Vintage Eve Circa 12/2013: Wine of the Month Club Wine Tasting and Podcast

July 25, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

We have so many options for wine clubs these days! Our favorite wineries, wine stores, even newspapers offer clubs. So why Wine Of the Month Club it? Lemme tell ya what I learned during a recent visit, tour and podcast taping with owner Paul Kalemkiarian. (Direct YouTube link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzdbgQI9Gk8)

eve and paul large First of all Paul is Paul the second, his father started the company. And this Paul is doing it all: tasting, rating, negotiating and selecting every wine for their three different monthly clubs. Where that would be it for me, Paul sends a monthly magazine – two-dozen pages – about all of the wines he selected, gifts, recipes and tasting notes. This is the part that got my attention on the cover of the December 2013 issue: Wines evaluated last month: 287; Rejected: 243; Approved: 44; Selected:12. Sounds like Paul has a highly developed palate!

Before we did our video Paul wanted to know more (we had admitted to trolling each other’s websites!) about me. Of course, this was because we would soon appear on film together, but the way he spoke with me showed a real interest. Where I might have expected to meet a salesman, I met a warm, open, compassionate, hard-working business owner. It was an eye-opener for those of us that should never judge a wine by its label. Paul is the real deal, and only provides the real deal.

So let’s see what he sent me home with to taste:

Tasting

2012 Grange Des Dames

Grapes: Clairette and Grenache

Appellation: Ventoux, Rhone

Pale gold in color with aromas of freshly cut sweet pineapple, juicy pear, red Delicious apple, hay and a cool breeze passing over a lush flowerbed; in the mouth I was rewarded with a decent amount of acid – sometimes this characteristic is too bold for me – as well as pineapple juice, a hint of lemon and green honeydew melon. Very pleasant.

2010 Domaine de Poulvarel

Grapes: Syrah and Grenache

Appellation: Costieres de Nimes, France

A full glass elicited a more purple color; aromas of rich dark blueberry, toasted oak, wet stones, pomegranate seeds, and flavors that included blue to black berries, plums, dry, with a very balanced fruit and tannic structure, medium length.

2011 Hermoso Hermosa

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation: Valle del Moule, Chile

Greeted by a dark garnet color, followed by pungent aromas of stewing dark fruit, plums, menthol and a lit cigar. On the mouth it was slightly astringent, bright red fruit, smoke, dry and light tannins. Good for the club price.

2010 Prahova Valley

Grapes: Feteasca Neagra

Appellation: Romania

Romania? This was one of the wines that I tasted during the taping with Paul. Never had the Romanian grape, roughly translated as “Black Maiden”, before. And it was good. Now that I had time to linger over it I found the color to be garnet with a ribbon of browner red on the edge, aromas of fresh raspberry, strawberry, mushroom, simmering spaghetti sauce and a hint of red licorice. Once tasted I got the same bright fruit, including cherry, spice, good tannins and a nice round mouthfeel. Another good club bargain.

From the Website

Wine of the Month Club™ is the oldest mail order wine club in America. Specializing in value-oriented wines, the Wine of the Month Club is open to anyone who has an appreciation of fine wine and is interested in a monthly wine club service. Quality wine delivered to your door, guaranteed!

Our search for our wine club selections never ends. Each month I taste over 400 Italian wines, German wines, California wines, Argentinean wine, Chilean wines, and wines from all the other regions of the world—and I only select 2 to represent the best wine values in the world.

Join the Wine of the Month Club™, America’s favorite wine club. See where it all began…

http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com/

Wine Discovery of the Week: Something from Romania? At a Wine of the Month Club tasting I got to try ’10 Prahova Valley made from Feteasca Neagra (Black Maiden) grapes. Aromas alone included fresh raspberry, strawberry, mushroom, simmering spaghetti sauce and a hint of red licorice.

Montes Wine Tasting Part Two: Wine Tasting and Menu by The District by Hannah An

March 10, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Last week I wrote about meeting up again with old wine friend Alex Guarachi of Guarachi Wine Partners that segued into a nice conversation with the two winemakers I was supposed to meet – Aurelio Montes Sr. (Montes, Chilean wines) and Aurelio Montes Jr. (Kaiken, Argentinean wines) – and a splendid wine tasting luncheon. Part One gave the info on the two winemaking regions, ending with the start of my tasting notes. This week I have the rest of the tasting notes (including my favorite) and the menu.

Tasting – aromas and flavors separated by ;

Montes Outer Limits CGM 2015

50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre

Got a whiff of cigar followed by char, blueberry and mint tea; on the palate it was brighter than I expected with bright red fruit, raspberry, dry with a medium acidity. 91 Eve pts.

Kaiken Obertura Cabernet Franc 2014

100% Cabernet Franc

Red fruit, peat, green peppercorn, vanilla and chocolate all on the nose; with chewy red fruit and a palate drying finish. 92 Eve pts.

Montes Alpha M Red Wine 2012

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Developed fruit- POW- on the nose, with cherry liqueur, butterscotch and dried spice; followed by flavors that were big yet balanced, excellent fruit, pepper and spice. Aurelio Sr. said it spent 18 months on new French oak and a year in bottle before the release. 95 Eve pts.

Kaiken Mai Malbec 2013

100% Malbec

In what Aurelio Jr. called a Malbec that was “100% Argentinean taste” I found butter toffee almond, vanilla bean, milk chocolate, mint and velvety fruit up front; then dusty dark fruit, spice, with a pleasantly tart finish, 92 Eve pts.

Taita Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Winemaker’s Secret Choice**

(**I guessed a Bordeaux for that 15% and Aurelio Sr. told me that was what was discovered in a Bordeaux blind tasting as well.) The Taita series (pronounced Tie-Tuh) were all $249 SRP. The wine tasting today began with wines that were $19.90 SRP, so we got a full range. This 2007 was my favorite of the tasting. It was what Aurelio Sr. called a “glacier ” wine as the soil’s rocky makeup indicated water at some point, but a very long time ago. He didn’t irrigate, but instead forced the roots to search for water, which produced less fruit bunches. He also laid wood chips onto the ground. 96 Eve pts.

Taita Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Winemaker’s Secret Choice*

Barrel aged for two years and four years in the bottle prior to release. I got fresh blueberry, black licorice, mixed peppercorns and roasted meat on the nose; and on the palate it was that same blueberry and pepper, as well as a demi glaze/reduction sauce note, all with a perfect balance. 95 Eve pts.

Taita Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Winemaker’s Secret Choice*

Due to the rains there wasn’t a 2008 to try in this vertical of Taita wines. The new 2010 has just been released to the market. Big pungent aromas of blue and black fruit as well as cigar greeted me on the nose; then this younger wine showed bright fruit and more tannins. Will be even better with some age. 91 Eve pts.

Menu

There were several passed appetizers, including a yummy Vietnamese Spring Roll, before the winetasting. After the tasting guests were treated to Tuna Poke with Avocado Puree and Rice Crisps, Crispy Candied Walnut Prawns, Coriander Crusted New Zealand Lamb, Curry Brussels Sprouts, Hannah’s Famous Noodles and a cheese course. Wines paired at lunch, but not reviewed, included the Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Kaiken Terroir Series Torrontes 2016, Montes Purple Angel 2013, Kaiken Obertura 2014 and Montes Alpha M 2012. A very yum worthy pairing was had by all.

Watch it in less than one minute here.

Aurelio Montes Senior in Chile: http://www.monteswines.com/en/

Aurelio Montes Junior in Argentina: http://kaikenwines.com/en/home/

Guarachi Wine Partners: http://www.guarachiwinepartners.com/

The District by Hannah An: http://thedistrictbyha.com/

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

Meeting and Tasting with Montes Winemakers Part One: Story and Starting the Wine Tasting

March 3, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Oh boy what a surprise and a treat was in store for me…

We’re hoping you can join Montes Winemakers Aurelio Montes Senior and Aurelio Montes Junior for an intimate wine luncheon on Thursday, February 23rd. The Father and son are coming together for the first time in Los Angeles, to share their passion for wine and winemaking.

…as my old friend Alex Guarachi (check out our videotaped interview and tasting back in 2012) with Guarachi Wine Partners, long-time importer for Montes Wines, was there too. I got some good quality time with Guarachi and both Aurelio Montes Sr. (Montes, Chilean wines) and Aurelio Montes Jr. (Kaiken, Argentinean wines) within the first half hour of the event. Before, while sipping on non-vintage Montes Sparkling (100% Chardonnay, only been making for a couple of years) and during the tasting I learned:

Father and son had a day in LA before taking a long flight back to Chile, where harvest has already begun. The seasons in the southern hemisphere are opposite what they are here in California.

Aurelio Jr. and Aurelio Sr.

Chilean wines are exported the most to Japan and U.S.

The father and son duo only jokingly refer to the tasting as Chile versus Argentina. Montes Wines is in Chile, and Kaiken in Argentina. While Jr. concentrates on Argentina, Sr. remains in Chile. They explained some of the differences, not limited to the fact that the two countries are separated by the Andes, Sr. said “Chile has a maritime climate” due to its proximity to the ocean while “Argentina is continental.” Both have rain, but at different times.

Guarachi said that Montes was founded 28 years ago, with four partners, and began selling in the U.S. with 60,000 cases of Montes and 2,000 cases from Kaiken. Now they are producing over 7 million cases collectively.

Guarachi joked that years ago when people were presented with Chilean wines they were unsure of where Chile was, mistaking South America (where Chile and Argentina are) with South Africa.

Aurelio Sr. has received several accolades as a winemaker, innovator and importer. Jr. is also receiving amazing reviews, Guarachi said.

Jr. became interested in wine after a trip to Napa with his father at the ripe age of fifteen. The younger man commented that he was “born in a wine barrel”…and looked to his father with curiosity about his passion for the wine industry.

Aurelio Sr. left us with this thought, when he plants on the hillside, and needs to have irrigation, “I play the music and the plant dances” and on the valley floor it’s the opposite. Jr. said that “a Malbec from Argentina is never less than good” and while Malbec got Argentina out in the world it is now time to “open the gates” for other wines.

Tasting – aromas and flavors separated by ;

Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2014

100% Chardonnay

Lemon zest, ripe pineapple, unsalted butter and wet stone on the nose; on the mouth I got lemon-lime, kiwi and a medium acidity. 90 Eve pts.

Kaiken Ultra Chardonnay 2014

100% Chardonnay

Apricot, apple and cool steel; then a balanced front palate with bruised apple and tropical fruit, lingering acidity on the back palate for the finish. 91 Eve pts.

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot

Sweet plums, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, mushroom, earth and charred steak all on the nose; black fruit, black pepper, tannins and a very long finish in the mouth. 90 Eve pts.

Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec

Aromas of red fruit, white pepper and milk chocolate; followed by big, dark, dry and dusty notes of blueberry, fig, spice and tannins in the mouth. 90 Eve pts.

Montes Alpha Malbec 2014

95% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Dense red to blue fruit, sweet black cherry, and earth all in a velvety nose; with a spicy yet balanced palate filled with dried black berries. 91 Eve pts.

Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2014

100% Malbec

Chocolate, mint, dark berries, clove and concrete up front; flavors of dried cherry, the same dark fruit as in the aroma, dry and mildly tart. 90 Eve pts.

Stay tuned to this website on 3/10/17 for Montes Wine Tasting Part Two and Menu from The District by Hannah An.

Watch it in less than one minute here.

Aurelio Montes Senior in Chile: http://www.monteswines.com/en/

Aurelio Montes Junior in Argentina: http://kaikenwines.com/en/home/

Guarachi Wine Partners: http://www.guarachiwinepartners.com/

The District by Hannah An: http://thedistrictbyha.com/

Creators of Successful Wine Brands, Fat bastard, Root: 1, Clean Slate and Others, Form New Business

January 9, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Consumers will soon have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional wines from around the world for up to 30 percent less. New wine importer, Golden Frog Productions is committed to launching new brands using higher quality grapes, but eliminating more than 85 percent of traditional importer margins to bring consumers these wines for up to one third less. The company is co-founded by industry veterans, Peter Click and Alan MacDonald, the brains behind top-selling wine brands: Root: 1, Clean Slate, High Note, Fat bastard, Eroica and Red Diamond, which have collectively sold more than 10 million cases.

“Most large wine importers have margins up to 45 percent to support their bloated infrastructures. Our margins are below 10 percent,” said Click. “By taking only a small slice, we can pay wineries for quality grapes typically retailing for $25 per bottle, entice both distributors and retailers with outstanding margins and yet retail that $25 wine for $17. This makes us a compelling partner for both wineries and distributors.”

Click is the former founder and CEO of Click Wine Group, which he sold to Winebow in 2008. MacDonald held senior executive positions at Winebow, Click Wine Group and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Golden Frog Productions’ inaugural wine is Awning Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from the prestigious Apalta region located in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. To produce Awning, Golden Frog Productions partnered with Viña Ventisquero, a first-class winery with estate vineyards in Apalta. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the wine is alluring and generous, with blackberry notes, pepper and cassis aromas, complimented by structured tannins. All the fruit comes from Ventisquero’s low-yielding vineyards located on steep, well-drained slopes, producing intensity of flavors unmatched anywhere else in Chile. Awning takes its name from vine leaves that hang over the grapes, creating a natural sunshade during the hottest part of the day, allowing extended hang time and greater flavor development.

“Apalta is home to some of Chile’s most famous wine producers, and Awning is one of the only Cabernet Sauvignons available from this iconic region for less than $20,” said MacDonald. “In a very short time, the wine has had tremendous success in the market and we believe this trend represents the tip of the iceberg.”

Awning Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is currently available in Conn., Fla., Ind., Ky., Mass., Maine, N.C., N.H., Ohio, S.C., Vt., and Wash. for the suggested retail price of $17. The company is currently exploring distribution opportunities in several southern and western states.

Golden Frog Productions plans to launch wines from Spain and France in 2017.

About Golden Frog Productions
Golden Frog Productions, http://goldenfrogproductions.com/awning/, was founded by two industry veterans who were fed up with the stale, boring traditions of the wine industry. The company’s mission is to smash those traditions and give consumers a $17 wines from around the world with the quality and intensity of a typical $25 bottle of wine. The company does this with a unique business model in partnership with world class, like-minded wineries throughout the world.

Perlis Picks: GREAT WINES OF THE ANDES

October 22, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Even though I’ve only been writing for Eve Wine 101 since 2009, I’ve been a wine lover for a lot longer than that – well over 30 years. Not being much of a traveler, I’ve always focused mainly on California wines. For me, the wine experience isn’t just about the wine but about the land, the winemaker, and the people on the other side of the tasting table. California provides us with such a great opportunity to do that and my palate is definitely a home-grown one. At the same time, our bounty here has limited my experience in wines from other parts of the world.

James Suckling does not have that problem. First with Wine Spectator and since 2010 with his own JamesSuckling.com, he is known worldwide as one of the foremost wine experts, traveling around the world and reporting back to his faithful readers, as well as hosting marvelous tasting events.

On September 30, Mr. Suckling brought his “Great Wines of the Andes” event to Mr. C’s in Beverly Hills, showcasing some of the wines he tasted on his last trip to Chile and Argentina earlier in the year. He tasted a lot of wines [about 1,300!] and put together an event that was guaranteed to the satisfy the attendee – wineries were limited to pouring two wines that had to have been rated 90+ points by James Suckling.

Based on that, my wife Karen and I were glad to go check it out. Knowing that Argentina has a reputation for Malbec and Chile for Carmenere, we expected to sample tasty wines of those varietals as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and some Bordeaux-style blends, which we did. But we also got a few surprises along the way. Here were some of our favorites. [Note that in some cases I have only noted the winery and wine name; any comments I do have are in italics – absolute favorite wines of the day are in bold. I take full responsibility for spelling and punctuation errors.]

Abremundos

2012 Malbec Valle de Uco 8^th Octava Bassa

2012 Valle de Uco 8^th Octava Alta Blend [Malbec and Cabernet Franc]

Marcelo Pelleriti Wines

2013 Malbec Valle de Uco Reserve

2012 Valle de Uco Pelleriti Selection Grand Reserve Blend of Terroir [Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc]

Felipe Staiti

2012 Valle de Uco Vertigo [Malbec and Syrah]

Juanchi Baleiron & Marcelo Pelleriti

2014 Malbec Valle de Uco Malbecaster 2014

[All of the above {Abremundos, Marcelo Pelleriti Wines, Felipe Staiti, and Juanchi Baleiron & Marcelo Pelleriti} are under the MarceloPelleriti Wines label. I especially liked the Malbec/Syrah blend, which was one of my favorites of the day and a real surprise to me. Very silky.]

Bodega Piedra Negra

2015 Malbec Valle de Uco Reserve

2016 Pinot Gris Valle de Uco Alta Coleccion

[Karen especially enjoyed the clean, fresh taste of the Pinot Gris.]

Puro Uno

2009 Malbec Mendoza Limitado

2011 Malbec Mendoza Mega

Ritual Winery

2014 Pinot Noir Valle de Casablanca Monster

[Admittedly, Pinot Noir isn’t usually my “thing.” In this case it was.]

2015 Chardonnay Valle de Cacablanca Supertuga Block

Grandes Vinos de San Pedro

2014 Valle de Cachapoal Andes Sideral [Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc]

2013 Valle de Cachapoal Andes Cabo del Hornos [Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah]

[Two outstanding blends. I really like the addition of Rhone varietals into the mix.]

Susana Balbo Wines

2011 Valle de Uco Nosotros Single Vineyard

2015 Torrontes Valle de Uco Barrel Fermented Signature

[The Torrontes, a white varietal, was clean and refreshing. The Valle de Uco Nosotros Malbec had amazing richness and depth of flavor.]

Valdivieso

2010 Carignan Valle de Maule Eclat Vigno

[Old vine Carignan and Monastrell. Wow! Opened my eyes to what Rhones can do here. ]

2013 Apalta Caballo Loco Grand Cru

Valsecchi Wines

2007 Valle Calchaquies Cafayate Desano [Malbec and Tannat]

2008 Valle Calchaquies Cafayate Altoandion [Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat]

[Yes, these are the current releases. Winemaker Diego Valsecchi believes in holding back his wines until they are at their peak. Outstanding wines that are drinking great right now. I think this was Karen’s favorite table, although Diego’s charm may have had something to with that too.]

The above is just a sample of what was being poured at 46 tables. Overall, I was impressed with the quality, at all price points. At the lower end, you’d be hard pressed to get comparable quality in domestic wines. And the higher end wines were equal to great wines from anywhere. I got a lot of what I expected, plus some nice surprises. I was especially excited about the Rhone varietals, and James Suckling told me we can expect to see more of these. All of these wines are worth seeking out – Chile and Argentina are not just for bargain hunters any more. Sign up on JamesSuckling.com so you don’t miss future events.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Vintage Eve Circa Feb 2012: Wine Tasting on Cruise Ships

September 6, 2016 by evebushman 2 Comments

Cruise ship wine tastings are a nice diversion for a day at sea. And since it takes a day just to get to Glacier Bay in Alaska, and I wasn’t going to spend it all in the spa or playing Rummikub with my mother, carving out an hour of me time was not a problem. We enjoyed two wine pairings while on board the Holland America Zaandam; each one a sample of the different wine packages you could order from while on the cruise.

The movement of the boat, or some such excuse, restricted my notes so there are no “Eve Points” in today’s column. But I still had you in mind as I foraged ahead.

Premium Wine Tasting

Led by Cellar Master Rodrigo Geducos in the boat’s posh Pinnacle dining room, we began our escape with Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, France, NV. (Non Vintage, aka NV, is common for most Champagnes.) Popped open just for us of course, I watched as the little bubbles danced into my glass. Notes of honeyed-sugar and green apple in our Champagne paired well with fresh strawberries.

Next came an 04 Lanzerac Chardonnay, South Africa, with a honey color in the glass, fresh oak on the nose, and but I thought it had an unpleasant taste. Geducos paired this with Brie, which helped blow off some of the wine’s aromas, and successfully tuned the pairing.

08 Willamette Valley Vineyards, Pinot Noir, had a young, fruity nose, dry, no tannins in the taste, and a light finish. Again, the pairing made this wine more remarkable: duck pate.

07 Hedges Red Mountain Blend, Family Vineyards, had a perfect nose and the taste held fully matured fruit, some pepper, tannins, and went well with goat cheese.

The last in this tasting was an 05 Silverado Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, with strong flavors of black pepper, wood and structured tannins. The blue cheese it was paired with, not my favorite Stilton Blue, was stronger than the wine deserved.

The wines I liked the best were the Champagne, the blend and the Cabernet.

“We hope that this selection is just enough to please you,” said Geducos. It was.

Navigator Wine Tasting

I gave you the premium first, opposite of what I’d do at home, where I save the best for last. But, as a dry audience, I thought I’d get your salivary glands activated by reversing the order. I’m confident that these should continue to whet your palate:

Again Cellar Master Geducos aptly led us through:

An 09 Robert Mondavi Riesling, Monterey County was full of banana and honey on the nose, pear flavors and a delightful effervescence that dissolved into a long velvety finish.

08 Danzante Pinot Grigio, Italy had a green floral nose, a high acid mouthfeel, more tang than sweet and quite dry.

09 Laboure Roi Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France that I really wanted to like, but with its unripe cherry nose, and empty taste, I hoped it was just too young and would have benefited with decanting.

05 Errazuriz 100% Merlot, Chile, had a great spicy nose, with jammy black cherry and pepper.

08 Diseno Malbec, Argentina, had a lovely mature fruit – almost a perfect plum – and was good to drink. Ordered for dinner that night too!

In this tasting I loved discovering the Riesling, Merlot and the Malbec.

UPDATED NEWS for STARS of Pinot 2016 and a Promo Code!

July 15, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

PINOT FANS WILL REJOICE – Next Wednesday!
The CHAMPAGNE of Pinot Events is here… NEXT Wednesday!
THE DIVA of PINOT EVENTS! No, more like the DEVO of Wine Events!

55 STARS of Pinot are invading LA next Wednesday Night! STARS of PINOT is here! And its bigger and better than last year. Some of The Worlds Best Pinot producers will be gathering in Los Angeles for an elite tasting event on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

Lets say you wanted to just come for the food… How does La Brea Bakery, Hudson Valley Fois Gras, Beemster Gouda, Olympia Provisions, Valrhona Chocolate, and many other artisan producers of fine provisions will be in attendance! In addition to the efforts of the SOFITEL providing a pasta bar and salad bar all night.

Lets say, it was about the wine… again, this event will not disappoint. From Champagne, France to the heart of the Russian River in Sonoma, from McMinnville, Oregon to Casablanca, Chile; from Burgundy to Santa Barbara and great vineyards in-between; wineLA is proud to announce their 2016 winery participants which includes Official Champagne Sponsor “Charles Heidsieck” (Yes, “Champagne” is made from Pinot), Albatross Ridge, Argot Wines, AVE Winery, Alexander Valley Winery Co, Balletto Vineyards, Bernardus Winery, Blair Estate, Breathless Wines, Brittan Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Casa Marin, Cellars 33, Center of Effort, Challen, Charles Heidsieck, Clos Pepe Estate, Decoy Wines, Dolin Estate, Donelan Family Wines, Domaine Nicolas-Jay, Ferrari-Carano, The 50 by 50, Flowers, Fog Crest Vineyard, Foley Family Wines, FOXEN , Frank Family Vineyard, Goldeneye, Guarachi Family, Gypsy Canyon Winery, Hanzell Vineyards, Hawkins Cellars, Hope & Grace Wines, J.Lohr, Keller Estate, Le Cadeau, Lumos Wine Co., Mansfield-Dunne, Melville Winery, Migration, Niner Wine Estates, Rocky Point Cellars, Senses Wines, Sonoma-Loeb Wines, Talley Vineyards, Temerity Vineyard, Testarossa Winery, The Hilt, Timbre Winery, Tolosa Winery, Westwood Annadel , Wonderment Wines, Wrath …. and the list goes on…. over 200 wines!! Also, the founder of the BAND DEVO, GERALD CASALE will be there pouring his wine and taking photos!!!

Adding both delicious bites and conversation; event partners CHEFS WAREHOUSE distributors of all things tasty, and suppliers to some of the greatest restaurants in LOS ANGELES will be producing a luxury food show inside this event. Guest Chefs will be invited to participate and enjoy the PINOT tasting at the same time. Gourmet Cheeses from some of the nations top producers, Charcuterie by the best: Olympia Provisions from Oregon, Chocolate (can you say Val Rhona?) Truffles, Premium Olive Oils as well as our sponsor LA BREA BAKERY will be showcasing their best. Panel hosts and refined lifestyle experts will also be appearing for a luxury food panel (6:00pm VIP evening ticket holders) hosted by LA Restaurant Critic and Book Author Patric KUH – Author of “Finding the Flavors We Lost: From Bread to Bourbon, How Artisans Reclaimed American Food” .

General Admission tickets can be purchased for $125 and includes unlimited wine tasting, and an exceptional assortment of appetizers, cheeses, and desserts all provided by some of the great sponsors mentioned above, the list is growing! Wine aficionados may choose to purchase a VIP ticket for $200, VIP includes early admission, a 6:00pm plated dinner, VIP gift bag, and an exclusive panel tasting (Panel A) with Amy Christine, A Master of Wine, who panels with Matt Dees- Jonata/ Hilt, Michael McNeill- Hanzell, Gerald Casale- The Fifty by Fifty, Jim Kress- Tolosa and Tom Mortimer- Le Cadeau or (Panel B) with Patric KUH, and named professions to be announced. All ticket purchasing guests will receive one complimentary take-home SCHOTT ZWIESEL Pinot Wine Glass – a $15 value!

Guests will also have a chance to bid on an array of extraordinary auction items: rare wines, dinners, collectables, and exciting trips ranging in value from $100 to $10,000+. One hundred percent of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, a Los Angeles based 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting innovative groundbreaking research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. We have raised over $350,000, and want to continue raising money for this fantastic life changing cause!

Stars of Pinot will commence for General Admission at 7:00pm and VIP at 6:00pm… with wine pouring until 9:30pm and celebrated ex-KROQ (now-SIRIUS XN) DJ RICHARD BLADE will play music until 10pm.
PROMO CODE “GOPINOT” SAVES $20 until 3pm on the day of the event

For more information about Stars of Pinot or to purchase tickets, visit www.winela.com/starsofpinot or
call wineLA at (310) 451-7600.

To accomplish it’s mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion. Come and enjoy!

Announcing STARS of Pinot

July 10, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Over 60+ Pinot producers from around the world will be gathering in Los Angeles for an elite tasting event on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

Los Angeles, California – STARS of Pinot is back for a smashing event… we are preparing this to be wineLA’s biggest event in YEARS!!! From Champagne, France to the heart of the Russian River in Sonoma, from McMinnville Oregon to Casablanca Chile; from Burgundy to Santa Barbara and great vineyards in-between; wineLA is proud to announce their 2016 winery participants which includes Official Champagne Sponsor “Charles Heidsieck” (Yes, “Champagne” is made from Pinot), AVE Winery, AVV Winery Co, Balletto Vineyards, Breathless Wines, Bernardus Winery, Blair Estate, Brittan Vineyards, Cakebread Cellars, Casa Marin, Cellars 33, Center of Effort, Challen Winery, Clos Pepe Estate, Decoy, Dolin Family Cellars, Donelan, Domaine Nicolas-Jay, Ferrari-Carano , Flowers, Fog Crest Vineyard, FOXEN, Frank Family Vineyards, Goldeneye , Guarachi Family Wines, Hanzell Vineyards , Hope & Grace Wines, J. Lohr, Keller Estate, Le Cadeau, Mansfield-Dunne Wines, Migration, Niner Wine Estates, Rocky Point Cellars, Sonoma-Loeb Wines, Talley Vineyards, Temerity Vineyard, Testarossa, The Fifty by Fifty, The Hilt, Timbre Winery, Tolosa Winery, Westwood Annadel, Wrath…. and the list goes on.Adding both delicious bites and conversation; event partners CHEFS WAREHOUSE distributors of all things tasty, and suppliers to some of the greatest restaurants in LOS ANGELES will be producing a luxury food show inside this event. Guest Chefs will be invited to participate and enjoy the PINOT tasting at the same time. Gourmet Cheeses from some of the nations top producers, Charcuterie by the best: Olympia Provisions from Oregon, Chocolate (can you say Val Rhona?) Truffles, Premium Olive Oils as well as our sponsor LA BREA BAKERY will be showcasing their best. Panel hosts and refined lifestyle experts will also be appearing for a luxury food panel (6:00pm VIP evening ticket holders) hosted by LA Restaurant Critic and Book Author Patric KUH – Author of “Finding the Flavors We Lost: From Bread to Bourbon, How Artisans Reclaimed American Food”

General Admission tickets can be purchased for $125 and includes unlimited wine tasting, and an exceptional assortment of appetizers, cheeses, and desserts all provided by some of the great sponsors mentioned above, the list is growing! Wine aficionados may choose to purchase a VIP ticket for $200, VIP includes early admission, a 6:00pm plated dinner, VIP gift bag, and a exclusive panel tasting (Panel A) with Amy Christine, A Master of Wine, who panels with Matt Dees- Jonata/ Hilt, Michael McNeill- Hanzell, Gerald Casale- The Fifty by Fifty, and Tom Mortimer- Le Cadeau or (Panel B) with Patric KUH, and named professions to be announced. All ticket purchasing guests will receive one complimentary take-home SCHOTT ZWIESEL Pinot Wine Glass – a $15 value!

Stars of Pinot will commence for General Admission at 7:00p.m., and VIP at 6:00p.m.

For more information about Stars of Pinot or to purchase tickets, visit www.winela.com/starsofpinot or
call wineLA at (310) 451-7600.

About wineLA
wineLA is focused on enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, wine programs, private client in-home wine experiences, and tastings of merit. This is the second phase of what the organization started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation!!To accomplish it’s mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion. Come and enjoy!

WINESELLERS, LTD. ACCEPTS “IMPORTER OF THE YEAR” AWARD FROM WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE

January 31, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Chicago Based, Family Owned Importer Earns 2015 Wine Star Award

(CHICAGO, Ill.; January 26, 2016) – Last night, Chicago based importer Winesellers, Ltd. accepted the 2015 Wine Star Award for “Importer of the Year” in New York City at the Wine Enthusiast Magazine “Wine Star Awards” black-tie gala which took place at The New York Public Library. Each year since 2000, the editors of Wine Enthusiast honor the individuals and companies that have made outstanding achievements in the wine and beverage industry with the magazine’s annual award ceremony.

Winesellers, Ltd., founded in 1978 by Yale Sager, is now overseen day-to-day by his two sons, Adam Sager and Jordan Sager. All three were in attendance to accept the award. The company imports and sells wines to all 50 U.S. states with a diverse portfolio of producers and brands from Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and other countries worldwide that can be found in premier retailers and restaurants throughout the U.S.Winesellers, Ltd. imports renowned producers such as Besserat de Bellefon Champagne, Portugal’s Quinta de la Rosa and Argentina’s Familia Zuccardi (also named a nominee for New World Winery of the Year in 2015 by Wine Enthusiast). The importer is also reputed for sourcing and developing its own highly regarded brands like Tortoise Creek from California’s Lodi and Central Coast regions; Sea Pearl from Marlborough, New Zealand; Tiamo, organic wines crafted from a collection of small organic certified growers throughout Italy; and La Fiera and Gran Passione, regional Italian wines showcasing the country’s rich diversity from the northern border all the way to Sicily.“We are so honored to have received this accolade and will strive to live up to the excellence of the award. I am proud to be building Winesellers, Ltd. with my brother Jordan and my father, who founded our company 38 years ago,” said Vice President Adam Sager. “The Wine Star Award is a testament to my fathers tireless work over the years and his commitment to our employees, suppliers and wholesalers – many of whom have been with us since the beginning. We are committed to working with family producers and aim to bring consumers the best wine values through market driven activities that build lasting relationships,” he added.

ABOUT WINESELLERS, LTD.
Founded in 1978 by Yale Sager, Winesellers, Ltd. is a second generation, family-owned and globally recognized importer and marketer of fine wines to the U.S. market. The company’s portfolio represents the finest quality of wines in their respective price category and has widespread distribution in all 50 U.S. states.

Winesellers, Ltd. portfolio includes:

Argentina: Santa Julia, Zuccardi (Mendoza)
Australia: Hope Estate Family Vineyards (Hunter Valley/Western Australia)
Austria: Pratsch (Niederosterreich)
California: Tortoise Creek (Lodi/Clarksburg/Central Coast), Santa Barbara Winery, Lafond Winery & Vineyards (Santa Rita Hills), Vinum Cellars (Central Coast, Napa/Clarksburg)
Chile: Hacienda Araucano (Colchagua)
France: Besserat de Bellefon (Champagne), Charles Armand, EXEM Bordeaux, Mont Gravet, Le Charmel, Avive
Germany: Heinz Eifel, Dr. H. Thanisch-Muller Burggraef, Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, Bollig Lehnert, Dr. Heyden, Fitz Ritter, Eifel-Pfeiffer
Italy: Tiamo Organic, Bellafina Sparkling, La Fiera, Gran Passione, Prodigo
New Zealand: Sea Pearl, Fault Line, Fire Road (Marlborough), Murdoch James (Martinborough)
Portugal: Quinta de la Rosa (Duoro)
Spain: Mas Fi Cava (Penedes), Resso (D.O. Catalunya), Pazo Torrado (D.O. Rias Baixas), Clos de Nit (D.O. Montsant) Dominois de Castilla (D.O. Rueda, Toro & Ribera del Duero), Navardia (D.O.C Rioja)
Artisan Ciders: Manoir de Grandouet, Domaine de la Minotiere, Cidrerie Dausfrene (Normandy), Le Brun de Bretagne (Brittany), Bodegas Mayador (Asturias)

For more information, visit www.winesellersltd.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Vintage Beacon Circa March 2010: Chile Came to Santa Clarita

December 22, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

On March 6 I interviewed Chef Tamra Levine about her inspired interpretation of Chilean fare for a wine pairing dinner at Salt Creek Grille. A month later, and I’m still ranting about it. But the difference is that I’ve now had the dinner.

You may have remembered last Thursday. The winds whipped up to try and keep us all nestled indoors. But, at exactly 6:15, after I had whipped my own coif up into a tightly fastened “do”, it all calmed down.

I had to imagine that the same thing might be happening in the kitchens at Salt Creek Grille. Along with their regular Thursday night bustle, they made an impressive inaugural debut in their catering department. And not any of the items were off of the menu; it was all created just for us.

Introduction: Chile 101

Whisked into the tightly tented outdoor bar unlike no other, guests were greeted with full flutes of sparkling wine – not on our printed menu.

From there we were seated, and like any classy event, were assigned to tables with people of like tastes. I was thrilled to find myself placed with Lil Lepore and Shari Fraizer, owners of Vino 100 Valencia. We enjoyed some fun “shop talk.”

Within minutes Greg Amsler, in between meetings for his man-of-the year nomination, welcomed us and introduced Tamra, who in turn, thanked us for attending the first of several regional wine pairing meals she had planned. I wanted her to tell the crowd that she is the only caterer and near sommelier in our valley equipped to create the meals and choose the wines for them, but being far more modest than I am, she instead introduced Alex Guarchi, president of TGIC Importers to talk to the crowd.

“I want to thank you all for taking the time to come to a dinner, during this recession. Taking the time for wine – if we don’t do that – there is something wrong with that picture.”

“Taste is very subjective I believe. You have to be open to the wine and food and let them speak for themselves. You will have light wines with the lighter food and then be introduced to bigger wines.”

“You’ve undoubtedly heard several do’s and don’ts with wine. Who here knows which fish is okay to have with a Pinot Noir?” To which Lil Lepore confidently answered, “Salmon!”

The Courses Begin

While Alex spoke, our first course arrived: Empanada de Camerone Humitas, Calabaza, Corn and Coconut soup with Pisco Sours. Pisco is a brandy made of Muscatel grapes in Chile and Peru; no one knows who created it first. The bar staff mixed it with egg whites, lime and sugar. The egg whites coated my tongue in a sugary glaze – the perfect aperitif to the soup and empanada.

Next came pan seared Chilean Sea Bass Moho paired with a low French oaked 2007 Santa Ema Reserve Chardonnay. Guests commented that the delicate fish balanced well with the wine.

Merken dusted Pheasant Breast Medallions stuffed with Chilean mushrooms made me wonder where you could get pheasant in SCV. Served over a bed of Chorizo laced Quinoa Risotto, I was surprised to learn from Tamra that the quinoa was an ancient grain and actually the seed of a plant. Paired with 2007 Montes Alpha Pinot Noir aged 12 months in French Oak, my palate was experiencing heaven.

Then, if that wasn’t enough, on came the Adobo Marinated Flank Steak with Chilean salsa, Potato and Onion Timbale and a 2005 Santa Ema Catalina. I was left to try and choose which of the reds I enjoyed more…and couldn’t do it.

Sneaking back to the kitchens to see the more-than-competent staff create the dessert, I shot some fun photos and then raced back as not to miss a bite. I did note that there was a friendly feel among them and I was happy to see that a meal this noteworthy could be managed so pleasantly.

My Dulce de Leche Ice Cream with raspberries, apricots and a to-die-for perfectly warmed Caramel Shot was accompanied by a 2008 Montes late harvest Gewurztraminer. I don’t usually eat desserts. I don’t usually enjoy late harvest wines. But, then again, I’d never had Chilean food in my life. It was not a night for usual tastes; it was one that was as Alex Guarchi had suggested, “Be open to the wine and food – and let them speak for themselves.”