Eve's Wine 101

Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO.com) Launches Premium Subscription Service

by

MOORESTOWN, N.J./PRNewswire/ — Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO) has a new kind of wine club subscription, the WTSO Monthly Subscription experience. In the monthly shipments, wine enthusiasts of all levels are invited to sip on 2-3 premium selections that are meticulously chosen. It highlights some rare, luxurious wines from around the world and their stories — all at a discount price that WTSO is known for providing to customers. Each set is available at the low rate of $99.99 per month. Included in the subscription service is a live virtual class, where members are encouraged to be interactive with professionals and among the community. On top of that, there’s expected to be many more exclusive events for this group.

The series to kick off the launch is a duo of Brunello. This popular Italian wine is a favorite with its 2 year minimum oak-aging process bringing out the best of the cherry flavors and a layered finish. The release of Brunellos, after a mandatory five-year period from the harvest, keeps fans anticipating each new vintage from the Tuscan vineyards. All members who subscribe during the first month will receive a limited-edition gift box. The special offer is valued over $200 and contains deluxe gifts from WTSO’s partners such as Repour Wine Savers and Gabriel-Glas.

“WTSO has a reputation of sourcing wines that meet high standards and making them widely available to consumers across the country. Our customers have expressed interest in learning the true value of wines they’re drinking. We’re listening because I think it’s important to know and understand how they’re made, the terroir, and differences in quality. This new membership extends our mission of providing accessibility to purchase and learn the narratives of all these fine wines. It makes drinking them that much more special,” says Joe Arking, Co-Founder and CEO of Wines ‘Til Sold Out.

The WTSO Monthly Subscription comes from a history of curated wine experiences that the company has developed and transformed over the years. In 2016, they introduced Weekly Tasting sets handpicked by wine partners from around the country. Together with these industry experts, they brought wine education directly to the customer through a robust YouTube channel. During the height of the pandemic of 2020, the company launched WTSO Live to bring the community together via Zoom through these curated sets. With the rise of video conferencing, this new virtual format greatly expanded the reach and convenience of the educational series.

Running off the success of WTSO Live, the new signature tasting series takes it all to the next level. Each month provides a unique opportunity to bring the labels to life. The subscription offers an easier way to gain access into the wonderful world of wine. For instance, WTSO Monthly Subscription events hope to offer direct connection and conversations with the winemakers themselves, as well as other industry professionals. In addition, there’s direct access to the company’s in-house wine expert for further recommendations.

Current host, Marc Supsic, is a professional certified by institutions like the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and UC Davis California. He says, “I’m excited to be directly engaged with the wine community that WTSO built. We’re going to spend time with some fantastic wines that are not readily available unless you subscribe to a specific winery. The WTSO Monthly Subscription provides more access to those same prestigious brands with less fees. They’re really special wines, and I’m glad to be a part of this new journey.”

After the inaugural Brunello set, the series is slated to feature wines that will pair perfectly with seasonal holiday plans. Subscribers can be prepared to welcome Autumn with Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne, and Burgundy wines.

For more information and to view a special introductory offer for the first shipment, visit wtso.com/wine-subscription. Learn more by following WTSO on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO.com) 
Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO) has a mission to create a first-class wine experience by providing accessibility to wine enthusiasts across the United States. At the core of WTSO is strong, lasting relationships throughout the industry to source a great variety of high-quality wines at the best prices. With a vast network of experts, they provide detailed knowledge and foster an engaged wine community. Known for their dedication to customer service, WTSO stands behind their brand and products by backing each and every experience with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Kosher Food and Wine Experience Makes Triumphant Return to London and Israel

by

London/Tel Aviv– The world’s largest public kosher food and wine extravaganza came back with a triumphant “L’chaim!’ this spring following a 2-year coronavirus break. The annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) is still the hottest ticket in the kosher culinary world, attracting thousands of restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, and foodies hungry for the latest and greatest in fine kosher wines and cuisine.

Royal Wine Corp. through its Israeli and British distributors, respectively Zur Agencies and Kedem Europe, spearheaded the long-awaited return of these two events – May 30 in Tel Aviv, Israel, and on June 21 in London. More than 240 wines from Israel, France, Italy, Spain, and the U.K. were sipped and savored, and guests had a unique chance to meet the winemakers and learn the stories behind each bottle.

Both shows featured rare premium wines along with accessible everyday wines, sparkling wines, whiskey, French and Italian liqueurs and more.

The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane was the scene where more than 800 KFWE guests enjoyed an exceptional selection of kosher wines and spirits. More than a dozen Israeli wineries were present with their latest vintages, including boutique wineries such as Domaine Du Castel, Yatir Winery, Flam Winery, Jezreel, Matar by Pelter, and Psagot.

At KFWE London, Royal Wine and Kedem Europe introduced a new line of kosher wines from Burgundy produced by Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi. The line includes three wines from the 2020 vintage: a Gevrey-Chambertin Villages, a Chambolle-Musigny Villages, and a Beaune 1er Cru. Royal Wine did not offer high-end quality red Burgundy wines since 2004.  

“As the kosher market has evolved and matured over the past 18 years, we believe that many fine kosher wine connoisseurs will particularly appreciate these refined and complex Pinot Noir wines,” says Gabe Geller, Royal Wine’s director of PR. “They will retail between $100-130. Royal also introduced in London the Laufer’s Select Tokaji Late Harvest and Tokaji Ice, both high-quality dessert wines from the famed Tokaji region in Hungary. Both wines will be SRP $45,” he added.

Cooloo alcoholic ice-pops were the perfect refresher, as it was the first time the KFWE was held over the summer months. Also featured was a cocktail bar with deliciously tasty concoctions created by top mixologists using Walders and Bicerin liqueurs.

Along with the unlimited wine tastings and whisky masterclasses, the London event featured legendary buffet by caterer Arieh Wagner. He and his team served up hot and cold dishes including Turmeric-Infused Cauliflower with tahini, hummus, and pomegranate seeds; Baba Ganoush with cashew nuts; Beef Carpaccio with truffle oil and fresh truffle; Poke Salmon and Tuna; Pulled Beef Arancini; a salt beef carvery; and dairy-free desserts such as tiramisu, Eton mess, and crème brûlée. 

The Trask at the Port of Tel Aviv set the scene for KFWE 2022 in the Holy Land with tastings of more than 300 wines and an extensive rooftop buffet. Guests enjoyed wines and beverages from the various wine regions of France (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence and Alsace, including super-premium wines from world-renowned wineries – Château Lascombes, Château Giscours, Château Léoville Poyferré, Champagne Drappier, Château Clarke-Rothschild and more), Spain , Priorat, Galicia and more), Italy (Chianti, Montepulciano and Northern Italy), New Zealand, California (Sonoma, Napa and more), Argentina (Mendoza), South Africa and of course Israel (Shiloh, Jezreel and Psagot).

KFWE 2022 showcased hundreds of different wines and spirits produced in renowned wine regions, available at every price point.  Geller summed up both events, “It was wonderful to see friends learning about wine together, discovering new vintages from around the world, and finding the perfect bottles—most of which are kosher for Passover—to enjoy at home or at their next celebration.”

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.

TodayRoyal 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

Perlises Pick: Grand Cru Custom Crush

by

Custom crushes provide vital resources to boutique winemakers who don’t have their own winery facilities yet desire to have access to state of the art equipment and support. Grand Cru Custom Crush in Windsor, California takes this one step further by enabling their client wineries to offer their customers an opportunity for an amazing tasting experience.

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit with Nicole Yasinsac, Grand Cru’s Hospitality and Events Director. She gave us a tour of Grand Cru as well as providing tastes of a selection of their clients’ wines, all while sharing the story of the facility.

Robert Morris, former president of Punchdown Cellars in Santa Rosa (which was formerly Copain Custom Crush) and his wife Erin teamed up with Erin Brooks and Todd Gottula of Ernest Vineyards to open Grand Cru in 2017. The building design was inspired by the historic Boradorri Garage in Cayucos, with other touches paying homage to Robert being a reserve firefighter for the city of Healdsburg.

The production facility is 30,000 square feet with a capability of producing about 25,000 total cases annually. Winery clients are varied, which helps to ensure different picking and production schedules. Besides barrels, concrete eggs, sandstone amphorae and urns are also available, as are crush pads and bottling, as well as a lab.

We’ve been to custom crushes where tasting with the winemaker can be somewhat of an adventure, maybe just one step away from an OSHA report. The tasting salons at Grand Cru are stylish, with the bay doors available to be open to allow for as much fresh air as one would want. Gabriel Glas wine glasses help to maintain the elegance.

And the wines are no slouches either. Nicole guided us through a tasting of the following –

Edaphos by Ernest:  2021 Picpoul from Lodi’s Prie Vineyard.  Ernest Winery is owned by Todd and Erin Gottula, co-owners of Grand Cru and is named after Todd’s grandfather Ernest.  The Edaphos label focuses on small lots of lesser known grape varietals. The wine was subtle with an impression of a hint of sweetness and bright light citrus and a lengthy finish.

Ernest: 2019 Aligote from the Henry David Vineyard in Bennett Valley. The “other” white Burgundy, somewhat similar to Chardonnay.  Light with some grassy notes and hints of arugula.

Bucher: 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from the Bucher Estate vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The Buchers added vineyards to their 360 acre dairy farm starting in 1997. The wine was fresh and bright with tropical notes. Very classic Sauvignon Blanc.

Black Kite: 2018 Pinot Noir from the Gap’s Crown Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast.  The co-founders are Tom and Rebecca Birdsall along with Rebecca’s parents, Donald and Maureen Green. The label named after Rebecca’s father favorite bird.  Notes of dark cherry and a pleasing light finish, smooth and silky on palate.

Terminim: 2018 Syrah from the Alder Springs Vineyard in Mendocino. This is a collaboration between François Villard of France’s Northern Rhone Valley and Donald Patz of Patz and Hall Winery in Sonoma fame. Very dark and rich with black olive notes. Delicious wine. 

Saxon Brown: 2017 Zinfandel, Stonewall Block, Sonoma County. Owner/winemaker Jeff Gaffner was with Chateau St Jean and started Saxon Brown in 1997.  Dense style but not overpowering, lush ripe fruit with lavender notes.

We want to thank Nicole so much for spending time with us. Please visit Grand Cru Custom Crush on your next visit to the Santa Rosa/Windsor/Healdsburg area.  It is a great multi-brand experience of the outstanding wines made at the facility – private, personal, relaxed and intimate, showcasing many varietals and AVAs.

Grand Cru Custom Crush

www.grandcrucustomcrush.com

1200 American Way, Windsor, CA 95492Michael 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.

Fess Parker Winery Unveils Newly Renovated Tasting Room

by

LOS OLIVOS, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The Fess Parker family is pleased to announce the debut of their renovated tasting room, which reopened to the public on April 2, revealing a more modern design that pays homage to the family’s roots and supports the winery’s more elevated tasting experiences.

 

Established by the late Fess Parker in the 1980s, the multigenerational family owned and operated Fess Parker Winery has built a reputation for crafting exceptional Rhône and Burgundian wines from Santa Barbara County. Since opening its expansive tasting room and winery in the early 1990s, Fess Parker Winery has remained a top destination in the region, welcoming guests to enjoy high-quality wines from its picturesque location along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

Looking to create a more contemporary experience for guests while incorporating the family’s unique history, the Parker family embarked on a tasting room refresh that would become the next evolution of the presentation of the brand. To bring their vision to life, the family hired Oliva Villaluz of Oliva Villaluz Design, who worked closely with siblings Eli Parker and Ashley Parker-Snider to conceive and execute the new look, which included updates of both interior and exterior spaces.

“After 30+ years, it was definitely time for a refresh,” explains Parker-Snider. “We knew we wanted to create an environment that would feel a little bit grand, yet still welcoming and comfortable – all while giving visitors a sense of place and meeting the needs of our elevated hospitality experiences.”

The floor-to-ceiling fireplace remains the centerpiece of the tasting room interior, which is now surrounded by comfortable chairs and a communal table to give the room a lounge-like setting. Beside the Fireplace Room are two semi-private tasting areas catering to more intimate wine experiences, including those showcasing the family’s robust library collection of wines, going back over two decades.

Additional decorative touches in the tasting room include a mural of the Fess Parker Home Ranch, showcasing the 714-acre property founder Fess Parker purchased in 1988, as well as a stunning Kodiak Greenwood photograph of Mr. Parker’s favorite spot on the ranch, which is printed on metal and hung as a tryptic above the fireplace. Memorabilia from Mr. Parker’s acting days – including the guitar he auditioned for the role of Davy Crockett with and an original copy of the lyrics from “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” with edits in the margin – are also included in the space, as a nod to the late patriarch’s roots.

Outside, tasting areas are reconfigured to further accommodate the winery’s shift towards more elevated, private tasting experiences while taking advantage of the area’s picture-perfect weather. New outdoor tasting bars were added to maximize usage of the spacious grounds, while new shade sails, outdoor furniture, and plants create a comfortable, appealing environment in which to enjoy the wines year-round.

Finally, the existing prep kitchen was updated with state-of-the-art appliances, allowing the winery to enhance their hospitality programming and accommodate a variety of special events.

“With the redesign, our goal was to create a warm space that invites guests to make lasting memories, but one that also allows them to connect to the people behind the wines and place,” says Parker-Snider. “We feel like the end result will stand the test of time. It’s something our folks would be proud and excited about, and something we hope the next generations will be excited about for years to come.”

About The Fess Parker Family Portfolio

Since the late 1980s, Fess Parker and his family have cultivated a world-class hospitality portfolio around the beauty and bounty of Santa Barbara County. The Fess Parker Winery is focused on the grape varieties best suited to the region’s unique growing conditions – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone wines – with its vintages consistently earning 90+ point ratings from top critics around the world. In addition to a waterfront hotel in Santa Barbara, the family honors their late patriarch’s legacy by hosting guests at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos, the heart of Santa Barbara wine country. For more information, please visit www.fessparker.com.

RUSACK Vineyards Unveils Renovated Tasting Room and New Tasting Experiences

by

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — RUSACK Vineyards, the beautiful Ballard Canyon winery dedicated to crafting Rhône, Burgundian and Bordeaux-style wines from Santa Barbara County, is pleased to announce the debut of its renovated tasting room.

The newly named ‘Canyon Terrace’ at RUSACK was set to officially reopen to the public on February 18, 2022.

The Catalina Island Vineyard. Photo from the Rusack Facebook page.

RUSACK Vineyards is the only winery in the noteworthy Ballard Canyon AVA open to visitors and has long been an essential stop in the Santa Ynez Valley for those seeking an idyllic wine country experience, where handcrafted wines are accompanied by picturesque vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere “away from it all.”

After the pandemic caused Santa Barbara County wineries and tasting rooms to close their doors to visitors, RUSACK decided to use the shutdowns as an opportunity to rethink the entire guest experience, the results of which include the renovation of their hospitality areas as well as the creation of more personalized tastings for guests. Now, the RUSACK team is thrilled to debut their brand-new visitor experience upon the reopening of their doors this weekend.

As part of the new experience, guests will be able to visit RUSACK by advanced appointment only, allowing for more intimate wine tastings that include tableside service. Upon arrival, visitors will walk through a new entryway, where they will be greeted with a splash of a seasonal wine – likely a selection from one of RUSACK’s new experimental projects, featuring wines created during the shutdown which have never been tasted by the public. Once seated, guests will be given a customizable tasting menu, which will include an extended selection of by-the-glass offerings, bottle options and specially curated tasting flights, allowing guests to tailor their RUSACK experience to their specific tastes and preferences. To accompany the wine, cheese and charcuterie boards will be available for purchase with advance notice.

Adding to the overall experience is new landscaping surrounding the renovated Canyon Terrace, as well as a full refresh of the expansive al fresco tasting deck, now featuring all new furniture and a new railing to maximize the serene views of the estate vines and oak-dotted hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.

“While the pandemic has been incredibly challenging for our industry and closing our doors to the public wasn’t easy, we can’t help but feel confident in our decision to use the last year and a half’s ongoing shutdowns in such a productive way,” says Steve Gerbac, General Manager and Winemaker. “Rusack has always been an inviting, off-the-beaten-path destination for locals and visitors, and now, after taking the time to enhance every aspect of our visitor experience, we are thrilled to come back stronger than ever.”

RUSACK Vineyards will celebrate with an official reopening weekend beginning on February 18, 2022, with tasting appointments available by advanced reservation. More information can be found online at www.rusack.com/visit.

RUSACK Vineyards

Nestled amidst oak-studded hills in the picturesque Ballard Canyon AVA is RUSACK Vineyards, a boutique vineyard and winery where a commitment to quality is reflected in everything from the meticulous farming to their hands-on approach to winemaking. RUSACK produces a range of acclaimed wines that showcase the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County, sourcing grapes from their estate vineyards in Ballard Canyon and on Santa Catalina Island, and from select vineyards throughout the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley AVAs. For more information, please visit www.rusack.com.

The Region’s Best Kept Secrets: Bourgogne Wines With Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King

by

Well color me happy, was invited to my first press event in Las Vegas – and it was organized by the Bourgogne Wine Board. For my wine 101ers Bourgogne is the correct word to use for the region of Burgundy, France. And for my wine 101ers that drink U.S. made Pinot Noir and not Burgundy: it’s the same grape but Bourgogne is where the varietal was born (among others). So the French terroir – winemaking, soil, history, and climate – is hundreds of years older than ours in the USA. Doesn’t mean better, just different, and as the French say, “Viva La Difference!”

This event was led by Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King, which meant I was destined to learn much more about Bourgogne wines. And if that wasn’t enough it was over a luncheon at Ada’s Wine Bar, reputed to be one of the best wine bars in Las Vegas.

From the Invitation

Bourgogne is renowned worldwide for producing some of the finest wines with its unique terroir and savoir-faire, which are translated to each of our 84 appellations. Some of them have reached the status of icon and some are still to be brought to the light. Join us to (re) discover Bourgogne through a selection of appellations.

Tasting and Learning

Our lecturer King is a WSET teacher and right off the bat wanted us to learn that the word Bourgogne, pronounced Boar-Gown to me, was to be used instead of the generally accepted term Burgundy for this wine-growing region of France.

The wine tasting would be with food as that is the most traditional, King said. We would look for “balance, integration, whether the wines were too heavy, over-oaked” and we would learn that “not all Bourgogne wines are expensive.” A Bourgogne drinker could easily, “work their way up” from inexpensive Bourgogne wines and still enjoy them very much.

We had nine wines, six whites and three reds, that we tasted blind. Not my favorite way to taste but by the end of the tasting I had an idea as to why King led us this way: We all have preconceived notions of the value of a wine based on where it’s from and the price. King removed that bias from our minds. And with that we all very much enjoyed wines retail priced between $11 and $34 and some from areas the average consumer – and some of us – were not as familiar with.

We were given plenty of maps of all of the different wine-growing regions in Bourgogne – and there are a lot – and I don’t think any of the professionals in the room could correctly guess where each wine was from.

My wine notes consisted of fresh fruits from citrus to berry to tropical, different florals, little oak, balance and tannins…the usual suspects. The food we had after sampling each wine – see photos here of the food, some bottle shots, menu and wine list – were well paired bringing out savory qualities in both.

When the price points for each wine was revealed, and some of the guests wanted to purchase, we learned that none had yet to be released in the U.S. This class, this exercise I should say, was an excellent lesson on how well the wines of Burgundy Bourgogne do with the most experienced palates. And I for one will keep that in mind the next time I recognize – or don’t recognize – a label from Bourgogne.

Now I just want to try more! And more to the point, if you are not a big Pinot Noir fan or even if you are: Give Bourgogne a try. Not all wines are made the same way – especially if made in different parts of the globe.

Bourgogne Wine Board

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) is a non-profit association under the 1901 law. Built on the principle of each member having an equal voice, it defends and promotes the unique skills of the professions of winemaking, the négoce trade and vine growing, the heritage of a shared passion.

https://www.bourgogne-wines.com/

Ada’s Wine Bar

Chef driven small plates and more. Now pouring in Tivoli Village, Las Vegas. Intriguing wines by the glass or bottle. Adding to a number of local accolades, in 2020, Chef Trees was named a Finalist for the James Beard Award: Best Chef Southwest.

https://www.adaslv.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

White Wine After Labor Day! A Round Up of Your Favorites!

by

There was a funny graphic on Facebook that I shared recently, about how it’s okay to have white wine after Labor Day. (Some crazy rule from the “Clothing Police” states we can’t wear white after Labor Day. So it’s a joke on that.) I used the graphic to get people’s attention and to ask what their favorite white wines have been so far this year. This is a roundup of their answers and a final one from me.

A few whites I have at home right now.

Sergio L: I enjoy the Koehler Reserve Chardonnay but the best? That’s hard. I’ve always loved the Rombauer Chardonnay. I know some think it’s a little too much but I love it.

Michelle T: Eek, I drink so little white wine that I can’t recall.

Karen B: Trimbach Riesling (Alsace) and White Burgundy. Grüner Veltliner for fall!

Michel D: Sauvignon Blanc – Ghost Block Morgan Lee Vineyard 2015, (and another is Sauvignon Blanc) Route Stock Napa 2015. Not a SB – my favorite is Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier fantastic.

PS: 2012 Pierres-Yves Colin-Morey Corton Charlemagne after 45 minute decant. Stunning.

Lynan Z: Quilt Chardonnay. And Cursive Chardonnay. I placed an order on Whole Foods and it popped up as available. Price point is excellent for every day. It works.

Donald S: ONX Wines Field Day is my go to white.

Jennifer M: Any white from Trisateum or Stoller!

Chris K: It would have to be that J Wilkes Pinot Blanc for a refreshing delicious anytime wine…

Briana O: I just had a St. Michael Eppan Pinot Blanc that was crisp, well balanced and summery. I’m trying to stretch out summer as long as I can.

Kristin S: Picpoul!

Shauna C: Pulchella Winery Latitude is my go-to white. (We also both enjoy their sparkling.)

Gerardo Z: Vinos Zanzonico 2020 Chardonnay.

Toni P: Eve, one of my favorite whites is Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay Estate. Haven’t had it in a while, but no time like the present!

Benay L.: Yes! Brecon Albariño. It’s fantastic.

Betty S: Liquid Farm Four Chardonnay or their champagne.

Wayne L: Opolo Albariño frown in Edna Valley and Moon Vineyards Viognier from Manteca.

Michael H: Any number of white wines both commercial and from the home winery. Depends on Day, Dinner, and Company… Roussannes are serious enough whites for red wine enthusiasts. Orange-type whites with extended skin contacts are interesting challenges for food pairings. Bodega Paso Robles has a Granacha Blanc on the skins they’ve just released. Angeleno Wine Co usually has a white on the skins, the most recent one a Chardonnay.

Me: Like Michael H above I have a hard time only selecting a few specific white wines as there are there are so many good ones. Of the ones mentioned above I’m also a fan of white wines from our local Pulchella winery, J Wilkes Pinot Blanc made by winemaker Wes Hagen, the Trimbach Riesling and Chardonnay from Vinos Zanzonico delivered from Baja, California. Not a huge fan of overly-acidic or lemon-y Sauvignon Blanc, but been happy with one from Paso’s Justin recently and Entourage by Two Papas. An every day Chard we like is from J. Lohr, TW Ferm Chardonnay and a Hoyt Sparkling from our last Paso trip, Margerum white Rhone blends and all the whites made by Kunin that are both from Santa Barbara tasting rooms, Frank Family Chardonnay and Beringer’s Luminus label Napa Chard are currently in my cellar. We also like white Rhônes and white Bordeaux if we can get them conveniently. I’m absolutely positive that I haven’t remembered every white wine I’ve enjoyed lately, and for that I apologize to any winemaker reading this that did not see his winery listed!

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.

Remembering James Alexander Clendenen

by

SANTA MARIA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — The wine world has lost an icon. James Alexander Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery in Santa Maria, CA passed away Sunday, May 16th in his sleep. He was 68. A visionary, Jim was instrumental in putting the Santa Barbara region on the map by cultivating an international reputation for fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir since 1982. His absence is keenly felt, but his legacy will continue.

 

Jim Clendenen, guiding light for the Santa Barbara County wine region. Photo by Kirk Irwin

Jim Clendenen, the “Mind Behind” as was his official title, was one of the lions of the wine industry, recognized worldwide for his classically styled wines of balance, restraint, and longevity. This was countered by his larger than life personality. He was outspoken, articulate, humorous and unfiltered in his beliefs. Jim was both enthusiastic ambassador and guiding light for the Santa Barbara County wine region. He was essential in elevating Burgundian varietals on the Central Coast and continued to be a driving force throughout his life. Among his accolades, Jim has been named Winemaker of the Year by the Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine Magazine; one of the Fifty Most Influential Winemakers by Wine & Spirits Magazine; one of the Fifty World Wide Creators of Modern Classic Wine by Oz Clark, Winemaker of the World by leading German Magazine Wein Gourmet; deemed One of the Best Wineries in the World by Robert Parker; and inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.”

A man of great generosity, Jim was a key figure at many wine auctions, from Emeril Lagasse’s Carnivale du Vin and the Atlanta High Museum Wine Auction to Direct Relief’s biennial auction, with his sizeable donations always one of the top grossing items. He was also generous with his time mentoring budding winemakers, sharing the spotlight and acknowledging fellow colleagues, and when in need, always there with a helping hand. An avid cook, Jim’s lunches at the winery that he prepared every day for the crew were legendary with celebrated guests from around the globe often in attendance. Amazing wine, food and discussion was a daily event, and that is how Jim lived his life – to the fullest.

Jim’s other passion was his children. He treasured his time with Isabelle (26) and Knox (21), and enjoyed taking them on great adventures all over the world.  Isabelle states, “My father was a very generous, bright, and candid man. Beyond wine, his contributions to the culinary world were tremendous.  He was an icon to many, but most importantly, he was a very caring father. He made sure my brother and I wanted for nothing. His loss effects so many, but his impact will never be lost to any of us. It means a lot to me that he was celebrated and loved by so many.”

Jim is also survived sister Pat Matela and her husband Frank Matela, niece Marisa Matela who is assistant winemaker at Au Bon Climat, sister Marsha Clendenen, and nephew Patrick Clendenen.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Direct Relief: https://secure.directrelief.org/8FF475FC&2924_donation=form1

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2018: What Wines Would You Stock if You Owned a Wine Bar?

by

Recently a pal that used to live in Santa Clarita had called me as he was opening a wine bar where he lives now in Texas. He didn’t want advice on anything other than what wine I would want if I were to visit his bar.

Since he had moved to Texas a few years ago he had been working in real estate, spent some time working in a large wine store, met more ex-pats (people that had come from California too) and ran a large wine tasting group. I didn’t offer any advice on how to open his bar as he had it covered. But I took to Facebook to ask my local pals what they would want stocked in the shelves if they owned a wine bar. They had some really great ideas! These are some of their comments:

THE WINE LIST

This is a compilation of just some of the wines my pals would stock their wine bar with:

Jonata, Potek, Scar of the Sea, True Believer, Andremily, Mail Road, Stolpman, Kimsey, Roark, The Paring, The Hilt, Spear (all Santa Barbara).

So many – Crémant, Melon d’ Bourgogne, Cru Beaujolais, Cahors, Brunello, Valtellina, Vin Santo, Madeira to name a few.

There is never enough Syrah anywhere. Still gets short shrift in the marketplace, which is a shame.

I am a sucker for Roussanne and other Rhone varietals. I love Grenache and Viognier too. Zaca Mesa and Stolpman make fabulous Roussanne.

I would like to see some Gruet Brut Rose or some blends that you can’t buy at a grocery store.

Belle Glos and Domaine Carneros Pinots, plus some Australian, Spanish and Chilean cabs.

Quintarelli, Casanova, Pine Ridge, Ridge, Tolo, Foxen…

On a wine list I look for value since they have to mark it up so much. Burgundy and Barolo would be nice but I’d go to the off the beaten path wines – Cru Beaujolais (France), Ripasso, Valpolicella, Sicilian wines. For those who like big jammy wines – Shiraz! Whites – I like to see Rose from France, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre (France). If there is a Somm I give them a price range and let them know what I like. Never have been disappointed.

Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Frogs Leap Cab, Rombi Cabernet, Bookenoogen Pinot and Heller Merlot.

Under $100: Cade Cabernet Sauvignon, Campesino Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, Shafer One Point Five, Grgich Hills, Turley Zins, Prisoner, Orin Swift, Patz & Hall pinots, Flowers, Mantanzas Creek Chards, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Tablas Creek and Justin.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is hands down one of the best Pinots out there.

Lone Star Wine Cellars and Landon Winery are two wineries in McKinney Texas. I haven’t been there in a few years. But, remember the wines were pretty good. They have tasting rooms in historic downtown McKinney TX.

Also would love to have more orange wines on menus. I’m glad it’s becoming a trend.

Would love to see more wines from Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez area. Roblar in Los Olivos is one of my favorite wineries and reasonably priced in my opinion. There are so many smaller vineyards in both of these areas to explore. Tired of seeing Kendall Jackson and the like in many of the restaurants/wine bars. Pretty much I would love to taste wines that I would not be able to find at Bev Mo, not that they have bad wines, but just not interesting ones…

Le Vigne Vineyards has some wonderful wines, Justin cabs of course, Clos Solene, L’Aventure and RN Estate are some of my favorites. All from Paso.

Justin makes a great Malbec I have been enjoying! I’m typically a Cab girl myself.

For whites: Dry Rieslings (German or Alsatian), Sancerre, South African Sauvignon Blanc, and Austrian Gruner Veltliner (as opposed to Hungarian). For reds: I love the less stereotypical Italian reds such as Nero D’Avola and pretty much any red from the Piedmont region.

I’m always excited to see Barbera and GSM’s when I visit a place that I am planning to drink wine at. I also enjoy having a good port or cream sherry available if I am visiting the wine bar after dinner and I want to end the night with a dessert-like treat.

Where wines started … Italy!

I have a rather long list, but most are red wines from the Paso Robles region, Lompoc and Santa Ynez regions as well: Longoria Wines, Tercero Wines, Eberle Winery, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Amalie Vineyards in Oregon, Ascension, Bass Note Sangria, Sanford, Sculpterra, Castlerock, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Joel Gott, Cass, Hoi Polloi Winery, San Antonio Winery (official), Michael David…I love all reds, depending on winery, but my go tos are usually Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cab, Beaujolais, and red blends. I love our California wines!

Something interesting and different. Also some local TX wines.

From me: This is ONE of my own picks, because I voted for it as our Best of Show at the Global Wine Awards, from Martellotto Winery: https://martellotto.com/products/martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

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.

Oregon’s Domaine Serene Becomes the World’s Most Awarded Winery at Decanter’s 2020 World Wine Awards

by

DAYTON, Ore., /PRNewswire/ — Domaine Serene is far and away the most awarded winery in the world at the prestigious Decanter 2020 World Wine Awards. This year, the Dundee Hills winery took home 23 medals including ‘Best in Show’ for their 2016 Domaine Serene Mark Bradford Vineyard Pinot Noir, earning 97 points. The winery also brought home four Gold medals, 17 Silver medals, and one Bronze medal, with five wines earning a remarkable 95 points or more. Domaine Serene was not alone in its success with additional rave reviews coming for Château de la Crée and Maison Evenstad, also owned by proprietors Grace and Ken Evenstad. Their two Burgundian wineries were bestowed with an additional nine medals including seven Silvers. Standing at the top, their 2017 Maison Evenstad, Premier Cru  Beaurepaire Santenay, earned 95 points, besting several Grand Cru Burgundies in the tasting.

 

Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is widely considered to be the world’s most important international wine competition, making this recognition yet another big win for Oregon’s burgeoning luxury wine industry. With an elite international panel of judges, the DWWA began the painstaking task of evaluating over 16,500 wines from 56 countries in August. Over the course of 28 consecutive days, 118 expert wine judges, including 37 Masters of Wine and nine Master Sommeliers, bestowed the honor of most awarded winery to Domaine Serene.

“Ken and I are thrilled that Domaine Serene has received such incredible recognition across the board. To be the most awarded winery in the world at the DWWA is a testament to the quality of our vineyards and to the talent, hard work and dedication of our team,” said Grace Evenstad, Co-Founder and Owner of Domaine Serene. “To receive ‘Best in Show’ for our Mark Bradford Vineyard Pinot Noir is especially gratifying. We named the vineyard after our son, Mark Bradford Evenstad, and it was the first vineyard that we ever planted at Domaine Serene almost thirty years ago. Planting its high elevation slopes and west facing aspect went against advice from the local vintners, yet we knew it had the potential to make world-class wine and so we planted it anyway. It has always been one of my favorite wines and I have long appreciated the power, structure, and longevity of our Mark Bradford Pinot Noirs. We are thrilled that it has received such critical acclaim at such an important competition.”

“In its 17th year, the DWWA is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. Judged by the top wine experts from around the globe, the DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous blind judging process and regional experts,” said Bree Stock, Master of Wine and Education Manager of the Oregon Wine Board. “It’s an enormous feat for a region like Oregon, that represents a fraction of US global exports, to receive ‘Best in Show’ along with the breadth of medals in such a prestigious competition. This award raises the profile and awareness of our region’s wines not only to Decanters’ highly informed consumer audience, but also to the global wine experts on the judging panel. Congratulations Domaine Serene.”

Domaine Serene took home a total of 23 medals from the elite London-based contest.  In addition to being awarded ‘Best in Show’, the winery earned four Gold Medals for the 2016 ‘Aspect’ Pinot Noir, 2017 Clos de Lune Vineyard Chardonnay, and 2016 Etoile Vineyard Chardonnay, each earning 96 points, with its 2016 Two Barns Vineyard Pinot Noir, earning 95 points. The Dundee Hills winery also brought home 17 Silver medals and one Bronze medal, more details can be found here. Domaine Serene wines have now earned 95 points and above by major critics an astounding 115 times! This is in addition to being awarded #1 Ranked Pinot Noir in the World by Wine Spectator in 2013 and in 2016 #1 Pinot Noir in the World by Decanter and #1 White Wine in the World by Wine Spectator, for its ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay. This universal acclaim from an array of critics solidifies Domaine Serene as America’s Most Acclaimed Winery.

“We are humbled by this great honor and thank our members, distributors and customers supporting our pursuit of quality over the years. To celebrate these awards, we are making some of the medalists available for tasting at our winery Clubhouse in the Dundee Hills and at the Domaine Serene Wine Lounge in Lake Oswego. We are also opening up our wine library to new and existing wine club members so that they can share in the enjoyment of these cherished wines in their homes.” said Ryan Harris, Domaine Serene President.

For more information, to visit our locations or to join the wine club or mailing list, please visit www.DomaineSerene.com or call 503-864-4600 and follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

About Domaine Serene
The Evenstads settled in the Northern Willamette Valley in 1989. Their spirit and passion to produce wines that rival the great wines of Burgundy led them to purchase and plant a hilltop estate that had just been logged in the now famous Dundee Hills.

Today, Domaine Serene produces wines from six individual vineyard estates, planted exclusively to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In Oregon, the Evenstads own nearly 1,000 total acres of land in the hills of Yamhill County, with 275 acres planted to vine.

Working every job in the winery for many years, Grace and Ken Evenstad built Domaine Serene from the ground up with a focus on producing high quality wines through innovation and a focus on excellence. The Evenstads have gained a true appreciation for the attention to detail required to make exceptional wines.

In 2015, Ken and Grace Evenstad fulfilled a lifelong dream of producing wine in Burgundy, France by acquiring Château de la Crée, the respected wine estate located in the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: the renowned Côte d’Or. They own 25 acres of prime vineyards in Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay and Maranges. This made them the first Oregon-based vintners to own land and produce wines in Burgundy.

In just under three decades, the Evenstads have propelled Domaine Serene onto the global stage as one of the world’s most acclaimed and respected wineries. Domaine Serene’s wines represent the achievement that is possible in Oregon, one of the finest regions in the world for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.