LA is Thirsty for the Upcoming Pinot Wine Festival

July 8, 2015 by evebushman

Beverly Hills, Calif. – Los Angeles welcomes the best of Pinot wines as wineLA is set to host

their first annual STARS of Pinot Wine Festival on Wednesday, August 19, 2015

at Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Attendees can expect to taste some of the top artisan Pinot based wines from around the world. Wineries have been invited to participate from Italy, New Zealand, Chile and Oregon and of course from our own backyard, California: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Maria, Central Coast, Carneros, and Sonoma Coast. Tickets for wineLA’s Stars of Pinot WineFestival will include an elegant assortment of hors d’oeuvres and a number of lofty auction items to bid on. Auction items will range from $100 to $2,000. One hundred percent of silent auction proceeds will benefit TJ Martell Foundation, charity 501c3 raising money for Children’s Cancer Research.

STARS of Pinot will begin at 7:00p.m (6pm for the VIP). Advanced tickets may be purchased for per person online or at the door for 5.
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There are a limited number of VIP 6:00pm admission tickets (includes full dinner buffet and Pinot Noir Panel tasting with noted experts and Masters of Wine) available for 0 per person (advanced ticket sale) or 0 at the door.
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For more information about STARS of Pinot or to purchase tickets, call wineLA at 310-451-7600 or visit www.winela.com or http://www.winela.com/starsofpinot

About Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

“Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a stunning hotel in LA offering elegant luxury accommodations and dramatic decor with an ambiance that combines see-and-be-seen excitement and the calm of an urban resort. Ideally situated on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard, this West Hollywood hotel is conveniently located near Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. Discover a unique blend of French fashion mixed with Hollywood glamour at this elegant hotel. Choose from 295 rooms on 10 floors including 26 suites and two Imperial Suites all featuring Sofitel’s luxurious feather top and duvet sleep system – SoBed.” Sofitel is located at 8555 Beverly Blvd. in Beverly Hills, CA.

About wineLA

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is phase two of what we started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.

Don’t miss this week’s STARS of California 2015

May 18, 2015 by evebushman

STARS of California will be here next Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 at The Peninsula Hotel located at 9882 South Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, CA.

Top “Artisan” California Wineries Set to Participate in SoCal’s Exclusive Wine Event

Beverly Hills, Calif. – The Peninsula Hotel and wineLA join together again to host the annual STARS of California Wine Festival on Wednesday, May 20. With 35 notable wineries set to participate in the festivities, The Peninsula Hotel will expect to welcome hundreds of wine enthusiasts in celebration of California’s most coveted wines.

Tickets —> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stars-of-california-2015-tickets-13859625513

Your LINEUP:
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: VIP Winemaker Presentation with Kosta Browne Winery, 6:15 PM Entrance ($150 advanced, $200 at the door)

Includes… ROBUST DINNER BUFFET (ONLY UNTIL 7 PM), VIP GIFT BAG, Full Event Access and Unlimited Tasting, PLUS Exclusive 6:30 PM VIP Presentation with Kosta Browne with the following wines:
– One Sixteen Chardonnay, Russian RIver Valley 2013
– VIP Tasting Only: Cirq Treehouse Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2012
– Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2013
– Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2013

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: General Admission ($95 advanced, $125 after May 1, $150 at the door)

In addition to the wineries confirmed to attend wineLA’s annual Stars of California Wine Festival, tickets will include an elegant assortment of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and a number of lofty auction items to bid on. Auction items will range from $100 to $2,000. One hundred percent of silent auction proceeds will benefit TJ Martell Foundation.

2015 Participants:

Keller Estates – Sonoma (Keller Winery Estate)
– Oro de Plata Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2013
– La Cruz Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2013
– La Cruz Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2012
– El Coro Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2012

Robert Biale – Napa/Sonoma (Robert Biale Vineyards)
– Black Chicken Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2013
– R.W. Moore Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2013
– Basic Black, Old World blend, Sonoma 2012
– Royal Pinshers Petite Syrah, Napa Valley 2013

Beekeeper Cellars – Sonoma (Beekeeper Cellars)
– Zinfandel, Black Sears Vineyard, Howell Mountain 2012
– Zinfandel, Madrone Springs Vineyard, Rockpile 2011

Sonoma-Loeb – Sonoma (Sonoma Loeb)
– Chardonnay, Sangiacomo 2013
– Chardonnay, Envoy 2013
– Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2013
– Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch 2013

Argot Cellars – Sonoma (Argot Wines)
– Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma 2012
– Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 2012

Clos Solene – Paso Robles (Clos Solene)
– Hommage Blanc, Roussanne Viognier, Paso Robles 2014
– Harmonie, 62% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 6% Mourvedre, Paso Robles 2013
– Hommage a Nos Pairs 94% Syrah, 4% Grenache, 2% Roussanne, Paso Robles 2013

L’ Aventure Winery – Paso Robles (L’Aventure Winery)
– Estate Cuvee (57% Syrah, 31% Cab Sauv, 12% Petit Verdot), Paso Robles 2012
– Cabernet Sauvignon (91% Cab Suav, 9% Petit Verdot), Paso Robles 2012

RN Estate – Paso Robles
– Pinot Noir (Whole Cluster Fermentation), Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills, Santa Maria Valley 2012
– Cuvee des Trois Depages, RN Estate Vineyard 2011
– Chardonnay, Solomon Hills Vineyard 2013

LAW Estate – Paso Robles (Law Estate Winery)
– Intrepid, Syrah, Law Vineyard, Paso Robles 2011
– Sagacious (38% Syrah, 34% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache), Law Vineyard, Paso Robles 201

Westerly Wine – Santa Barbara (Westerly Wines)
– Cote Blonde, Syrah Blend, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2012
– Fletcher’s Red, Red Blend, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2010
– Fletcher’s White, White Blend, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2013
– Sauvignon Blend, Santa Ynez Valley 2013

Alma Rosa – Santa Barbara (Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards)
– Vin Gris, 2014
– Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2013
– Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2013
– Pinot Gris, Santa Barbara County 2013

Gainey – Santa Barbara (Gainey Vineyard)
– Limited selection Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley 2013
– Limited selection Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Limited selection Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Limited selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley 2012

Gentleman Farmer – Napa/Valley (Gentleman Farmer)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012

St. Supery – Napa Valley (St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery – Napa Valley)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Estate 2012
– ELU, (Red Meritage) Napa Valley Estate 2012
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Dollarhide Estate Vineyard 2012
– Merlot, Rutherford Estate Vineyard 2012

Ahnfeldt – Napa Valley
– Estate Chardonnay 2013
– Special Reserve Merlot 2010
– Special reserve Cabernet 2012
– Quid Pro Quo Red Blend 2012

Oakville Ranch – Napa Valley (Oakville Ranch Vineyards)
– Chardonnay, ORV 2013
– Field Blend, ORV 2012
– Robert’s Cabernet Franc 2011
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Ranch 2012

Amici Cellars – Napa Valley (Amici Cellars)
– Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2013
– Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2013
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012
– Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley 2012

Refugio Ranch Vineyards – Santa Barbara (Refugio Ranch)
– RR Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Blend, Santa Ynez Valley 2013
– Roussanne/Viognier Blend, Santa Ynez Valley 2011
– Syrah, Grenache, Petite Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 2012
– Petite Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 2012

Saxon Brown – Sonoma County (Saxon Brown Wines)
– Fighting Brothers, Semillon, Sonoma Valley 2012
– Sangiacomo “Green Acres Hill”, Chardonnay, Sonoma Carneros 2012
– Sangiacomo “Robert’s Road”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2012
– Stonewall, Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley 2011
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2007

Foxen – Santa Barbara (Foxen Winery)
– Chenin Blanc, Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard 2013
– Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Block UU 2013
– Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2013
– Pinot Noir, John Sebastiano Vineyard 2012

Epoch Estate – Paso Robles (Epoch Estate Wines)
– White, Grenache Blanc (blend), Catapult and Paderewski Vineyards 2013
– Ingenuity, Syrah (blend), Paderewski Vineyard 2011
– Veracity, Grenache (blend), Paderewski Vineyard 2012

Lucas & Lewellen – Santa Barbara (Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards)
– High 9, Pinot Noir, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2013
– Cote Del Sol, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2011
– Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2012
– Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2011

Chesebro – Arroyo Seco (Chesebro Wines)
– Pinot Noir, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco 2010
– La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch Vineyard, Carmel Valley 2009

Cole Bailey – Redwood Valley
– “Sesquipedalian” Cabernet Sauvignon, Cole Bailey Vineyards, Redwood Valley 2007

Cordon – Santa Barbara
– “L’Inox” Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon 2014
– “Les Jumeaux” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, Los Alamos 2011

Graef – Lake County
– Rose of Syrah, Lake County 2013
– Viognier, Solano County Suisun Valley 2012
– Syrah, Lake County 2012

Random Ridge – Napa/Sonoma (Random Ridge)
– “Old Wave” Zinfandel, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Valley 2012
– Cabernet Franc, Random Ridge Vineyards, Mt. Veeder 2009
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Random Ridge Vineyards, Mt. Veeder 2012

Hawk & Horse Vineyards – Lake County Red Hills (Hawk and Horse Vineyards)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills 2009
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills 2010
– Latigo- Port style dessert wine, Red Hills 2010
– Petite Syrah, Red Hills 2011

– Forgotten Barrel/Sika Wine – San Diego (Forgotten Barrel Tasting Room)
– SiKa Chardonnay, Atlas Peak 2013
– SiKa Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2012
– SiKa Cabernet Franc, Atlas Peak 2013
– SiKa Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013

Metaphora Wines – Napa Valley (Metaphora Wines)
– Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2010
– Pinot Noir, Napa Valley 2010
– Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2014

Cellars 33 – Sonoma County (Cellars 33)
– Grenache Blanc, Clay Satation Vineyard – Lodi 2014
– Chardonnay, Keefer Ranch, Russion River Valley 2013
– ‘Katie’s Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2013

Jeff Cohn – Paso Robles/Sonoma (Jeff Cohn Cellars)
– The Impostor Zinfindel Blend, California 2012
– Rockpile Syrah, Rockpile 2012
– Botticelli Zinfandel, Rockpile 2012
– Misc Stuff GSM Blend, California 2012

Bougetz Cellars – Napa Valley (Bougetz Cellars)
– Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford 2013
– Amaryllis Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District 2012
– Eminence, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012
– The Cairn, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2012

La Rochelle – Pinot Noir Specialist (La Rochelle Wine)
– Chardonnay, Ferrington Vineyard 2012
– Pinot Meunier Saralee’s Vineyard 2012
– Pinot Noir, Tondre Grapefield 2011
– Pinot Noir, Dutton Freestone Hill Vineyard 2011

Truchard – Napa Valley (Truchard Vineyards)
– Chardonnay, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013
– Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2012
– Roussanne, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013
– Syrah, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013

Aloft – Napa Valley
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2010

Valdez – Sonoma (Valdez Family Winery)
– Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2012
– Valdez Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2011
– St. Peter’s Church, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley 2011
– Silver Eagle Syrah, Russian River Valley 2009

Cairdean Estate – St. Helena (Cairdean Vineyards)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2010
– Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2012
– Haley Margaret White Wine (Blend of Roussanne, Viognier, and Pinot Gris) 2012
– Pinot Noir, Carneros 2011

Miura Vineyards (MIURA Vineyards)
– Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2013
– Pinot Noir, Williams Ranch, Anderson Valley 2011
– Pinot Noir, Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands 2011
– Antiqv2s, Syrah, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands 2008

…with MANY more to come!

Special guest DJ of KCRW: Dan Wilcox

About wineLA:
wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, roof tops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

2015 Partners:
– Los Angeles Magazine
– Learnaboutwine
– wineLA
– The TJ Martell Foundation
– The Peninsula Beverly Hills
– RIEDEL The Wine Glass Company
– Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce

2015 Sponsors:
– IPPA-MAX.com/Cellgevity
– Alcoholgsh.com
– Ideal 55 Wine Lockers

Tickets —> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stars-of-california-2015-tickets-13859625513

2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, by Rick Fraga

February 14, 2015 by evebushman

Happy 2015, Eve’s Wine 101 fans! I hope your New Year is off to a great start like mine is, hitting the ground at a gallop. It didn’t hurt to start the year almost 100 pounds thinner than last year to begin with, but that is another story (one that includes not limiting my access to wine to lose the weight!) The best part of 2015 is starting it as I have for the last five years now, as a Wine Judge for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. This is an event that I anticipate at the beginning of every year, this year it took place from January 7^th through the 10^th at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair grounds in Cloverdale, California.

Yes, the competition has been completed and has started another stellar year for the wine industry across the United States. After last year’s competition amassed over 5,800 entries for states all across the nation, it was anticipated that participation would drop for 2015, but at the start of judging the Chronicle Competition began with over 6,400 entries from 28 states. You would think this to be a daunting task for the 60+ judges to complete their evaluations in 3 ½ days. But, as usual the panels were up for the job and joyfully sipped and savored their way, finishing the Sweepstakes judging before noon on Friday the 10^th.

This year’s San Francisco Chronicle Sweepstakes winners came from three different states, California, New York and Ohio (yes Ohio!). The Sweepstakes winners are:

Sparkling Wine – Gloria Ferrer – 2010 Blanc De Blancs, Carneros, $42.00

Pink Wine – Robert Hall Winery – 2014 Rose de Robles, Paso Robles, $14.00

White Wine – ZD Wines – 2013 Chardonnay, California $38.00

Dr. Konstantin Frank – 2013 Riesling, Semi Dry, Finger Lakes, New York $14.99

Red Wine – Sonoma -Cutrer – 2012 Pinot Noir, Founders Reserve, Russian River Valley $65.00

Pezzi King – 2012 Estate Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Row 14 Reserve, $50.00

Dessert Wine – Debonne Vineyards – 2013 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Grand River Valley, Ohio $29.99

Label – Inizi – 2012 Charbono, Calistoga, $32.00

This competition is one of my favorites every year, as I am exposed to such a huge diverse range of newly released wine, I have the opportunity to catch up with a number of friends that I only see a few times a year and it kicks my New Year off on a great start. The competition is great in its own right, as it breaks many wines down in price range categories, this makes it so $20 Cabernet Sauvignon is not competing with the same wine at $60. It benefits the wineries as far as medal competition, but also the consumer, who can now look for wines that are medal winners in a specific price range. Everybody wines when this happens. If you are curious about the medal winning wines from this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Competition go to the following address, http://winejudging.com/medal-winners/.

During this week of judging, I have the opportunity to meet wine people (educators, critics, media people, wine makers and more) from all corners of the United States and share stories, wines and experiences. It is a wonderful 3 ½ days of intense tasting, camaraderie, entertainment and of course…some great food mixed in! What’s not to like when you have wine industry icons such as Wilfred Wong (formerly of Bev-Mo and now with Wine.com), Kent Roseblum (formerly Rosenblum Cellars and now with RockWall Wine Company), Dr. Barry Gump (Wine educator from Florida International University) and many more noteworthy wine industry professionals together to evaluate wine from across the United States.

The competition started every morning with breakfast, except for the meet and greet event on Tuesday. This is where the judges are introduced and the panel selections for the week are announced. From that point on it is off to take the annual Judges Picture and then time to start our judging. My panel was comprised of three judges, Kathleen Arnink (Educator from Cornell University), Chris Sawyer (Wine Writer and Sommelier) and myself. This year we tasted Petite Sirah $20+, Syrah $40+, Syrah $30-$39, Cabernet Sauvignons $25-$29, Zinfandel $25-$29, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio $15+, Verdelho, Gruener Veltliner and a varietal called Blanc du Bois (which none of us had ever heard of prior to this event). We were quite pleased with the variety and overall quality of what we judged this year, finding some exceptional wine throughout the week.

Now sitting down and tasting 120 to 150 wines a day may sound like a challenge, which it is, but being able to gather with all of the judges both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for the Judge’s dinners makes the day all worthwhile. The Tuesday dinner is always catered at the home of the Chronicle Competition’s Executive Director, Bob Fraser. Bob and his lovely wife Carrie welcome us every year into their backyard, providing us the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet and get to know the new judges and generally have a fun night with wine, food and friends. The evening concluded with most of the judges heading back to the motel where they were staying and gathering to visit and sip wines in a couple select rooms.

The Wednesday night dinner was a bit more formal, as it is hosted by a winery from either Napa or Sonoma County. This year we were invited to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery near Geyserville. It is a beautiful facility, laden with artwork and memorabilia from Coppola movies. Thanks to the amazing effort by our hosts, the dinner experience was fabulous. Prior to the start of dinner, we all were greeted with wine, a tour of the facility and then led into their large barrel room for the meal portion of the visit. It was well lit and beautifully decorated, with three long tables set up for family style seating and dining. What added to the experience was that the Coppola wait-staff were all dressed up as Italian characters that you may find in a New Jersey or New York neighborhood. These folks were hilarious, acting the part as they brought out copious amounts of food and wine all evening for the very appreciative guests. Topping the evening off was the presence of the man himself, Francis Ford Coppola and his lovely wife Eleanor. He spoke and welcomed everyone to his winery, leading into what I think was the best Judge’s dinner I have ever attended. The staff was amazing, keeping wine and food flowing, there was music playing and the ambiance was electric. It definitely was a memorable evening.

The remainder of the competition flowed on into Friday, with the Sweepstakes portion of the judging being performed in a large room in front of an audience. The final judging segment included recognition for the staff and volunteers that are always so critical to the success of the competition, then the Sweepstakes judging. It all wrapped up after the Sweepstakes winners were announced, with closing remarks from Bob Fraser and the final portion of the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Competition, the Public Tasting Event, being announced as taking place on February 14^th at Fort Mason in San Francisco. This is a portion of the competition I highly recommend you consider if you are in San Francisco on Valentine’s Day Weekend. It is 3-4 hours of tasting award winning and other wines from across the United States, with the opportunity to meet the owners and winemakers of these great wines. It is a great event, a wonderful opportunity, plus it is a nice way to spend a special Valentine’s Day weekend.

I wish all of you a great 2015! This will be a wonderful and busy year here for me, as I will be judging a new wine competition specifically for Rose wines in March, traveling to the Walla Walla, Washington area for wine tasting in April and judging one or possibly two wine competitions in June. I look forward to providing insights to these and other events that I will have the opportunity to participate in. Have a great Spring and enjoy every day. Please drink responsibly and, as always, remember that “Life is Too Short to Drink Bad Wine”

Pinot on the River, by Rick Fraga

December 27, 2014 by evebushman

Did you do anything interesting or fun on Sunday, October 26th? Yard work, shopping, maybe a laid back day of football may have been your way of relaxing a day before heading back to the Monday routine of work. For hundreds of people (myself included), we spent the afternoon roaming the beautiful, tree lined Plaza in downtown Healdsburg, California exploring the delicious world of the Pinot Noir grape. I don’t know about you, but on the 26th I was at the Grand tasting for the 11th annual Pinot on the River event celebrating the Pinot Noir grape and benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma County.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon that saw 100 Pinot Noir producing wineries gather to pour and share their finely crafted wines with eager tasters from all across the United States. Of course the tasting public had a distinct California make-up, but I met visitors from Texas, Florida, New York, North Carolina, Illinois and many other states, all here to explore and savor the diversity that Pinot Noir can exhibit depending upon the winemaker. The participating wineries came from all over California, both known and revered names like Martinelli, Littorai, Paul Hobbs, Patz & Hall. But also included were newer producers stepping out to show their skills and wines such as Fel, Kanzler, Friedeman and Masut (part of the original Fetzer Family in Redwood Valley up in Mendocino County California).

With such excellent weather and many handcrafted Pinot Noirs to experience, the only hard part of the day was to figure out what wines to taste and what to pass on. With only five hours to taste, I couldn’t try everyone (plus I was working my day job, pouring wine for Martinelli Winery part of the day) so I sought out mostly places that I had heard of and never tasted or never heard of at all. It proved to be a great way to go, as I was able to experience and enjoy a wide variety of wine making styles, vintages covering 2010 to 2013 and fruit from all the different pinot growing regions in California. The Pinot Noir growing regions were well represented including a variety of Central Coast areas, Carneros, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley and even the new Eagle Peak region in Mendocino County. Honestly, there was more than a little something for everyone to enjoy.

I should add that not only was there great wine to appreciate, but also the opportunity, in many cases, to speak with winemakers while sampling the fruit of their efforts. It was a pleasure for me to speak with some of the youth movement of Pinot producers, passionate winemakers like Alex Kanzler of Kanzler Vineyards, Brooks Friedeman of Friedeman Wines and Jake Fetzer of Masut. It was extremely interesting to hear who their influences were, their focus on their style of wine making, as well as where they farmed or bought their grapes from and why those areas. Each of these young men made nicely crafted Pinot Noir, definitely worthy of sitting in anyone’s cellar or being poured with a fine dining experience in your favorite restaurant.

I was also able to experience some of the treats offered by Littorai, Clouds Rest, Siduri, Nunes/St. Rose, Papapietro Perry and a few more throughout the day. My finds for the day…………hmmmmm, how about a nice everyday Pinot for under $15 from Jamieson Ranch known as the 2012 Light Horse Pinot Noir? Maybe you are seeking a vineyard designated Pinot, well I found that both Fel and Littorai were both showing 2012 Pinot Noirs from the Savoy Vineyard in the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. Both were beautiful wines, but very different in style and flavors. The 2012 Dichotomy from the Sonoma Coast AVA by Friedeman Vineyards, the 2012 Freeman Russian River Valley and the St. Rose 2011 Nunes Vineyard 777 clone were all standouts for me, just to name a few.

I think the best recommendation I can think of is for those of you who read this review of a wonderful Pinot Noir event, make note of next year’s Pinot on the River event. Next, you find the date it will be held and plan a weekend in the Healdsburg area to go out and taste at a few wineries and then catch the actual event. How can you go wrong, great weather, beautiful area in wine country, a cool city like Healdsburg to hang out around and hopefully you bring good company with you to share a wonderful time?

Maybe next year I’ll bump into YOU at Pinot on the River, only you can make it happen! As always, Life is too short to drink bad wine. Drink well and enjoy life!

Rick Fraga is living his dream now after 30 years as a consumer and over 20 years working in various aspects of the wine industry, after surviving a “corporate management” life. He currently is the Wine Educator for Martinelli Winery and Vineyards up in the Russian River Valley. Additionally he is a professional Wine Judge most recently judging the San Francisco Chronicle and Lake County Wine Competitions. In recent years Rick has served as a member of the AgBusiness/Wine Studies Advisory Committee at Santa Rosa Junior College, as well as a guest lecturer for classes at the college.

His introduction to wine started in the US Army in Germany, continued with the help of his father and a sizable group of vinophile friends, and over the years it has grown to an obsession. Due to a fortuitous meeting with a fellow wine geek, Michael Perlis, at a notoriously great food and wine spot in Las Vegas three years ago, he has become an occasional contributor to Eve’s Wine 101. He is hoping to continue in the wonderful world of wine until he can no longer climb out of bed. If you would like to keep up a bit more with Rick, find him on his Facebook page, at gatewaytowine.com or contact him at gatewaytowine@gmail.com. As Rick learned from his Father, Life is too short to drink bad wine!

Tasting Notes: Quintessa, Hall and Cuvaison

December 27, 2013 by evebushman

Quintessa

(All blends using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere)

2010

Both aromas and flavors of spiced-up blueberries, freshly cracked green peppercorns, rich Swiss dark chocolate and firm tannins.

2009

Woods after the rain, blackest of blackberries, sautéed mushrooms, black licorice, fresh anise and balanced tannins.

2008

This had the most fruit on the nose so far; with sugary plums, black fruit and smoke. Silky and balanced.

2006

Toasted French bread smothered in blackberry jam greeted me on the nose; followed by luscious and deep dark fruits and a palate-drying finish.

Conclusion: My husband Ed’s favorite was the 08 while I liked them all.

Hall

We tasted a 2012 Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc while touring the new Visitor’s Center behind the tasting room on Highway 29. And though I would have preferred to make my own notes, I thoroughly enjoyed the “pairing” of the wine and the scenery.

In one of the private tasting rooms in the new facility we next sampled the 2011 WALT “Blue Jay” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. With pungent plum aromas, I next noted strawberry, mint, wet forest and dark chocolate. Once tasted I found ripe red fruit, white pepper and good tannins.

Then came a 2010 Hall T-Bar-T Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. With 15% Merlot softening all of the edges, the wine had a delicious pungent plummy nose with a hint of strawberry, the forest following a rainfall and dark chocolate. In the mouth I liked the abundance of red fruit, white pepper and stable tannins.

The 2010 Hall “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon was a fruit bowl of aromas, dusty blackberry, red licorice, anise, and freshly lumber-jacked trees. On the palate I got the full gamut: blackberry, blueberry skins and robust tannins.

Wanted to buy them all.

Cuvaison

(WM stands for the winemaker notes that I also found, and EB are my own)

2011 Kite Tail Chardonnay

WM: Zesty, brightness and “verve.”

EB: Cheese, lemon-lime, toast, some Sauvignon Blanc qualities.

2011 Spire Pinot Noir

WM: Raspberry, strawberry, clove, allspice.

EB: Minerality and flintiness.

2011 Estate Syrah (Carneros)

WM: Blackberry, lavender.

EB: Pinot Noir qualities, very balanced.

2010 Brandlin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

WM: Cherry, cassis.

EB: Milk chocolate, some slight medicinal notes.

2010 Two Estates

86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep, dark, ripe red fruit, tobacco, good tannins and balance.

Conclusion: Glad we stopped! Such a nice trip down memory lane as we used to be members years ago. And we purchased the Syrah, the Estate Cab and the Two Estates blend.

Napa Valley November 2013 Facebook Album Link

Perlis Picks: Anaba Wines

September 29, 2012 by evebushman

Anaba Wines www.anabawines.com

We were planning our very short visit to Sonoma to coincide with the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. While the main event was scheduled for Saturday, September 1st, and we were scheduled to return home on Sunday, I was determined to get in one winery visit before our scheduled dinner Friday evening at Idell Family Vineyards. Seeking a winery fairly near to our planned dinner event, I asked Susan and Richard Idell for help. They both responded with emails listing about half a dozen wineries each. The one winery that was on both lists was Anaba. A quick visit to the Anaba website convinced me that this was the right place – small artisan producer of Rhone varietals, along with the Carneros requisite Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, put this place right up my alley.

Anaba was founded when John Sweazey acquired Castle Vineyards in 2006. In 2009, he closed the Castle tasting room and opened the Carneros tasting room in a renovated farmhouse on their vineyard property, renaming it Anaba.

When I first saw the name “Anaba”, I was thinking perhaps the owners were Japanese, but I was wrong [as I often am]. The name was derived from the “anabatic winds” that cool the area, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. And windy it was on our visit, as you can see from this picture of us with Michelle Hogan, Marketing Director of Anaba Wines.
After viewing the gorgeous property, we went inside and escaped from the anabatic winds to the Anaba wines, as Michelle led us through a tasting of their current selections in the tasting room.

Again, their wines are mostly Rhones, but the area is of course known for the Burgundy varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well, so a tasting wouldn’t have been complete if we didn’t also try those.

We started the tasting with the delicious 2009 Coriol White Rhone Blend [Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and Marsanne]. We then had the crisp and refreshing 2011 Turbine Pink Grenache Rose.

Moving on to the Chardonnays, the 2009 Sonoma Coast version was a very tasty version of this varietal. And I was totally blown away by the 2009 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chard, which I just found to be an incredibly sexy wine. And the 2009 Pinot Noir from the same vineyard could easily convert this typically-non-Pinot drinker.

But, it was the Rhones I was most interested in, and Anaba has a stellar lineup. I already mentioned the whites, and the reds were outstanding as well. Both the 2008 and 2009 version of the Coriol Red Rhone Blend were delicious. I always love to find a well-made Mourvedre, and the Anaba version was great. And the 2009 Syrah Las Madres was one of the best Syrahs I have had, period.

Winemaker Jennifer Marion, who is also Director of Vineyard Operations, clearly knows what she is doing. She has experience in both winemaking and vineyard management, and this dual knowledge enable her to run the entire process start to finish.

As with many small wineries, production is very limited. They only make about 6,500 cases total, so they run out of specific wines quickly.
https://www.parkviewortho.com/wp-content/languages/new/xenical.html

Buy online or better yet, join their club. You’ll be “blown away”.

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.

Chef Mike Fraschilla: The BEST BUY WINE TASTING WITH WILLIAM TERRY

March 26, 2012 by evebushman

A couple of weeks ago was the Weekly Best Buy Wine Tasting featuring new and cellared wines from Mr William Terry of PWS. Unfortunately a traffic mishap (Not to worry William is fine!) kept him from his duties as host leaving yours truly to carry the day. Here are my notes from The BEST BUY WINE TASTING WITH WILLIAM TERRY – Tuesday March 6, 2012:

Best Buy William Terry
Vintage Wine Special Price Everyday Price

Chef Mike Fraschilla

2005 Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs WS 91
Carneros, CA $15.99 $14.50
A medium bodied 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine. Bursting with crisp flavors of green apple, citrus, and Asian pear Notes of orange flower, toasted bread and vanilla result in a clean finish on this exceptional sparkler.. Fine acidity and balance makes this a wonderfully elegant sparkler at a terrific price! My Favorite for the night! : )

2007 Tiefenbrenner Pinot Grigio WS 88
Alto Adige – Venzie, ITL $15.99 $14.50
This PG is a light yellow to sandy-colored, with a bouquet that hints of pear and candied fruit. The strong structure emphasizing a dry, full bodied taste and round finish.. A perfect companion to all sorts of appetizers, as well as asparagus dishes, lightly dressed salads, seafood, poultry, pork or veal. A PG that really offers more than many of the “lemon water” wines I have tried!

2007 Zenato “Lugana” San Benedetto WS 89
Venato, ITL $15.99 $14.50
A 100% Trebbiano from Northern Italy. This is a wine with a delicate floral and mineral nose, offering orange blossom, fresh earth and a lemon peel base. Medium-bodied, with balanced acidity keeping everything fresh and clean with a long pleasant citrus aftertaste.. A wine that may not appeal to “California” palates but none the less a wonderful expression of this grape!

2008 BV Chardonnay WS 91
Carneros, CA $15.99 $14.50
Bright, pale yellow in color. Offers. big pear and flowers on the nose. Fresh big flavors on the palate, with supple pear fruit aided by citrus hints and a floral element. A fantastic choice for scallops, lobster, roast chicken, grilled fish, creamy soups,
pasta and creamy risotto dishes. A really nicely balanced Chard that is Napa in style but not “over the top” in delievery!

2005 Villa Maria Pinot Noir WS 90
Marlborough, NZ $15.99 $14.50
A Pinot with a perfumed bouquet of ripe cherries and raspberry fruits – hallmarks of Marlborough Pinot Noir. On the palate, the wine displays ripe fruits with complex savory and spice elements. Soft, fine-grained tannins provide structure and definition, yet allow for immediate consumption. Enjoy now until 2009. Serve well with White game meats, lamb dishes, port
salut and other soft cheeses. Again a fine Pinot Noir BUT for those “Fruit Whore” Pinot lovers this one may come off as too classic & elegant for your tastes!

2010 A By Acacia Red Blend WS 90
Central Coast , CA $9.99 $ 9.00
A red blend is 85% Syrah, 10% Merlot, 2% Grenache, 2% Petite Sirah and 1% Zinfandel, the grapes were sourced from vineyards from California’s Central Coast. Dark Ruby color with plenty of notes and flavors of cherry, vanilla, & licorice. A fun fruit filled read blend for pizza,. pasta, and picnics. A pleasnt surprise – Great notes and flavors makes this a real winner at this price point! : )

NV Rosenblum Vineters Cuvee XXXII WS 88
California AVA $10.99 $ 9.99
A Zinfandel Cuvee with a combo of raspberry, plum, and Bing cherry aromas. Sweet mocha and vanilla spices gather around red stone fruits on the medium-bodied palate. The well-balanced acidity & fine tannins showcase the vibrancy of flavors in this accessible wine. A wine for any occasion that, pairs well with barbecued meats, pizza or pastas. Another pleasant surprise that so much drinking pleasure can be packed into this well priced every Zin! : )

1998 Le Mistral By Joseph Phelps ST 89
Napa Valley, CA $24.99 $17.99
The most cellared wine in the night’s tasting and sadly it has begun to show some signs of aging…A hit of faded color and an earthy nose suggested that the notes and flavors of red berries had faded! Still smooth with a great mouth-feel but all but the most die hard of cellar-ed wines will be excited for this wine. would have loved to have opened this wine 2 or 3 years ago! : (

2009 Ben Marco Malbec 92 Pts/ WS RP
Mendoza, ARG. $15.99 $14.50
A wine with deep purple color & aromas of ripe red fruits and roasted coffee beans. Lush, full bodied with loads of chewy,
currant jam flavors, bright acidity, and a savory finish. This wine really unfolds with some air so try not to slurp it down in a rush. Also shows why the Argentine people are in love with Malbec. Some Bonarda was blended in for greater complexity & to achieve better balance. Pairs well with beef, sausages, spiced or grilled pork, veal, medium-strong cheeses, and meat-based pasta sauces. A exceptionally strong showing for this well priced Malbec!

NV Duet Hazelnut Port
Sonoma/S. Australia $17.99 $14.99
DUET, a classic after-dinner wine with a hint of natural hazelnut essence. produced from the same grape variety sourced from Sonoma & Australia and vintner-ed in much the same manner as many well known Spanish fortified wines. The addition of natural hazelnut creates an after-dinner wine that works as a dessert, with dessert, or served alone, as a refreshing aperitif. Loved this dessert wine because the notes and flavors of the Hazelnut were both subtle and natural! : )

Again another great nice for wines at Best Buy…Looking forward to next week when featured wines will be from the Ojai Vineyard. Hope to see there! : )