My Fave Wines From 2020: The Year When Drinking Wine Became Everyone’s Favorite Pastime

February 12, 2021 by evebushman

Lots pop into our heads when we think of 2020, and of course we aren’t out of the woods yet, or even close, so far for 2021. For me it was a windfall of wines sent for review, often accompanied by a Zoom tasting led by the winemaker. I (virtually) traveled to Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy and more in those meetings and via my own cellar. And before Covid shut things down I did have quick trips to Los Olivos, Paso Robles and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Below is a collection of some of my favorite wines from 2020. If any of this sounds good to you, go find these wines!

It turns out that I had about 50 wine tastings, if not more, in 2020. These shout-outs are from EveWine101 website articles: the 2020 Gambero Rosso Master Class, 2017 Bordeaux presented by the Union des Grand Crus, Vega Sicilia collectors dinner with Pablo Alvarez, Fontanafredda Barolo, wine from New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay, Folded Hills Winery with winemaker Angela Osborne, California Wine STARS 2020, LA County Wines (Byron Blatty, Acri Wine Company, Angeleno Wine Company and Cavaletti Vineyards), Zoom tasting with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt and their 2012 Date Night Cabernet, Camins 2 Dreams, Gary Farrell single vineyard Pinots with winemaker Theresa Heredia, revisiting Montemar, catching up with winemaker Mark Cargasacchi and Jalama wines, also visiting Ampelos and Zotovich in Lompoc, Switchback Ridge via the Grand Reserves Reward Master Card, tasting from family-owned wineries with Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, great wines that stole my palate but not my wallet from Guarachi Wine Partners, reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion, Tenuta Montemagno sparkling Barbera, Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei, Paul Kornell Sparkling…

In SCV Elite Magazine this year I got to write about wine tasting in Paso Robles just before the shutdown. Had exceptional experiences at Thacher Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Derby Wine Estates, Steinbeck Wines, Cass Wines, Eberle Winery, Oso Libre Winery, HammerSky vineyards and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

January started out great with my first, and last, visit and dinner at Marstons with my VP/BFF Michael Perlis, our wonderful spouses, all over lots of wine ($10 corkage!) including 2013 Audacious Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend by Law Estate, 2013 Comstock Rockpile/Sonoma County Zinfandel, 2009 Regusci Zinfandel Napa Valley…

At Wine 661: Lucas And Lewellen tasting where we sampled five of their Santa Barbara County wines, including a Rose of Pinot and a Bordeaux blend. Had a couple of wines off of the Happy Hour menu. This was not the last time I went to Wine 661 in 2020…

Now some single bottle shout outs:

Vinos Zanzonico 2017 Syrah Reserva: 100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol, from the Valle de la Grulla area of Baja. With a regal dark purple color, I was drawn in to fantastic aromas of sweet black cherry, plum, tri-color peppercorns, layers of rich bark, milk chocolate…all very welcoming. I went in for a taste and was rewarded with a very rich and layered mouthfeel, with dark and dry blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, peppery spicy goodness and tannins that held my back palate at attention for a length that just would…not…quit. 99 Eve points.

2014 Old Vine Zichichi Family Vineyard Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley: The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate at all to a hot wine on the palate, instead it delivered incredible substance. It started with a nose full of sweet dark plums, pipe tobacco, black licorice, toasted oak, black pepper and popcorn kernel. Going in for a taste my mouth was filled with delicious dried blueberry and blackberry, that same black pepper, tannins that held firm, and a great balance of the dark fruit and tannins to keep it lingering a long time on the palate. This was a new Zin discovery for me, will definitely be looking for it again!

Entourage by Two Papas Wine barrel fermented (1) and stainless steel (2) 2019 Chardonnay, Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County: 1. Barrel: Designated by a gold wax top (the stainless has a silver wax top) I was amazed that this was a young 2019 vintage! It had lovely notes of creamy butter, pineapple, golden delicious apple and popcorn kernel that morphed into caramel apple on the palate, mild acidity, with a long, balanced and lush finish. 2. No barrel: Our stainless sibling gave off nicely scented whiffs of Meyer lemon, both cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and a little unsalted butter. When I tasted the wine I got homemade fruit cocktail, wet pebbles, low acidity and a medium finish.

2018 Kindred Rose of Pinot Noir: The color of rose gold, complete with sparkles! Then on the nose I found pink grapefruit, lemon pith, French Toast, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin orange = all very inviting! In for a taste next, there is a very round mouthfeel, and the same citrus fruits I found on the nose – grapefruit, lemon and orange – with a medium acidity. Enjoy now, with or without food IMO!

2015 Phifer Pavitt XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon: Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you go back in for another sip…and another.

2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red: aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate.

2001 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, a Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont…I looked for the roses, tar, licorice and red berries (notes from a professional critic) and also found tart berries, spice and tannins after decanting for 7 hours. So interesting.

Have you tried Guentota, aka the “Soul of Cuyo”, a “100-YR-OLD-VINE PREMIUM 2016 MALBEC” from Mendoza, Argentina? It’s from Belasco De Baqueano and was awarded 91 points from James Suckling. And I was far too busy lapping it up to make any tasting notes. But find it at Newhall Press Room. (Truth be told I had a LOT of wine from Newhall Press in 2020!)

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, I have no notes as I was also too busy drinking to take any. A stellar wine as it’s been proven vintage after vintage.

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo: The nose and taste had really changed and mellowed over the 7 hours, with aromas of dried dark fruit, grilled mushroom, balsamic, dust and oak; on the palate I got both bright and dark fruit in a very fine balance.

From my local Pulchella Winery we had: Suspect sparkling wine, 2019 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend, 2017 Mercenary Zinfandel blend, 2018 Witness Grenache…among others!

A note on Los Olivos: this was a non-press trip so no notes were taken. With that in mind we loved: Barbieri and Kempe are “Boutique wines made by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri” along with his wife Erin Kempe = bought a case! The second, Bella Cavailli Farms and Vineyard, produces some amazing wines against a backdrop of a working horse ranch, as well as some fun distilled spirits from Dorwood Distillery. Jeff Lockwood is the winemaker and his brother Jay the head distiller. We left there with both wine and spirts to enjoy at home.

A note from Wine on the Porch: During the summer months we enjoyed Hanzell Chardonnay, Saintsbury Chardonnay, Parhelion Cellars Light Pillar Chardonnay, St Supery Virtu Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, Pagter Brothers 2018 Viognier, and from Hoi Polloi I snatched up their 2018 Rose of Grenache and Double-Gold Best-Of-Class 2018 Chardonnay!

A note about spirits: Yea, I wrote a lot about spirits this year too, stay tuned for a roundup of those next!

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.

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2018: A Trio of 2016 Carmenere

December 22, 2020 by evebushman

I became a fan of Carmenere wines when first introduced to them, most likely via Alex Guarachi of Guarachi Wine Partners when his distribution company was formerly known as TGIC – Thank God it’s Chilean – a decade or more ago. The grape is one of the noble Bordeaux grape varieties and made especially well in the Chilean terroir, in my humble opinion. Today I share my tasting notes of three from the recent 2016 vintage.

Photo of Carmenere grapes from Wine.com

Marques de Casa Concha 2016: SRP $25

Color: Dark purple opaque in color.

Aromas: boysenberry, sweet plums, blackberry, blueberry, stems, mild spice, cigar, coffee grounds, rich.

Taste: big and jammy, spicy, blue to black fruit, tobacco, oak, dark chocolate, espresso.

90 Eve pts.

Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2016: SRP $11

Color: Deep purple.

Aromas: blueberry, blackberry, milk chocolate, coffee, black pepper, balanced.

Taste: tart, bright red fruit but dark fruit and tannins on the back palate that delivered a nice medium length finish.

87 Eve pts.

Serie Riberas Gran Reserva 2016: SRP $17

Color: Purple, dark edge

Aromas: red, blue and black fruit, cloves, mint, black tea, pepper.

Taste: dark and tannic, predominant black fruit, dusty and spicy.

89 Eve pts.

Carmenere Over The Years (Abbreviated facts from Distributor)

Ancient grape variety from Médoc region of France, where it rarely played more than a walk-on role in the pre-Phylloxera (i.e. pre-1867) Bordeaux blend. Possibly a clone of Cabernet Sauvignon (debatable). Prone to coulure (prevents vine buds from flowering) in Bordeaux’s damp, old spring climate; hence, Bordeaux growers opted not to replant in the post-Phylloxera era.

Rediscovered in Chile in 1994 by visiting French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot who, noting the unusual length of time certain portions of Chilean Merlot took to mature, deduced that those vines were in fact Carmenere. It’s thought that Carmenere cuttings from Bordeaux were introduced in Chile in the 1900s and quickly confused with Merlot.

Chile’s long, dry growing season has proven far more conducive to quality, stand-alone Carmenere than Bordeaux’s Médoc, with its damp, chilly spring and early-autumn rains. South of Santiago, Chile’s Cachapoal region and the Peumo area in particular produce the country’s finest Carmenere — a super-finicky grape when it comes to terroir. Carmenere requires a long growing season: in Chile, Merlot is harvested in early March; Cabernet Sauvignon in mid-April; Carmenere, however, is best left on the vine until mid-May.

As its name suggests, Carmenere has a high natural color index, resulting in a crimson-red wine, but it’s equally likely the name refers to the carmine-red foliage of Carmenere vines in the fall.

At its best, a Carmenere is silky, dense, juicy even, with barely perceptible tannins, which is why it was and still often is used to counterbalance other varieties with harder tannins.

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

Chilean Wine Sales Are Up, Reversing 10-Year Trend

October 3, 2020 by evebushman

On Friday, September 18, Chile celebrated its national Independence Day. The country’s wine exporters can also raise a glass to a recent sales turnaround: Reversing a ten-year downward trend, Chilean wines sales are up in the U.S. According to the latest import data, Chile is the seventh largest source of imported wine in the U.S., and the only one of the top seven to experience an increase in U.S. sales during the first quarter of 2020.

Wines of Chile, Year to Date

In a comparison of year-to-year sales, Chile saw a 40.68% increase in volume, translating into a 36.57% uptick in dollars in the 12-month period concluding June 30, 2020. While bulk wines account for roughly two-thirds of that volume, bottle sales have risen by 2% in volume, and 13% in value.
Red wines continue to drive Chilean wine sales, led by red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chile is riding high on three “on-trend” categories: rosés, bag-in-box, and Mediterranean wines here in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020

- The country’s rosé sales have more than doubled — up 114%
- Bag-in-box exports have grown by over 19% in volume
- Mediterranean varieties like País and Carignan are not only catching the attraction of the trade and wine experts, including off-premise channels such as supermarkets

The leading driver for Chile’s wine sales in the U.S. continues to be the country’s larger, well-established players with broad nationwide U.S. distribution, who are benefitting from consumer reliance on “tried-and-trusted,” familiar and reliable brands during the pandemic.

– The current pricing sweet spot for Chile in the U.S. is $10-$20, with the biggest growth in the $11-$15 category. According to Alonso “This is where Chile excels and demonstrates outstanding value-to-quality performance.” The Chilean category has also been able to absorb with relative ease the average 1% pricing decrease affecting domestic and imported wines in the first semester of this year.

Also of Note

– Eighty percent of Chilean wines exported are sustainable and verified as such. Notes Alonso: “Chile is a world leader in sustainability from vineyard to table and Wines of Chile has been instrumental in settings standards in this area.” The Wines of Chile Responsibility Code covers: (1) sustainable technical management of vineyards, (2) winery and bottling practices, (3) safety and social responsibility covering workers, nearby communities and even customers, and (4) Sustainable Wine Tourism, a recently launched initiative.

– 70% of Chilean wines exported to the U.S. are sold in off-premise accounts.

– In a new Wine Opinions survey, 48% of consumers who regularly spend over $20 a bottle reported an increase in their average weekly wine consumption. With great values at the $20-plus end of the spectrum, Chile looks to attract new converts.

– During COVID-19, the data also shows that the largest consumers of wine have been millennials. While millennials drink less wine than the previous generation, when they do, they are more adventurous, and willing to try new varieties such as País.

About Wines of Chile: The mission of Wines of Chile is to promote the quality and image of Chilean wines throughout the world. With offices in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Chile, the organization, working closely with ProChile, develops and offers promotional and educational programs. Its members represent over 75% percent of Chile’s bottled wine exports.

ANNOUNCING THE 20TH ANNUAL WORLD OF PINOT NOIR

January 27, 2020 by evebushman

The event – March 5-7, 2020 in Santa Barbara – will include Grand Tastings featuring more than 250 wineries from around the globe, Pinot Noir and Champagne parties, pairing dinners and expert-led seminars.

October 14, 2019 (Santa Barbara, Calif.) – The World of Pinot Noir (WOPN), the wine industry’s foremost organization dedicated to the education and celebration of Pinot Noir, is now selling tickets for its marquee event, taking place March 5-7, 2020 at the seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara in sunny Santa Barbara.

More than 3,000 wine lovers are expected to attend the 20^thAnnual World of Pinot Noir, which includes an opening night party followed by two full days of pairing dinners prepared by renown chefs, parties, two Grand Tastings featuring more than 250 premier Pinot Noir wineries from around the globe, and expert-led educational tasting seminars.

To mark this momentous anniversary, special seminars, dinners and new events have been added to the weekend-long program. The What’s New List includes:

The annual Burgundy Seminar will explore Grand and Premier Crus. This year’s featured winery is Bouchard Pére et Fils.
Bollinger Champagne joins the 20^thAnniversary celebration offering a vertical seminar, and an exclusive Bollinger Champagne La Grand Annee release dinner.
Award-winning Chef Santos MacDonal, of Il Cortile and La Cosecha restaurants in Paso Robles, is crafting a menu to pair with the Pinot Noirs from Italy’s Alto Adige, as well as wines from Argentina and Chile, among others.
A special Founders Dinner, featuring many of the winemakers (and their coveted wines) who helped launch the World of Pinot Event 20 years ago includes: Talley Vineyards, Foxen, Patz & Hall, Adelsheim Vineyard and Stephen Ross Wine Cellars.
A seminar and luncheon hosted by Santa Barbara’s Wine Cask restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara, kicks off the weekend with a deep dive into the amazing wines of Italy’s Alto Adige.

Also new this year are exclusive opportunities for Weekend Passport holders. The Weekend Passport is the World of Pinot Noir’s all-inclusive, fully customizable VIP ticket for the entire weekend. In addition to having a concierge help guests navigate the options, those who purchase their Weekend Passport prior to Nov. 30, 2019, will secure tickets to the Bollinger Champagne tasting seminar and have priority access to the event’s most exclusive dinners: the Vintage Burgundy Dinner hosted by the SommFoundation, and the first-ever Bollinger Champagne Le Grand Dinner.

To view the full lineup of events, and to purchase tickets, including the Weekend Passport, please visit WorldofPinotNoir.com.

About The World of Pinot Noir

WOPN, a non-profit trade organization, was established in 2001 by a small, dedicated group of winemakers from California’s Central Coast. The group’s mission is to bring together the world’s foremost Pinot Noir producers, and in a gorgeous setting, celebrate the delicious wine grape. Wineries, potential sponsors and wine enthusiasts interested in learning more, please visit worldofpinotnoir.com, or contact info@wopn.com. Follow and tag us on Facebook,Twitterand Instagram. #wopn #wopn20

Wine House’s Monica Marin, DipWSET, Nominated as WSET Educator of the Year

January 2, 2020 by evebushman

WEST LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The Wine House, named one of the world’s best wine shops by Food & Wine, is proud to announce that Monica Marin, Director of Education, is one of ten educators worldwide that have been nominated by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) as an Educator of the Year for 2019.

Monica Marin, center, flanked by her WSET students. Photo: Facebook.

“We are thrilled that the WSET is recognizing what we have known all along – that Monica Marin is a phenomenal and passionate wine educator,” said Bill Knight, Wine House President. “We have been fortunate to have Monica leading Wine House WSET programs of all levels here since 2012, and our customers have benefited greatly from her knowledge and enthusiasm.”

The Educator of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contribution of an individual or company within WSET’s network of Approved Programme Providers. The recipient will have demonstrated a significant contribution to the development of WSET, promoting its values and vision while achieving noteworthy success in their own region. The award is proudly sponsored by Riedel.

Marin started out teaching Levels 2 & 3 Award in Wines & Spirits, and she now also teaches Level 4 Diploma in Wines as well as WSET Level 1 in Wines and Level 1 in Sake courses. The Wine House teaches over 500 WSET students a year and has recently opened two satellites in the wine-growing areas of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. Marin is also a ‘Flying Wine Educator,’ teaching several times a year in Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Panama and Mexico.

Originally from Spain, Marin teaches in English and Spanish and enjoys experiencing the different cultures as she shares her love of teaching and her students enjoy learning about wine!

“It is an incredible honor to be considered for such an award by the WSET, and I am grateful to be nominated along with other top wine educators from around the world,” said Marin.

In January 2020, The Wine House will offer WSET Level 1 in Wines, WSET Level 2 in Wines, WSET Level 3 in Wines and WSET Level 1 in Sake. More courses, including a new intake of WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, will be offered throughout the year.

About The Wine House:

The Wine House is a family-owned independent retailer that has been serving customers from around the world for over 40 years and was named as one of the Ten Best Wine Stores in the World by Food & Wine. Our 25,000 square foot facility in West Los Angeles, CA has a vast selection of over 6,000 domestic and imported wines, spirits and beers that is one of the largest and well-curated collections in the country. With helpful and knowledgeable staff to help customers make their selection and a wide variety of events such as seminars, tastings, wine and food pairings – from casual, in-store tastings, to sit down dinners with winemakers from all over the world as well as in-depth seminars that lead to certifications – we provide a unique, exciting shopping environment for clients ranging in wine experience from the complete novice to the connoisseur. We are honored to be the First Call for customers seeking products or assistance with any of our wide variety of products.

About the Wine & Spirit Education Trust:

Set up in 1969 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, WSET is the largest global provider of qualifications in the field of wines and spirits.
WSET offers qualifications across four levels, from one-day beginner courses through to an expert level diploma. Courses are available in more than 15 languages and over 70 countries and are open both to industry professionals and interested enthusiasts.
WSET is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, the English regulator of qualifications and examinations. All WSET qualifications have a strong reputation worldwide as the industry standard for knowledge.
In the last academic year (2018/19) over 100,000 candidates sat for a WSET qualification and, since 1969, WSET has awarded nearly one million individuals a WSET qualification.

For more information about WSET, please visit WSETglobal.com.

Crittenden Estate of Australia Wins Top Honors in 2020 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition

December 23, 2019 by evebushman

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in partnership with FIVS, a global public policy federation serving the wine, spirits, and beer sectors, are pleased to announce the winners of their 2020 International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition. Topping this year’s competition is Crittenden Estate of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, based on the winery’s on-going programs addressing the three elements of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – as well as its wine’s flavor.

Founded in 1982 by Garry Crittenden, Crittenden Estate farms 27 acres in Dromana and is proud of its multi-generational family farm commitment to preserving the land while producing high-quality wine.

Among Crittenden’s many sustainable accolades are abandoning the use of chemicals in the vineyard for an innovative program of inter-row cover crops and soil cultivation; a twelve-month composting program to maintain soil health; introducing bees to the property to fertilize desirable fruit trees and supporting a diverse agricultural population of plants and insects while combating wasp species; reducing energy costs by sixty percent cost with the installation of solar panels; and reclaiming and reusing water through Crittenden’s water treatment plant.

The awarded wine was Crittenden Estate’s Cri De Coeur 2017 Pinot Noir, a new, premium wine that showcases Crittenden’s viticulture and winemaking efforts.

“The Crittenden family has taken great pride in working their land for two generations and in that time their wines have won the accolades of Australia’s food and wine critics,” said Dr. Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “The combination of sustainable programs with the family’s love of the land has produced a wine that’s truly outstanding.”

“To win such a prestigious international award, particularly given the caliber of our fellow entrants is very humbling for us,” said Rollo Crittenden, second generation winemaker at Crittenden Estate. “We’re passionate about our sustainability and regenerative programmes and delighted that they have been recognised in this way by BRIT/FIVS. There is no doubt these efforts contribute directly to an increase in the quality of wine we produce, and we will continue to strive further on both our land care and wine advances over the generations to come.”

Additional BRIT/FIVS sustainable awards went to:

Gold Medals

Vina Cono Sur, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Cono Sur Organic Red Blend.
C. A. Henschke & Co., Keyneton, South Australia. Submitted Henschke Mount Edelstone 2015.

Silver Medals

Herdade dos Grous, Albernoa, Portugal. Submitted Herdade dos Grous Red.
Valdivieso, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Valdivieso Eclat Vigno 2010.

Bronze Medals

Aresti Chile Wine, Talca, Chile. Submitted Family Collection Red
Casa Relvas, Evora, Portugal. Submitted Herdade Sao Miguel Reserve 2015
Luis Felipe Edwards, Vitacura, Chile. Submitted LFE 900 Shiraz

Platinum Multi-brand Award

Jackson Family Wines, Santa Rosa, California. Submitted Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay

“A big round of applause goes to all of our 2020 winners,” says Greg Hodson, President, FIVS. “From their sustainable programs in the field to their progressive workforce and community programs, to being good leaders and stewards within the global wine industry, we congratulate their achievements.”

When entering the competition, wineries provide a self-assessment of their organization’s accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and ecopreneurial/social responsibility practices. They describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the field and in their operations; how they have sought to minimize waste, how water is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers and communities. They also are asked to submit a wine sample that best represents their sustainable efforts for a tasting by the judging committee.

Because the BRIT/FIVS award is the only international award of its kind, it is of primary interest to wineries who are taking a leading role in their community/region/country by embracing sustainable practices. Sustainable winegrowing programs are by nature ongoing, so a key component of each program involves its continual improvement process.

Presentation of the BRIT/FIVS glass sculpture award to Crittenden Wines will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, during BRIT’s Vine to Table award dinner and fundraising event.

The 2021 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition begins in the summer of 2020. Details of the 2021 competition will be posted on the BRIT web site, http://www.BRIT.org/wineaward and on the FIVS web site, https://www.fivs.org.

Visionary Chilean Winery VIK Awarded 2019 Wine Star

December 4, 2019 by evebushman

SANTIAGO, Chile /PRNewswire/ — Wine Enthusiast Magazine revealed their 20th Annual Wine Star Awards this past month, naming VIK, in Millahue Chile, the inaugural Wine Star for ‘Best Winery Experience.’ The award celebrates wineries offering more than just superb wines in a beautiful setting, but those that provide an unforgettable immersion in wine lifestyle.

Photo from VIK’s Facebook page.

VIK is the first winery to be awarded this accolade. Wine Enthusiast Founder and Publisher Adam Strum extolled the achievement, saying, “From world-class pours and exceptional food to stunning architecture, boutique accommodations, cultural activities and more, VIK goes above and beyond offering one-of-a-kind, wine-centric wine tourism experiences.” Wine Star Award winners reflect the industry’s highest standards. Winners will be featured in the magazine’s December 31st Best-of-Year issue, and at January gala.

VIK is meticulously curated and designed to delight. Guests visiting for the day or staying at one of three spectacular on-site accommodations, Vik Chile, Puro Vik, or the Vik Cabin can explore the vineyard on horseback, taste a flight of exquisite wines at the altar to VIK, and learn culinary techniques from VIK’s exceptional and inspired Chef. “VIK redefines what a luxury winery experience can be,” said the winery Co-Founder Carrie Vik. “Awards like the Wine Star show how close we are to achieving our goal of joining the pantheon of the world’s great wines.” Visionary entrepreneurs Alexander and Carrie Vik trail-blazed Chile’s Millahue Valley, planting the first commercial vines in 2006, opening the Vik Chile retreat in 2014 and releasing the first VIK vintage to the public in 2015.

To visit the winery and reserve a tasting or book accommodations at Vik Chile, visit www.vik.cl.

About VIK
VIK is changing the world of fine wine. A pioneer of Chile’s Millahue Valley, located within the Cachapoal Valley, VIK is one of the most highly-awarded new vineyards in the world. Guided by holism and the stewardship of nature, the winery and vineyard employ exclusively sustainable practices. VIK wines are available internationally both through the winery website and through valued trade partners. First planted in 2006, VIK wines have been recognized with critical acclaim and are featured on leading Top 100 lists. To learn more, visit www.vik.cl

STARS of Cabernet 2019? Yes! We did it again!

November 22, 2019 by evebushman

How many times have we covered STARS of Cabernet? A bunch. But why do we cover the same event year after year? Because year after year there are ALWAYS new wineries to discover, new vintages from old favorites and a bunch of wine-loving friends that we’ve made over the years that we get to see again. (If you want to cut to the chase just for photos go here.)

So what was new for us this year from the incredible wine list below? Well, Ian Blackburn of WineLA.com always does a tremendous job curating wineries for us, so it’s very hard to narrow it down! I have put the wineries in bold that we were able to visit – we can’t do it all – and have noted any special wines we want you to look for:

The 2019 STARS of Cabernet Tasting List

Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2015
Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Atlas Peak, USA, 2015
Addendum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Skellenger Lane, Rutherford, USA, 2015
Alejandro Bulgheroni, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lithology Napa Valley, Napa Valley, USA, 2015 – we also had three 2016 single vineyard wines that were outstanding. This is a winery I will be looking for.
Allegretto Wines, Trio, Allegretto Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2017
Allegretto Wines, Malbec, Cira Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2015
Allegretto Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Allegretto Vineyard, Paso Robles, 2016
Allegretto Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek, Paso Robles, 2015 – and thanks to Quin Cody for taking such good care of us.
Almaviva 2016 – During our tasting they were notified that this 2016 was a Wine Spectator Top Ten Wine of the Year, and guess what? Ran out before we could taste it, betting it’s sold out now as well!
Almaviva 2017 – a Chilean blend.
AXR – TBA
Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain Cabernet, Spring Mountain District, USA, 2017
Barnett Vineyards Rattlesnake Cabernet, Spring Mountain District, USA, 2017
BV Tapestry Red Blend, Napa Valley, USA 2016
BV Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour, Rutherford, CA USA 2016
BV Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa 2018
Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2010
Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2011
Bernardus, Marinus Estate, Carmel Valley, 2013
Bernardus Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Carmel Valley, 2017
Chappellet Signature Cabernet, Napa 2017
Chappellet Mountain Cuvee, Bordeaux Blend, Napa/Sonoma 2017
Chappellet Grower Collection Chardonnay, Calesa Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, 2017
Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, 2015; Calistoga, USA – they also served a 2005 Cab that was amazing.
Chateau Montelena, Chardonnay, 2016 Napa Valley, USA
Clark Claudon – TBA
Crown Point, Estate Selection Bordeaux Blend, Happy Canyon, USA, 2014
Crown Point, Estate Selection Bordeaux Blend, Happy Canyon, USA, 2015
Crown Point, Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon, USA, 2016
Dana Estates – VIP 6 PM ONLY
Davis Estates – TBA
Dominus Estate – VIP 6 PM ONLY
Duhig Wine, 2016 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Napa Valley – this was a nice discovery for us. The Cab was slightly chilled and had a lovely mouthfeel, and the two sisters working the table were delightful.
Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc, 2016
Ehlers Estate Portrait (Bordeaux Blend)
Ehlers Estate 1886, 2015
Napa Cabernet, 2016
Rutherford Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Winston Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014
Carneros Chardonnay
Arrowood Wines, Sonoma Estates Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 2016
Frank Family Vineyards 2016 Rutherford Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016
Hawk & Horse Vineyards – 2014 Petit Verdot, Red Hills, Lake County – always nice to taste with Hawk & Horse.
Hertelendy Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2015
Hertelendy Vineyards Signature Mtn Blend, Napa Valley, 2015- we missed seeing Ralph Herterlendy at the event this year but his wines were still amazing without him.
Hertelendy Vineyards Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley, 2015
J. Bookwalter, Cabernet Sauvignon, Volume 6 Dionysus Vineyard, Columbia Valley Washington, USA 2016
J. Bookwalter, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chapter 9 Conner-Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley Washington, USA 2016 – new winery for us, good wines.
Jack Wines – TBA
Joseph Phelps Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyards, 2017
Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir, Freestone Vineyards, 2017
Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley, 2016
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016 – we’re club members, so it was so cool to see them at this event!
Gelson’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley
Marciano Estate – TBA
Michel Rolland – TBA
Moët Hennessey presents – all unfiltered wines, I enjoyed all the 2015 Newton Estate: Spring Mtn, Yountville, Mt. Veeder
Monteverro – TBA
Moraga White (SB) Bel Air, CA, 2017
Moraga Red (Bordeaux Blend) Bel Air, CA, 2015
Napanook – TBA
Palmaz Cabernet 2016
Palmaz Cabernet 2015
Palmaz Chardonnay “Amalia” 2017
Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2015
Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2014
Prime Solum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA, 2011
Prime Solum Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Brokenrock Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2018 – I had written about this winery for Napa Valley Life Magazine so it was a treat to see them and taste all of their yummy wines!
Relic Wines – TBA
Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot Blend, “Vespera” Grigsby/Collinetta, Yountville/Coombsville, USA, 2014
Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grigsby, Yountville, USA, 2014
Rocca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Collinetta, Coombsville, USA, 2013 –so cool to find Rocca at this event! Had visited them a few years back, and just like then I loved all of their wines.
Sequoia Grove Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016
Seven Stones Winery – TBA
ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, 2016
Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Diamond Mountain District, 2016
Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Manzanita Hill Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, 2012
Teachworth Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, 2012
T. Berkley Wines, Cabernet Franc, Leaning Oak Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa, 2016 –This may have been my favorite wine at the tasting. I love Cab Franc and the winemaker told me that Cab Franc was the reason he became a winemaker. Same winemaker for both Teachworth and T.Berkley: Taylor Berkley Boydstun.
The Debate – TBA
The Unfiltered Collection, winemaker is Jean Hoefliger formerly of Alpha Omega, all native yeast: 2015 Clark Claudon “Eternity” Cabernet Sauvignon, V. Vineyards 2015 “Audace” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 “The Debate” Cabernet Sauvignon.
Trujillo Cabernet Napa Valley 2016
Trujillo Gary Morisoli Single Vineyard Designate Cabernet Rutherford 2016
Trujillo Henry Brothers Single Vineyard Designate Cabernet Howell Mtn. 2016
Two Old Dogs – TBA
V. Vineyards – TBA
Yount Ridge Cellars – TBA
ZD Wines, 59% Pinot Noir 41% Chardonnay, Anniversary Reserve Cuvee Sparkling, Napa Valley AVA, USA
ZD Wines, Chardonnay, California Chardonnay, California Appellation, USA, 2017
ZD Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley AVA, USA, 2016
ZD Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley AVA, USA, 2010

The 11th Annual STARS of Cabernet, Once Again at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Wednesday, November 13th

October 30, 2019 by evebushman

LA’s #1 Cabernet Showcase – no other event features the breadth of quality Cabernet wines in such an exceptional tasting environment, with an intimate high-tier audience limited to 140 guests!! As expected, this event sells-out every year and raises money for T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Cabernet is KING and The STARS of Cabernet embraces the continued refinement inside the Cabernet category! Wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma Country, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, France, Chile, and Washington will be on display with abundant tray-passed appetizers and culinary delights! The STARS are the wineries themselves, and whenever possible, the winery table is hosted by a winemaker, proprietor, and/or a winery executive. A “first hand” tasting experience like none-other.

Over 35 luxury brands will be pouring over 100 amazing wines (For each of the featured Cabernets, wines retail at $50 or more). This event features the option of enjoying a 5:30 PM “Insignia” dinner with the President of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Clarice Turner plus VIP tasting status **or** A 6 PM VIP Ticket providing early access to the Grand Tasting and includes: (1) A Peninsula Buffet Dinner w/ Carving station, (2) an older vintage tasting during the VIP hour, (3) a limited collectable tasting of Dana Estate and Dominus Estate, AND (4) the full registry of over 100 luxury wines, both Cabernet and other celebrated efforts / varieties from all places of quality. Both the 5:30 Dinner and the 6:00 PM VIP tickets include a VIP GIFT BAG of assorted artisanal treasures from various sponsors, with this year’s bag sponsored by GELSON’S. The 7PM ticket includes unlimited tasting and Peninsula Tray-Passed Appetizers with a Pasta station. All attending guests are also welcome to stay for the 9pm after party – when the music comes up and out comes the dessert! Magic Castle Magician Zach Waldman (made infamous on The Howard Stern Show!) will be performing throughout the evening showing off his sleight of hand expertise.

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2019 INCLUDE:

Addendum, ZD Wines, Bernardus, Trujillo Wines, Bulgheroni Wine, Crown Point Vineyards, Chappellet, Almaviva, Joseph Phelps, Allegretto Winery, Jack Wines, Two Old Dogs, Beaulieu Vineyard, AXR, Clark Claudon, Michel Rolland, The Debate, V. Vineyards, Monteverro, Hawk & Horse Vineyards, Napanook, Frank Family Vineyards, Teachworth Napa, J. Bookwalter Wines, Palmaz Vineyards, Ehlers Estate Winery, Prime Solum, Seven Stones Winery, Relic, Duhig Wines, Hertelendy Vineyards, Marciano Estate, Davis Estates, Barnett Vineyards, Chateau Montelena, Yount Ridge Cellars, Freemark Abbey, and a special wine made for Gelson’s by Winemaker Julien Fayard. **A special pouring older vintages and from Dominus Estate, and Dana Estate are limited to the 6pm VIP ticket**

A robust and automated silent auction of collectables and large format wines will benefit The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest entity funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS, as well as sourcing/supporting early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise cannot afford a panacea. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

Tickets will sell out and prices do increase as the event date approaches – buy your tickets now!

For information and ticket purchasing, please visit STARSofcabernet.com

About TJ MARTELL FOUNDATION:

The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for cancer. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients which otherwise might not be funded. WineLA has raised over $550,000 in the past 10 years for TJ MARTELL and this is our largest effort of the year.

About wineLA:

wineLA has focused on improving Los Angeles wine culture through ongoing educational tastings, classes and experiences. Educating and edu-taining with precision, we invite and welcome the best of the wine world to Los Angeles to partake. Established in 1995, wineLA was the first of its kind and continues to innovate, fortifying a quality wine audience one class, one tasting, one experience at a time. We are a part of the Los Angeles lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people and the place with passion.

For more information visit www.wineLA.com or call 310-451-7600

ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE Announces 2019 Results

July 14, 2019 by evebushman

Hawthorne, NY – Ultimate Wine Challenge® (UWC), since 2010 the world’s most progressive global wine competition, released the results of the tenth annual Ultimate Wine Challenge. The judging, which took place throughout May, determined 31 Chairman’s Trophy winners, UWC’s highest honor.

Additional recognitions include Finalist, Great Value (awarded to entries with a high price/value ratio – showing that great wines don’t need to be expensive); and the Tried & True Award™, bestowed on brands that have demonstrated unfailing, consistent quality, year after year.

Led by UBC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult, and 16 of the world’s foremost wine experts, buyers, journalists, and educators convened to evaluate more than 1,100 still, sparkling and fortified wines, and sakes from around the world. Ultimate Wine Challenge was held at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center in Hawthorne, NY. To view a full list of UWC judges, please visit www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019judges.

Said Pacult of UWC 2019, “Everything we do, each system we’ve installed, is geared to showcase every entry’s virtues on a level playing field of its peers. The responsibility of our judges to render reliable results is paramount to UWC’s mission of No Shortcuts. Just Honest, Impartial Judging.”

Top-scoring wines will be published in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2019 Guide To The World’s Best Wines & Spirits in the October 2019 issue of Beverage Media, which is referenced by 70,000 beverage alcohol buyers in the U.S. market.

THE 2019 ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

Full results at www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019results
Images at www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019photos

RED WINES
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot 2016 Alexander Valley, United States (Merlot—World)
Château La Haye Majesté 2016 Saint-Estèphe, France (Red Wine—France)
Fernández de Piérola Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, Spain (Red Wine—Spain)
Frey Organic Malbec 2016 Mendocino, United States (Malbec—World)
Gallo Signature Series Zinfandel 2016 Dry Creek Valley, United States (Zinfandel—USA)
J. Lohr Cuvée ST. E 2015 Paso Robles, United States (Red Blend—North America)
Joana da Cana Reserva 2016 Tejo, Portugal (Red Wine—Portugal)
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Alexander Valley, United States (Cabernet Sauvignon—World)
McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz 2015 Langhorne Creek, Australia (Shiraz/Syrah—World)
Shiloh Legend Fiddler 2016 Judean Hills, Israel (Red Wine—Eastern Mediterranean)
Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir 2016 Russian River Valley, United States (Pinot Noir—World)
Topografia Reserva Red Blend 2014 Uco Valley, Argentina (Red Blend—Southern Hemisphere)
Villa La Pagliaia 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy (Red Wine—Italy)
William Fèvre Chile Espino Reserva Especial Carménère 2017 Valle Central, Chile (Other Red Varietals—World)

WHITE WINES
Aluado Chardonnay 2018 Lisboa Vinho Regional, Portugal (White Wine—Portugal)
Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough, New Zealand (Sauvignon Blanc—World)
La Perrière 2018 Sancerre, France (White Wine—France)
Pacifica Evan’s Collection Riesling 2017 Washington, United States (Riesling—World)
Protos Verdejo 2018 Rueda, Spain (White Wine—Spain)
Ron Rubin Pinot Gris 2017 Russian River Valley, United States (Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris—World)
SIMI Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Russian River Valley, United States (Chardonnay—World)

ROSÉ WINES
Secret de Léoube 2018 Côtes de Provence, France (Rosé—Europe)
Three Thieves Rosé 2018 California, United States (Rosé—North America)

CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINES
Chapel Down Three Graces 2014 Tenterden, England (Sparkling Wine—World)
J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Russian River Valley, United States (Sparkling Wine—USA)
Mionetto Prestige Brut Prosecco Treviso, Italy (Prosecco—Italy)
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012 Extra Brut Rosé Champagne, France (Champagne—France)
Vallformosa Col leció Brut Reserva 2012 Cava, Spain (Cava—Spain)

DESSERT WINE
The Hare Wine Co. Frontier Collection Cabernet Franc Icewine 2017 Niagara-on-the Lake, Canada (Dessert Wine—World)

SAKE
Joto Junmai Ginjo Ibaraki, Japan (Junmai Ginjo—World)

SANGRIA
Tiki Tonga Draft House Tropical White, Spain (Sangria—World)

All products are rated on the 100-point scale. All wines rated 80 points and higher receive an individual results page (accessed by clicking on “MORE DATA…” next to the product name) which provides downloadable marketing art work for the product. Wines rated 85 points and higher receive a tasting note also accessed from the individual results page. UWC results are promoted globally via email and web publication to both trade buyers and consumers.

Ultimate Wine Challenge…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE
Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of wines and spirits for producers, importers and marketers through its two innovative annual competitions: Ultimate Wine Challenge and Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot. Photos and more are at ultimate-beverage.com.