Clink Different: French and German Wines at Napa Valley Grille? Only for this October!

October 18, 2019 by evebushman

Brian Cousins, General Manager of Napa Valley Grille in Westwood, recently treated my #LAWineWriters group to a wine pairing luncheon with a selection of French and German Wines represented by Clink Different. Of the featured wines we were to have Sparkling, Rosé, Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Bordeaux. Of the meal, we were to also have no less than five courses prepared by Executive Chef Kenny Spost. (Napa Valley Grille does a monthly promotion, so head there before the end of October to try these wines!)

Cousins has been our host for numerous luncheons, where our organizer Cori Solomon usually brings in a winemaker. I was happy to support his own wine program, and taste through wines he wanted our opinions on. Later that evening he would repeat the tasting for clients of the restaurant.

In the course of our discussion Cousins shared that the wines were not ones we would find in stores and were an “expression of what (he) tasted and liked” providing the restaurant with a “world’s list” of imports. Of our menu he said that there were many new items we were trying that were being offered for both lunch and dinner, including more selections for vegetarian and vegan diners – at least six new dishes. Cousins said that between the new imported wines on their list, and the new menu items, Napa Valley Grille seeks to be “in the conversation” with other innovative restaurants – I believe they already are. (Photos of the food and wine can be seen on my public Facebook post here.)

The menu (below) and tasting notes were provided, so I limited my commentary on how I liked the wine and how well I felt it paired with the menu, noted with an EB at the end of each course/wine descriptions:

Pairing Menu

1st Course
Oyster with Chipotle Herb Butter.

2016 Scharzhofberger Riesling sparkling wine brut, Saar

Fine citrus and grapefruit aromas, concise animating mineral, racy acidity, fine yeasty notes and elegant perlage.

EB: Chef Spost had made his own chipotle sauce with shallots, parsley, butter = I loved the savory qualities of this dish. The wine was so different for me, I noted a fresh apple cider and yeast that was a nice complement to the oyster.

2nd Course

Fruit Salad

mixed greens, frisée, toasted turmeric pepitas, pears, raspberries,

bubu arare, vanilla bean vinaigrette.

2018 Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé, Pfalz

a true rosé, made with a brief maceration before pressing to extract color. It is light and refreshing, with deliciously bright berry and fruit flavors and a clean, zippy finish.

2017 Franz Keller Vom Löss Pinot Gris, Baden

concentrated grapefruit and lemon flavors that leave a pleasant murmur of citrus zest on midpalate. It finishes on lingering notes of crushed mineral and volcanic ash.

EB: Many of the LA Wine Writers commented that this was the best “fruit salad” they ever had. I loved the vanilla bean in the dressing and the toasted pepitas – crunchy, nutty, sweet and vinegar all working together well. I enjoyed both of the German wines; the Pinot Noir (bright raspberry with a very balanced acidity) and Pinot Gris (apple, perfumy, crisp).

3rd Course

Turmeric-Crusted Tuna

orange-ginger-soy reduction, shaved fennel, black sesame seeds, taro root chips.

2017 Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent. Sauternes, Bordeaux

70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Featuring a mix of pear, tangerine, yellow and green apple flavors, lined with light honeysuckle and fennel hints. Creamy along the edges, and pure and vibrant through the middle.

2017 Scheferkorf Sylvaner, Franken, Germany

Brisk aromas of tangerine and quince gain ripeness and concentration on the palate of this dry but honeyed Silvaner. It’s an easy-drinking, juicy wine with ample yellow-peach flavor and just a hint of mineral complexity.

EB: I was in love with this flavorful tuna, especially with the soy reduction. The Sauterne was drier and less sweet than the usual dessert wine, with creamy apple notes. The Sylvaner, from Germany, had a light but round mouthfeel and lovely peach notes.

4th Course

Colorado Lamb Rack

corn polenta, mint-pomegranate reduction.

2016 August Kesseler, The Daily August, Pinot Noir, Rheingau

Hints of beetroot, black cherry and earth extend from nose to palate in this lusciously ripened Pinot Noir. Full bodied and supple in mouthfeel, it’s fringed by fine, smooth tannins and just a hint of astringency on the finish.

2017 Chateau St Sulpice, Bordeaux Superiore

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

In the nose plum, red cherry, menthol, dried herbs, baking spice and oak. On the palate plum, red cherry and baking spice followed by dried herbs and a cedar finish.

2016 Franz Keller Pinot Noir, Baden

The nose suggests whiffs of cherry blossom, graphite, plum and smoke. Black cherry and berry flavors seem delicate initially, but amass concentration and complexity with aeration, building layers of savory earth and tannin.

EB: A lot going on here but let me just start with the Colorado lamb – yes it’s gamier than what you might be used to, but with that it’s also earthier, so having a flavorful meat was perfect for me. Of the three wines I appreciated the Bordeaux but my palate, for a change, leaned toward the two German Pinots, “The Daily August” especially as it had nice dark cherry and what Cousins referred to as a “herbaceous” quality.

5th Course

Australian Wagyu NY Strip Steak

10 oz, green peppercorn-cognac jus.

2010 Goulée by Cos d’Estournel, Medoc

On the nose aromatic ripe cherries, tobacco, coffee and minerals. On the palate rich and full bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish.

EB: Thank you for this course. The meat was cooked perfectly – pan seared with brown butter – and I thoroughly enjoyed it with the Bordeaux, that was all barnyard aromas at first but blew off to reveal nice dark fruit and a slightly sweet finish.

Dessert Course

Chateau Grand Jauga Sauternes, 2015

A lovely mix of aromas and flavors including apricot, honeysuckle, and juicy citrus, plus a streak of minerality. Gracefully balances honeyed sweetness against acidity, and finishes with appealing intensity and length.

EB: This is my idea of dessert after such a filling meal, just bring on one small taste of a luscious dessert wine. This one provided a sweet pineapple, Meyer lemon and a lingering fresh fruit cocktail finish.

Napa Valley Grille

1100 Glendon Avenue, #100

Los Angeles, CA 90024

310-824-3322

https://napavalleygrille.com/our-chef/

https://napavalleygrille.com/

https://www.instagram.com/napavalleygrille/

https://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyGrilleWestwood/

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.

LOT18.COM UNVEILS NEW WINE COLLECTION BASED ON ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ AND ITS NEW FEATURE FILM

October 14, 2019 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES – Lot18 cordially invites you to taste a new wine collection, crafted in honor of Downton Abbey’s eagerly awaited return for the first time on the big screen. Relive the romance, drama and intrigue of the beloved Crawley family and its fiercely loyal staff, as both the upstairs and downstairs members of the iconic residence continue to navigate their personal lives as well as larger events of the early 20th century. As the Dowager Countess would say, “You’ll find there’s never a dull moment in this house” – nor with this wine.

Winemaker Lot18.com has teamed up with NBCUniversal and Focus Features to produce a collection of wine based on the beloved and multiple Emmy® Award-winning series, and newly released feature film, Downton Abbey. The new collection includes a Downton Abbey Sparkling Rose from Val de Loire, France, a 2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc from Bordeaux, France and a 2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Rouge from Bordeaux, France.

The collectable wines, which are available in limited quantity, go on sale today and can be purchased exclusively in-store at select Cost Plus World Market locations nationwide as well as ordered exclusively online at Lot18.com/DowntonAbbey while supplies last.

Here are the tasting notes for the Downton Abbey wine collection:

Downton Abbey Sparkling Rose, Val de Loire, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

We are the oldest sparkling wine company from the Loire with 200 years of winemaking experience. With one of the most trusted names in France when it comes to producing sparkling wines. The best blending, made with the wine base after the first fermentation, is achieved in our cellars. This blending art is perfectly mastered by our Chief winemaker according to a 2-century tradition and is one of the key factors of success for this wine. The second fermentation is temperature controlled and is made in stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. This method allows for a wine with fine and delicate bubbles. The grapes were selected from a blend of vineyards in well-known growing regions of France, the Loire and Languedoc to create its unique and fruity style. The wine was elaborated in the Charmat Method and aged to create small, delicate bubbles that delight the palate.

Tasting Notes:

A brilliant bright pink hue, a medium-bodied wine from France’s highly renowned Loire region. Beautifully rounded on the palate, with bright, red fruit aromas blending notes of ripe raspberry and delicate mountain strawberry, florals and refreshing acidity. The finish provides notes of citrus with fine bubbles that are crisp and effervescent. This Rosé is an ideal food match. Enjoy as an apéritif, or pair with flavorful cheeses, fresh seafood or meats, like duck, chicken and pork, with flavorful, fruit-based sauces.

2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

Co-fermented and aged in stainless steel before bottling. With a name derived from the French word sauvage, or wild, Sauvignon Blanc is a grape that can be tracked back at least 500 years. Our Downtown Abbey Bordeaux Blanc touches upon the variety’s origins and essence. Fresh flavors of white grapefruit and lemon are punctuated by lemongrass and mineral nuances on the palate, followed by a crisp, dry finish. The Semillon addition is a classic and contributes lively stone fruit notes and rounds out the palate. Enjoy this classically styled Sauvignon Blanc with fresh fish or dishes that feature goat cheese.

Tasting Notes:

Lively and fresh fruit flavors of white grapefruit and lemon are punctuated by lemongrass and mineral nuances on the palate, followed by a crisp, dry finish.

2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

Vines are 30+ years of age. Co-fermented and aged in stainless steel and 10mo French Oak Barriques. A family castle steeped in history and respect for the land. Château Haute Courtiade’s vineyard is part of a family history since the 17th century. It was created and developed over the centuries with a strong passion: to reveal its soil in a vineyard management respecting the ecosystem. Henri SICARD, 13th generation, exploited the vineyard since 1988. Very active and engaged in the development of environmental farming practices, he is one of the craftsmen of the obtaining of the standard High Environmental Value (HVE) by UNIVITIS.

Tasting Notes:

This opaque wine is elegant and rich, with aromas of red, blackberry and blackcurrant. Remarkable balance and complexity, velvety tannins and a long and tasty finish confirming the anticipated aromas. 10 months of ageing in French oak barrels gives the wine a beautiful concentration, balance and finish.

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2016: Black Vintners Wine Experience

September 24, 2019 by evebushman

Hello Eve, An increasing number of wineries in South Africa are engaging in transformation through the production of socially sustainable wines made by a new generation of Black winemakers…and with that I was invited to attend a “Black Vintners Wine Experience” hosted by the South African Consulate-General and the Wines of South Africa USA.

What I already knew about South African wines I learned long ago from my WSET and COC Wine Studies instructor DiMaggio Washington. They were known for their Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, the latter being a grape variety that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. Both became my favorites as their expressions were unique in my opinion.

Fast forward nearly a decade and both the Wine Spectator, and the Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, Jim Clarke, report that those wine varieties – specifically Pinotage – are no longer in fashion.

I had no doubt the fashion calls for Bordeaux blends and Sauvignon Blanc, the big sellers in new world wines (new world areas include the U.S., Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa) and the wines we were to taste incorporated those varieties and others as well.

Tasting – aromas and flavors separated by ;

Seven Sisters “Twena” Pinotage Rose 2015

Strawberry, yellow peach and wet stones on the nose; then flavors of strawberries dipped in sugar, fruit cocktail with a low acid. 88 Eve pts.

Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Green grass, cheddar cheese and limeade; lime, lemon with a medium acidity. 88 Eve pts.

Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2015

Pear, lemon, white pepper, grapefruit; bright, tingly, refreshing, peach and pear. 88 Eve pts.

De Bos “Sure Lie” Chenin Blanc 2014

Powdery, slight earthy notes, crisp apples; nice balance of fruit and acid, easy to drink, subtle fruit. 89 Eve pts.

Fairvalley Pinotage 2014

Plums, black licorice, grilled meat, mushroom, eucalyptus; dry, tobacco, dried plum, black pepper. 89 Eve pts.

Solms-Delta Syrah 2014

Black cherry, milk chocolate and green peppercorn; young, black cherry, dry with firm tannins. 90 Eve pts.

Suo Red collection #2 2014 (Bordeaux Blend)

Black fruit, mint, black pepper; big, dark fruit, blueberry, blackberry. 91 Eve pts.

Mvemve Raats MR de Compostela 2014 (Bordeaux Blend)

Barnyard, earthy, dark chocolate, plum and smoke; brighter fruit in the mouth than the nose indicated, yet still tannic, dark and dusty. 90 Eve pts.

Average retail prices: The whites were all less than $20, the reds ranged from under $20 to $35 on the Suo Red to $65 on the Mvemve Raats. These wines may or may not be available all over the U.S. so please check you local retail outlets. If you don’t see South African wines represented – please ask for them!

From Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, Jim Clarke:

The winemaking area of South Africa is a small region, about 245,000 acres, located in the Western Cape near Cape town.

South Africa is the seventh or eighth largest wine producer in the world.

Ninety-five percent of the wineries are certified sustainable.

South Africa is the largest producer of Chenin Blanc.

The World Cup put attention on the region.

South Africa has always been a “beer and brandy” drinking area, now there is a new culture that enjoys wine tasting.

Pinotage wine production have gone down from 12 percent to seven percent, however, those making it are serious about doing it well.

The wines of South Africa are more diverse than before.

From more than one member of the consulate:

I asked about the promotion of Black South Africans, specifically vintner scholarships and assistance in winery start-ups.

(The programs) are a good motive for the government to assist Black winemakers…and to get all involved in the country.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), 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.

U.S. supermarket wines are catching up with European counterparts

September 16, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — U.S. supermarket wines, once considered to be poorly made and rarely worth drinking, scored a major success at the 2019 International Salute to Excellence awards for private label in Amsterdam, winning seven top honors in the category.

Getty images

The award-winning wines were:

From Costco: Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 (Bordeaux, $10), best quality; Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco NV (Italy, $10). best value.

From Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s organic Grower’s Reserve Merlot 2017 (California, $5), best quality; Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (Russian River Valley, $15), best quality.

From Aldi US: Evanta Malbec 2017 (Argentina, $4), best value; Scarlet Path Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi, $8), best quality; Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Paso Robles, $9), best quality.

This is the best performance ever recorded for wines sold exclusively by U.S. supermarkets, more than doubling the number of 2018 winners. The showing demonstrates that U.S. private label wines continue to get closer to their European counterparts in terms of value and quality – especially among wines costing less than $15. This matters because wines that are sold exclusively by European supermarkets have long been considered among the best wine in the world at combining those two things.

“Don’t overlook private label store wines,” said Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntrye, one of 18 international judges who participated in the 2019 wine awards program. “These were good value, high quality bottlings. Some stores are doing a great job sourcing really good juice.”

Wines were judged in 25 categories by varietal, style, and appellation, and each category was judged for best quality and best value. The 18 men and women who judged the competition came from around the world, and included Masters of Wines, sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, wine educators, and retailers. They judged 350 wines from 40 retailers in 11 countries.

To see all results for the 2019 judging, visit www.plmasalute.com/wine-awards. The international Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are a competition sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, with offices in New York and Amsterdam. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 4,000 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products in foods and beverages, as well as home and health products. PLMA sponsors two trade shows annually in Chicago and Amsterdam.

New Jersey’s Liberty Hall Museum Opens First Exhibit Of Its Kind Exploring American History Through Wine And Spirits

August 5, 2019 by evebushman

UNION, N.J. (PRWEB) – The Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University and The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) are proud to announce the opening of “History in a Bottle,” a permanent exhibit that showcases American history through an unparalleled collection of wines and spirits that date as far back as 1796. The wine and spirits on display and in the Liberty Hall cellar have been preserved by natural cork, allowing for museum visitors to experience a living history of the United States through the centuries. In honor of Independence Day, the exhibit opened to the public on July 4, 2019.

This comprehensive collection includes ancient Madeira from the early days of the American Republic, Civil War-era Bourbon, fine wine imports, Prohibition-era spirits, and early American wines from California, making this exhibit the first of its kind in the United States. The exhibit also offers visitors a glimpse into the science and history of natural cork and its modern applications.

As part of the exhibit opening, the museum and APCOR hosted private previews for media, who had the exclusive opportunity to taste a rare Old Verdelho Madeira from the mid-19th century and a Bourbon from 1887 that were rediscovered during restorations at the museum in 2015.

“Our mission is to offer all museum visitors a journey through time as we recreate American history through the experiences of our iconic family. This exhibition goes back hundreds of years and alcohol evidently played an important role in the beginning of our country,” says Mr. John Kean Sr., President of Liberty Hall Museum. “This is a different way to look at the history of the United States of America. We typically rely on paper documents, artifacts, letters, but liquor is just as important.”

The wines and spirits in this exhibition were collected by the Livingston and Kean families over the course of nearly two centuries. Approximately 40 demijohns, large, bulbous bottles that hold 5 gallons, and six cases of Madeira dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries were found along with over 300 bottles of fine wines and spirits during a refurbishment project. Several bottles of Madeira included in the collection were imported in 1796 and were possibly purchased to celebrate the election of President John Adams. They were ordered by Robert Lenox, Esq., a banker and financier who was known to import Madeira in barrels and demijohns, and then bottle and label the Madeira with handwritten tags.

Other highlights on display at the museum include 1837 Jamaican Rum, 1884 Martinez Vintage Port, 1884 Old Crow Bourbon, 1905 Château Mouton Rothschild, 1922 Château d’Yquem, 1926 Krug Champagne, 1926 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, c.1934 Laphroaig 14 Years Old Scotch, 1935 Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, 1936 Wente Bros Sweet Semillon, c. 1940 Bacardi Rum, and 1943 Marc Brédif Vouvray.

After their discovery, several bottles in this collection were opened and tasted, and found to be in perfect condition, preserved from the time of the early American republic until today in glass bottles with natural cork stoppers. In December 2018, a portion of the collection was auctioned by Christie’s in New York City. The highest price realized was for a demijohn of 1846 Madeira that sold for $39,000. For additional background on the discovery and Christie’s sale, visit the online feature Discovered: One of the largest collections of early Madeira in the United States.

“We are honored to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the historical intersection of Portuguese and American cultures. The wines and spirits that are exhibited in the museum are not just relics – inside is living history,” says João Rui Ferreira, President of APCOR. “The fact that we can taste today what our forebearers tasted over 200 years ago is amazing, and we are proud that natural cork has played such an important role in preserving wine and making this miracle possible.”

The exhibit was curated through a joint effort between Liberty Hall Museum and Colangelo & Partners, the premier wine and spirits communications agency in the United States. The “History in a Bottle” logo was developed by students at Kean University.

Liberty Hall Museum is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tours leave every hour; the last tour leaves the hour prior to closing. For more information, please visit http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/ or call the museum office at 908.527.0400.

For more information about natural cork, please visit http://www.apcor.pt/en/ and 100percentcork.org and follow us on Facebook (100PercentCork), Instagram (100PercentCork), and Twitter (100PercentCork).

About APCOR – http://www.apcor.pt/en/
The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) exist to promote natural cork and its products. APCOR is the employers’ association of the cork sector that represents, promotes and carries out research in the Portuguese cork industry. It was created in 1956 and is based in Santa Maria de Lamas, in the council of Santa Maria da Feira, at the heart of the cork industry around 30 kilometers from Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Membership of the association is open to all companies operating in the fields of production, marketing or export of cork products. The organization advocates on behalf of the Portuguese cork industry worldwide and is the driving force of an industry based on tradition, innovation and sustainability.

About Liberty Hall Museum – http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/
Liberty Hall Museum, originally constructed in 1760, was built as a country getaway by the then prominent New York lawyer, William Livingston. Livingston would go on to serve in the First and Second Continental Congresses, become New Jersey’s first elected governor and sign the United States Constitution. The Kean family was the second generation to live at Liberty Hall, taking over the original estate in 1811. Multiple generations of the Keans continued to live at the estate until 1995, and the home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. The Kean family has worked to preserve and enhance the estate’s invaluable character.

VGS Chateau Potelle repeats as the highest bid barrel lot for the second consecutive year at the 39th Annual Auction Napa Valley

July 7, 2019 by evebushman

The record-setting wine, Fourmeaux 2017, sold for $85,250 or $710 per bottle (and $8525 per case). The auction was held at Louis M. Martini Winery.

The Bordeaux-style red wine is named after VGS Chateau Potelle proprietor Jean-Noel Fourmeaux. Fourmeaux, who hails from France, founded the winery in 1980 and has been overseeing the production of small-batch, Bordeaux-style wines since then.

“Art is evolutionary, winemaking is, too,” he said when asked about the winning barrel-auction price. “These wines bear my name. They are what I have learned during my life and what I have become. They represent maturity and wisdom, and as well as presence and dimension. [They are] a culmination of my decades-old love affair with wine and life.”

The Fourmeaux 2017 is a highly concentrated, rich, and not overly tannic wine from grapes grown atop Mount Veeder at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. VGS Chateau Potelle produced only 170 cases—10 of which were accounted for in the winning barrel. The wine itself was aged for 20 months in new French oak, and it comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (97 percent), and Malbec (3 percent). The wine is made from the only grapes they were able to harvest on Mount Veeder in 2017 because of the wildfires.

Fourmeaux 2017 was crafted by Kale Anderson, the youngest American winemaker ever awarded a perfect 100 points by wine critic Robert Parker.

“The 2017 vintage was very challenging,” said Anderson. “To achieve a wine of this quality is really humbling and I’m grateful it was so well received.”

To say this wine appealed is an understatement; the impressive price surpassed the second highest barrel lot by $38,250.

The high bidders on the Fourmeaux wine were Bruce and Jennifer Adams from Louisiana. Bruce Adams said he was delighted to play a small part in such an important event. “To contribute to the continued success of the Fourmeaux luxury brand is a pleasure and it serves a great cause, not to mention the wine is really spectacular.”

This year marked the 39^th annual Auction Napa Valley. Following the conclusion of the event proceeds from the live auction, barrel auction and e-auction will be distributed to support 28 Napa County charities in children’s education and community health. The 2019 event is expected to raise $12 million

As for Fourmeaux 2017, it will be available by allocation only from VGS Chateau Potelle. For more information about the wine or to request an allocation, please visit www.vgschateaupotelle.com.

Check Out This Three day event and WineCrush is July 31: Aspen Art Museum’s WineCrush

July 1, 2019 by evebushman

ArtCrush | WineCrush Facts & Figures: Master Sommelier Jay Fletcher

Held annually every summer, ArtCrush is Aspen’s premier summer gala and the major fundraising event benefiting the Aspen Art Museum. Over the past fourteen years, ArtCrush has cumulatively raised approximately $28,000,000 in support of the AAM’s groundbreaking contemporary art programming. ArtCrush brings the AAM’s most important donors, the world’s top art collectors, wine connoisseurs, artists, gallerists, curators, celebrities, and global business leaders to Aspen, making this event an internationally recognized hub of arts and culture.

Margaret Kilgallen: that’s where the beauty is.

Jay Fletcher, Master Sommelier, plus a team of six top sommeliers from Aspen’s best wine restaurants (Matsuhisa, the Little Nell, 7908, Caribou Club, Cache Cache, and Jimmy’s) give patrons a taste of old and rare wines during the event’s cocktail hour, followed by a pouring of two flights of wine prior to each of the four formally plated courses served during the dinners at WineCrush and ArtCrush. Fletcher calls in favors from Southern Wine & Spirits and the SommFoundation’s Old and Rare Cellar to source the vintage and old wines from around the world. The day of the event, he unpacks the boxes, sorts and hand-numbers each bottle, and decants and chills the vast array of wine.

800 = The number of rare vintage wine bottles (seen only at auction) served at each event x 15 years = 12,000 bottles of wine served at ArtCrush and WineCrush.
65 = The temperature in Fahrenheit that Fletcher keeps all bottles of wine prior to wine service at ArtCrush and WineCrush.
40,000 = The dollar amount of wine in wholesale costs for 250 people at each event—approximately $150 per person in wine allocations. (To be approved.)
50 = The number of tables with 10 bottles each.
3 / 5 = Each table has 3 bottles of mixed white varietals and 5 bottles of mixed red varietals.
500 = Total number of glasses of wine for each course = 2,000 glasses of wine poured at each ArtCrush and WineCrush event x 15 years = 30,000 glasses of wine served.
11 = Master sommeliers that have helped Fletcher over the years at ArtCrush: Bobby Stuckey, Richard Betts, Fred Dame, Carton McCoy, Sabato Sagaria, Sean Razee, Jonathan Pullis, Brett Zimmerman, Doug Krenik, Jason Smith, Shayn Bjornholm.
15 = Number of years the following rare, vintage wines have been served at WineCrush:

Domaine De La Romanée-Conti, Richbourg 1989

1937 Dr Barolet Clos Vougeot 1037

Domaine Leroy, Chambertin 1969

Etienne Guigal, Côte-Rôtie la Mouline 1978

Château Lafite Rothschild 1990

Domaine De La Romanée-Conti, La Tache 1988

Penfolds, Grange Hermitage 1985

Aldo Conterno, Barolo Riserva Gran Bussia 1990

Jaboulet-Isnard, Côte-Rôtie 1964

Domaine Ramonet, La Montrachet 1989

Domaine De La Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti 1988 Six (6) Liter Format

Domaine Gros, Richebourg 1971

Château Haut-Brion 1961

Coche-Dury, Corton-Charlemagne 1995

Château Rayas 1990

Jay Fletcher, Master Sommelier, Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers personal by-the-numbers list:

23 = # of years Fletcher has held his Master Sommelier title.
8 = # of Master Sommeliers Fletcher has mentored in Aspen from the Little Nell’s wine program.
20 = # of Master Sommeliers Fletcher has mentored in the world.
41 = The years since Fletcher hitchhiked into Aspen from Madison, WI, to begin his career in the wine business.
2 = # of daughters Fletcher raised as a single father while working in the wine business in Aspen.
5 = Time in the morning that Fletcher has been known to skin (hike on skis) up and throw down first tracks on Aspen Mountain on most powder days.

The Aspen Art Museum is a non-collecting institution presenting the newest, most important evolutions in international contemporary art. Our innovative and timely exhibitions, education and public programs, immersive activities, and community happenings actively engage audiences in thought-provoking experiences of art, culture, and society.

AAM MUSEUM HOURS

Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM

Closed Mondays

AAM ADMISSION IS FREE courtesy of Amy and John Phelan

Visit the AAM online: aspenartmuseum.org

VinePair Releases Its Top 25 Rosé Wines of 2019

June 30, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (Newswire.com) – VinePair – the largest and fastest-growing media brand in the world reaching the next generation of drinkers – proudly announces its top 25 rosé wines of 2019.

The list reflects the success of non-Provence pink. “The rosé market has become so varied that there are gems outside of Provence, as seen in our top two picks from Sicily and Bordeaux. These wines are very affordable and also incredibly delicious,” said VinePair’s Tastings Director Keith Beavers.

To determine which rosé wines made the list this year, Mr. Beavers issued an open call to wineries around the world to submit their rosés. Each rosé that was submitted first received an individual review from Mr. Beavers and his team. If that review garnered the wine an A- score or higher, it was then tasted a second time by VinePair’s Top 25 Rosé tasting panel of drinks professionals.

“It’s exciting to branch out of the classics and enjoy something different as we evolve as a wine culture,” Beavers said. “Rosé does not have to be from Southern France, cost more than $20, or be some kind of indie-loving ‘unicorn’ to be good and that’s a win-win for everyone.”

“As the rosé market in the United States keeps growing, we are importing excellent bottles from global producers, and making our fair share of quality rosé stateside,” Emily Saladino, Editor in Chief, VinePair, said. “It’s a really exciting time to be a pink wine fan.”

Rankings were decided based on the following criteria: all bottles had to be readily available in the U.S. None of the wines that made the previous year’s list in 2018 were considered, and VinePair places a limit on one bottle per winery.

Rounding out the top five are:

Graci Etna Rosato 2018
Chateau La Rame Bordeaux 2018
Domaine de Cala Coteaux Varois en Provence,
Beckman Vineyards Grenache Rose 2018
Inman Family Wines OGV Endless Crush Rose

Review the full list here.

About: VinePair was started four years ago by Adam Teeter and Josh Malin, two media veterans who were interested and passionate about wine, beer and cocktails but discouraged by an elitist culture. Since then, it’s turned into the largest and fastest-growing media brand in the world, reaching the next generation of drinkers with accessible, entertaining and inspiring content about drinks and the experiences people have with a glass in hand. Investors include Joanne Wilson and Zach Nelson (both original investors in Eater), Gary Vaynerchuk, New York Venture Partners (first investors in Pinterest) and Social Starts.

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2016: The 2016 Long Beach Grand Cru Public Tasting and Fundraiser

June 25, 2019 by evebushman

Though being a past judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru was a major bucket list item for me, it was nearly as thrilling to be invited back as a guest of the event once they discontinued the wine competition. Basically, the work was over, it was time just to taste for pleasure. And that we did.

Coruce Vineyards at Long Beach Grand Cru Tasting

This year’s venue, the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach, was easy to spot with pop up tents and white chairs and dining tables that we could see as we pulled in to park. The first person I met inside was event Executive Producer Kim Vu, who was quickly followed by Long Beach Grand Cru Board of Director Tom Stolpman of Stolpman Vineyards and Stolpman Law Group; then I spotted Master Sommelier George Skorka – who I was honored to serve along with in the 2015 competition.

“I feel like we’ve put together a pretty good group” Vu commented of the dozens of wineries, brewers and restaurants that encircled the venue. I got a nice photo of her in front of the dance floor before it would soon be filled with happy twirling guests. (See all my photos in this YouTube slide show.)

We would’ve loved to have had a bottomless thirst and appetite to have sampled everything from all of the vendors listed below. But, as is the case for any guest, “palate fatigue” is a real threat! So, before that happened we truly enjoyed the vendors noted in bold:

Wineries and Breweries

Absolution Brewing Company

Angel City Brewery

Archium Cellars – Don’t miss their extensive line-up if you find them at an event, or go to the tasting room.

Ascension Cellars – Always awesome Rhone and Bordeaux blends from Paso Robles.

Ave Winery – Lots of wine coming your way from this growing producer, and all good. Sent a few people over to try these and they all loved them. Enjoyed the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2013 Syrah.

Baja Brewing Company

Ballast Point – What fun beers – I loved the “Pineapple Sculpin” and learned that they do spirits as well!

Balletto Vineyards

Barefoot Wine & Bubbly/
E. & J. Gallo

Beachwood BBQ

Big Tar Wine Co.

Boisset Collection

Bottle Jack Wines

Buono’s Pizzeria
Sommelier Feature

Cholame Vineyard

Coda Wines

Congregation Ale House
Brewmaster Feature

Coquelicot Estate Vineyard – One I’ve liked for awhile from Santa Ynez.

Coruce Vineyards & Winery – Always a treat to see the Coruce people and all of their awards from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, as well as competitions from Sunset Magazine and San Francisco Chronicle.

Culinary Institute of America

Grassini Family Vineyards

Happy Hour Wine – They make a fun red and a white, less than $10 each, made from grapes grown in Spain. Look for them in your local supermarket.

Kimmel Vineyards

King Frosch Wines

Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Millésimé Cellars

Mother Earth Brewing Company

Navarro Vineyards and Winery – Good wines, need a full tasting visit soon.

Pagter Brothers Winery – Love what our very own Scott Pagter is doing…stay tuned to see what else he’s going to do next.

Parkers’ Lighthouse
Sommelier Feature

Phantom Carriage

Rhythm Wine Co. – They have a wine from the “Alonso Family Vineyard” which is Juan from Le Chene!

Robert Hall Winery – Been awhile since we visited and we enjoyed the entire line-up. They were especially pleased with recent awards for their 2015 Rose from the California State Fair and a whopping 91 points for their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

San Antonio Winery /
Stella Rosa

Santa Barbara Winery

Ska Brewing

Smog City Brewing

Stolpman Vineyards – The 2003 Nebbiolo from the cellar, 2012 Petite Sirah and 2014 Angeli “The Best Syrah” killed, and so did a Syrah and Sangiovese poured by the one and only Tom Stolpman.

TW Ferm Co. – Sent a few people over to try their two killer Cabernet Sauvignons.

Turiya Wines – Another favorite at wine events.

Vina Simpatica – Fun fruit infused, flavorful and colorful sparklers!

Vinemark Cellars – Love all their wines, and love running into them at many events.

The Wine Crush

WineLA

Workman Ayer – Always great to see and taste with Michel Ayer. NEVER miss an opportunity if you get one!

Restaurants

The Attic – A devilishly good deviled egg, and then something with tuna poke that killed me. So good.

Beachwood BBQ

Buono’s Pizzeria

Cafe Sevilla

Congregation Ale House

Delightful Crepes Cafe – Hubby was happy with these!

L’Opera

La Brea Bakery – Thanks for the take-home baguette!

Marsatta Chocolate

Modica’s Deli

Moondance Catering

Naree Thai – All grand.

Parkers’ Lighthouse – Great chilled seafood salad.

The Sky Room

Subarz – Tasty biscotti-like cookies.

https://lafla.org/events/long-beach-grand-cru/

About the Legal Aid Foundation of LA

Since 1929, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles has provided civil legal aid to poor and low-income people in Los Angeles County.

Now with five neighborhood offices, three Domestic Violence Clinics and four Self-Help Legal Access Centers, LAFLA serves communities as diverse as East Los Angeles, the Westside, South Los Angeles, Koreatown and Long Beach. LAFLA is the first place thousands of poor people turn to when they need legal assistance for a crisis that threatens their shelter, health and livelihood.

In 2015, LAFLA provided services to more than 80,000 people, including more than 10,400 children. We helped more than 39,000 people at our Self-Help Legal Access Centers. More than 11,000 people attended legal clinics and educational workshops, and we provided referrals to almost 30,000 people.

Bordeaux’s Crus Bourgeois Du Médoc Announce the Finalists Of The 2016 Official Selection Crus Bourgeois Du Médoc Cup

June 15, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crubourgeois.com), one of the oldest and most prestigious classifications in Bordeaux, are pleased to announce the twelve finalists, and overall winner of the 9th edition of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup for the 2016 Official Selection.

Hosted annually in conjunction with French publication, le Point magazine, this year’s Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup was held at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, with the winner and laureates announced on May 14 at Vinexpo Bordeaux. Over 166 of the Left Bank’s top Cru Bourgeois classified châteaux participated in the hotly contested cup, with smaller, upstart producers pitted against the more established and renowned châteaux as part of a match play-style competition over multiple rounds of tasting.

In total, twelve châteaux were selected during the competition to move on to the final round of judging for the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup, and they included:

Château Cambon la Pelouse, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Campillot, AOC Médoc
Château Cap Léon Veyrin, AOC Listrac-Médoc
Château le Crock, AOC Saint-Estèphe
Château la Fortune, AOC Margaux
Château Lestage Simon, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Maurac, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Moulin de Blanchon, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Reverdi, AOC Listrac-Médoc
Château Ricaudet, AOC Médoc
Château La Roque de By, AOC Médoc
Château les Tuileries, AOC Médoc

Following the final round of judging, The patron of the Cup, Véronique Rivest (Best Sommelier of Canada in 2006 and 2016, Best Sommelier of the Americas in 2012) along with other notable wine journalist from around the world, awarded the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup to Jean-Pierre Marie of the Haut-Médoc Producer Château Cambon la Pelouse for their 2016 vintage offering.

Since 2013, the number of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc distributed in the U.S. has grown from 130 to 200. Today, nearly 70% of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc are available on the U.S. market and in most fine wine stores throughout the country. Each bottle is authenticated with a QR code sticker that guarantees the quality of the wines that are bottled and enables Cru Bourgeois wines to be easily identified.

About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crus-bourgeois.com) form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantee consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.