that just would…not…quit. 99 Eve points.

2014 Old Vine Zichichi Family Vineyard Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley: The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate at all to a hot wine on the palate, instead it delivered incredible substance. It started with a nose full of sweet dark plums, pipe tobacco, black licorice, toasted oak, black pepper and popcorn kernel. Going in for a taste my mouth was filled with delicious dried blueberry and blackberry, that same black pepper, tannins that held firm, and a great balance of the dark fruit and tannins to keep it lingering a long time on the palate. This was a new Zin discovery for me, will definitely be looking for it again!

Entourage by Two Papas Wine barrel fermented (1) and stainless steel (2) 2019 Chardonnay, Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County: 1. Barrel: Designated by a gold wax top (the stainless has a silver wax top) I was amazed that this was a young 2019 vintage! It had lovely notes of creamy butter, pineapple, golden delicious apple and popcorn kernel that morphed into caramel apple on the palate, mild acidity, with a long, balanced and lush finish. 2. No barrel: Our stainless sibling gave off nicely scented whiffs of Meyer lemon, both cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and a little unsalted butter. When I tasted the wine I got homemade fruit cocktail, wet pebbles, low acidity and a medium finish.

2018 Kindred Rose of Pinot Noir: The color of rose gold, complete with sparkles! Then on the nose I found pink grapefruit, lemon pith, French Toast, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin orange = all very inviting! In for a taste next, there is a very round mouthfeel, and the same citrus fruits I found on the nose – grapefruit, lemon and orange – with a medium acidity. Enjoy now, with or without food IMO!

2015 Phifer Pavitt XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon: Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you go back in for another sip…and another.

2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red: aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate.

2001 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, a Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont…I looked for the roses, tar, licorice and red berries (notes from a professional critic) and also found tart berries, spice and tannins after decanting for 7 hours. So interesting.

Have you tried Guentota, aka the “Soul of Cuyo”, a “100-YR-OLD-VINE PREMIUM 2016 MALBEC” from Mendoza, Argentina? It’s from Belasco De Baqueano and was awarded 91 points from James Suckling. And I was far too busy lapping it up to make any tasting notes. But find it at Newhall Press Room. (Truth be told I had a LOT of wine from Newhall Press in 2020!)

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, I have no notes as I was also too busy drinking to take any. A stellar wine as it’s been proven vintage after vintage.

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo: The nose and taste had really changed and mellowed over the 7 hours, with aromas of dried dark fruit, grilled mushroom, balsamic, dust and oak; on the palate I got both bright and dark fruit in a very fine balance.

From my local Pulchella Winery we had: Suspect sparkling wine, 2019 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend, 2017 Mercenary Zinfandel blend, 2018 Witness Grenache…among others!

A note on Los Olivos: this was a non-press trip so no notes were taken. With that in mind we loved: Barbieri and Kempe are “Boutique wines made by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri” along with his wife Erin Kempe = bought a case! The second, Bella Cavailli Farms and Vineyard, produces some amazing wines against a backdrop of a working horse ranch, as well as some fun distilled spirits from Dorwood Distillery. Jeff Lockwood is the winemaker and his brother Jay the head distiller. We left there with both wine and spirts to enjoy at home.

A note from Wine on the Porch: During the summer months we enjoyed Hanzell Chardonnay, Saintsbury Chardonnay, Parhelion Cellars Light Pillar Chardonnay, St Supery Virtu Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, Pagter Brothers 2018 Viognier, and from Hoi Polloi I snatched up their 2018 Rose of Grenache and Double-Gold Best-Of-Class 2018 Chardonnay!

A note about spirits: Yea, I wrote a lot about spirits this year too, stay tuned for a roundup of those next!

15th Annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience 2021 Goes Virtual- LiveCast Sunday, FEB 21

February 3, 2021 by evebushman

New York, NY – With sold-to-capacity crowds, the annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience (KFWE) is undisputedly among the hottest tickets in the kosher culinary world. These massive events in New York, California, Israel, Miami, and London attract thousands of restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, and foodies who wait all year to sample the latest and greatest in fine kosher wines and creative cuisine.

Fans of the expo will be thrilled to know that social distancing won’t spoil the party this year. In fact, those coveted tickets won’t be needed when the 15^th annual Kosher Food and Wine Experience goes virtual on Sunday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

All are welcome to sip and savor with the pros during this free livecast, presented by Royal Wine Corp. Program highlights include guided wine tastings with Jay Buchsbaum, VP of Marketing and Wine Education for Royal Wine; Erik Segelbaum, Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year; wine blogger Gabriel Geller, Royal Wine’s director of PR; and others.

“We spent quite a bit of time behind the scenes trying to figure out how to safely bring this experience to people while still capturing the essence of the show,” noted Buchsbaum. “Yes, things will be a little different this year, but the virtual format creates new opportunities. For instance, the more intimate setting means we can do a deeper dive into the wines, wineries, and winemaking process.”

Another innovative twist is the Official KFWE Tasting Kit, which will allow home viewers to sample wines with the experts. Each kit includes 100mL samples of 25 featured wines – each enough for 2-3 pours – from some of the world’s most prestigious wineries. Kits also include a tasting guide, recipe cards, and shopping lists so guests can cook along too. Available for $250 (plus processing and shipping fees), tasting kits can be ordered through www.TheKFWE.com. Order by February 12 to ensure delivery in time for the event. Must be at least 21 years old to purchase.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a KFWE without the food. Celebrity chef, restauranteur, and James Beard Award winner Michael Solomonov will be on hand along with Chef Gabe Garcia of Tierra Sur and personalities from Kosher.com, the leading website for all things kosher. Viewers can watch their demonstrations and cook along in real-time. Detailed recipe cards with shopping lists and prep instructions will be available for download ahead of time.

“Just as Erik Segelbaum and Michael Solomonov are respected and admired in the global mainstream wine and culinary world,” noted Royal Wine’s Gabe Geller, “kosher and Israeli wines deserve the same indiscriminating quality and appreciation. KFWE was created to spread that message far and wide. So even though we are presenting on a smaller physical scale this year, KFWE 2021 will drive that message home to more people than ever.”

This year’s event focuses on the following releases – all of which are kosher for Passover:

Carmel Signature Mediterranean 2017

Barkan Special Reserve Winemaker’s Choice Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Shiloh Secret Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Jezreel Valley Argaman 2017

Binyamina The Chosen Diamond 2017

Gush Etzion Winery Blessed Valley Chardonnay 2019

Tulip Black Tulip 2017

Netofa Dor 2017

Flam Noble 2017

Tabor Malkiya Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Psagot Peak 2017

Teperberg Essence Malbec 2016

Hagafen Estate Bottled Coombsville Napa Valley Dry White Riesling 2018

Covenant Red C 2017

Herzog Variations Be-leaf Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Herzog Generation IX Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2017

Chateau de Santenay Les Bois de l’Alier Mercurey 2019

Château Guiraud 1er Cru Sauternes 2019

Chateau Giscours Margaux 2017

Chateau Montviel Pomerol 2018

Capcanes Flor de Primavera Peraj Ha’abib Montsant 2017

Elvi Wines Herenza Rioja Reserva 2014

Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016

Sforno Gran Reserva Red Blend Mendoza 2020

For more information on KFWE 2021, to register, or to purchase the Official KFWE 2021 Wine Tasting Kit, visit www.TheKFWE.com. Participants will receive a viewing link for the livecast along with recipes, shopping lists, and a sneak peek at featured wines.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Since 1948, Royal Wine Corp., also known as Kedem, has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots date back eight generations to 19th century Czechoslovakia.

Today Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, and Argentina. Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest Mediterranean inspired contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine on Face Book.com/RoyalWineCorp/, and instagram.com/royalwinecorp/, and twitter.com/royalwinecorp

One Bottle Post: 2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red

January 22, 2021 by evebushman

My first tasting of Regusci wine was when a good pal shared a bottle with me years ago. It was probably a Zinfandel as that is one of my favorite varietals though these days a wee bit harder to come by. My second tasting was in 2015, and prompted by my memory of that first taste, we visited the winery tasting room in Napa. This may have been the first time I tried Patriarch and these were my notes:

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.

I was certainly overdue for a visit, so when I spied a bottle of 2012 Patriarch on my cellar list, probably purchased during the 2015 visit, I was anxious to try it. This is the social media post I shared:

Do you like Napa red Bordeaux blends or do you tend to stick to Napa Cabs? Pulled a 2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red from the cellar to try recently. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Googled it to see its current worth ($134, we paid approximately $55) and ratings. Cellar Tracker gave it 93 points and I couldn’t find much more about it. It was a wee bit tight when I first opened it so I let it rest in my glass while I started making these preliminary notes. Now, on aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate. Then I waited another few minutes to try again, and again with my dinner of cheese and charcuterie. How did it fare? See EveWine101 on January 22 to see!

Now it’s Jan 22 so here you go, the rest of my tasting notes are below:

Later on the nose: richer, more velvet, fruit opened up more, dark chocolate, sweet char, dust. Taste: developed with more spicy attributes but super balanced, long finish that doesn’t quit. (Words I highlighted in bold are because they were the same attributes I found in the 2011 vintage, and if you read through you will also see one of the words the winery used as well: velvet.)

Liked it a lot more with a meal, it benefitted from comingling with great charcuterie – like some wines do. This is a wine that could’ve gone longer in my cellar, so the time it spent in glass did the trick. 94 Eve points.

Notes on this vintage from winery:

This Regusci Patriarch 2012 is of the Proprietary Red varietal and was produced by the Regusci Winery in the Napa, North Coast, California region of USA…the elegant and concentrated 2012 Patriarch is our blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is a wine that showcases the complexity and depth that the best sites on our Estate have to offer. On the nose you will find dark cherries, raspberries, spice rub and pencil shavings. The palate rewards with a purity of fruit that is supported with loads of cigar box, vanilla and spice. The texture on this wine can only be described as pure velvet, it will age gracefully for the next 10-15 years. Regusci Winery A multi-generational family winery, home to one of the only ghost wineries in California. Regusci Winery is known for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon from their family ranch in Napa Valley’s acclaimed Stags Leap District. A visit to this rustic property will showcase the Regusci family’s passion for farming and a glimpse of a Napa Valley that once was.

https://www.regusciwinery.com

https://www.instagram.com/regusciwinery

https://www.facebook.com/regusciwinery/

America’s Fine Wine Purveyor – Wine Spectrum Announces 2020’s Top 100 Wines

December 27, 2020 by evebushman

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. – Each year Wine Spectrum reveals its Top 100 Wine List—experienced wine buyers (sommeliers, former wine buyers and directors) select the most exciting wines from thousands of wines they’ve evaluated during the course of the year. Wine Spectrum’s 2020 Top 100 honors the ‘best-of-the-best’ wines—a diverse group ranging from Napa Valley and Sonoma County icons to international gems, artisan brands, emerging labels and superb values. Wine Spectrum’s selection is based on quality, value, excitement and accessibility. The Top 100 is a reflection of the special spectrum of wines our wine buyers, wine advisors and clientele are passionate about. Many of this year’s Top 100 winners are still available for purchase (some at limited quantities). Visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List at: winespectrum.com/top100.

“The Top 100 exemplifies a key reason why our customers love us. We are the ‘treasure hunters’ of the wine world with decades of wine buying clout resulting from our deep relationships in the wine industry. We provide consumers access to some of the best wines in the world delivered with pristine provenance,” said Glenn Siegel—Wine Spectrum’s Founder and President.

Wine of the Year
Wine Spectrum honors Chappellet ‘Signature’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 as the #1 Wine of the Year. The stunning ‘Signature’ Cabernet has been Chappellet’s flagship wine for more than three decades. The dry, rocky soils of Pritchard Hill produce small, intensely flavorful grapes. ‘Signature’ is a benchmark for the long-lived hillside wines of the Napa Valley; full of structure and aging potential, yet seductively forward in its concentrated varietal character. To purchase, or for more information, visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List: winespectrum.com/top100.

Winemaker of the Year
Wine Spectrum honors Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars in Healdsburg, CA. Katz honed his winemaking skills with stints at Pétrus, Viña Cobos, and Screaming Eagle. He spent five years as winemaker at Lancaster Estate in Alexander Valley. In 2009, he founded Aperture Cellars, a collaborative project with his father, renowned vineyard photographer Andy Katz. Aperture Cellars champions a range of expressive Bordeaux style wines from Sonoma County’s premier cool-climate Bordeaux varietal vineyard sites. Wine Spectrum recognized two of Aperture’s wines in the Top 100: 2018 Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend Alexander Valley (winespectrum.com/wine/2018-aperture-red-blend/) and 2018 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (winespectrum.com/wine/2018-aperture-cabernet-sauvignon/). The wines are intensely scented, layered and texturally stunning representing some of the best Cabernets coming out of Sonoma County today. To purchase, or for more information, visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List: winespectrum.com/top100.

About Wine Spectrum
Wine Spectrum—in the heart of Sonoma wine country, provides discriminating collectors a spectrum of diverse, rare and highly allocated wines through personalized selection and guidance. For more information on Wine Spectrum Inc. visit: winespectrum.com or http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wine-spectrum

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2018: A Trio of 2016 Carmenere

December 22, 2020 by evebushman

I became a fan of Carmenere wines when first introduced to them, most likely via Alex Guarachi of Guarachi Wine Partners when his distribution company was formerly known as TGIC – Thank God it’s Chilean – a decade or more ago. The grape is one of the noble Bordeaux grape varieties and made especially well in the Chilean terroir, in my humble opinion. Today I share my tasting notes of three from the recent 2016 vintage.

Photo of Carmenere grapes from Wine.com

Marques de Casa Concha 2016: SRP $25

Color: Dark purple opaque in color.

Aromas: boysenberry, sweet plums, blackberry, blueberry, stems, mild spice, cigar, coffee grounds, rich.

Taste: big and jammy, spicy, blue to black fruit, tobacco, oak, dark chocolate, espresso.

90 Eve pts.

Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2016: SRP $11

Color: Deep purple.

Aromas: blueberry, blackberry, milk chocolate, coffee, black pepper, balanced.

Taste: tart, bright red fruit but dark fruit and tannins on the back palate that delivered a nice medium length finish.

87 Eve pts.

Serie Riberas Gran Reserva 2016: SRP $17

Color: Purple, dark edge

Aromas: red, blue and black fruit, cloves, mint, black tea, pepper.

Taste: dark and tannic, predominant black fruit, dusty and spicy.

89 Eve pts.

Carmenere Over The Years (Abbreviated facts from Distributor)

Ancient grape variety from Médoc region of France, where it rarely played more than a walk-on role in the pre-Phylloxera (i.e. pre-1867) Bordeaux blend. Possibly a clone of Cabernet Sauvignon (debatable). Prone to coulure (prevents vine buds from flowering) in Bordeaux’s damp, old spring climate; hence, Bordeaux growers opted not to replant in the post-Phylloxera era.

Rediscovered in Chile in 1994 by visiting French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot who, noting the unusual length of time certain portions of Chilean Merlot took to mature, deduced that those vines were in fact Carmenere. It’s thought that Carmenere cuttings from Bordeaux were introduced in Chile in the 1900s and quickly confused with Merlot.

Chile’s long, dry growing season has proven far more conducive to quality, stand-alone Carmenere than Bordeaux’s Médoc, with its damp, chilly spring and early-autumn rains. South of Santiago, Chile’s Cachapoal region and the Peumo area in particular produce the country’s finest Carmenere — a super-finicky grape when it comes to terroir. Carmenere requires a long growing season: in Chile, Merlot is harvested in early March; Cabernet Sauvignon in mid-April; Carmenere, however, is best left on the vine until mid-May.

As its name suggests, Carmenere has a high natural color index, resulting in a crimson-red wine, but it’s equally likely the name refers to the carmine-red foliage of Carmenere vines in the fall.

At its best, a Carmenere is silky, dense, juicy even, with barely perceptible tannins, which is why it was and still often is used to counterbalance other varieties with harder tannins.

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.

Reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion and GIFTS too!

November 27, 2020 by evebushman

My history with DAOU is a long one, so I was thrilled to receive the 2017 Soul of a Lion to review, as well as some gift ideas that I’ve shared below my tasting notes. Let me start with some of my previous notes:

I covered the first few annual Cab Collective events, a multi-day educational retreat for press and sommeliers that was started by Daniel Daou and other Cab-minded Paso vintners. This article ran in January 2017 in Elite Magazine, all about the event (but don’t blame me for this title, it should read the well-rated not underrated) https://scvelitemagazine.com/2017/01/underrated-wines-paso-robles-cabs-distinction-grand-tasting-2016/

At another tasting event this is what I thought of just one vintage: DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2013 – Who isn’t a fan of DAOU? This reserve Cab was all tobacco, dark and dry and good to go.

An excerpt from another Cab Collective, and also getting my first taste of Soul of a Lion, this is what I’ll share: Daou told the crowd, “We don’t get a bad vintage often…it’s our trademark” as “our region achieves ripeness year after year” delivering wines of “perfect balance.”

From a 2013 report from Robert Parker I also shared: Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC) members were awarded dozens of scores well above 90 points for their red Bordeaux-style wines including 98 points and 96 points for DAOU Vineyards and Winery’s 2013 Patrimony and 2013 Soul of a Lion, respectively.

And back in 2010 I wrote: Daou spoke of how he co-founded DAOU with his brother Georges and how Paso Robles has the “most French-like terroir we could find in California.”

2010 Soul of a Lion: Daou said they produced 550 cases of this wine, which saw “new French oak aging for 24 months, still needs some time.” It sold out in five weeks in tasting room. EB: Mint, full/round, plump dark fruit, milk chocolate; Tannic, dusty dark fruit, pepper, long finish. Good to go now or cellar, very nice.

TODAY AND TASTING THE 2017 SOUL OF A LION

A pretty black cherry in color, opaque. Onward, we are greeted with aromas reminding me of sweet fruit leather: blackberry, blueberry and plums; then cherry cola, milk chocolate, white pepper, medium toasted oak and a hint of rich caramel. Next comes a very rich mouthfeel of flavors. Layered fruit and spice: dark, dark fruit and tamed spice; with a juicy, long finish. Can imagine this 2017 getting even more interesting with more age.

Now, some very cool gift ideas from DAOU:

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY ($129)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

Smooth yet robust, DAOU’s cabernet boasts flavors of dark cherry and cassis with subtle mocha and truffle nuances. A firm but smooth texture of pure blackberry fruit and coffee makes for a well-rounded wine that’s ideal to put on your table for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners alongside meat or seafood dishes.

Gift set includes:

2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Estate Olive Oil
DAOU Wine Opener
Reserve Linen Box

SOUL OF A LION COLLECTOR’S SET ($450)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

Soul of a Lion is the crown jewel of DAOU, named after Joseph Daou, the father of Georges and Daniel Daou. This wine displays richness, elegance and balance.

Gift set includes:

Three 2017 Estate Soul of a Lion
3 Bottle Estate Wooden Box
Lionhead Pourer

Merry and Bright!

MERRY & BRIGHT ($135)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

For the fans of whites and rosés, this set includes a bottle of Chemin de Fleurs, an elegant and sophisticated white wine, and Reserve Rosé, inspired by the refreshingly dry rosés that are a winemaking staple in southern France.

Gift set includes:

2019 Reserve Chemin de Fleurs
2019 Reserve Rosé
2019 Estate Olive Oil
DAOU Wine Opener
Reserve Linen Box

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey Launches In U.S. Market

November 25, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Created from the finest Irish grain and malt whiskeys, Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey is proud to announce its launch into the U.S. market. The blend is triple distilled and aged in American oak barrels. Matured in bourbon casks, the blend includes a touch of sherry-finished malt, providing a complex character and tasting notes that reveal an abundance of fruit and creaminess.

Proclamation Irish Whiskey is owned by Inis Tine Uisce Teoranta, based in Co. Mayo. They have worked with a team of Ireland and the world’s leading technical specialists, craftspeople and spirits professionals to present an original Irish whiskey blend of singular taste and exceptional quality. “We are very proud to bring Proclamation to the U.S. market. It serves to honor and celebrate the shared history between Ireland and America, a pivital relationship that helped create the independent Ireland we know and love today,” said Stephen Cope, Managing Director of ITUT. “From its concept, historical reference, through to the labelling, blending and creation of the finished liquid, this whiskey has been expertly crafted through collaboration.”

The idea for Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey was originally conceived to honor the history of the people behind the birth of the 1916 Proclamation. Historian, author, and publisher Mícheál Ó Doibhilín explains, “We wanted to celebrate Ireland’s independent spirit through a quality Irish whiskey, one that also tells the story of some of the unsung heroes of this time. Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey pays tribute to the three printers of the Proclamation, William O’Brien, Michael Molloy and Christopher Joseph Brady and acknowledges the important role they played during a hugely significant time in Irish history.”

The Proclamation boasts a design that reflects the physical attributes of the original document. The printers had insufficient type to print it all at once it had to be printed in two parts. The label includes blind embossing, while fonts were specially redrawn to emulate those of the Proclamation, such as the spurious ‘e’ that features in the original document.

Paul Caris, ITUT’s Master Blender and also responsible for Grace O´Malley, hand selects casks with distinctive character and complexity. Caris, a former winemaker and Bordeaux-Native, brings an impeccable palate and years of experience to Proclamation.

TASTING NOTES
NOSE: First to be revealed is ripe Williams pear, followed by an abundance of apricot and crème brulée notes. Slowly developing through to rich custard, freshly brewed cappuccino and ending with woody notes.
PALATE: Front loaded notes of toasted brioche, freshly baked pastry and overtones of macerated yellow fruits. Fusions of tannins on the mid-palate with a robust yet rounded finish.
FINISH: Overwhelmingly creamy with a mellow finish and hints of toasted cereal.

About Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey
Proclamation Irish Whiskey is owned by Inis Tine Uisce Teoranta, based in Co. Mayo, a team working collaboratively with some of Ireland and the world’s leading craftspeople, technical experts and spirits professionals in bringing premium Irish spirits to market. The team specializes in blending, maturing and finishing Irish whiskeys, creating premium spirits and brand building for the international market. Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey is initially available in a bespoke, fully recyclable tube that has been specially developed for the launch and includes an illustration of the then Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street). The suggested retail price (SRP) for Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey is $29.99. Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey is distilled at The Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, Ireland and widely distributed in Europe and currently imported in the U.S. by MHW. Inis Tine Uisce Teoranta launched the Grace O’Malley Spirits brand dedicated to the Irish Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley in the US in March 2020. Proclamation is now available nationwide in retailers including Bev Max, Mash and Grape, and Local New York Liquors. Visit proclamationwhiskey.com for more information and join the conversation at @proclamationwhiskey.

Women in Wine: Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini

October 9, 2020 by evebushman

Pretty excited to have these women (virtually) in my home – Dr. Laura Catena, Bodegas Catena Zapata & Bodegas CARO (Mendoza, Argentina); Anne Trimbach, Trimbach (Alsace, France); Laure Colombo, Vins Jean-Luc Colombo (Cornas, Rhone Valley, France); and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, Travaglini (Gattinara, Piemonte, Italy)!

Do you recognize some of those last names? You should as they are also names of their family wineries. I had met Alessia and her mother, Cinzia Travaglini, a year ago when they held a wine tasting luncheon at Angelini Osteria. (Read about that here.) The other esteemed ladies, well-educated winery owners and winemakers, I had not met before.

What We Learned

Dr. Catena explained that the wine industry employs about 40% female workers, and when she started zero were employed in actual viticulture, most worked on the business side. Even those, working in the office, had male bosses. In her time she has fought for equal pay for equal work. From her bio I learned more about this remarkable woman: Dr. Laura Catena is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, physician and author. Catena was born in Mendoza and spent her childhood with her grandfather Domingo at the family’s winery in the small village of La Libertad. Laura graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1988 and has a Medical Doctor degree from Stanford University.

For Travaglini it’s a different story, her family-run winery is all female except for her grandfather. From her bio: Today, she can be found tending the vines at Travaglini or working in the cellar alongside her family. She also takes an active role in the administration, marketing, sales and promotion of Travaglini wines…Alessia holds a degree in Economics and Business Management from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Although Italian is her native tongue, Alessia also speaks English, Spanish and French.

Colombo shared that her winery has a “sense of place” as her neighbors have cows, make cheese, etc., all contributing to what is typical in her area. A little from her bio we learn: …she interned at Château Haut-Brion while working toward her bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology in Bordeaux. She then received her master’s degree in Oenology from the University of Montpellier, where she participated in experiments with vinifications in the southern hemisphere. In 2010, Laure was ready to join the family estate where she has been working alongside her parents ever since. In 2014, she created her own Domaine in the Appellation of Saint Péray, Le Domaine de Lorient, with partner Dimitri.

Trimbach said that fifty percent of their productions is Riesling, and her family has been making wine for nearly 50 years, from their own estate grapes and from negotiants. Dr. Catena said that Trimbach is an expert at social media, and had built the Trimbach website. From Trimbach’s bio: She studied economics at Prepa HEC in Strasbourg before spending three years in Dijon, Burgundy to complete her master’s degree. Post-studies, she spent six months in Copenhagen improving her English skills before returning to France for an internship with a beverage distributor. In 2008, Anne moved back to Alsace and began to formally work as a winemaker and Trimbach ambassador.

Wines (my notes are in italics)

Jean Luc Colombo 2018 Saint Peray, “La Belle De Mai”

60% Roussanne, 40% Marsanne White Rhone blend

14.5% alcohol

Laure Colombo, winemaker

This was a beautiful wine. Colombo said it was from a single vineyard, old vines, and that the grapes were harvested and vinified together. Beautiful nose showing fruit, minerality and simply, a bouquet of fresh flowers. It was mouthwatering, with low acidity, that same fresh fruit and balance.

2017 Caro Domaines Barons De Rothschild Lafite and Nicolas Catena

74% Malbec and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon

Dr Catena said that Malbec softens Cab, and that she had researched this idea and learned that this is “a historical blending.” Had this wine a few weeks earlier in a Zoom with Caro, and this is an excerpt of my notes: This is a limited production wine, comes from “specific sub divisions of terroir”, and since they don’t make it every year it’s scarce. I found a beautiful nose filled with lots of dark fruit, spice, tobacco and dark chocolate. Drawn in for a taste I got a rich spicy mouthfeel and that same luscious dark fruit.

2016 Travaglini Gattinara DOCG

100% Nebbiolo

13.5% alcohol

Massimo Collauto, winemaker

93 points, Wine Advocate

Just as I had recalled from tasting a year ago, this wine does not disappoint. Filled with earth, plum, dried red currant, pipe smoke and chocolate covered cherries all on the nose. The taste, ah, is balanced dry dark fruit – blueberry and blackberry – including stems and brambles.

2017 Trimbach Riesling Reserve

91 points by Wine Spectator and James Suckling.

A dry – not sweet – Riesling, with crisp apple, citrus and minerality reminiscent of standing by a cool lake – all on the nose. The taste was all beautifully ripe fruit. I paired this later in the evening with a rich vanilla ice cream with ribbons of lemon puree.

Social Media Contacts

Taub Family Selections

Instagram: @taubfamilyselections Facebook: @TaubFamilySelections Twitter: @TFSelections

Trimbach

Instagram: @trimbach, @annetrimbachalsace Facebook: @maisontrimbach Twitter: @trimbach

Jean-Luc Colombo

Instagram: @vinscolombo, @laurecolombo Facebook: @vinsjeanluccolombo Twitter: @vinscolombo

Travaglini

Instagram: @travaglinigattinara, @alessia.c.travaglini Facebook: @www.travaglinigattinara.it

Bodegas Caro

Instagram: @bodegascaro, @lauracatenamd Facebook: @bodegasCARO