Unique Northern California Varietals Steal the Show

May 2, 2019 by evebushman

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

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

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

Winemaker Carol Shelton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Eve Circa 4/2016: Revisiting Four Brix Winery

April 16, 2019 by evebushman

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

Gary Stewart

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

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

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

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

2013 Smitten

100% Viognier

Camp 4 Vineyard, Santa Ynez

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

2013 Desirous

100% Grenache Blanc

Camp 4 Vineyard, Santa Ynez

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

2014 Dry Riesling

Cani Amante Vineyard in Ojai, Estate property.

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

2012 Meritage

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

Paso Robles

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

2011 Temptress

85% Tempranillo, 12% Grenache, 3% Mourvedre

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

2011 Petite Sirah

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

2013 Scosso

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

2013 Cani Amante Block 4, Ojai

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

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

Location

2290 EASTMAN AVE. SUITE 109
VENTURA, CA 93003

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

info@fourbrixwine.com

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

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

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

Tasting: Two Papas Wines

April 12, 2019 by evebushman

I’ve known Rick Pratt, owner and winemaker for the new Entourage label by Two Papas Wine, for a few years now as he and his wife Teresa are one of the wineries that participate in Sunset in the Vineyard.

I’ve come to learn that Pratt’s wines are made from all Santa Barbara County grapes, that he makes the wines at Flying Goat Winery in Lompoc, and besides the event I mentioned you can also find his wines at Marston’s, Buellton Wine and Chili Fest, Santa Monica Fest and Sierra Pelona Wine Fest.

Pratt makes 240 to 320 cases per year of five varietals. Current releases (tasting notes below) are from 2017: Grenache Blanc, two different vineyards for two Grenache, a Grenache Syrah blend and a Syrah. Next up and in barrel now are the 2018s: all the same except that instead of the Grenache Syrah blend Pratt will be releasing a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (GSM) blend.

Most of the grapes come from the coveted Thompson Vineyard. Not to be confused with Thompson green table grapes, grapes from the Thompson vineyard are known to be the top Rhônes in the state, possibly in the country, according to Pratt, which he says are also wine critic Robert Parker’s favorite.

Even my fellow wine writer has reviewed Pratt’s wines and said, “…with Two Papas Wines, we may have a King of Grenache here in Santa Clarita.” Rusty Sly, February 1, 2019 http://www.slystateofwine.com/article

Tasting (Collective notes made with the Wine-y Women Meet-Up group. Some of their descriptors are in quotes. Aromas and flavors separated by;)

2017 Grenache Blanc

Saarloos and Sons Vineyards

El Camino Ranch, Los Olivos

12.5% alcohol

Grapefruit, fruit cocktail, tangerine and a hint of stainless steel; Green apple, dried apricot, lemon-lime, medium acid and that bit of steeliness. This was my favorite.

2017 Grenache

Saarloos and Sons Vineyards

El Camino Ranch, Los Olivos

13.8% alcohol

Strawberry, red plum, “Bing cherry” and wet pebbles; strawberry again, cherry cola, “warming”, earthy and tangy. This was a general favorite in the tasting.

2017 Grenache

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

13.8% alcohol

Cherry, raspberry jam, earth and oak; red fruit, a bit of grapefruit again and a little tartness.

2017 GS

75% Grenache, 25% Syrah

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

13.8% alcohol

“Bouquet of flowers”, opened “acorn nuts”, earth, blueberry, blackberry and a hint of caramel; dark fruit, red fruit, blue fruit, tannic and a bit acidic allowing for a long finish.

2017 Syrah

Thompson Vineyard

Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

14% alcohol

“Black currant”, “Raisinettes”, oak, black cherry; black fruit, “chocolate cherry cordial”.

I also learned that Pratt has been licensed to sell commercially since October 2018, prices range from $27 to $35 a bottle, 10% discount to club members and club members that want to purchase above their allocation are extended a 15% courtesy. The commitment? Only three bottles twice a year. If you want more they also have a second club level, the Elite Club. It is two each of three bottlings twice a year. One in Spring just before Easter and one in early November, just before Thanksgiving. With that option 3 bottles twice a year averages $85 per shipment and 6 bottles twice a year averages $185 per shipment.

Pratt commented, “I love wine and talking about wines, just want to cover my expenses.”

(A note on the pretty ladies on his labels: The one with Natalie Wood on it has been granted permission for reuse, the others are models, including the lovely blond that is the Pratts’ daughter-in-law and the brunette in the large green hat is their daughter.)

https://twopapaswines.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Rioja: Tradition VS Terroir with Nina Sventitsky

April 5, 2019 by evebushman

The wine region of Rioja, Spain is undergoing an evolution from within. The famed wine style of long-aged wines built a reputation for Rioja; now the growers and winemakers are helping to re-shape the rules to focus the region on terroir and grape provenance…

Rioja Lesson with Educator Nina Sventitsky

I’ve had classes with Nina before and have always been impressed with her wealth of knowledge and ease in covering a given subject. Her understanding of the Rioja wine region of Spain was enlightening. I expected to learn a few new things, as the teaser above let us know that there were new rules afoot in this old world wine region, and reminded me of the few things I already knew:

Rioja is located in North Central Spain, surrounded by two large mountain ranges and several smaller ranges. The Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean seas influence the area.

Historically, Rioja wineries sourced grapes from all over the region to create blends.

Until 2019 all Rioja wines were simply labeled Rioja DOCA, without any specific area designations. It was all one region and one appellation. As of this year, wineries may start to label with the source of the grapes – from vineyards, villages and local regions. Rioja has varied terrain, soils and climate; now the differences in grapes grown in varied conditions are allowed to be on the labels.

Tempranillo is the indigenous grape of the region. Reds are “king” but they also produce whites and rose.

Riojas were popularly exported mostly to Great Britain; over time China and the U.S. have enjoyed being the primary importers.

While we may age our wines in cellar before drinking, all wines from Rioja have been aged (mainly) in American oak barrels and bottle before release, and are ready to drink upon release. Rioja wines may be aged for decades as well, but when you buy a bottle of Rioja, you won’t have to wait at all as the winery had done the initial work for you.

Currently there are four Rioja classifications and Seals of Authenticity that appear on the back label of every Rioja wine: Generico (young with minimal aging), Crianza (wines with a year of oak aging), Reserva (Aged at least 3 years in oak and bottle) and Gran Reserva (red wines aged five plus years in oak and bottle).

2019 will be the first release of 2017 Sparkling Blanco and Rose wines, produced using the traditional method.

Menu by Chef Kenny Spost, Napa Valley Grille, and Wine Pairings

Chicken Liver Pate Toast – sourdough crostini, balsamic glaze, san andreas goat cheese, micro peppercress. This was a delightful dish, and I’m a huge pate fan. I finished it all before remembering I had to pace myself for three more dishes.

Wine: Deobriga Fermentado en Barrica Blanco 2016

Viura, Garnacha Blanca.

Bruised yellow apple, perfumy, stainless steel and oak on the nose followed by tartness, spice and some of that same bruised apple on the palate.

Wine: Beronia Rosado 2017

Garnacha, Tempranillo.

Fresh aromas of peach, metal, green apple and then flavors of ripe fruit, tart cherry and a long finish.

Mussels – house made chorizo, white wine, chix peas, cilantro. The entire table was all OOHS and AHHHS over this dish. The buttery tenderness of the mussels paired with the crispy saltiness of the chorizo, and then lightened again by chix peas sauce…was all quite remarkable.

Wine: Bodegas Hermanos Pecina 2016

Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha.

Spices, dark fruit, pepper on the nose, and then a tartness, followed by blueberry and grass one the palate.

Nicoise Salad – blackened albacore tuna, blackberry vinaigrette, sugar snap peas, sundried tomatoes, crispy shallots. This may have been my favorite dish. The tuna was perfect sushi grade, the peppered edge just right, that blackberry vinaigrette played off well with the wine and then finding the peas, tomatoes and shallots all added to the fun. Not your typical Nicoise salad by any means.

Vina Herminia Tempranillo 2016

Tempranillo

Fresh bright red fruit, bark and creaminess all on the nose, then a palate that was bright, dry and balanced.

Lamb Merguez Sausage – white bean stew, Mire pox, parsley. Chef really outdid himself with this dish. I don’t think I’ve ever had a lamb sausage, so not sure what to expect, the flavors he added between the sausages themselves and the stew they nestled in it was all just lovely. I wished I had packed up my leftovers to dine on again.

Wine: Marques de Murrieta Reserva 2013

Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha

Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, spice, crushed leaves and possibly sage; then came dark fruit, spice, mushroom and toasted oak in the mouth. This was my favorite wine in the lineup.

Wine: LAN Reserva 2010

Tempranillo, Graciano

Sugary plum and blackberry balanced with a nice amount of spice, then a mouthful of big, dark, dusty, dry and tannic.

Story in photos can be seen here.

STARS of Napa Valley Wine Returns to LA March 13th

March 2, 2019 by evebushman

Beverly Hills, California – Join wineLA at the Peninsula Beverly Hills for STARS of Napa Valley Wine on March 13th, 2019. Come taste alongside approximately 30 of the Napa Valley’s finest wineries! Did you know that Napa Valley produces 4% of our wine in California, but 30% of our total wine dollars?! Napa Vintners hold a very special place on the world stage and they are coming to Los Angeles in full force!! All grape varietals will be showcased! Napa gives us not only some of the best wine, but also some of the greatest diversity in varietal and style! The Peninsula Beverly Hills will expect to welcome hundreds of wine enthusiasts to meet the winemakers and celebrate Napa Valley’s most coveted wines.

Among the elite list of wineries showcasing their most popular pours are: 1849 Wine, Alpha Omega, Barnett Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Hertelendy Vineyards, Venge Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, Hesperian Wines, Kale Wines, Michael Mondavi Family Estate, Miner Family Winery, O’Connell Family, Teachworth Napa Valley, TOR, Trinitas Cellars, VGS Chateau Potelle, Yount Ridge Cellars, Emerson Brown Wines, Staglin Family Vineyard, Burgess Cellars, Newton Vineyard, Hestan Vineyard, Cliff Family Winery + many more!

In addition to the wineries confirmed to attend wineLA’s annual STARS of Napa Valley Wine event, tickets will include an elegant assortment of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, and a number of lofty auction items to bid on with 100% of the auction revenue donated to The T.J. Martell Foundation, funding children’s cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Master of Wine Dinner with TOR Wines hosted by Matt Deller M.W. 5:30PM VIP+ tickets can be purchased for $250. VIP admission begins at 6PM: Advanced tickets for the VIP experience may be purchased for $175 per person and will be $225 a t the door. The VIP experience features an Older Vintage Tasting, dinner buffet & gift bag. G eneral admission begins at 7PM: A dvanced tickets are $ 95 and will sold for $125 at the door. General Admission includes the unlimited wine tasting alongside tray-passed appetizers, silent auction, and cheese and dessert after party.

Tickets –> https://www.winela.com/stars-of-napa-valley

About wineLA

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with food, fashion, and music, while also reflecting the geography, architecture and atmosphere of 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 are a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and we celebrate the people, the places and the passion!

About Napa Valley Vintners

wineLA has partnered with the Napa Valley Vintners to present THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS! All grape varietals will be showcased; From Bubbles to Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and red wines that run the gamut such as: Merlot, Cabernet, Petite Verdot, Zinfandel, Meritage Blends and Rhone varietals such as Syrah and Grenache – Napa offers not only some of the best of California, but also some of the greatest diversity.

About The T.J. Martell Foundation
A silent auction containing many collectable and large format wines 100% benefits The TJ Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest foundation funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for children’s leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise might not be supported. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

About Peninsula Hotel

The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards and within comfortable walking distance from the legendary Rodeo Drive.

Vintage Eve Circa Feb 2016: Wow, the 13th Annual Stars of Santa Barbara, by WineLA.com

February 26, 2019 by evebushman

Ian Blackburn of WineLA (formerly Learn About Wine) has done it again – rallied a stellar list of wineries to offer samples of their latest vintages at this year’s Stars of Santa Barbara event, once again held at the prestigious Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel. (Watch the event in a slide show here.)

STARS also included VIP winemaker speakers, 80s KROQ DJ Richard Blade taking requests, yummy noshables and a silent auction – with enough wine to deck out a great cellar – that benefitted the T.J Martell Foundation in supporting Leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.

VIP Session: Brian Loring and Greg Brewer

Winemakers Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company and Greg Brewer, Co-Founder Brewer Clifton Winery led the VIP session. Ian called these men two of the “top personalities” that were represented at the event. These are my take-away lessons:

From Brewer

The “sand and plankton” added to the “oceanic voice” of the Santa Rita Hills.

All estate vineyards from old Lompoc family farms, so these same family names are on their wine labels.

The fruit is “generous (and produces) lush, curvy, sexy wines.” They use the full cluster, like “nose to tail” as referenced in cooking. The stems and the flesh add to the long-lasting tannins.

Only problem in the industry is that though we don’t need to dumb down wine we do need to make it accessible and understandable to all.

Brewer got hooked on wine while working in a tasting room.

From Loring

About ten years ago Wine Spectator named him and Brewer as 2 of the 10 to watch.

Unlike Brewer, Loring doesn’t use stems at all. Joked that it was due to his dislike of vegetables. His wines are big and plush on their own.

His 2006 Pinot Noir, closed with a screw cap, had aged well. Loring wanted people to see that the closure doesn’t affect the aging.

Loring, joking again, said he got into wine via a work release program from prison. However, like Brewer, he had started in the industry working in a wine shop, “hung out at harvest” and then, along with his sister, went full time.

Now, onto the tasting (I had a wee bit of a cold so I’m sure there were some great wines that I missed!)

Big Hits for Me

Westerly Wines, Fletcher’s Red, Happy Canyon Santa Barbara 2010.

All of the Pinots from the Bonaccorsi Wine Company.

Clos Pepe (yes this wine is still available for purchase) Axis Mundi Grenache/Syrah 2012.

Crawford Family Wines Syrah, Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2014 and Second Street Cuvee, Ballard Canyon 2013.

Summerland Winery Trio (GSM Blend) – Paso Robles 2013.

Margerum Amaro and M5 Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara 2013.

Coquelicot Estates Wines Mon Amour Bordeaux Blend and Sixer Rhone Style Syrah, both Santa Ynez Valley 2012.

Everything from Stolpman: ‘L’Avion’ Roussanne, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013; Estate Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013; ‘Originals’ Syrah, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013 and ‘La Croce’ Red Blend, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon 2013.

Rusack Zinfandel, Ballard Canyon Estate (one of my fave AVAs in the area), 2013.

Everything from Larner Vineyard and Winery: Estate Grenache 2012

Estate Mourvèdre 2012; “Elemental” Estate GSM 2011 and Estate Syrah 2011.

Two from Crawford Family Wines: Syrah, Zotovich Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2014 and Second Street Cuvee, Ballard Canyon 2013.

From Tercero, two stay-tuned-for new releases: 2015 Mourvedre Rose and 2015 Aberration (a red blend in stainless steel).

DV8 Cellars: GSM, Santa Barbara County 2012 and Syrah, Ballard Canyon 2012.

Refugio Ranch Vineyards Escondrijo blend (Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah) 2012 and my pick of the day: a killer Petite Sirah 2013.

From Wine LA

Dedicated to keeping the populous current on the developments growing out of Santa Barbara, this Annual Tasting Event features the namesakes, owners, winemakers pouring some of the best wine made in California. Long before Sideways, LearnAboutWine was bullish about the quality of Santa Barbara wine. Today, with the continued evolution of Santa Barbara we see Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and specifically Ballard Canyon focusing on Syrah and Rhone varieties and Happy Canyon focusing on Bordeaux varietals. Santa Barbara continues to make smaller production wines that need a story to be told and we deliver on that promise. Come and meet the winemakers, passionate owners, and the farmers and see why Santa Barbara deserves a bigger part of your wine budget and why you should plan a number of visits in the months ahead

2016 PARTICIPANTS

Bonaccorsi Wine Company
Brewer-Clifton
Brophy Clark Cellars
Ca’ Del Grevino Winery & Estate
Cargasacchi
Carucci Wines
Challen Winery
Clos Pepe Estate
Coquelicot Estate Wines
Consilience Wines
Crawford Family Wines
D’alfonso-Curran
Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards
Dv8 Cellars
Foxen
Inception Wines
Jaffurs Wine Cellars
Jonata
La Fenêtre Wines
Lafond & Santa Barbara Winery
Larner Vineyard & Winery
Levo Wines
Loring Wine Company
Margerum Wine Company
Refugio Ranch Vineyards
Riverbench Winery
Rusack Vineyards
Silver Wines
Stolpman Vineyards
Summerland Winery
Tantara Wines
Tercero Wines
Temerity Vineyard
The Brander Vineyard
The Hilt
The Paring
Thorne Wine
Westerly Wines
William James Cellars
Zaca Mesa Winery And Vineyards

Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance
Ave Winery
Ken Brown Wines
Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Winery

Wine LA Presents Grenache Wars

January 6, 2019 by evebushman

GRENACHE – (a.k.a. Garnacha) one of the most widely planted grapes in the world is now one of the most exciting! Presented in a large number of styles, come taste and VOTE for which winery wins 1st prize!!!

Grenache is finding more than a few fans here in Southern California and is planted extensively in Santa Barbara (especially Ballard Canyon) and in Paso Robles where the style is more concentrated and inky, with typical notes of spice, berry fruits, and white pepper. Grenache is often described as being similar to Pinot Noir but with a powerful tannic grip, a great alternative for those summer BBQs!

Come and experience Grenache at its best with a number of the top producers in attendance for this round of battles–all to the tune of live music curated by the talented DJ Wig.

No wine glass is safe when Grenache gets involved, and don’t forget your toothpaste… your teeth may never be white again. wineLA welcomes wine fans of all experience levels!

To honor this versatile grape, wineLA is thrilled to present our Grenache Wars event on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at The Brea Bakery Cafe. With approximately 20 prominent wineries set to participate, wineLA invites you to join us and taste these most delightful wines at an exclusive gathering where you get to vote and decide who will be crowned the number one Grenache this year!

Participating wineries include: Ascension Cellars, Dubost Vineyard & Wines, Archium Cellars, Leverage Wines, Byron Blatty Wines, Kimsey Vineyards, Tercero Wines, Nelle Winery, Shale Oak Winery, Vines on the Marycrest, Vila de Torroja – Terroir Al Limit Soc. Lda – Priorat, Zaca Mesa, Bodega de Edgar, Martian Ranch & Vineyard and more!

The event will begin at 6pm for V.I.P. TICKETS (Advance tickets for the V.I.P. experience may be purchased for $100 and any remaining VIP tickets will be $125 at the door; prices will increase as sell-out approaches). Limited sale 6pm V.I.P. admission entry tickets include delicious short rib sliders with horseradish chive cream, crab-stuffed crimini mushrooms with Hollandaise drizzle, ahi tuna La Brea Bakery naan chips with cilantro chipotle aioli, lamb meatballs with tzatziki.

At 7pm, doors open for General Admission. (Advanced tickets may be purchased for $75; remaining tickets will be $90 at the door). General Admission includes tasty chorizo-Manchego mini-tartlets, roasted tomato and mozzarella bruschetta, grilled vegetable ratatouille on pita chips with sun-dried tomato hummus, avocado toast with roasted corn, grilled pineapple on sourdough and much more!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.winela.com/grenache-wars

About wineLA

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with food, fashion, music, and must reflect the geography, the architecture and atmosphere of 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 are a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and we celebrate the people, the places and the passion.

ABOUT T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION:

The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise might not be funded. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

About La Brea Bakery Cafe:

In 1989, the Original La Brea Bakery opened its doors on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, California. La Brea Bakery is now the leading U.S. producer of partially baked artisan breads supplied to restaurants and food stores throughout the world. They use their original recipe to this day, and their creativity, passion and dedication continues to set La Brea Bakery apart as the authority on artisan bread. Their flagship store-front bakery still thrives on La Brea Avenue and to this day, enthusiasts continue to line up outside the bakery for our delectable creations. La Brea Bakery’s breads can also be found at the La Brea Bakery Cafe in Anaheim, California, and your favorite restaurants and grocery stores across the country. La Brea Bakery is part of Aryzta AG.

Paso: Visiting Linne Calodo and Denner Vineyards

December 28, 2018 by evebushman

Both Linne Calodo and Denner had been recommended to us over the years to visit, but if you’ve been paying any attention to the growth in Paso Robles you know that there are now hundreds of wineries to choose to visit. In my earlier article on Parrish Family, as well as this one, it was the first time in all of our visits to the area we were not seeing any wineries we had visited before. Everyone has their favorites, and I myself felt guilty about not seeing some of mine on this trip, but I do it all for you, dear reader, so that you can explore something new as well. So on a cool Saturday morning we set out to both for predominant Rhône blends and both by appointment only.

View from Denner patio.

Linne Calodo is on the corner of 46 West and Vineyard Avenue, so it’s extremely easy to find. A short drive up the hill and you’ll find a medium-sized tasting room for guests that would like to either sit or stand through a flight. Greeted with a menu of what we would be tasting – we knew it was ours as our name was printed on it – and a trio of red wine glasses.

We were expertly taken care of by Meghan Ball – Meghan is a new mom so she has taken a short break in her duties as assistant winemaker this year to take over as the Director of Sales. Meghan explained that guests were welcome to bring food to have for an outdoor tasting, there is sometimes live music upstairs that is enjoyed by tasters downstairs, couches and sitting areas are often used by members – as club members have always been the wineries exclusive buyers.

In fact when the tasting room opened in 2009 – they reached the maximum for wine club members. It was not until January of this year that they had re-opened the wine club for new members, and re-opened the tasting room for walk in guests. Had they not acquired more acreage they would still be closed for new tasters and members.

Linne Calodo owner and winemaker, Matt Trevisan, had switched his interests from airplanes to biochemistry – and started out with Justin Winery in 1995, the same vintage year that Wine Spectator awarded Justin Isosceles with a 100 point score. 1998 was Trevisan’s first vintage for Linne Calodo. Beginning with a 500 case production they are now at 5,000 cases. The vineyards are primarily dry farmed, all estate, they make eight to ten blends a year with four or five released twice per year, with an additional white and rose.

This struck me, Megan said that all of the wines are unfiltered and unfined, and that “through blending we create balance.” We agreed as we meandered our way through: 2016 “Rising Tides” with 77% Grenache, 14% Mourvedre an 9% Syrah; 2016 “Nemesis” with 87% Syrah, 9% Mourvedre and 4% Grenache; 2016 Outsider with 82% Zinfandel, 7% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre and 4% Graciano.

(I have no tasting notes on these wines as we were too busy chatting with Meghan all about the winery. I enjoyed everything, with a special nod to the 2016 Nemesis that had been opened 24 hour earlier. Meghan commented that the “first and last glass” of this particular wine “is a totally different experience”.)

Linne Calodo www.linnecalodo.com 3030 Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 227-0797

Denner, just up Vineyard Avenue about ten minutes from Linne Calodo, has a large parking lot and several welcoming areas to taste both inside and out, a bocce court, trees, flower gardens and vineyards are all within view. We were told to take any seating area and chose a nice tall table outside to take in the sights.

Our entertaining and educational sommelier Yule from the Ukraine presented us with six wines to taste, and allowed us time with each before returning with a new wine. What we learned and tasted:

We began with a 2016 100% Viognier that I thought had perfect fresh fruit with a medium acidity. I also agreed with the provided tasting notes that described notes of orange and lime. Yule explained that this wine, and some of the others, had spent their months aging in large “cigar” barrels. I was familiar with these for their odd shape compared to the standard shaped barrel. Yule also explained that they allowed for less oxygen to reach the wine, and I presumed the large shape would also provide less oak notes in the nose and flavor.

Next we tried the 2016 Grenache with 81% Grenache, 9% Mourvedre, 9% Syrah and 1% Roussane. While our tasting notes described the wine as having aromas of cherry and raspberry I also found chocolate. The wine is all estate fruit, fairly dry, well balanced, and left me with hints of cherry cola on the palate.

Ron Denner, the owner of the property, started out being told that he wouldn’t amount to much by his father as his grades in his early school years were lacking. Between his college years, military service and owning more than one business – two involving moving dirt (the latter being the winery) Denner more than proved his father wrong. The wine named Ditch Digger is a shout out to that memory. The wine we tasted, the 2016 vintage, again an all estate wine was 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise and 5% Cinsault. While the tasting notes mentioned black licorice, strawberry, botanicals and spice my own palate found it to have also notes of crushed cherry on the nose and darker fruit on the palate. This wine had spent 16 months in neutral 500L and 600L oak puncheons – three times bigger than a standard barrel – allowing for less oak on the flavor.

The next wine, the 2016 Dirt Worshipper, had a great story for its namesake, and proved to be our favorite wine in the line-up. Lets start with the brief story: Yule got down on bended knee to show us what it looked like when the workers were planting the grapes that would eventually make up Dirt Worshipper, and you probably may have guessed it, yep, they looked like they were praying. The 2016 vintage was 97% Syrah, 2% Roussanne and 1% Viognier – and why use a white wine in a red blend? And why so little of it, would it make any kind of difference? Yule explained that the small percentage of white Rhônes would act as a stabilizer for their Syrah to maintain its color. Cool. I agreed with the tasting notes that showed white pepper and blackberries on the nose, and espresso and blueberries in the palate, I also found it very creamy. I also wrote down what I overheard another guest say, “If this is ditch digging we can agree he struck gold.”

The 2012 Syrah, with it’s gold ribbon on the bottle, was considered more of a library wine that can age longer due to more tannins. With notes of violets, blueberries, and white pepper on the nose and with the addition of espresso on the palate – we were in agreement with the tasting notes on our menu.

A final wine added to the lineup was the 2016 Sacred Burro of 100% Carignan. In this wine, Yule explained, the vineyard had been head trained, and since the grapes are susceptible to mold up to 80% of the fruit was cut off to allow only 20% for wine. In comparison, if left alone there would be 20 tons of Carignan harvested to an average of five tons for Cabernet Sauvignon. He further explained that without the head training, the mold could takeover other parts of the vineyard. As we went in for our taste – the wine was described as having rose petal and raspberry notes (I also found dark cherry) it would be easier to discern these aromas if we rolled our glasses, and then see if we could sniff the raspberry or cherry on the near side, and the rose botanical on the far end. It seemed to work. Something to try at home!

Note: I didn’t explain the time in oak for all of these wines, share their Vinous scores or the pricing. You can email me if you want further details: Eve@EveWine101.com or peruse their Facebook or website pages:

https://www.facebook.com/DennerVineyards/

http://www.dennervineyards.com/

To see the photo grids from all of our Paso winery visits from this trip click this.

Hampton Water Wine Named to Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2018

December 19, 2018 by evebushman

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Hampton Water, the premium rosé label, created by award-winning music icon, Jon Bon Jovi, son Jesse Bongiovi, and acclaimed French Winemaker Gérard Bertrand, has been named the top ranked rosé and #83 wine in the world by Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2018.

Since launching in early 2018, Hampton Water has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Rosés in the world and received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator earlier this year. This coveted accolade further distinguishes Hampton Water’s unprecedented first year.

“It’s an incredible honor to be on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2018, let alone ranked as the top rosé. It’s a true testament to all of our hard work and I could not be more proud to share our excitement for, and love of, Hampton Water with people all over the world,” said Jon Bon Jovi. Jesse Bongiovi, Bon Jovi’s son and Co-Founder added, “To be recognized by this esteemed organization at all, especially in our first year, is a tremendous accomplishment. Thank you!”

The idea to create a wine, emblematic of a bon vivant lifestyle, emerged during time spent in the Hamptons, between father and son. Hampton Water is representative of that lifestyle – the sense of enjoying life and making memories with the people you love most. Bon Jovi and Bongiovi were introduced to Gérard Bertrand, and the three quickly developed a shared vision, to create a unique rosé, uniting the essence of the relaxed lifestyles of the Hamptons and the South of France.

“Jesse and Jon came to me with an idea. Together we decided to make a premium rosé wine which represents the perfect link between South of France and Hampton lifestyle,” said Gérard Bertrand. The idea for me was to create a real and friendly partnership and I was happy to share with them my 30 years of expertise blending and harvesting. I am proud to see our first vintage listed as the best rosé wine in the Wine Spectator Top 100.”

“The Top 100 recognizes the most compelling wines that our editors have reviewed over the past year,” said Thomas Matthews, Executive Editor, Wine Spectator. “The state of wine is as strong and exciting as ever. We were particularly impressed with the continuing diversity of the wine world—more than half the wines are making their first appearance on our Top 100 list. We’re thrilled to share the rising stars, outstanding values and benchmark bottles from both traditional and emerging regions.”

Hampton Water is described as a fresh and lively rosé, with distinctive minerality. The wine is made up of the perfect blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre grape varieties distinctive of the French Mediterranean region of Languedoc.

Hampton Water is currently available in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, DC, Florida, Illinois and Nevada or online at wineonsale.com, with further expansion in the United States and globally, in early 2019, at the retail price $25.

Vintage Eve Circa Nov. 2015: A Favorite Again! Rhone Rangers LA!

December 18, 2018 by evebushman

Rhone Rangers, one of the first annual events I was turned onto when I “dedicated myself to wine” in 2007, is still one of my favorites. Not only for its focus on Rhone varietals* like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (aka the grapes in a a “GSM” blend), Petite Sirah, Viognier and Roussane – delicious wines made famous in France’s Rhone Valley but produced in California – but also for a chance to see favorite winemakers, wineries, old friends and making new ones.

Ed Clark and Eddie Bushman at RR.

We started by being greeted at the door by long-time Executive Director Cheryl Quist, #LAWineWriters organizer Cori Solomon, Cori’s favorite side kick, her mom, and fellow wine writer Shawn Burgert. Then we grabbed a wine glass, a program, and headed off into the tasting. (For a 90-second snapshot of the tasting check out my YouTube video here.)

This year the Rhone Rangers Los Angeles event took place at The Reef, in downtown Los Angeles. Guests had an opportunity to sample over 200 wines from over 50 wineries. There was also active bidding available on wine and wine-related items in the silent auction where a portion of the proceeds benefitted the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund.

Prior to the Grand Tasting guests could also take advantage of wine dinners and seminars. I haven’t done that yet but I did meet a woman that had enjoyed, and learned a lot from, Vines on The Marycrest winemaker Victor Abascal’s seminar on Grenache. Mental note to take a class next time!

We also checked out the silent auction; lots of generosity from the wineries showed in the magnums and library wines offered. Not to mention where I spent the first hour, with the library and limited release wines offered below. (my notes, are in italics. If we missed a winery, it wasn’t by choice, there is just so much that it’s impossible to do it all!)

LIBRARY and LIMITED RELEASE WINES

ADELAIDA

2013 White Blend, “Finder”

2012 Estate Grenache

2012 Red Blend, “Keeper”

Winemaker: Jeremy Weintraub

The two I had and enjoyed were 2012s both from Anna’s Vineyard, the Syrah Reserve and Mourvedre Reserve.

CHACEWATER

2010 Red Blend, “Astel”

Winemaker: Mark Burch

150 Cases

A new winery for me to discover, with vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, we enjoyed the 2014 Rose, 2013 Syrah, 2012 Petite Sirah and 2010 Astel Petite Sirah.

ECLUSE WINES

2010 Syrah, Lock Vineyard, Paso Robles

Winemaker: Steve Lock

500 Cases

FIELD STONE WINERY

Six Vintage Vertical 2000—2005

Petite Sirah, State Family Reserve, Estate

Winemaker: Patrick Murray

250 Cases in Each Vintage

100+ Year Old Vines

We did a vertical tasting of Petite Sirahs from 121 year-old vines. The 2010 was awarded 94 points by Robert Parker, while we enjoyed the entire lineup from 2000 through 2005. We also tried the 2013 Trinite red blend and Petite Sirah, but sadly didn’t make it beck for the Vintage Port!

KITA WINES

2012 Red Blend, “Spe’y,” Camp 4 Vineyard

Santa Ynez Valley

Winemaker: Tara Gomez

352 Cases

53% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 20% Carignane

LAW ESTATE WINES

2010 Syrah, “Intrepid”

Winemaker: Scott Hawley

350 Cases

Besides the 2010 “Intrepid”, and this being one of my fave Paso wineries, we also loved all of the 2012’s that General Manager Oliver Esparham was pouring starting with the “Beyond Category” blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah – one of our faves of the day. Then, in heady succession came the “Intrepid” blend of Syrah (95%) and Grenache (5%); “Audacious” blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache; “Sagacious” blend of Mourvedre, Syrah and Grenache; and finally “The Nines” 100% Grenache.

LIGHTNING WINES

2011 Grenache, Kick Ranch, Sonoma

Winemaker: Randy Hester

36 Cases

MOUNTS FAMILY WINERY

2007 Petite Sirah, “Petasera,”

Dry Creek Valley, Estate

Winemaker: David Mounts

110 Cases

Sommelier George Skorka’s pick of the day was the Mounts 2013 Viognier, so we simply had to get over there. Very refreshing. Which we then followed with the 2012 Carignane, 2012 Grenache and the 2007 Petasera. We loved their single varietals.

POMAR JUNCTION

2011 Red Blend, “The Crossing”

2011 Red Blend, “Train Wreck”

Winemaker: Jim Shumate

180 Cases Each

SUMMERWOOD WINERY

2011 Red Blend, “Diosa”

Winemaker: Mauricio Marchant

260 Cases

Voted “Best in Class” in Sunset IWC

The “Diosa” was a very tasty blend!

TABLAS CREEK

2010 White Blend, “Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc”

4400 Cases

2010 Red Blend, “Esprit de Beaucastel”

2100 Cases

Winemaker: Neil Collins

Honestly? If you only had one table to visit for Rhônes I don’t think (and yes you can correct me if I’m wrong) anyone else has more at their table to taste. We had the two library wines mentioned above, stellar, and we could barely get back to the table later to taste their entire lineup. Make sure you do!

TERCERO

2006 Grenache Blanc, Camp 4 Vineyard

Winemaker: Larry Schaffer

50 Cases

Winemaker’s First Wine Made

Manned as usual by affable winemaker Larry Schaffer, also a Rhone Rangers board member, we adored a great barrel sample of his next Rose and his 2006 – his very first – Grenache Blanc that had aged beautifully. Find Larry at his tasting room in Los Olivos.

TWO SHEPHERDS

2011 Red Blend, Syrah-Mourvedre

Winemaker: William Allen

50 Cases

VINA ROBLES

2012 Petite Sirah, Creston Valley Vineyard, Paso Robles

Winemaker: Kevin Willenborg

363 Cases

VINES ON THE MARYCREST

2013 Mourvedre

Winemaker: Victor Abascal

100 Cases

We love everything that Victor Abascal makes. Don’t ever miss visiting with him and his wife Jennifer at their table.

PARTICIPATING WINERIES (at press time)

My notes are again in italics below.

Adelaida, Andrew Murray, Bernat,

Bonny Doon Vineyard – Say yes to the 2014 Vin Gris de Cigare, aka Pink Wine of the Earth rose blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Carignane, Cinsaut, Marsanne and Counoise. Made even more special as Keith Shulsky – who used to be with Michael-David Winery – is now their National Sales Manager. Some of you may remember Keith from the wine dinner he organized at New Moon in Valencia years ago!

Burbank Ranch, Burt Street Cellars, Cadaretta, Campovida, Chacewater, Clayhouse Wines, Cornerstone Cellars, Derby Wine Estates, Eberle Winery, Ecluse Wines, Epiphany, Field Stone Winery, Halter Ranch Vineyard,

Kaleidos served up a killer 100% Syrah, the” Praying Mantis”, and I was sorry I didn’t make it back to the table to try more from them.

Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Kita Wines, kukkula, Law Estate Wines, Lightning Wines, Lone Madrone, Margerum Wine Company, Michael-David Winery,

Mitchella was a new winery for us as well. We enjoyed the 2012 Shameless GSM blend and 2012 Syrah from Paso Robles.

Morgan Winery, Mounts Family Winery,

ONX Wines is another favorite of ours, and not to be confused with a wine similarly named at Trader Joe’s. We dug Reckoning (Petite Sirah red blend), Crux (GSM with a bit of Alicante Bouschet) and Mad Crush (GSM with a nice amount of Tempranillo) poured by Associate Winemaker Jeff Strekas and Hospitality Leader Annie Bowsky.

Petrichor Vineyards, Pipestone Vineyards, Pomar Junction, Proulx Wines, Quivira, Qupe,

Ridge Vineyards had an excellent 2013 Carignane and 2011 Syrah.

Seven Oxen, Estate Wines, Summerwood Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Tercero Wines, Terre Rouge, Thacher Winery, Treana & Hope Family Wines,

Two Shepherds had another stellar lineup from winemaker, and Rhone Rangers Board Member, William Allen. His t-shirt (seen here in the video) got kudos as well for helping people pronounce Rhone correctly as it read, “Are you Rhônely tonight?”

Venteux Vineyards,

Vina Robles served up their awesome 2010 Syree blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah as well as their 2012 RED4 blend.

Vines on the Marycrest and Westwood Estate Wine.

*The Rhone grape varietals, from the Rhone Rangers website:

Red Grapes: The most common red Rhone varietals are Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, with Syrah predominant in the Northern Rhone and Grenache in the Southern Rhone. Other relatively common red grapes include Cinsault, Carignan, and Petite Sirah. Finally, the list includes some grapes that are found only in trace amounts even in France, and are just beginning to be explored in the United States, including Counoise, Muscardin, Picpoul Noir, Vaccarese, and Terret Noir. For the sticklers out there, the Rhone Rangers have adopted Petite Sirah, a French cross also known as Durif, due to its extensive interplanting with traditional Rhone varietals in California. Learn more about these red Rhone grape varieties!

White Grapes: The principal white Rhone varietals are Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne, each found throughout the Rhone Valley, with Grenache Blanc a widely planted but less well known contributor in the Southern Rhone. The other white grapes include Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanc, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Picardin, Picpoul/Piquepoul Blanc, and Ugni Blanc. Learn more about these white Rhone grape varieties.