Vintage Eve Circa 7/2016: Garagiste 2016 Urban Exposure Event Exposed!

June 18, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The mission (of the Garagiste wine festivals) is to support the small guys and girls who don’t have big marketing budgets or the time to get out there and sell their wine. These small-lot wines can be very hard to find. Over 60% of these winemakers don’t have a tasting room…

Jenny Kalina and me at event.

However, on July 9 dozens of these small wineries took center stage and commandeered the full auditorium of the LA Wiltern Theatre for an audience of appreciative wine learners and tasters. (Check them out here in this YouTube slideshow.)

Learning On The Stage:

Understanding Oak Varieties, Tasting the Winemaker’s Spice Rack

What does oak really taste like? French oak, American oak, neutral oak, heavy toast… these are some of the words we hear all the time in the wine world, but what do they really mean? How do you tell the flavor of oak from the flavor of the wine itself?

Ryan Render, representative for French tonnellerie (another word for a cooperage, which is also another word for a barrel maker) Cadus and winemaker at Rendarrio Vineyards, Larner Vineyards winemaker Michael Larner and Garagiste co-founder Stewart McLennan led our class.

Our first flight was the same grape, same year, same winery in three different oak expressions: a Larner 2014 Syrah. The aromas on each were remarkably different to me. With neutral oak (which means the oak barrel had been used four to five times and would no longer impart an oak flavor) the wine had the brightest, reddest fruit. The second wine, aged in French oak and is used the most by Larner, had an incredible amount of spice, which I happen to love in a Syrah, and bluer fruit. The third oak was American and gave off a creamy scent with a lot of blue to black fruit.

(Chatting with a friend after the class who doesn’t reside in California but is a huge fan of the event and flies down for it, she said that she preferred the American oak the best. I asked if she drank much French wine. She said none at all, mostly Paso Robles. So I thought that her preference might have been due to what her palate was used to in her home state and from Paso. Though like Larner there are California wineries using French oak too.)

Our next trio to taste was of another wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, in unoaked (stainless steel only), a medium grain oak barrel and then a tight grain oak barrel. Again I got some interesting notes. In the unoaked wine it was all red fruit (like it had been in the neutral oak we had tasted earlier), the medium grain gave off distinct aromas of a sweet Port wine and blueberry, while the tight grain was all cigar smoke and had what one winemaker called a “tighter” feel on the palate.

Auditorium: Favorites from the “RARE and RESERVE” Tasting Hour

Archium Cellars 2012 “Haven” Grenache, Stolpman Vineyard.

Artisan Uprising 2014 Tempranillo.

Brian Benson Cellars 2013 Mr. Pickled Cabernet Syrah blend.

Caldera Cuvee 2009.

Cholame Vineyard vertical tasting of Bull Pen Tempranillo 2010/2011/2012 with the 2012 being my favorite of the three.

Cloak & Dagger Wines 2013 “The Assassin” Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah blend.

Deno Wines 2010 Two Bill’s Zinfandel Grenache blend.

JP3 Wines (the “JP” formerly of Stanger) 2013 Pinot Noir, Willow Creek.

MCV Wines 2013 Black Petite Sirah blend

Pagter Bros. Winery 2013 Lucky Club Syrah Reserve

Paso Port 2006 Violeta blend of Touriga, Tinta Cao and Souzao.

The Farm Winery 2010 “the Big Game” Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Vines on the Marycrest 2006 Field Blend, Victor Abascal’s first planting.

Favorites Wineries of the Day are highlighted:

Alma Fria Winery, Alma Sol Winery, Alta Colina, Archium Cellars, Artisan Uprising, Ascension Cellars, Bellissimo Cellars, Bodega De Edgar, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at Brian Benson Cellars, Brophy Clark Cellars, Caldera Cuvee, Caliza Winery, The Central Coast Group Project, Chene Wines, Cholame Vineyards, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Cordon Wines, Coruce Vineyards, Deno Wines, Dreamcote Wines, El Lugar Wines, Golden Triangle, Graef Wines, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at Hoi Polloi Winery, Hoyt Family Vineyards, JP3 Wines, Kaena Wine Co., Kaleidos Winery, Kimmel Vineyards, Larner Vineyard and Winery, Leverage Wines, Marin’s Vineyard, MCV Wines, On Your Left Wines, Pagter Bros. Winery, Per Cazo Cellars/Paso Port, Powell Mountain Cellars, Press Gang Cellars, Prizm Winery, Pulchella Winery, Ranchita Canyon, Rendarrio Vineyards, Rhythm Wines, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Tao Vineyards, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at The Farm Winery, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at Theopolis Vineyards, Tierra y Vino, Tlo Wines, Trail Marker Wine Co., Turiya Wines, EVERYTHING THEY POURED at TW Fermentation Co., Two Shepherds, Vinemark Cellars, Vines on the Marycrest, Weatherborne and West of Temperance.

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

Tasting and Lesson with Stacie Hunt: Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe

May 31, 2019 by evebushman

Had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture of the wines of the Valle de Guadalupe with the LA Wine Writers at our favorite spot for a wine paired luncheon, Napa Valley Grille, a few weeks ago. Will share what I learned and tasted below, or you can just skip to the story in photos here.

Some Things We Learned

There are over 200 years of wine history in the area, with the first grapes, table grapes, being planted before the 16^th century. Jesuit priests reactivated winemaking in the Tijuana area in 1791. In the 1800s the Dominicans came in, the Jesuits were out, and planting began north of Ensenada. By the 1900s Russian Molokans fled Russia and they too settled in Baja.

Over the years winemaking has changed due to new technology, growing techniques and water issues. (Underground aquifers are being exhausted due to drought. Drip systems can help control the salinity of the wines.) Most days reach 85 degrees, however the nights are at least 20 degrees lower and breezy. Stacie said that the fog creeps over in the morning and like a cat’s paws.

Some of the red wines being produced, with ABVs between 14-15%, include Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Grenache, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Mision, Sangiovese and other Italian reds.

Whites, with ABVs between 12-13%, include Chardonnay, Chasselas, Chenin Blanc, Macabeo (aka Viura), Muscat Blanc, Palomino, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Mision Blanco, Albariño and a variety of Italian whites.

There are many notable wineries including Casa de Piedra, Casa Magoni, Paraleo, Mogor Badan, Monte Xanic, L.A. Cetto, Montefiore and more. There are approximately 200 bonded wineries in total.

There is no system presently, for classifications on the labels, however, like California, bottles have to be made of 75% of one singular variety to have that variety’s name on the label. The only other items on a label have to be the producer’s name, region and the alcohol content.

One of Stacie’s mentors is winemaker, educator and a leader in the field, Hugo D’Acosta. He created an educational facility for budding winemakers in El Porvenir, has vineyards in Bordeaux and Pyrenees and partners with Wente in Napa and Milagro in San Diego.

These wines are “not your daddy’s wine” Stacie said, not like the wines of Bordeaux or Italy though they share similar varieties. The terroir makes a difference in the varietal character, which you may see via my tasting notes below.

The Wine and Pairing

This four course wine paired luncheon, one of many I’ve enjoyed with the LA Wine Writers, was outstanding as usual. Below are the courses, the wines (all retail for $35 and under), notes on the wines and the pairings.

Poached Bosc Pear with Burrata and Endive

Cavas Maciel, Venus Rosa of Merlot

100% Merlot Rose

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Pink grapefruit, pear, pale florals, pebbles, flint.

Flavor: Peach, crisp acidity and then palate drying, a slight salinity.

Pairing: Very refreshing on the palate.

Diver Scallop Crudo with Cucumber Brunoises, Blood Orange Reduction

Monte Xanic, Sauvignon Blanc

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Lemon-lime, fruit cocktail, white peach.

Flavor: Meyer lemon, crisp, clean and low acid.

Pairing: The fruit in the dish and in the wine made for a good pairing.

Seared Cumin Crusted Seabass, Coconut Cauliflower Puree

El Cielo, Chardonnay 2015

100% Chardonnay (oaked)

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Toasted oak, butter, cream, Golden Delicious apple, rich mouthfeel with some salinity.

Flavor: Lemon, oak, hay, balanced fruit and acid.

Second wine: Vinos Lechuza, Chardonnay 2016

100% Chardonnay (stainless steel)

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Unsalted butter, banana, kiwi, pale oak.

Flavor: Golden Delicious apple (again), oak, buttery with a long finish.

Pairing: I preferred the oaked Chardonnay over the stainless with this dish.

Pasta Arrabbiata with Romano Pecorino

Vinos de la Reina, Sangiovese 2015

100% Sangiovese

Valle de San Vicente

Aroma: A slight vegetal aroma blew off in a few minutes, then I got plums, perfumy, char and a dusty quality.

Flavor: Red to dark fruit, pepper, tannic, dry, jammy. (Stacie said the jammy quality comes from the heat in the area.)

Pairing: Most of the writers inhaled this pairing and who am I to argue? But maybe I was just saving myself for the grand finale.

Santa Maria Grilled Tri Tip Chimichurri, Spring Farmer’s Vegetables, Tri Tip Jus.

Vina Cava, Tempranillo 2016

100% Tempranillo

Valle de Guadalupe

Aroma: Earth, dust, blueberry, blackberry – perfume to my nose.

Flavor: Deep, dark and dusty with black fruit, char and oak. Another wine I will look for again.

Pairing: The spice in this dish enhanced the wine perfectly.

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.

HALL Wines Cabernet Cookoff Raises $1,000,000 in 10 Years for Local Non-Profits

May 25, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA VALLEY, CA – On Saturday, April 27, over 850 wine and food enthusiasts came together at HALL Wines in St. Helena to raise awareness for local charities at the 10th Annual Cabernet Cookoff. 13 Bay Area chefs teamed up with a charity of their choice to compete in a food and wine pairing competition by creating small bites paired with 2015 HALL Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon. The event was hosted by Craig and Kathryn Hall and was emceed by Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor/Host of Access. In total, four winners were announced including two People’s Choice Awards and two Judges’ Choice Awards. In total, $106,000 stemming from 100% of event proceeds benefited Napa Valley non-profit organizations.

From left: People’s Choice First Place Winner, Chef Chad Bayless and the culinary team from InterContinental Mark Hopkins with proceeds benefiting Swords to Plowshares; Judges’ Choice First Place Winner, Chef Mark Dommen and his family representing One Market Restaurant with proceeds benefiting Collabria Care.

“On Saturday at the 10th Anniversary of the HALL Cabernet Cookoff, we were thrilled to announce that since the start of this event 10 years ago, over $1 million has been raised for Napa charitable organizations,” say Craig and Kathryn Hall. “We applaud the participating chefs and charities and all the generous guests who showed up on a beautiful sunny afternoon celebrating great food, wine and fun.”

Participating chef teams included Acacia House, Brix, Goose & Gander, Gran Electrica, Harvest Table, InterContinental Mark Hopkins, KAIYO, One Market Restaurant, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, Press, Tarla Mediterranean Bar & Grill, Blossom Catering Company, and Bounty Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ.

Each chef team selected a charity to compete for. Non-profits involved in 2019 included Napa Humane, Soroptimist International of Vallejo, Hands Across The Valley, Swords to Plowshares, St. Helena Hospital, CIA Scholarship Fund, NEWS, St. Helena Farmer’s Market, Voices: Foster Care for Independence, Collabria Care, Napa Valley Food Pantry, Puertas Abiertas, Zero Prostate Cancer Napa Valley.

Natalie Morales, TODAY West Coast Anchor/Host of Access, served as the official emcee for the event. Morales helped keep the guests excited about the competition throughout the day and announced the winners alongside hosts Craig and Kathryn Hall at the end of the event. Additionally, ten-time Emmy award winner, NBC Bay Area News Anchor Raj Mathai served as the Charity Champion during the Main Event by encouraging guests to learn more about the deserving non-profit organizations participating.

The 2019 judging panel included actress Wendi McLendon-Covey, television personality Shep Rose, Michelin-rated Chef Ken Frank, La Toque, and wine critic Virginie Boone with Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The two 2019 Judges’ Choice Awards winners were:

• 2019 Judges’ Choice – First Place

Chef: Mark Dommen, One Market Restaurant

Dish: Roasted Lamb Loin; Braised Lamb Loin, Anson Mills Polenta, Charred Scallions

Charity: Collabria Care

• 2019 Judges’ Choice – Runner Up

Chef: Nate Smith, Blossom Catering Company

Dish: 1300 A.D. Roman Ribs

Charity: CAN-V Food Bank Napa Valley

Guests in attendance were tasked with selecting their favorite dish for the two 2019 People’s Choice Awards by using Microsoft Surface tablets. The two Peoples’ Choice Winners were:

• 2019 People’s Choice – First Place

Chef: Chad Bayless, InterContinental Mark Hopkins

Dish: Lamb Belly Tacos

Charity: Swords to Plowshares

• 2019 People’s Choice – Runner Up

Chef: Brandon Watts, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ
Dish: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Charity: Napa Humane

Event sponsors included The Microsoft Store at The Village at Corte Madera, Corkcicle, Colorescience, Nixon-Peabody, My Office Products, Bright Rentals, Cypress Grove Cheese, Alastin Beauty, Topo Chico Water, Signum Architecture, Benefit Marketing, Imprezziv, Print Inkorportated, LUX Productions, Barbier Security and ALKAR.

Prior to the Main Event, Kathryn Hall hosted a cooking demonstration as part of the VIP Preview alongside celebrity Chef Ari Taymor. The demo included Chef Ari preparing Beet-Cured Hamachi Toast paired with a selection of wines that included a library offering of HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 11th Annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Tickets are available now at 2020 Cabernet Cookoff. For more information contact HALL Wines at www.hallwines.com or 707-967-2626, and follow HALL Wines on social @hallwines #cabernetcookoff.

HALL Wines: The Art of Cabernet

HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, available to taste and purchase at two properties in Napa Valley as well as at hallwines.com. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, its vineyard collection features eight Estate Vineyards, of which five are Certified Organic (CCOF). Led by Vice President and Head Winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL’s portfolio includes 19 distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high tech production facility and tasting room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. HALL’s 2008 Kathryn Hall Cabernet earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s Top 100. Two other bottlings, the Exzellenz and Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons have garnered multiple 100 point ratings in recent years. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or call 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.

ZD Wines Introduces New Guest Experiences and Renovated Hospitality Destination

May 18, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Today the deLeuze family and ZD Wines unveiled the final stages of their renovated hospitality center, welcoming guests to a contemporary reception area, private tasting lounge, and custom kitchen. Sleek lines and refined natural elements come together in a modern aesthetic that puts ZD’s acclaimed wines at center stage.

The focal point of the new reception area is a large picture window showcasing the beautiful barrel room, allowing guests to peek into the working winery. Nearby, custom 13-foot tall sliding glass doors designed in Portugal enclose an inviting private lounge, complete with a fireplace and access to a patio garden. An extensive wine library showcases selections from their 50 years of winemaking before guests reach their new, modern kitchen.

Upstairs, tall glass doors blur the lines between indoors and out in the Vineyard View Tasting Room and Deck, where unobstructed vineyard views stretch from the east side of Rutherford all the way across the valley floor to the Mayacamas Mountains. A timeline told through historic bottlings and family photos provides an introduction to the winery’s rich history, which dates back to 1969.

“Decades ago, we offered tastings at a small bar tucked into the corner of our winery. Now, we can provide the opportunity to enjoy ZD Wines in a gracious, luxurious space that reflects our dedication to excellence,” said Brett deLeuze, President of ZD Wines. “We’re looking forward to the next 50 years of world-class wines.”

The winery has also introduced new hospitality experiences. Available now, the elevated offerings include:

Vineyard View Tasting—This seated tasting in the well-appointed Vineyard View Room & Deck allows guests to enjoy a selection of current release award-winning wines while taking in the valley floor views of Rutherford. Hospitality professionals lead guests through ZD’s 50-year history, winemaking, and eco practices. Cost: $40 per person.
The ZD Experience—During this unforgettable private cellar tour, guests explore ZD’s 50-year history, vineyards, and stewardship practices. After sampling wine maturing in barrel, guests are seated in the Vineyard View Room to a choice of current release Reserve wines or Library selections, along with artisanal cheese and charcuterie pairing. Cost: $125 per person.
The Abacus Experience—The ultimate way to experience all that ZD has to offer, including its pinnacle wine, Abacus. This innovative solera-style wine is a blend of every vintage of ZD Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 1992 (26 vintages). Guests will have a rare opportunity to taste the Abacus “solera” from barrel during their private cellar tour, along with other maturing wines. Afterwards, relax in the private lounge with a curated tasting of Reserve wines, including pours of a library and current Bottling of Abacus, paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Cost: $1000 for up to 6 guests.

Known for three core varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines also crafts two small production whimsical wines, named “Rosa Lee’s Whim,” and a 50th Anniversary Sparkling Cuvée. ZD also recently released their 20th Bottling of Abacus, ZD’s solera-style Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

ZD Wines is open daily from 10am – 4pm at 8383 Silverado Trail in Rutherford. Reservations are required for all tours, and highly recommended for the Vineyard View Tasting. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 487-7757 or emailing experiences(at)zdwines.com.

About ZD Wines
ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family, who is dedicated to producing world-class wines, farming organically and giving back to the community. Located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley, the winery and hospitality center offers sweeping valley views of premium Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range to the west. The deLeuze family produces wines from their certified organic vineyards in the Rutherford and Carneros regions, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma. With innovative winemaking practices, they produce wines of quality, consistency, and style. ZD Wines is currently celebrating 50 years of winemaking and can be found online at ZDWines.com and @ZDWines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Inglenook Celebrates 140th Anniversary with Major Cave Expansion

May 11, 2019 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, California – Francis Ford Coppola, proprietor of Inglenook, is pleased to announce that the historic winery will mark its 140^th anniversary by significantly expanding its caves. The major expansion will accommodate the addition of 122 stainless steel fermenting tanks, each dedicated to one of Inglenook’s 122 vineyard parcels.

“Since it was founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, Inglenook has been renowned for its creativity, quality, innovation and industry leadership,” said Coppola. “We continue that tradition and dedication with this significant cave expansion, led by our director of winemaking, Philippe Bascaules.” The cave expansion kicks off a year-long celebration of Inglenook’s 140^th anniversary.

From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. Working with Coppola, Bascaules’ vision is to ferment each of Inglenook’s 122 vineyard parcels separately, to enhance the wines’ complexity.

“Having more tanks preserves the identity of each parcel, which allows us to be more precise as we’re blending,” said Bascaules. “We can then better explore the capacity of each parcel, which will create more diversity and will lead to more complex, balanced blends.”

Inglenook has a rich history of leadership in the wine industry. Many of founder Gustave Niebaum’s innovations at Inglenook became industry standards: Inglenook instituted the first sterile bottling process in Napa; it was the first to separate field debris from grapes; Inglenook planted Napa’s first Merlot in 1882; and Inglenook built the first gravity-flow winery in 1888, which was considered one of the greatest winery structures in the Western Hemisphere at the time.

The new cave expansion is expected to be completed in time for the 2020 harvest.

About Inglenook
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa’s first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, a renowned legacy of innovation and an outstanding portfolio of award-winning wines that have defined and established Napa as a world-class wine region. From Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel, Jr. to Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook’s three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that hearkens back to the European tradition, producing original, distinctly Napa wines that rival the best in Europe. It remains the largest contiguous estate on the famed Rutherford Bench, Napa Valley’s finest area for producing spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon.

The iconic Inglenook chateau was first constructed in 1887, and faithfully restored in 1997. Befitting the grandeur of the Inglenook estate, the chateau welcomes guests for seated tastings and special events. Experiences include tours of the Chateau, the Infinity caves, the vineyards, barrel tastings and culinary offerings under the direction of Winery Chef Alex Lovick who expertly pairs the wines with the seasonal, organic bounty of the expansive estate farm and orchards.

Two Bottle Post: Mystic Hills Vineyard Grand Trio and Golden Star Vineyards Purple Haze

May 10, 2019 by evebushman

Two wineries that generously will be sharing some of their vintages at the non-profit event (created and co-hosted by yours truly) Wine on the Roof 5/16 include Mystic Hills Vineyard and Golden Star Vineyards. While the former takes advantage of the Monterey terroir the latter is in the high desert. And both wines that I have for the tasting today I have had past vintages of, and am fully prepared to love again today:

2015 Mystic Hills Vineyard Grand Trio

Monterey County, bottled in Paso Robles

15% alcohol

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot

$28 retail

https://www.mystichillsvineyard.com/

Color: Dark garnet with a blackberry edge, opaque.

Aroma: Blue and black fruit, black pepper, fig, mushroom, toasted oak, balanced.

Flavor: Round mouthfeel, lingering blackberry, quite a bit of red fruit, slightly peppery, cigar, and nice tannins allowing for a long length, very balanced. I would decant this for just a bit – or swirl away like I did to enjoy all that fruit and spice.

2016 Golden Star Vineyards Purple Haze

California Red Wine, Littlerock.

14.4% Alcohol

Zinfandel, Merlot and Malbec

$30 retail

https://www.goldenstarvineyards.com/

Color: Dark plum stretching out to a darker edge, opaque.

Aroma: Blackberry, red hard candy, port, dried fruit, woody.

Flavor: Also round mouthfeel, dark, cigarette and cigar, big, deep and lingering fruit. No need to decant IMO.

Sound good to you? Then you can do several things: Join us 5/16, contact the wineries to get your own bottles and/or visit them. Lee and Helen Williams of Golden Star Vineyards and the whole Cox family at Mystic Hills Vineyard are all very welcoming people and would, no doubt, love to meet you.

Mira Winery Prepares to Open New Napa Valley Winery and Hospitality House

May 5, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Mira Winery, which produces a limited amount of hand crafted, all-natural wines, each a singular expression of unique grapes, announced today that Jesus Medina is joining the team as Assistant Winemaker. The announcement comes as Mira prepares to open its new Winery and Hospitality House at 6170 Washington Street just south of Yountville in time to celebrate the winery’s 10th harvest in 2019.

“Jesus brings an expertise, attention to detail and passion for winemaking that will only make us better,” said Mira Winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez. “I have worked with winemakers around the world and Jesus is at the top of the pack.”

Jesus Medina has spent more than two decades supporting the production of premium wines in Napa Valley and around the globe. Over the course of a twenty-year career with the Robert Mondavi Winery he rose to the position of Cellar Master and took an active role in constantly refining and improving standards and practices for cellar work and winemaking.

“We are excited that Jesus is joining the team and to have a new winery and hospitality house on our 10th anniversary to share with wine lovers visiting the Napa Valley,” said proprietor Jim “Bear” Dyke. “Our goal is to create a look and feel on the property that reflects the history of Yountville and could have been built by George C. Yount himself.”

Gonzalez is now able to have complete control over every aspect of the winemaking process working with Medina to further the winery’s pursuit of perfection in fine wine production. Every aspect of Mira’s new winery has been designed with that pursuit in mind, from the specially designed French oak tanks used to produce Mira’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer Vineyard to a workflow and visitor experience inspired by the innate perfection of the golden ratio.

The “Miracle” of Mira
In 2009 entrepreneur Jim “Bear” Dyke and winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez launched Mira Winery and began to produce limited production single vineyard 100% varietal wines that are interesting, balanced and a true reflection of their place, varietal, and season. Mira is the Latin root of miracle.

Mira captured the attention of the world when they experimented with the ocean-aging of wine followed by a dominant performance against some of the world’s most highly regarded wines at a tasting commemorating the Judgement of Paris.

Mira began construction on a new winery and hospitality house at 6170 Washington Street in May of 2018 and will open in time for harvest 2019. For more information on Mira, please visit our website http://www.miranapa.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Unique Northern California Varietals Steal the Show

May 2, 2019 by evebushman

PETALUMA, Calif. (PRWEB) – The judges of the 2019 North of the Gate Wine Competition have spoken, and this year’s wines debuting at the Sonoma-Marin Fair will be as complex and unique as the regions they come from.

This annual competition, now in its 19th year, has grown to represent unique, world-class wineries of Northern California, spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon Border. Each year, winemakers submit their best wine to a panel of industry-leading critics and judges. The winning wines will, in turn, be showcased at the Sonoma-Marin Fair Wine Garden this June 19-23, allowing fairgoers from all over the chance to experience the best that Northern California winemaking has to offer.

The 2019 competition took a unique turn, as more obscure varietals gave way to traditional California wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. Instead, the field blend of international varietals, which were originally planted in California, stole the show. Varietals among the Best in Class wines were grapes such as Carignane, Albarino, Barbera, Graciano, Montepulciano, Grenache and beyond. This refreshing success brings new life to the competition and opens opportunities for winemakers to expand the palates of their consumers, giving them an opportunity to taste something they might not have grabbed off the shelf themselves.

Winemaker Carol Shelton.

Known as the “Queen of Zin,” winemaker Carol Shelton was awarded this year’s Winemaker of the Fair. Shelton’s wines swept the show, winning multiple awards across categories. From Best of Class, Best of Show, and Double Gold awards, it was clear that Shelton’s passion and craft in winemaking in the North Bay showed up to play this year. The Carol Shelton Wines 2016 Oat Valley Carignane took both Best of Show and Best of Show Red, while her Late Harvest 2017 Zinfandel Black Magic won Best of Show Dessert Wine.

Imagery Estates showcased their 2018 Albarino, which took Best of Show White across the competition. Winemaker Jamie Benziger carries with her a legacy of Sonoma winemaking from Benziger Estates, though it’s clear that she has made her mark on Imagery Estates with her own style and talent.

Idle Hour Winery took home the Best of Show Sparkling Wine. Winemaker, Anna Marie Dos Remedios, incredible talent impressed this year’s judges with her beautifully crafted Sparkling Blanc de Blanc.

Competition judge and professional wine writer Bill McNabb noted the trend of more unusual grapes being planted and flourishing at the hands of talented women winemakers. “The Albarino that just won Best White is a very unusual grape that normally does not win,” says McNabb. “It is refreshing to see these grapes win.”

This bodes well for Northern California winemakers who are looking to entice their audience to get outside their comfort zone. The vintages presented in the competition are indicative of another spectacular year in California winemaking, despite challenges from the fires of 2017 that potentially threatened some of this year’s submissions. In terms of balance, the wines presented were holding their own beyond expectation. “This year’s wines are less acidic than years prior. The wines this year are deeper and have more earthy notes,” noted competition judge Yvonne Hurson. For a complete list of award-winning wines, please visit http://www.sonoma-marinfair.org/portfolio-item/wine/#.

The incredible wines were not the only thing to be celebrated. In an industry historically dominated by men, female judges, winemakers, and even the North of the Gate Wine Competition Director, Valery Uhl, carry distinct representation across the competition. There was no shortage of Women In Wine at the North of The Gate competition this year.

The winning wines will be displayed at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in the Wine Garden this June 19th-23, 2019. Fair-goers can taste and mingle with the winemakers, as each wine who won their category are featured in a display for all 5 days of the Fair. A separate ticket is required to visit the Wine Garden and will be available for purchase at the gate the day of and in advance online at Sonoma-marinfair.org.

Mark your calendars for a summer to remember during “Eight Decades of Fun” at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, June 19-23, 2019. With new competitions and contests, FREE concerts, unlimited carnival rides, and delicious fair food you will want to come all 5 fun-filled days. Enjoy heart-warming entertainment during the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest, the thrill of Sprint Car Racing, and the joy of connecting with our local agricultural community. For details, visit sonoma-marinfair.org or call (707) 283-3247. Be the first to know about all of the fun by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Vintage Eve Circa 4/2016: Revisiting Four Brix Winery

April 16, 2019 by evebushman

We’ve run news from Ventura’s Four Brix Winery over the years (Baubles party, announcing the opening of the winery and different events I was able to snag a brief tasting at.) But it‘s been since May 2010 that I’ve sat down to taste and review their wines. Via my pal Cori Solomon of #LAWineWriters a media visit was recently arranged, and I got to rectify that.

Gary Stewart

From that 2010 article I will share that “…wine tasting became a focused passion for the three couples (that own Four Brix Winery)…(Gary) Stewart is mostly self-taught, adding classes from UC Davis, and was mentored by winemaker Ryan Horn at the Vintner’s Vault in Paso; the other couples offered years of palate experience. I then offered up my own palate to try the swanky labels he had for Deductive (Zinfandel and Petite Syrah), Rhondevous (Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache) and my personal favorite, Scosso (Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot).

Fast-forward to today, and from co-owner Karen Stewart (who is most often found in the tasting room), I learned:

They started out as garage winemakers.
The winery has 4,000 more square feet just added, perfect for their larger “Brix Head” events.
They recently added their first “estate-managed vineyard”, the Cani Amante Vineyard, in Ojai.
They don’t have a Chardonnay, but plenty of other whites to tantalize you.

New Tasting (Aromas and flavors separated by “;”)

2013 Smitten

100% Viognier

Camp 4 Vineyard, Santa Ynez

HELLO PINEAPPLE, then came pear, wet steel and pebbles; in the mouth was that same big pineapple flavor (someone maybe liked Hawaiian Pineapple wine when they made this one?), lemon-lime, concrete and white peach. 90 Eve pts.

2013 Desirous

100% Grenache Blanc

Camp 4 Vineyard, Santa Ynez

Jasmine, cantaloupe and honeydew melon, talcum powder, perfumy and fresh; on the mouth I got distinct canned fruit cocktail, medium acid and slight oak elements. 89 Eve pts.

2014 Dry Riesling

Cani Amante Vineyard in Ojai, Estate property.

I don’t get CA Riesling often so I was looking forward to this one. Dried peach, anise, white pepper; followed by peaches in light syrup, lemon, limeade with an encouragingly pleasant mouthfeel. 89 Eve pts.

2012 Meritage

64% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles

Cigarette, red cherry, toast, jam and vanilla; dried cherry, black currant, cigar, oak, dark, strong tannins. 89 Eve pts.

2011 Temptress

85% Tempranillo, 12% Grenache, 3% Mourvedre

Dusty plum, mushroom, green peppercorn and black cherry; spices, black fruit, peppery with a long, dark finish. 89 Eve pts.

2011 Petite Sirah

Layers of blueberry and black cherry, musty, violets; then flavors of dark black fruit, black pepper, dry and dusty. 88 Eve pts.

2013 Scosso

Jammy nose with blue to black fruit, earth and mint; juicy at the start, dry at mid-palate, same fruit profile as found in the nose. 89 Eve pts.

2013 Cani Amante Block 4, Ojai

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Lovely berry fruit, milk chocolate and oak trees; very dry, pepper, black fruit, big, and chewy. WE gave it 90 pts., so who am I to disagree? 90 Eve pts.

Location

2290 EASTMAN AVE. SUITE 109
VENTURA, CA 93003

Call for hours Thursday through Sunday: Phone: (805) 256-6006

info@fourbrixwine.com

Website: http://www.fourbrixwine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourBrixWines/

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Vintage Eve Circa 3/2016: Tasting the New 2012 (And One 14 Rosé) Mystic Hills Vineyard Releases

April 2, 2019 by evebushman

It was a thrill to taste the newly released 2012 wines (and one 2014!) from Mystic Hills Vineyard because…every wine from their first release has received awards from various competitions! (Read more here) And this, just their second release, is poised for the same level of achievements.

I invited a few wine lovers over to share these first tastes, and to also chime in on the aromas and flavors they found. And, if you’re not interested in tasting notes know this: the tasting was a resounding success with all six guests agreeing that the wines were superb.

2014 H.E.A.R.T.S Rosé

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot

With vibrant aromas of fresh strawberry, ripe raspberry, wet stones and a hint of Meyer lemon it was followed up in the mouth with the same luscious red fruit flavors with the addition of apricot, red ruby grapefruit and a welcoming mild acidic finish.

We paired this Rosé with a BBQ Shrimp recipe that actually has no BBQ sauce or required barbequing; it was just all garlic, unsalted butter, Worchestershire sauce, lemon, pepper and Cajun seasoning. The Rosé was the perfect refresher between bites. 90 Eve pts.

Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sweet plum, cherry, black fruit, toasted marshmallow, wet bark and red rose wafted up in the nose of this Cab. The taste was all cherry, raspberry, earth and a bit of oak with mouth drying tannins. This one was voted “easy to drink” by the group.

Gran Trio

Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Blueberry, black currant, blackberry, incense and earth – all on the nose. Then with the taste we got beautiful red to blue fruit, spice, firm tannins and a nice long finish. As we let this open up in our glasses we noted more fruit developing. 90 Eve pts.

Unforgiven

Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec.

Aromas of dried blue fruit, cloves, mushroom and black pepper filled our noses. Once tasted we found robust jammy qualities with red fruit, spice and cracked pepper all in great balance.

My husband had guests wait to finish this stellar blend with a chocolate caramel Crème Brûlée he had made. As he torched the sugar and fresh mint into a crust, we waited expectantly. It was magical. 92 Eve pts. With the pairing, 93 Eve pts.

All three reds were paired with our cheese and charcuterie appetizer. Some also enjoyed the reds with the BBQ shrimp, and due to the pepper and spice in the dish, I agreed that it worked well.

http://www.mystichillsvineyard.com/