One Bottle Post: 2015 Joseph Phelps Syrah, Napa Valley

July 3, 2020 by evebushman

We are wine club members with Joseph Phelps and receive about four shipments a year. Of that my husband cellars all of the Insignia and Backus Cabernet Sauvignon blends we receive, I always keep out the Syrah for me and Pinot Noir for that one friend that LOVES Pinot. (We all have one! LOL, it’s a running joke at my house, we have many Burgundy and Pinot loving friends.) Anyway, this 2015 Syrah was quite nice, and deserved a One Bottle Post.

2015 Joseph Phelps *Syrah

Napa Valley

Estate Grown

14% alcohol

Notes on the Grapes

*Grapes used in the wine are not listed on back label, so that means it could be up to 25% something other than Syrah. I recently learned (at Denner in Paso Robles) that a little bit of a white Rhône might be added in to maintain the color. So I thought this could be one additional grape. But due to the smoothness and dark quality I also guessed maybe some Mourvedre. Hubby was thinking they moved over to a Bordeaux grape or maybe a Petite Sirah. After all this contemplation I googled the wine and went straight to the Joseph Phelps website. Learned that I was right on one part, there was a white Rhône in the mix, “95% Syrah from the Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard in Carneros and 5% Viognier from the St. Helena Home Ranch.” And I was woefully off base thinking there was any other red in the mix! Still so much fun to guess, I highly recommend you do this with your own tastings.

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark purple, deeper purple on the edge, opaque.

Aroma: Nutrient rich earth, well-worn suede, sweet blackberries, creamy chocolate milk and mellowed spices.

Flavor: There’s the spice I was looking for, front and center on the palate! That same blackberry as well as black cherry, and a little espresso followed it on the finish.

Fifteen minutes later: The aroma held the same tempting earth, fruit, chocolate, spice and now a little tobacco and black licorice. On the palate, and maybe this was because I had been sipping for a few minutes, it seemed rounder. The spices and fruit were in a nicer harmony, and my palate was happy for dark velvetiness.

Pairing: We had already planned on Mexican for dinner: pork and chicken tamales, refried beans and Mexican rice. Figured the spice in the wine would hold up just fine against our mild salsa, and the fruit would soften any heat in the tamales. I was correct, except that the wine eclipsed the food many times over, and I saved a final glass for after dinner sipping. (And in case you are wondering, yes, I’m the type of person that would love to bring wine into a Mexican restaurant, why not? Because hubby has to have his usual Cadillac Maggie.)

Conclusion: 94 Eve pts.

I always feel justified in supporting a winery I like by purchasing their wine or joining their wine club. Sometimes we personally know the owner or winemaker, or just had a great experience. With Phelps, it’s always been the experience. The Tasting Room overlooks a nice slice of the Napa valley – and their vineyards – it’s a breathtaking view to take in while tasting their long-exalted wines.

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.

V. Sattui Winery named “Domestic Winery of the Year”

June 27, 2020 by evebushman

V. Sattui was named 2020 “Domestic Winery of the Year” after earning a remarkable 26 medals, including 10 that were awarded Platinum and 12 awarded Gold at the 38^th annual San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge. The Napa Valley winery, specializing in vineyard-designate bottlings, produced a tie for “Wine of the Year” with their 2016 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon ($92) and 2016 Vangone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($140), each dazzled with a score of 98 points out of 100. V. Sattui’s Bordeaux-style blend, the 2016 Paradiso ($95), narrowly missed a three-way tie with a score of 97 points.

Seven more V. Sattui wines scored Platinum, including their 2017 Napa Valley Malbec ($46) with 95 points and 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($52) with 96 points. Their Estate Vittorio’s Vineyard produced two more Platinum winners: 2017 Petit Verdot ($47) and Cabernet Sauvignon ($78), both earning 94 points. Additional 94 point wines included V. Sattui’s 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($48), 2018 Los Carneros Pinot Noir ($39), and 2017 Napa Valley Syrah ($42) – further displaying the winery’s broad range of quality wine varietals.

The venerable San Diego International is one of the oldest and most revered competitions in the United States. Founded by award-winning wine columnist Dan Berger and Bob Foster and wine rep Dick Colangelo in 1982, the competition has been under the guidance of nationally syndicated wine columnist Robert Whitley for the past 17 years.

Whitley has assembled a remarkable team of dedicated wine enthusiasts, including Director Rich Cook and Chief Judges Michael Franz (Wine) and Maurice DiMarino (Spirits), to oversee planning and production of this important annual deep dive into wine & spirits evaluation. The San Diego International chooses its judges carefully, always with an eye toward giving each wine and spirit entered a fair shot on a level playing field. This year’s panel of judges included a prestigious list of winemakers, wine writers, and sommeliers.

“American and foreign wine competitions can be, and often are, unpredictable. It’s not unusual for an unknown to show up and claim a top award. But some things never change. One of those would be the inevitability of V. Sattui Winery, one of Napa Valley’s finest,” stated Whitley. Speaking to V. Sattui’s richly flavored 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, “Notes of black cherry, ripe strawberry, fall spice and gentle oak toast entice on the nose and please on the palate, with a supple texture and a long, fully integrated finish keep you coming back for more. Wines like this are why Pinot Noir is so popular.” he added.

“I am very proud and happy for our vineyard and winemaking teams; they work so hard and deserve all the credit for this amazing recognition of our wines. To be Voted Best Winery and tie with ourselves for Best Wine of the competition is a tremendous feat,” says Winery President, Tom Davies.

Irreverent Wine Launches Great Tasting Wine in a Recyclable Pouch

June 17, 2020 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA, WASH. (PRWEB) – Earth-loving, social, and health conscious wine lovers can now reach for the pouch vs. the bottle with Irreverent Wine (http://www.irreverentwine.com), a new monthly “Farm to Glass” sustainable wine subscription service. The new approach ships wine in a recyclable pouch to reduce the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent, keeps great-tasting wine fresh longer once opened, and surprises wine drinkers monthly with high quality handcrafted blends from sustainable vineyards.

Photo from Irreverent Wine’s Facebook page.

Irreverent takes environmental impact seriously, while also obsessing to surprise members with exclusive wines that are crafted without added sugars and are gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto and paleo-friendly. Subscribers are offered everything from Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio to interesting International-inspired blends. Members never get the same wine twice, so there’s always an element of delight and wonder, but without the waste generated with traditional bottles.

“Every year 70 percent of wine bottles (3 billion bottles) end up in landfills because they are hard to recycle and there’s not enough demand for recycled glass,” said Chris Dukelow, former Seattle technology executive turned chief winemaker and founder at Irreverent Wine. “Bottles don’t make wine taste better, so why are we using them other than those purchased for aging? By eliminating wine bottle production and partnering directly with sustainable vineyards, we can reduce wine’s environmental impact while also keeping wine natural and delicious for consumers.”

The Best Sustainable Monthly Wine Subscription
With so many wine clubs and wine delivery services, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers to consider. Irreverent distinguishes itself from the wine club landscape by first making high quality wine, and second, by uncorking the bias and prejudices against wine in a bag or pouch. The company partners with the very best independent vineyards committed to Earth-friendly farming practices in renowned Washington and Oregon wine regions to make, source, and blend world-class wines with no unnecessary sugars, chemical additives, or manipulations.

The wine is then shipped in recyclable pouches that keep oxygen sealed out and freshness sealed in for up to four weeks after opening. The pouches are self-standing, can be kept on the counter or in the refrigerator, and are more durable, lighter, and friendlier to the planet than glass. An easy-to-use spigot allows members to enjoy the convenience of a smaller portion of wine at their leisure and never worry about finishing a bottle before it goes bad. The pouches are also perfect for social gatherings, camping, or other outdoor events.

How Membership Works
First, members sign up by selecting the types of wine they would like to receive monthly. Members can opt-in to receiving reds, whites, or blends, and order 1.5 liter (two bottle equivalent) or 3-liter pouches (four bottle equivalent). Wine quality is similar to what you would get in a $30 bottle of wine, but delivered monthly at a 20-30 percent discount for an exceptional value. Members pay between $41-$49 monthly for 1.5 liter subscriptions (two bottle equivalent) and $59-$65 for 3.0 liter subscriptions (four bottle equivalent). Additional pouches can also be added easily to monthly deliveries that start at $39. Members have flexibility to purchase additional pouches or customize recurring monthly shipments for special occasions, including pouch size.

About Us
Born in the heart of the Walla Walla valley, Irreverent Wine is an eco-friendly monthly wine subscription service that delivers better wine, for a better world. Founded by 30-year technology industry veteran Chris Dukelow, Irreverent Wine is on a mission to change the way wine is packaged, shipped, sold, and enjoyed one-glass-at-a-time. In the U.S. alone, over 4 billion wine bottles are purchased annually, and the manufacturing and transport of these bottles emits approximately 10 billion pounds of CO2-equivalent emissions. By partnering with independent and sustainable vineyards, putting great-tasting, low carb, gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto, and paleo- friendly wines in recyclable pouches, the company offers a unique “Farm to Glass” model that reduces the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent. For every pouch delivered, Irreverent will donate $2 to EcoTrust, which has a mission to create economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. For more information, visit http://www.irreverentwine.com.

Circle Of Hope Announces Online Auction Open To All This Saturday, May 23

May 21, 2020 by evebushman

Cult Wines, Library Wines, Themed Baskets, Gift Cards, Dream Vacations for the Future and More – All Will Be Available Beginning May 23

SANTA CLARITA, CA – With Vine2Wine, To Go poised to start on May 30 with wine, food and a goodie bag for ticket holders there is one thing non-ticket holders can get their hands on to enjoy the fun as well: Circle of Hope has announced their first online auction to start Saturday, May 23 and will close a day after the main event, on May 31.

In keeping with their out-of-the-box idea for the “To Go” event Circle of Hope has created another unique idea, changing their traditional in person silent auction to an online auction, substantial in the wine department, for both guests and non-guests to partake in and enjoy.

Circle of Hope Auction Chair Debra Ragonig commented, “We wanted to get the auction rolling early, and get interested parties that want to support Circle of Hope, and get their hands on some very cool auction items as soon as possible, so we have our online auction starting a full week before our big Vine2Wine, To Go party. Getting our interested bidders online now and registered will help us get the ball rolling.”

Co-chair Eve Bushman added, “Many good friends have really outdone themselves with their incredible generosity diving deep into their own private cellars, including Vine 2 Wine’s long time Wine Chair Jeff Jacobson who also recruited his two adult children and their spouses: Julie and Chris Hovden and Jeremy and Michelle Jacobson. In addition he recruited longtime Vine 2 Wine supporters and friends Russ and Leslie Bretall. Jeff and I both recruited our mutual friends Steve and Amy Elzer. Rounding off our donors included my pals Marlee Lauffer, Karen and Michael Perlis, Rose and Steve Chegwin, and my husband Eddie Bushman.”

How it works: This Saturday, May 23 go to the Circle of Hope website, https://circleofhopeinc.org/vine2wine/ , and look for a button for the online auction or go directly to the auction link here. There is no fee to sign up and participate. Register there and start bidding. If you really want something and don’t want to come back to see how the bidding is going we encourage you to look for the “buy it now” price and the item will be yours. Wines and other auction items will be available for pick up in Santa Clarita on June first.

A preview of the auction items include: gift cards to local restaurants such as Salt Creek Grille and Wolf Creek Restaurant; gift baskets with loads of items like a “Sephora Extravaganza” and “It’s Time to BBQ!”; jewelry, candles and fashion Items; liquor; trips that can be taken in 2022; retro basket with popcorn maker, snow cone machine and tons of 80’s retro candy; Father’s Day baskets like “MEGA Poker Night” or “Liquid Gold (aka Jack Daniels)” and more.

“Some of the library wines featured include Sine Qua Non Rosé, Joseph Phelps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc, Justin Isosceles and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tobin James Bordeaux Blend and Reserve Syrah, 1993 Silver Oak Cabernet, 1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet, 1996 French Cab Franc, 1999 Whitcraft Lagrein, 1997 Vintage Port, 1998 German Riesling, Australian Grenache, Brunello di Montalcino and more wines from McPrice Myers, Robert Biale, Shane Wines, Regusci, Booker, Denner, Clavo, Veraison and Linne Calodo” Bushman said.

For information on Vine2Wine, To Go, Circle of Hope services and programs or to receive sponsorship information, please contact Circle of Hope at info@circleofhopeinc.org or at 661 254-5218. Donations and ticket purchases can be made through the Circle of Hope website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. For more information on Circle of Hope and the services they provide, please visit their website at www.circleofhopeinc.org or call 661 254-5218. The Circle of Hope office and Wellness Center is located at 23033 Lyons Ave., Ste 3, Newhall, Ca. 91321

Zoom Tasting: 2012 Phifer Pavitt DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon

April 24, 2020 by evebushman

Did my first online Zoom wine tasting with a winery I’ve known for 10+ years: Phifer Pavitt. We happened to have the wine of choice, their 2012 vintage of Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon in our cellar so we were good to go. This is an excerpt from their invitation:

Good afternoon Eve,

We are so excited to be launching our first official Virtual Tasting …This wine is coming out of the library and has been singing as of late! We will discuss the vintage, the wine, and answer all your questions. If you do not have the 2012 Phifer Pavitt DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon, do not fret! Open whatever Phifer Pavitt you have close or that is your favorite…

Cheers,

Luke Speer

Director of Hospitality

Zooming in on DATE NIGHT

Always nice to see and chat with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, we’ve also tasted with Luke Speer at the winery too. (Just google the winery name on EveWine101.com to see how often we’ve made a stop at their winery over the years!) So tasting one of their older bottles, with Suzanne, Luke and other Phifer Pavitt lovers, sounded like fun to me. Here’s what happened:

Nearly 40 people zoomed in at 4pm with wine in their glass and smiles on their faces. Many from California but many from other states. Suzanne greeted each and then talked a bit about the wine. We learned:

Currently in Napa Valley it was 65 degrees, bud break had yet to take place. They are Napa Green Certified and organically farmed. They are “16 years in” and believe that their wines can age 20-25 years. Every Christmas they taste all of the vintages and “no apex” has been seen yet.

This wine is from the Temple Family Vineyard. They have a wild yeast fermentation and their approach is all hands off. Gary Warburton, their white winemaker taking part in the Zoom meeting, chimed in to say that there were three to four different yeasts – from different molecules that combine for decades – and each contributes to the ageability of their wines.

Before we were finished I made my own notes on the wine: Dark purple color and opaque; on the nose were notes of black dusty fruit, multi-colored peppercorn, hard cherry candy, earth, tobacco, toasted oak, cedar chips and mint chocolate. Suzanne also noted worn leather and clove. On the mouth I got huge dark fruit and spice, very big and very balanced. Luke added that it was a round wine, very voluptuous. 15.1% alcohol, 97.5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5 % Petit Verdot. 95 Eve pts.

My takeaway from a Zoom tasting: Zoom is really perfect for having communal time – especially now – and comraderie with like-minded wine lovers. Not only for a sense of community, the Zoom format allows for wine education (we are muted until asked a question and we raise our hands to speak) and having both Suzanne and Luke there made me feel like we were visiting in the winery.

From the website: DATE NIGHT is the ‘proof’ of Shane and Suzanne Pavitt’s dedicated commitment to a weekly date night.

Tasting Notes: A rich, wild and densely layered wine that seems to evolve endlessly in the glass. Aromas of melted chocolate, licorice, and garden roses, with hints of fire roasted meats, crushed rocks, and savory brown butter. This wine wows the palate, wasting no time as flavors come through fast, focused and silky. A plush wave of velvety mouth-coating tannins frames the black fruits, cocoa, tar, tobacco, caramel, and butterscotch. Each successively decadent note circling and swirling in harmony. Drink now or cellar through 2035.

Winemaking Details: Extended cold-soak maceration period prior to “wild” yeast fermentation. Wine spent 4 weeks on skins before draining and pressing straight to barrel where it underwent “wild” malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked only once during its 18 months in barrel. In short, our philosophy is one of minimal intervention in pursuit of the most natural and harmonious winemaking style possible.

APPELLATION/GROWING REGION: Napa County – Pope Valley VINEYARD: Arthur Spencer for his family’s Temple Family Vineyards AGE OF VINES: 23 years old
FARMED: Organically

VARIETAL CONTENT: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot
HARVEST DATE: October 19 and 20, 2012
HARVEST PROCEDURE: Hand picked in the cold midnight, then destemmed, sending the whole, unbroken berries straight to the fermenter for five days of extended cold soak.
FERMENT: Mix of temperature controlled stainless steel, and open top fermenters
YEAST: Indigenous
TIME IN OAK / TYPE OF OAK: 18 months in 75% new 225 Liter French Oak barrels BOTTLED: June 2014
ALCOHOL: 15.1%; TA: .59; pH: 3.85
BRIX AT HARVEST: 25.9
FINING: none
CASES PRODUCED: 980 cases
PROPRIETORS: Suzanne Phifer Pavitt & Shane Pavitt
WINEMAKER: Ted Osborne

www.PhiferPavittWine.com

Vintage Eve 7/2017: Vin Decanter, A Book Review for Wine 101ers

April 14, 2020 by evebushman

Vin Decanter is a book for the novice wine consumer. Written and presented in an accessible way to reduce the complexity of the subject…Chris Madden is a teacher with over twenty-five years experience of working in education. Post-graduate studies in educational psychology and primary education, together with international teaching experience in Europe and the Middle East has enabled Chris to transfer his unique learning approach to his passion for wine…(Amazon)

From Chris Madden’s Facebook photos.

My Review

No matter what, novice or aficionado (or like me, somewhere in between) readers will get a lot out of reading Madden’s book, Vin Decanter. These are some of the (wine) drops of wisdom I agreed with or learned:

Focus on identifying fruits first when examining a wine’s aromas and flavors, they are usually the first to be called to mind.

There is a bit from Madden regarding the difference between old world and new world wines. Most importantly is that a wine will taste different depending on where the grapes were grown.

This one I always forget: If the Bordeaux is from the right bank of the Gironde River it will be Merlot dominant, from the left bank its more Cabernet Sauvignon dominant. Bordeaux wine varietals rarely list which grapes have been used in their wines.

In the chapter on “How to Choose Wine” Madden wants us to consider a “Shared Choice” idea where you would consider what types of food or drink other guests like, and use that to select a wine. For example, Madden writes that a stout beer drinker may like the full body of a Shiraz.

A convenient “Summary of Buying Wine Guide” is just a page long and very thorough.

Yes, I agree with Madden, when he suggests to wait a bit if a wine smells a little off, and check again. I’ve often noticed that funky smells can blow off.

OMG, his idea on anchoring your wine glass to a table when swirling – I say this all the time! Why try swirling if you’re not used to doing it? Table it and anchor it! Thanks Madden for showing photos on how to do that.

In chapter six, “Developing Your Palate” Madden suggests, among other things, to eat the fruit you need to learn about. Take it a step further, he prompts, and try it with the wine it mimics.

I will try Madden’s suggestion that if I suspect TCA (trichloroanisole) –sometimes referred to by the broader term “cork taint” – aerate the wine for a bit. I have noticed that “funky” aromas can blow off, but I usually limit that to “barnyard” odors and not wet cardboard.

Try the London-based WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) for wine education. If you want to study on your own Madden suggests spending time with one grape from one region, a varietal you may already enjoy, to begin to discern differences. Then move to another.

Print on demand ISBN: 9781540368807

Kindle: ASIN: B01MRZN87U

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vin-Decanter-Your-first-steps/dp/1540368807/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497651063&sr=1-8

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

Louis Roederer Carries on its American Journey in Napa Valley

April 9, 2020 by evebushman

OAKLAND, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The story of Maison Louis Roederer’s passion for unique terroirs of Cabernet Sauvignon dates back to the early 1990s with the purchase of Château de Pez in 1995 in the renowned Bordeaux appellation of Saint-Estèphe. 2007 marked the entry of the family into the select group of 1855 Classified Grands Crus wines with the purchase of the iconic Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

Photo from Diamond Creek’s Facebook page.

“The acquisition of Diamond Creek is the continuation of our journey into the greatest appellations in the world and our relentless quest to produce great wines with strong identity. Reflective of their pioneering characters, Al and Boots Brounstein built Diamond Creek from the ground up, producing some of the most celebrated and singular wines of the region. I am delighted that, once again, we have the opportunity to carry on the opus of an iconic family and embody its values and savoir-faire,” states Frédéric Rouzaud, President & CEO of Maison Louis Roederer.

“Most important to my Mom, myself and the family was finding the right partner who would respect the legacy that she and Al built over the last 50 years, and who could even elevate that legacy. Frédéric and his family are the perfect fit,” says Phil Ross, Boots Brounstein’ son and Managing Partner.

The mutual respect and admiration between Roederer and Diamond Creek run deep — in 1997, Al and Boots Brounstein were among a small group of wine luminaries invited to Paris by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, Frédéric’s father, to celebrate the 30 greatest wines in the world on his 30-year anniversary at the helm of Louis Roederer. Their friendly relationship endured until Al’s passing and Jean-Claude’s retirement in 2006; it was carried on by Frédéric and Boots who were exploring ways to partner until she passed in July 2019 at age 92.

Phil Ross has agreed to stay at the winery for a period of time. Winemaker Phil Steinschriber, who has been with Diamond Creek since 1991, has also agreed to stay. The majority of the employees, many of whom have worked at Diamond Creek for decades, will also continue there.

Maison Louis Roederer
Originally founded in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer continues as one of the very rare Champagne houses to remain firmly in the hands of the same family, since 1832. For three centuries, seven successive generations have been responsible for building a reputation for unparalleled quality and continuity. Its focus on meticulous viticulture, best demonstrated with an ongoing conversion to organic and biodynamic vineyards, as well as precise winemaking, account for the House’s enduring excellence and success.

Since 1990, Maison Louis Roederer has strategically acquired esteemed family-owned wineries with an approach centered around identical core values, long-term vision and continuity.

Ramos Pinto (1990), Champagne Deutz and Delas Frères (1993), Château de Pez (1995), Domaines Ott (2004), Scharffenberger Cellars (2004), Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (2007) and Merry Edwards (2019).

Roederer has also established new ventures: Roederer Estate (1982) and Domaine Anderson (2012) and owns Descaves, an historic wine merchant on the Place de Bordeaux.

Diamond Creek
Founded in 1968, Diamond Creek is California’s first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard. Visionary pioneer Al Brounstein assisted by his wife Boots defied modern conventions and planted Bordeaux varietals on secluded Diamond Mountain. The four vineyards — Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill, Gravelly Meadow and Lake — produce a small amount of long-lived wines that are elegant with great depth and richness, honored and cherished by connoisseurs the world over.

Top L.A. Restaurants & Bars Now Offering Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Sangria and Spirits for Takeout/ Delivery For Delicious Dining and Drinking at Home

April 5, 2020 by evebushman

Georgia’s Restaurant (Long Beach): Georgia’s Restaurant is also now offering Wine and Beer for Takeout and Delivery. Wines by the Bottle feature two White Wines including the Prophecy Pinot Grigio ($18) and the Athena Chardonnay ($21). Red Wines by the Bottle include the Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon ($21) and the Rabble Red Blend ($24). Beer is also now offered including LC Tangerine ($3.50), Scrimshaw ($3.50), LC IPA ($3.50), LC Great White ($3.50) or the LC Hazy IPA ($3.50).

Photo courtesy of Georgia’s Restaurant.

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange now offers Wines by the Bottle and Beer for Takeout and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 115, Long Beach, CA 92630; 714.906.1900; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Gus’s Barbecue (South Pasadena): Gus’s Barbecue is now offering Southern Sangria, their Gus’s Old Fashioned and Gus’s Private Reserve Single Barrel Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon for Takeout and Delivery. Gus’s Barbecue will be offering their signature 16 oz. Southern Sangria ($16 each), their 12 oz. Gus’s Old Fashioned ($16 each), and Gus’s Private Reserve Single Barrel Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon by the bottle ($45).

Gus’s Barbecue in South Pasadena now offers Southern Sangria, their Gus’s Old Fashioned, and Gus’s Private Reserve Single Barrel Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon for Takeout and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm; 808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena; 626.799.3251; www.GussBBQ.com

The Raymond 1886 (Pasadena): The Raymond 1886 is now offering Wine, Beer and 1886 Pre-Made Cocktails for Takeout and Delivery. Wines by the Bottle ($18.86 each) feature two White Wines including the Altamonte, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, 2018 and the Bonny Doon “Gravitas” Blend, Santa Cruz, 2015. Red Wines by the Bottle include the Condado de Haza, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, 2015 and the El Esteco, Malbec, Calchaqui Valley, 2017. Beer is offered by the Six Pack ($12.50 each) including Day Beer Lager-Brewed with Czech Sass, Hallertauer Mittlefruch Hops, 4.5% ABV or the Stone Delicious IPA with Lemondrop & El Dorado Hops, 7.7% ABV. Lastly, The Raymond 1886 is also featuring handcrafted COCKTAILS-TO-GO (4 Servings – $45) created by the 1886 Bar Team and prepared in Mason Jars. The three Cocktails offered are the 1886 Negroni prepared with gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari, and orange oil, the Little Italy comprised of rye whiskey, Carpano Antica Vermouth, and Cynar, or the Fair & Warmer, a blend of rums, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, house curacao, and lemon oil.

The Raymond 1886 now offers Wine, Beer and 1886 Pre-Made Cocktails for Takeout and Delivery every Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

Via Alloro (Beverly Hills): Via Alloro is now offering a special selection of Wines by the Bottle from their Award-Winning Wine List for Takeout and Delivery every Monday through Sunday from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm to support the community and their guests’ in-home needs. Via Alloro will also be offering 25% OFF ALL WINE ORDERS to all guests that call the restaurant to order directly. To place a Takeout Order, please call Via Alloro at 310.275.2900 and the restaurant also offers Curbside Pickup. Guests can also order from Postmates if they prefer delivery.

Via Alloro now offers Wines by the Bottle for Takeout and Delivery every Monday through Sunday from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm; 310 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 310.275.2900; www.ViaAlloro.com

One Bottle Post: Robert Mondavi 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

April 3, 2020 by evebushman

It was a reminder of National Drink Wine Day and Open That Bottle Night that prompted me to get into my cellar more than once this past February. And of the three or so wines I did finish, alas, I only made notes on this one. Here’s your taste.

Probably the first stop in my day, but I’m already looking weary for the day ahead! LOL! The wines were wonderful.

Robert Mondavi Winery 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Oakville, Napa Valley, 91% To Kalon

Alcohol 15.5%

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc

Current price: approximately $125 to 140.

Color: Blackberry, inky, very opaque.

Aroma: Blackberry, black plum, port wine, black licorice, black currant, ground dried earth, tree bark, oak and cedar. I swear I could keep going…

Flavor: That same blackberry came through on the mouth as well as dried berries, dried leaves, rich dark chocolate, oak, pipe, drying tannins.

With filet mignon that had been served with a wonderful veal reduction sauce that my husband added in about ¼ cup of this wine into for the last 30 minutes, just delicious. Two nights later I had the last glass, and it was just as good as the first.

I didn’t score this wine but I did Google to see what the scores were: Wine Spectator and Robert Parker scored the wine 96 and 94 respectively. More information can be found at Wine.com. On Wine-Searcher.com I learned the “when to drink” is suggested from 2010 to 2018.

We purchased this wine when we were club members a few years ago, and have few bottles left. I have fond memories of 10am appointments in the furthest tasting room to the right of the entrance, where we also enjoyed a roaring fireplace in the winter, armchairs to lounge in and small plates for pairings. This is my 2014 review of some of the vintages between 2005 and 2010.

Robert Mondavi Winery

7801 St Helena Highway

Oakville, California

(888) 766-6328

From Facebook: The first person to construct a major winery in the Napa Valley since Prohibition, Robert Mondavi was convinced that his wines were world-class in status. His desire to share that message propelled him to design his winery with hospitality in mind, and it has become one of the most visited and respected wineries in the world.

(Producing) Cabernet Sauvignon (Reserve, Oakville District, Napa Valley); Fume Blanc (Reserve and Napa Valley); Pinot Noir (Reserve and Carneros); Chardonnay (Reserve and Napa Valley); and Merlot (Napa Valley)…also produce exclusive small-lot bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Fume Blanc, which are available only at the winery.

The mission of Robert Mondavi Winery is to produce world-class wines, which reflect the vineyards of their origin and mingle innovation and tradition in their production. In our hospitality programs, we strive to embody the spirit of our founder to every guest with the message that wine can enrich life.

https://www.facebook.com/robertmondavi/

https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/

Vintage Eve 6/2017: Ten To Try With Eve and the Wine-y Women, the Santa Clara Valley Wines

March 31, 2020 by evebushman

Did you know that a thriving wine country exists in Silicon Valley’s backyard? Santa Clara Valley is home to over two-dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long established (since the 18^th century) family operations to relatively small newcomers working out of their garages…Each of the wineries has a fascinating story. What makes the wines of Santa Clara Valley truly unique are the characters who have come to create these wines. Upon visiting the wineries, it is highly likely you’ll find yourself sitting across the table tasting wine and sharing stories with the winemaker or owner. The experience is truly unique.

None of us, the Wine-y Women or myself, were familiar with wines from the Santa Clara Valley. We inspected the bottles and learned that most were produced and bottled in Gilroy, California. And though our collective experience with Gilroy was knowledge of their annual Garlic Festival (before you ask, no, no garlic flavor was imparted into our wines), that was about it.

Gilroy is a little south of San Jose and you may have driven through it on your way to San Francisco. If you kept your eyes peeled you may have noticed a winery on the side of the road. And now, after having the tasting, learning that most of these wineries do tastings, you have a reason to stop on your next road trip.

Tasting with The Wine-y Women Again

Collective Aromas and Flavors separated by ;

1. Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open the 1st & 3rd weekends of every month: Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, or by appointment. 645 West San Martin Ave., San Martin, CA 95046. (408) 713-8501

*2014 Viognier

The color of pale straw with aromas that included honeysuckle, white peach, apricot and oak; the flavors were bright and crisp, lots of lemon, a “summery” feel and a long finish.

2. Sarah’s Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: Open Daily 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.sarahsvineyard.com 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 847-1947

2014 Pinot Noir

The nose was filled with plum, blackberry, red to black cherries, caramel, vanilla, rose petals, white pepper and toasted oak; on the palate we got some of the same notes as on the nose as well as body, lightness and tanginess with a medium finish.

3. Medeiros Family Wines

Hours Of Operation: Sat & Sun 12-5pm, www.medeirosfamilywines.com, 3200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408-779-8826

2014 Saudade (Bordeaux Blend)

Very opaque in color and then we noted aromas of Luxardo cherry, blueberry, blackberry, leather, coffee and dark chocolate; the same fruit carried through to the palate with the addition of pepper, tartness and a firm tannin structure that provided a long finish.

4. Morgan Hill Cellars

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.MorganHillCellars.com 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037. (408) 779-7389

2013 Merlot

Lovely plum, blackberry, black pepper and wet bark on the nose; followed by a palate that was all black fruit, dry, peppery, tannic, big and robust.

5. Seeker Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: 12:00 to 5:00 on every Saturday and by appointment. www.seekervineyard.com www.facebook.com/seekervineyard 11755 Turlock Ave, San Martin, CA 95046. (949) 370-1040

*2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

“Yummy” was the first comment on the nose, followed by anise, raspberry, clove, fig, violet; on the mouth there were flavors of dried plums, tart, dry and a short finish.

6. Fortino Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.fortinowinery.com 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 842-3305

*2013 Charbono

Aromas of sweet berries, dried plums, vanilla, cream, milk chocolate; red berries, pine nuts, dry, low tannin and a short finish.

7. La Vie Dansante Wines

Hours Of Operation: Open every weekend noon to 5pm and other times by appointment. www.laviedansantewines.com 3200-A Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408.852.0779

Rehearsal (65% Syrah and 35% Carignane)

Strawberry, plum, coffee, cedar, oak and tobacco on the nose; with black cherry as well as tart strawberry, tannins, good balance with a medium finish in the mouth.

8. Jason-Stephens Winery

Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM- 6PM . www.jstephens.com 6500 Brem Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 846-VINE

2012 Syrah

Port-like to some of the guests, smoky and floral notes reminiscent of rose petals; then on the mouth we got both red and black fruit, dry and mineral qualities.

9. Stefania Wine

Hours Of Operation: Third weekend of each Month Saturday 11-4 Sunday 12-4 and by appointment. www.stefaniawine.com 1800 Day Road, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408 242 8598

*2014 Syrah

Aromas of fresh blueberry, blackberry, cinnamon, coffee; followed by blue to black fruit, peppery, jammy and nicely balanced.

10. Aver Family Vineyards

Hours Of Operation: Open every Friday – Saturday – Sunday Noon – 5 pm. www.averfamilyvineyards.com 2900 Soma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 203-8575

*2013 Blessings (Petite Sirah)

Crushed black cherries stuck our collective noses, and then dark chocolate, tobacco, pepper; on the mouth we got bold black cherry, dark chocolate, tannins and a lingering finish.

*Our favorites of the tasting were the Lion Ranch 2014 Viognier, Seeker 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Fortino 2013 Charbono, Aver Family 2013 Petite Sirah and Stefania 2014 Syrah.

http://www.santaclarawines.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, 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.