Discovering the White Wine Winery Acquiesce, a Lodi Treasure

May 20, 2022 by evebushman

In planning a recent Napa trip one of my friends suggested we spend a day in Lodi. The last time I visited Lodi was virtually, when several winemakers came to LA to present a seminar and tasting. It was so long ago, possibly ten years, that all I recall was tasting old vine Zinfandels, a wine the area was known for.

We visited four wineries that day. All had at least one or more wines that I enjoyed from whites to old vine Zinfandels. One winery stood out. First because they only make white Rhone varietals (some which were new to me) and one rose, but as I tasted through their lineup, and made my notations, it turned out that every single wine I tried I wanted to buy.

Fast forward to planning this trip. I went to the LA Wine Writers group on Facebook and asked my associates who I should visit. Then I reached out to Lodi.com to help me plan the trip. As I only had one day I wanted to focus on the wines alone, there would be no time for winery or vineyard tours. We also invited Steve and Vashti Roebuck (wine bloggers, collectors and admins of the popular Wine in the Glass Facebook group) to join us.

Acquiesce Winery

This is an excerpt from my upcoming article in SCV Elite Magazine, “The first on my list to try was a winery recommended to me by more than one wine loving pal: Acquiesce Winery. We were awestruck by all of the gorgeous white wines, and one Rose, during our “Elevated Tasting Experience” there. Many are award winners from respected competitions: 2020 Ingenue, 2021 Grenache Rose, 2020 Bourboulenc, 2020 Clairette Blanche, 2021 Picpoul Blanc, 2021 Viognier, 2020 and 2021 Grenache Blanc. Don’t miss these Chateauneuf du Pape inspired Rhônes by winemaker Susan Tipton.” Here is the link to the social media post that also includes notes and photos from Acquiesce and other Lodi wineries we visited that day.

To expand, the Elevated Tasting Experience, seen here in the photo by Steve Roebuck, was a great pairing! (Not every food and wine pairing is spot on but theirs was.) And for Steve Roebuck and me, as it’s our practice to sample wines without food, it was difficult not to sample those small bites. But the wine…oh how I wish I could have lingered there all day. Also of note: most of these wines were less than $30 each.

The Pairing

We began with the 2021 Picpoul Blanc paired with Italian salsa, Spenker Goat Ricotta Tartine. Next was their 2021 Grenache Rose alongside Radish Tartine with Butter (butter is always a good choice!) and Cracked Pepper. Our third was the 2020 Grenache Blanc with Asparagus (a hard vegetable to pair), Ricotta, Preserved Lemons on Pumpernickel and then our final pairing with the 2020 Clairette Blanche with a Dijon Tarragon Tuna, Tomato, Tartine on Rye. All pretty simple and simply delish. (Note: this was their April Pairing Menu, titled “We Love Tartines” and their May pairing was geared toward the recent Cinco de Mayo holiday. So know that you will most likely have a different menu when you visit – don’t forget to make reservations – but I would make a bet that it would be just as yum-worthy. And when I last checked their website for the price it was only $20!)

Tasting Notes Courtesy Steve Roebuck:

2021 Picpoul Blanc

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Picpoul Blanc

Wafting from my glass was an elegant bouquet of fresh cut apples, pears, lemon curd, crushed seashells, wet river rocks and a touch of lemon grass. The wine had nice acidity with a crisp palate giving way to hints of green apple, pears, melon, citrus oil, lemon grass, crushed minerals, and a soft note of dill on the finish with a splash of lemon. The wine is beautifully balanced with fresh orchard fruits and crisp minerals that seamlessly intertwine together.

2021 Grenache Rose

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Grenache Noir

This light salmon colored wine had a lovely bouquet of strawberries, melon, raspberries, Jolly Roger candy and dried hay bale. The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought balance to a palate painted with strawberries, watermelon, cherry, lemon zest and crushed gravel. The wine was refreshingly crisp with a beautiful layering of fruits and bright terroir notes. This wine is reminiscent of a French Provence rose wine; thus, an elegant and sophisticated style.

2020 Grenache Blanc

Score: 93 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Grenache Blanc

The wine had an expressive bouquet of cut apples, white peach, cut almonds, wet river rocks, chalky minerals and a note of marzipan. The wine is full bodied with a nice level of acidity, giving way to hints of green apple, white peach, wet slate, chalky minerals and a finish with softly brined apricots. This vivacious wine had lovely layers of fruit that harmoniously blended with the wonderful terroir notes.

2020 Clairette Blanche

Score: 93 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Clairette Blanche

This rare beauty had an eloquent bouquet of poached pears, apricots, white tea, ginger cookie, marzipan, dried herbs, grapefruit and soft hints of yellow beeswax. The wine is full-bodied with bright acidity that gives way to a palate painted with mixed orchard fruits, crisp minerals, light spice, fresh herbs and a touch of white fig on the finish. There is beauty here with a tapestry of fruit, exotic spice, and lovely terroir notes.

2020 Ingenue

Score: 94 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Ingenue

The wine had a floral bouquet of white flowers, poached pears, apple pie crust, kiwi, orange blossoms, cut almonds, dried herbs, lemon and crushed minerals. The wine was medium-bodied with lovely acidity that brightened the palate with hints of fresh apple, honeydew melon, vanilla, soft citrus oil, crushed gravel and a drop of honey on the finish. The wine is complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that harmonize wonderfully together.

2020 Bourboulenc

Score: 91 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Bourboulenc

This wine had a lovely bouquet of green apples, pears, white peach, lemon grass, chamomile tea and a splash of brine. The wine had nice acidity that gave way to hints of white peach, sliced apple, lime, beeswax, and white pepper. The wine is refreshing and crisp on the palate with soft notes of spice and orchard fruits.

2021 Viognier

Score: 95 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Viognier

The wine had an alluring bouquet of white flowers, lavender, jasmine, pears, peaches, honeysuckle, white pepper, crushed stone and a touch of pineapple. The wine is medium ++ in body with a beautiful level of acidity that gives way to hints of tropical and orchard fruits, honeysuckle, exotic spice, soft brine, river rocks, and a kiss of citrus. The wine is complex with harmonizing layers of fruit and earth that play beautifully together. The wine is reminiscent of a French Rhone, as it is showing in an old-world style.

The winemaker and owner, Susan Tipton, led our tasting. She told us that they started ten years ago, after she fell in love with white Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Her vineyards are all estate-owned and are dedicated to white wine grapes alone. None are oaked. The area has a Mediterranean climate, warm days, cool nights and a Delta breeze.

We purchased a case of wine each, the Roebucks and us, and I’ve since been looking over the club membership: six bottles delivered twice a year, in April and October, 20% off any purchases, complimentary tastings at the winery and invitations to release parties and pick up events.

Read this to see how well their wines did at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. (Short answer: They won four Best of Class Awards – and over 5,800 wines were judged.)

From the Winery

Do you love white wines? Located in the Lodi Appellation we offer estate grown, award-winning premium white and rosé wines lovingly created in small batches. We carefully craft these unique wines: Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Belle Blanc and Ingénue (white blends) and a Grenache Rosé. Join us by appointment, Thursday – Sunday 11-5 for our Elevated Tasting Experience

Elevated Tasting Experience reservations à https://www.exploretock.com/acquiescewinery

Homepage

https://www.facebook.com/AcquiesceWinery

https://www.instagram.com/acquiescewinery/

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: LAW ESTATE WINES

January 15, 2022 by Michael Perlis

The curving drive through the woods on Peachy Canyon Drive only heightens the anticipation of arriving at the gates that provide entry to Law Estate Wines and the experience it and the winery staff provide.

But it wasn’t always this way.

Our first taste of Law Estate was when they were pouring their first vintage at the Ojai Wine Festival in 2013. At that time, Michael wrote: “…speaking of Law Estate (www.lawestatewines.com), their wines really stole the show for me at this event, especially their GSM blend. A new player in Paso Robles, they haven’t even released their wines to the public yet. This is one you might want to get on board with early.”

To give credit where credit is due, it was Karen who had told Michael to be sure to taste the Law wines, especially that GSM blend named Sagacious.

Our next visit to Law was while the winery was still under construction. Sitting with General Manager Oliver Esparham, who we had met at the Ojai festival, we continued to be awed at the quality of the wines produced by such a young winery. Of course, Law’s geologist owners did their homework with site selection for their vineyards [all Law’s wines are Estate designated], a state of the art winery, as well as one of the best winemakers around – Scott Hawley of Torrin.

But those are old stories and visiting Law now is about tasting outstanding wines in a beautiful luxurious setting, whether on the outdoor patio with the gorgeous views or the spacious indoor tasting lounge. Though, all would be for naught were the hosts of your tasting not the best you might encounter anywhere, which they are at Law. Their hospitality is what elevates the tasting into the perfect experience that it is.

During our tasting, we had the great pleasure of meeting with Marketing Manager Jessica Locklin and were also joined by GM Oliver. Scott Hawley has moved on to focus 100% on his own label and former Assistant Winemaker Phillipp Pfunder now has full control of the winemaking process. The wines, if anything, are more delicious than ever.

We started with the 2019 Soph, a white blend of 47% Roussanne, 28% Clairette Blanche and 25% Marsanne with a really bright floral nose. Named after the Laws’ granddaughter [Oliver’s daughter], this is always one of our favorite white wines of the year. We were delighted that there was still some available to purchase as we had just run out at home.

Moving on to the red blends of mostly Rhone varietals, these are as usual stunning and virtually impossible to pick a favorite. Karen has always been especially partial to the one called Sagacious, as mentioned above [Oliver somehow still remembers this].

We tasted through the following reds:

2018 Beguiling – 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah

2018 Sagacious – 35% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre

2018 Audacious – 31% Grenache, 26% Carignan, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Syrah

2018 Aspire – 84% Syrah, 16% Grenache

One of the several great things about the Law tasting experience is that the taster is presented with the entire flight at once, with ample opportunity to go back and forth between wines to compare the various flavors. And Jessica, like everyone else at Law, was ever-present to graciously answer questions and provide additional information.

As we were tasting back and forth through the flight, Jessica asked if we had any preferences. Michael’s “I dunno, they’re all so good” was followed by Karen’s “You haven’t tried the Aspire yet.

” Even though Karen loved the nice long finish and big mouthfeel of her usual favorite Sagacious and the dark ripe blackberry notes of the Audacious, she was spot on with the Aspire’s fruit forwardness and violet bouquet. Upon tasting it, Michael immediately agreed with an insightful “damn”.

Much as it is difficult to pick a favorite amongst Law’s wine selection, it is also hard to pick a favorite winery in Paso Robles. There are too many wineries in the area that we love for us to be able to say that there is a #1. But, you would be hard-pressed to find a better winery experience, wines, and people than Law Estate Wines. And now the addition of a guest cottage makes an extended stay possible. Plans are also in the works for an education center.

With all that, you may never want to leave the property on your next visit.

LAW ESTATE WINES

www.lawestatewines.com

3885 Peachy Canyon Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou Release 2018 Soul of a Lion

September 29, 2021 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou have announced the release of 2018 Soul of a Lion, the crown jewel of DAOU Family Estates named in honor of their father. Exclusively sourced from the DAOU Mountain Estate situated in the premier Adelaida district of Paso Robles, Soul of a Lion is one of the most anticipated Cabernet Sauvignon releases of the year and will be available nationally as of September 2021.

“The 2018 vintage of Soul of a Lion is nothing short of a tour de force that represents the richness, elegance and balance we strive for in the Adelaida district,” says Winemaker and Co-Proprietor Daniel Daou. “2018 was a remarkable vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon that showed our vine balance to perfection. A cooling trend at the end of summer prolonged the hang time and yielded the latest harvest ever recorded on DAOU Mountain. The result is a wine of depth in every way from the dark-purple color and striking flavors to the silky balance and well-integrated tannins on the finish. 2018 Soul of a Lion is a memorable wine that will inspire us with many years of enjoyment ahead.”

Georges and Daniel Daou, brothers and co-proprietors of DAOU Family Estates, proudly celebrate Soul of a Lion as the most important wine that they make. Soul of a Lion is named for Georges and Daniel’s father, an enduring symbol of strength and courage in their lives. First released in 2010, Soul of a Lion received immediate critical acclaim and has established Paso Robles as a rising star for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Guided by winemaker Daniel Daou’s vision to produce Bordeaux-style wines that combine elegance, freshness, and power, the DAOU Mountain estate is situated on a 212-acre hilltop in the Adelaida district with the ideal soils, microclimate, and elevations for Cabernet Sauvignon.

2018 SOUL OF A LION

WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES (Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Petit Verdot 10%) 2018 Soul of a Lion aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. A dark, purple-black hue foreshadows the experience to come. Intense aromas of lilac, violet, and spice swirl amid a deep, complex bouquet. The palate bursts with prodigious flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, vanilla bean and chocolate-covered cherry, all underlain by striking minerality. Silky, integrated tannins unwind into an impossibly long finish, revealing both the power and finesse of its DAOU Mountain provenance. – Winemaker Daniel Daou
2018 VINTAGE NOTES (DAOU Mountain, Paso Robles AVA, Adelaida District)

The 2018 vintage may go down in history as the longest season yet. A good amount of rain fell on DAOU Mountain which gave to a later bud break in April.

The vines were energized by the much-needed moisture, setting one of our best crops yet. The weather remained steady from spring through June when we received a long heat wave that fortunately did not affect the quality of the grapes as it occurred before the start of veraison. A cooling trend ensued for the rest of the season right after the heatwave prolonging the hanging time and the harvest to October. The result was our latest harvest ever on the mountain, reaching all the way into the third week of October. The long hang time yielded deep color and concentration with dense wines. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated. 2018 was an exceptional vintage that gave way to powerful and balanced wines. – Winemaker Daniel Daou

About DAOU Family Estates
Family-owned and operated, DAOU Family Estates is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, DAOU was founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007 to develop the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties in the region. The family estate at DAOU Mountain combines remarkable geology, favorable microclimate and high elevation, once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As a steward of this beautiful terroir, winemaker Daniel Daou offers a quality-focused range of complex but accessible wines that are a pleasure to drink.

Sampling Single Estate El Sativo Tequila Blanco

November 20, 2020 by evebushman

I have two go-to Tequilas: Cazadores and Asombroso, the former was a gift from my daughter’s fiancé and the latter was one I reviewed that I have since purchased for my liquor cabinet. I’m not much of a tequila-cocktail lover and prefer to sip alone or on ice, and was happy to receive another tequila for review that I could add into my “sipper” category of spirits.

After reading the press release for El Sativo below, I was intrigued by several points it made including the idea that the “terpenes, found in the agave, have a myriad of health benefits, including mood-lifting and energy-boosting attributes”, that they give back to ocean conservancy and are a triple time double gold medal winner. Definitely made me ready to sample.

Tasting Notes

Notes of vanilla bean, heavy sweet cream and toasted popcorn kernel – with no burn whatsoever – on the nose. The taste was smooth yet peppery – so interesting – and flavors reminiscent of buttered popcorn, and that same cream, ending with a spicy finish.

Really liked having it both smooth and spicy! Then tried it with a little bit of squeezed lemon and it was like a lo-cal Margarita. This is not a Tequila to shoot!

Not so sure about added energy, may have to do further study = drink more!

News Release

EL SATIVO, THE FIRST TEQUILA TO INNOVATE A “ONE OF A KIND” COMPOUND FOCUSED DISTILLATION, MAINTAINING THE BENEFICIAL ELEMENTS IN THE AGAVE

100% Blue Agave – Single Estate – 100% USDA Organic – 100% NON-GMO – Certified OK Kosher

El Sativo, the 2020 Tequila of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, launched this summer. Bottles will be available for purchase at Whole Foods and Total Wine in California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Illinois along with retail stores throughout Texas, more states will be added shortly. El Sativo will debut their offerings with the award-winning Tequila Blanco, with plans to offer a reposado and anejo in 2021. Tequila Blanco will retail between $39.99 – $45.99 for a 750ml.

El Sativo’s co-creators and fourth-generation family of distillers use an innovative distillation process that captures and accentuates the agave plant’s own natural benefits. “These terpenes, found in the agave, have a myriad of health benefits, including mood-lifting and energy-boosting attributes, which is why we transformed our distillation process in order to help maintain their properties,” states co-founder Dr. Robert Summers.

The El Sativo team is committed to improving the environment, helping to build awareness, and pushing to find remedies to help preserve the precious resources of our planet. Translated from Spanish, El Sativo means “Sown in Seeds,” as anything planted, nurtured, and grown is life. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy. The bottle is made of 100% recycled smart non-combustible glass and has an organic soluble label that is pesticide free.

El Sativo Tequila is certified USDA organic, 100% Non–GMO, Kosher and Eco-friendly.

THE PROCESS

“Our distillery is located in the lowlands of Amatitán, Jalisco; we’re single estate, our agaves are planted, nurtured, and harvested solely in our fields and never sourced. It was important for us to be completely organic, so our cultivation is carried out without pesticides or fungicides, and we only use organic fertilizers. The organic certification process is far more complex and time consuming than the process for common tequila.” says co-founder and singer-songwriter Jaime Whitton.

Using small batch stone ovens, the blue agaves are slowly steamed for 24-48 hours, using no diffusers nor autoclaves. The process pays homage to the art of tequila making by using the traditional technique. Fermenting with its own natural yeast, the team uses reverse osmosis water filtered through 135 feet of volcanic rock for a pure filtration process.

40% ABV, 750ml, NOM 1480

TASTING NOTES: EL SATIVO TEQUILA BLANCO

Bouquet: Opulent bright citrus with sweet agave
Palate: Lift of white pepper and sweet agave with a waterfall of stone fruit savoring on the taste buds Finish: Long, seductive rollercoaster finish.

ABOUT EL SATIVO

Originated by a spirited family with over 25 years in the tequila industry. El Sativo is an innovative tequila that lifts the spirits and stands apart from the crowd. Our sweet agave dances in waterfalls of stone fruit soaking in memorable days and fun-filled nights. El Sativo sets itself apart by utilizing a special distillation method that naturally highlights the agave plant’s precious resources known to have mood lifting and energy boosting attributes that exemplify #SoSativo. A Single Estate masterpiece and the winner of 3 double gold awards, including 2020 Tequila of the Year (San Francisco World Spirits Competition).

El Sativo Tequila is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, OK Kosher and each bottle is 100% smart combustible recycled glass with organic soluble labels. Every bottle sold gives back to ocean conservancy. Truly “A Better Tequila for a Better World.”

…

Website: http://www.elsativo.com/
Instagram: @elsativotequila

Tenuta Montemagno Brut: the Barbera grape becomes sparkling

October 22, 2020 by evebushman

Barbera d’Asti is the identity of Tenuta Montemagno, wine producers in the heart of Monferrato. Actually, Barbera is the variety that most of all tells the story of Tenuta Montemagno, through its 80 years old vineyards, planted on clay and limestone soil with slightly silty marls, Western facing. Our Metodo Classico are made from Barbera grapes harvested early, hand picking and with a careful grapes selection.

The Barbera is a versatile and charming variety, capable of being the protagonist: the TM24 and TM36 Brut, are both another expression of its potential. They are sparkling wines born from the synergy of intuition and innovation. The idea to have the Metodo Classico of 100% Barbera that refines on yeasts for 24 (TM24) and 36 months (TM36) is astonishing.

The perlage of TM Brut 24 is elegant and fine; the bouquet is intense, delicate and generous, notes of yeast and delicate hints of crusty bread, overtones of freshly picked flowers and wild berries. On the palate it is fresh, lively and sapid, with an excellent underlying acidity and clearly expressed minerality. The finish presents light notes of wild plum and currants. Therefore, the peculiar traits of Barbera – bouquet and acidity, are well present almost as if weaving the warp on which the other sensations intertwine. TM Brut 24 has been rated 92 point by Wine Enthusiast, one of the most eminent international wine magazine.

GOLD

If the TMBrut 24 is “unexpected” because of its structure, color and pleasantness, the Tm Brut 36 is surprising and unique, enough to be awarded with the Gold Medal – category Sparkling Rosé, in the International wine Competition The Global Sparkling Masters 2020.

The bouquet reveals an intense fragrance, delicate and generous. Notes of yeast and crusty bread, overtones of freshly picked flowers and wild berries. On the palate, it is fresh, lively and savoury, excellent underlying acidity with clearly expressed minerality and a light finish of wild plum and currants.

In this sparkling too, the characteristics of the variety are the texture on which the other perfumes and aromas are waived on.
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TM24 and TM36 both are the example of how the Barbera grape is a precious and versatile grape, a storyteller of the region. In these sparkling, tradition and innovation are perfectly combined and we can say that TM24 and TM36 are a great examples of wine that becomes sparkling and then, comes back to wine.

World Class 2018 Pinot Noir Emerges from Sonoma County

September 17, 2020 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif.,/PRNewswire/ — Gracianna Winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in the Russian River Valley is riding high on the news that their recently released 2018 Westside Reserve Pinot Noir has earned Gold at five separate domestic and international wine competitions in 2020.

Gracianna Cellar, photo from their Facebook page.

Top honors were awarded at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition, celebrating a Best of Show win. Standing tall above the over 2,700 entries in this year’s competition, this Pinot Noir wowed the judges with its brilliant bouquet and flawless balance. On the way to winning the top prize, the Reserve Pinot was also awarded Best of Show – Red Wine, Best in Class, and Double Gold and garnered 97 points.

These accolades are in addition to the four other Golds won by the wine at the following competitions:

Best of Class & Double Gold – 2020 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge (98 points)
Gold – 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold – 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition
Best of Class & Gold – 2019 Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition

It has been a big year for Gracianna. Other Gracianna gold medal winners for 2020:

2017 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Pinot Noir – Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Gold at 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition, and Gold at the 2020 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
2016 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Pinot Noir – Gold at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition (93 points) and Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2016 Gracianna Pinot Noir – Gold at 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition
2015 Gracianna Pinot Noir – Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Lisa Amador, Gracianna Winery partner said, “We are grateful and humbled at being lauded with a record eleven Gold medals for 2020 and are proud of our winemaking team for their care and our hospitality team members who have made Gracianna the #1 recommended winery in Sonoma County on TripAdvisor for the second year in a row. So proud.”

About Gracianna Winery
The Amador Family of Sonoma County are the owners of the award winning Gracianna Winery, a “fruit-first” craftsman’s winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Healdsburg, CA. They are committed to the care and devotion that goes into crafting and detailing each bottle of wine. Their approach combines science and craftsmanship mixed with gratitude for the brilliant hand-picked fruit they choose to make the wine.

Gracianna symbolizes everyday gratitudes and graciousness in entertaining because of their belief that hosting a special meal with friends and family is an everlasting circle that fills all our lives.

Gracianna wines are for those with something to be grateful for.

Montalcino’s Tenuta Luce releases 25th Vintage of Flagship Luce

August 27, 2020 by evebushman

MONTALCINO, ITALY (PRWEB) – Tenuta Luce, one of Tuscany’s most esteemed wine estates, celebrates the launch of the 25th vintage of its flagship wine Luce, the first blend of native grape Sangiovese and Merlot ever produced in the Montalcino area of Tuscany.

President of Tenuta Luce, Lamberto Frescobaldi commented: “Tenuta Luce is an utterly unique wine estate and the arrival of the 25th vintage of Luce provides an unrivalled opportunity to remind ourselves of that passionate commitment first marked 25 years ago in Montalcino by Vittorio Frescobaldi, together with Robert Mondavi, to create a wine truly unique to the area.” The Frescobaldi Group became the sole owner of Tenuta Luce in 2005.

“It all began when, together with the Mondavi family, we found a ‘home’ in Montalcino, that growing area of world-class wines,” recounts Lamberto Frescobaldi. “We started from a property, in the southwest quadrant of Montalcino, that exhibited the perfect qualities we needed to bring our dream into fruition. It’s close proximity to the sea, exposure to the sun, and peculiar combination of soils made it a magnetic spot.

“The local traditions, plus the long experience of Vittorio, Ferdinando, and Leonardo Frescobaldi were valuable road-signs for us,” Frescobaldi continues.
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“The challenge was to respect and learn from that tradition, yet to fashion a wine that would be a distinctly personal interpretation. In the sense that it exerted a powerful attraction for individuals of talent; they, with their expertise and commitment, gave life to producing Luce, year after year.”

The creators of Luce have successfully guarded this intangible heritage with the most profound respect – an uncompromisable foundation of their value system – that entails respect for the earth that with its fecund life-force offers its treasures to Montalcino; respect for the beauty of nature, that harmonious landscape which inspires those who gaze on it; respect for individuals, who have felt the attractive force of Luce and there, at one with it; and, finally, respect for the intelligence and questioning of those who have continued to support its vision.

The 2017 vintage anniversary bottle is dressed in a quote by Vittorio Frescobaldi:
“To know and respect the earth, the vineyards, and the individuals who work them is an essential part of what we do. Human intelligence engages in dialogue the beauty of nature, and the expression of terroir melds into Luce’s own rare interpretation of it. And voilà, the harmony of Luce.”

About Luce 2017
The 2017 growing season started with a cool spring that brought adequate rainfall, followed by a warm, sunny summer relieved by beneficent night-time breezes and rain in mid-September. These conditions delivered a relatively limited crop but of extremely high quality, and both the Merlot and Cabernet were harvested at peak ripeness.

Luce 2017 appears an intense, near-impenetrable ruby red. A rich, multi-layered bouquet alternates wild red berryfruit with intriguing hints of incense. That aromatic wealth continues onto the palate, supported by a vein of elegant tannins that sculpt an enviable structure, resulting in a wine of unmatched balance.

Twisted Roots Wine branches off into creating hard cider

October 13, 2019 by evebushman

CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. — Winemaker Josh Ruiz insists he began bottling hard cider out of necessity. So naturally, he believes it’s necessary that we drink it.

The longtime owner and vintner at Twisted Roots Wine has branched out (literally) into fermented apples, culminating in the birth of Twisted Roots Hard Cider.

Ruiz and his wife Julie sensed a growing market for a light, crisp, easy-drinking cider — once a favored beverage in colonial America until Prohibition destroyed the industry. Hard cider has exploded in growth in the U.S. over the past few years, buoyed by an adventurous, health-conscious younger set, and the fact that cider (unlike beer) is gluten-free.

The couple spent time researching the cider culture in England, and found that it varied greatly depending on the region, the weather and the fruit, just like wine.

They wanted to create the antithesis of a typical American cider that is often over-carbonated and sweet — something Ruiz called “candy apple ciders.”

“People were ready for something else, especially those who love our wines.”

So they created Twisted Roots Hard Cider, a light, crisp beverage that is low in sugar and carbs — “something clean, simple and refreshing.”

Twisted Roots uses a combination of ﬁve fresh apple varieties, each of which add unique elements to the ﬁnished product:

Golden Russets enhance the bouquet and aromatics, and contribute complexity and fruit ﬂavor Granny Smiths add tannic structure and tartness, adding to the mouthfeel Galas help deliver a clean, refreshing ﬁnish Fujis lend just the right amount of sweetness Red Delicious bring rich mouth-feel and a distinctly apple aromatic quality Twisted Roots Hard Cider has 6 percent alcohol, and a 22-ounce serving contains only 140 calories. For Ruiz, the beauty of making a hard cider without high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates?

You can drink more of it!

Tastings of Twisted Roots Hard Cider are available at the wine tasting room in Carmel Valley, 12 Del Fino Place. For information or to purchase bottles online, visit www.twistedrootshardcider.com or call 594-8282.

Azuñia Tequila Shines with Top Marks in 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

May 30, 2019 by evebushman

GLENDORA, Calif. (PRWEB) – The judges have spoken, and Azuñia Tequila once again has earned high marks for all its craft tequilas.

Azuñia Añejo was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy, the highest award a spirit can receive, with a score of 97 in the judging at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The rigorous judging by the Ultimate Beverage Challenge team of experts, including renowned spirits authority F. Paul Pacult, who chaired the judging for the challenge, spirits writer and New York Times editor Clay Risen, and award-winning bar director Meaghan Dorman, provided the most professional and authoritative evaluation of spirits.

“At Azuñia, our focus is on sustainably farming the best agave and making premium quality tequila with authentic flavor. Our tequila is homegrown and handmade, crafted with care by the same family for two generations. We are incredibly proud of our team and the artistry that produces outstanding tequila year after year,” said Joe Giansante, managing director, Azuñia Tequila. “Our customers consistently tell us they love our tequila, and we are delighted that the Ultimate Spirits Challenge judges agree with them. This recognition is a well-earned nod to Azuñia’s tradition of presenting natural, organic products. We are delighted to add these accolades to our growing list of awards.”

Both Azuñia Añejo and Azuñia Blanco, which earned a score of 94 from the judges, were designated as a “Great Value.” The judges were impressed with Azuñia Añejo’s fragrance and flavors, with an “aromatic bouquet of tropical flowers, white cherry and grilled pineapple on the nose” and “candied mango, poached white cherries, and beeswax” through the finish. For Azuñia Blanco, they noted the delicate and citrusy taste as “punctuated by a distinct briny quality on the finish with more pepper and fruit.”

Azuñia Black Private Reserve received an excellent score of 90, which means it is highly recommended by the judges, who noted the “caramel, maple, and orange blossom… aromas, balanced by green chili and savory pineapple notes” and a spice-flecked, clean finish.

Azuñia Tequila is still glowing from the Double Gold “World’s Best” win from the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, which only adds to the compliment paid to Reposado by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge judges, who called it “comforting yet complex” and “as radiant as straw in the sunshine in the glass.”

The Ultimate Beverage Challenge prides itself on a higher standard of evaluation for spirits, which translates into credible and relevant results for producers, distributors, and customers. The results of the Ultimate Spirit Challenge are counted on by the spirits industry to guide purchasing decisions.

And the Ultimate Spirits Challenge results aren’t the only good news to share. Azuñia Tequila also received excellent 2019 Wine Enthusiast scores. Azuñia Black Private Reserve earned a 93, while Azuñia Añejo was scored at 92 by Wine Enthusiast editor Kara Newman for the May issue of the magazine.

The 10-year old brand prides itself on staying true to its roots of farming the land properly, without additives, to produce the finest agave plants by a family owned farm on the slopes of Volcán de Tequila. This care for the land, for the people, and for the process is reflected in the multiple awards won by each of Azuñia Tequila’s products.

About Azuñia Tequila

Azuñia is smooth, clean craft tequila with authentic flavor from the local terroir in every sip. It is the exclusive export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatitán and its second-generation, family-owned-and-operated Rancho Miravalle estate, which has created exceptional tequila for over 20 years. Made with 100% pure Weber Blue Agave grown in dedicated fields of the Tequila Valley, we harvest by hand and roast the organic agave in traditional clay hornos to ensure authenticity and depth of flavor. We then finish with a natural, open-air fermentation process and bottle onsite in small batches using a consistent process to deliver field-to-bottle quality. For more information, please visit azuniatequila.com. For media inquiries, contact Jenn Barber, jbarber(at)azuniatequila(dot)com, 760-331-7914.

One Bottle Post: 2000 CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET

October 19, 2018 by evebushman

I am now on bottle three of the six 2000 Bordeaux that we’ve pulled from our cellar to drink. At this point I have a current favorite, and it’s this one, the 2000 Chateau Pontet-Canet from the Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France. Looks like we paid about $55 and it’s doubled in price at auction, like all of the others I researched.

Photo credit: Millesima USA

So why did I like this one, the least expensive of the bunch so far? See my notes, it may guide you to try and find it too!

2000 CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark garnet with a brown edge (indicative of age), a cross between a ruby and tawny port.

Bouquet: Stewed prunes, worn suede, earth, cigar, black cherry, crushed dry leaves, blackberry, sage, grilled mushrooms.

Flavor: Blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, raisin, very lush mouthfeel – gave me the sense of a rich pulp – tannic, dry, long finish.

Pairing: We had this with a Porterhouse steak made Oscar style which means it was topped with crab, asparagus and Béarnaise, and on the side was a twice-baked potato and cole slaw. The pal that created the dinner admitted that it all was deli bought except for the steak.

It helped to know this as…it didn’t matter what we paired this wine with, in my humble opinion it was a stand-alone wine. The kind of wine we like to have without a big to-do about what to pair it with. So for me, it was all about the wine once I had that first taste of it.

97 Eve pts.

Wine Spectator magazine notes

CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET

Pauillac 2000

Score: 92

Release Price $55

Current Auction Price $103

Country France

Region Bordeaux

Issue Web Only – 2016

Tasting Note

A lovely lead-in of singed cedar and vanilla notes gives way to slightly taut, racy red and black currant fruit flavors that drive nicely through an iron-edged finish. Rather sleek and tightly focused, relying more on minerality than power.
–Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015). Drink now through 2023. 22,917 cases made.

–JM