Grown in Los Angeles: Eve Gets A Taste of LA Wine

March 13, 2020 by evebushman

What a treat! Tasting from only four wineries – that specialize in making wine from LA County grapes! I knew three of the four already from past tastings, but this time it was a true focus on what they can do as we compared each. Below is the invite, wine list (hyperlinks go to their Facebook pages) and my notes. Photos are here.

Jasper Dickson at the helm of his winery. (Co-owner Amy Luftig Viste not pictured.)

Invitation

Come join The Los Angeles Vintner’s Association at Angeleno Wine Company …for an extraordinary tasting of locally grown, Los Angeles wine! We’ve gathered four amazing local wineries, and assembled a line-up of 10+ incredible wines, all grown right here in Los Angeles County. Come meet the winemakers, and discover the true potential of local wine as you taste your way through this diverse collection of styles, single varietals, and blends.

Participating wineries include: Angeleno Wine Company, Acri Wine Co, Byron Blatty Wines, and Cavaletti Vineyards.

Acri Wine Company – This was a new winery for me to try. All were barrel samples but showed great fruit and potential. Especially the 2019 Sangiovese, also from the Antelope Valley. My husband liked the depth in the 2018 Syrah and likewise thought it would cellar nicely.

2018 Syrah, Antelope Valley

2019 Zinfandel Barrel Sample, Antelope Valley

2019 Sangiovese, Antelope Valley.

Angeleno Wine Company – Our host winery for the event, about 60 minutes away and definitely worth a visit. Besides the list below I also snagged a sample of their chilled orange wine – made orange by skin contact with these Spanish/Portuguese grapes I was unfamiliar with: Treixadura, Godello and Loureiro. These same varietals were also in the White Field Blend I favored, with the addition of Albariño.

2017 White Field Blend, Sierra Pelona Valley

2018 Bike Path Red (also served a little chilled, blend of Tempranillo and Grenache) Sierra Pelona Valley

2017 Grenache, Sierra Pelona Valley (This is from the Alonso Family Vineyards. They also make their own label, and by “they” I mean Juan Alonso. He has made his own wine for many years, and is the longtime owner of Le Chene.)

Byron Blatty Wines – Mark Blatty was there charming the guests, as usual, suffice it to say he had the busiest table. My favorite wine in his lineup was the 2016 Evenfall Red (I jokingly call it my namesake!) blend of Tempranillo and Petite Sirah. His Syrah and Malbec garnered a lot of attention, and an extra special pour of his soon-to-be released proprietary red – only 23 cases – of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot, was powerful! Stay tuned for that release. I predict this to be my next favorite from Byron Blatty.

2016 Agenda Syrah, Los Angeles County

2016 Evenfall Red, Los Angeles County

2017 Pragmatic Malbec, Los Angeles County

Cavaletti Vineyards – With a tasting room in nearby Moorpark, this is a winery to visit. Besides the wines listed below owner/winemaker Patrick Kelley also shared a 2018 Nebbiolo. I enjoyed them all, with special nods to the Cab and Nebbiolo, really fine fruit that will develop with a little more aging. I bought two of his Rose, a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache, as it was very good and the price was only about $25 per bottle.

2018 109 Mile Rosé, Los Angeles County

2018 Swayze (not Patrick) Grenache, Antelope Valley

2018 Whispering Bells Cabernet Sauvignon, Malibu Coast

Angeleno Wine Company is located at 1646 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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.

Discovering Folded Hills Winery – Plus Winemaker Angela Osborne

February 28, 2020 by evebushman

Once again the #LAWineWriters met up at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood to have a wine paired luncheon. This time organizer and fellow writer Cori Solomon invited us to taste through some new Rhone wines – Grenache predominant – from a winery in the Santa Ynez AVA: Folded Hills Winery Farmstead Ranch.

We were greeted by the owner, Kim Busch, and general manager Tymari Lore on the patio of the restaurant. There were no less than nine wines for us to try, along with a six course meal created by Chef Ben Diaz. (See photos here.)

What we learned about the winery:

The vineyards are situated further south than any other vineyards in the Santa Ynez AVA and provide for cooler climate wines.
The winemaker, Angela Osborne, is also known for her A Tribute to Grace wines.
Their wine club is called “The Fold” and is very event-centered.
If you like French Rhônes, many of which are lower in alcohol than the American version, know that the Folded Hills wines we tried ranged from low to mid-range at 12.10% alcohol to 14.5%, with most hovering at about 13%.
They launched in April 2017 and you can taste the wines in their Montecito tasting room or at the estate in Gaviota.
This is a small production winery, with 5,500-6,500 case production, and they tend to “sell out fast.” Owner Kim Busch added, “Yes we do sell out of most our wines, all but 2 of which are purposely higher production.”
If you visit the winery you will not only see vineyards but also fruit trees and farm animals.

According to their brochure the wines “have no residual sugar and one gram or less of carbs, no commercial additives, minimal sulfur, only native yeast, are grown organically following the biodynamic calendar, made from grapes that are 95% estate grown, hand harvested using sustainable practices in the vineyard, are vegan, and crafted consciously to be lower in alcohol…” as well as being family owned.

Below are my tasting notes on the wines and food pairings:

ONE

Beet Tartare: Yuzu, hazelnut chimichurri, radish, nasturtium, country bread.

2018 Lilly Rose Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Salmon in color, aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, apple, lemon, graphite. Loved the beets and the Rose cooled down the heat of this dish.

TWO

The Nomad Flatbread: Salmon belly, crème fraiche, escabeche, radish, chervil.

2018 August White: 68% Folded Hills Grenache Blanc, 32% Area 51 Roussanne. White flowers, pears in light syrup, concrete, mild acidity. I loved the salmon – and had seconds – with this white Rhone.

THREE

Apple and Brie Flatbread: Granny Smith, picked red onion, triple crème brie, prosciutto, heirloom tomato velouté.

2018 Estate White Santa Ynez Valley: 50% Grenache Blanc, 25% Marsanne, 25% Clarette Blanche. Apple, peach, butter, toasted oak, crisp and clean mouthfeel, and my favorite white in the tasting. Loved the apple notes in the wine with the apples in the flatbread.

FOUR

Mary’s Free-Range Chicken Wings: Thai passion fruit chili, petite frisee, Heirloom radish, cilantro.

2017 August Red: 67% Grenache, 33% Syrah. Very perfumy aromatics, velvety red fruit, black cherries, big and tannic – especially when compared to the other red wines. My fellow writers oohed and awed over the pairing; it was quite nice with the spices on the chicken.

FIVE

Yellowfin Tuna: bubu arare, porcini crema, truffle ponzu, maitake.

2017 Cluster Grenache: Whole cluster Grenache, 100% Folded Hills. Cherry cola, green peppercorn and a nice easy drinker.

2017 Estate Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Cherry liqueur, brambles, minty and dry.

2017 Grant Grenache: 92% Grenache, 8% Syrah. Raspberry, bright, oak and tannic.

All were really nice with the tuna, and as it was served cold it was a perfect picnic as we were outdoors on a cool day with low alcohol wines. These last two Grenache were my favorites of the reds.

SIX

Charred Te Mana Lamb: honey nut squash, baby kale, pine nut relish, au poivre.

Twice Fried Brussels Sprouts: Balsamic, parmigiano reggiano, togarashi, shaved bonito.

2017 Stolpman Syrah Ballard Canyon: 100% Stolpman Syrah. Strawberry, richly oaked, cola, tart.

2016 G.S.M.: 80% Folded Hills Vineyard, 20% Thompson Vineyard. 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre. Red berries, ash, long finish.

Both wines were very nice with the lamb and Brussels Sprouts, if I could have eaten more I would have!

https://foldedhills.com/

https://www.facebook.com/foldedhills/

https://napavalleygrille.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyGrilleWestwood/

Vintage Eve Circa 3/2017: Tablas Creek Tasting

January 28, 2020 by evebushman

This past month I got to sample some of the wines from Tablas Creek in a preview tasting held at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and organized by Carl and Terry Kanowsky. Why?

On February 22 (2017) I ran the news on my website, social media and my weekly newsletter, but here it is in a nutshell:

Local supporters of the Santa Clarita Boys and Girls Club Carl and Terry Kanowsky, along with Greg Amsler of Salt Creek Grille are holding “an intimate wine experience on March 21, 2017, beginning at 6:30 at Salt Creek” to benefit the club. This year marks their seventh collaborative wine tasting event.

The highlighted winery will be Tablas Creek from Paso Robles with winemaker Jason Haas on hand to pour six of his wines – that will be matched with dishes from Salt Creek Grille. An auction will also take place.

Now, back to me, I got to taste the wines so that I can make your mouth water enough to buy tickets to the event! Wine critic Robert Parker has already said, “These are fabulous wines that will certainly stand up to the best coming out of the Rhône Valley in France. Certainly a reference point for Paso Robles, Tablas Creek continues to produce wines in a restrained, age-worthy and savory style that sets them apart. To say I came away impressed would be an understatement.”

Photo from Yelp

Eve’s Tasting Notes – aromas and flavors divided by ;

Some of these notes were aided by 30 yearlong club supporters John and Debra Heys, Boys and Girls Club CEO David Menchaca, the club’s director of administration Matt Nelson, Salt Creek Grille Sales and Marketing Director Jennifer Chadwick, Terry Kanowsky and Chef Tamra Levine.

2015 Patelin de Tablas Rose

Grenache, Counoise, Mourvedre, Syrah

On the nose there was a lovely fresh strawberry followed by lemon, white peach and white pepper; in the mouth there was a bit of red berry, grapefruit, lemon and a medium acid that worked well with the menu.

2015 Vermentino

100% Vermentino

Ripe pear in light syrup, mandarin orange, Limoncello and wet stones appeared on the nose; on the palate I got a nice viscosity, lemon-lime, and that same tinge of orange again all in great balance.

2014 Esprit de Tablas Blanc

Roussane, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc

Golden delicious apple, cream and white flower were welcoming aromas; followed by flavors reminiscent of a fresh fruit cocktail. Definitely an easy sipper, very balanced.

2014 Cotes de Tablas

Grenache, Syrah, Counoise, Mourvedre

Dried black cherry, dark chocolate, blueberry, black licorice and bark on the nose; then robust flavors of blackberry, blueberry, dark chocolate covered cherry and cracked black pepper in the mouth.

2014 Esprit de Tablas

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise

Detected blue to black fruits, mushroom and ash aromas; the same black fruit on the palate as well as firm tannins which made it appear seemingly older than a 2014.

2011 Esprit de Tablas

Brighter red fruit than the younger wines, including red currant and bing cherry, earth and mint; on the palate the wine was bright, spicy, balanced as the tannins had softened a bit.

Menu by Chef Tamra Levine

The first three wines, the rose and two whites, will be highlighted by “Salmon 3-Ways” and we sampled the second “way”, which was a beautiful presentation of Salmon Tartar, Grapefruit and Avocado.

The reds will be paired with the “Interlude Presentation” and we had the opportunity to sample the “Concluding Presentation”, which consisted of Discs of Grilled Artisan Sausage, Smoky Blackberry BBQ Sauce and Savory Waffle.

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

February 2020 Rhone Rangers Paso Robles Experience

January 25, 2020 by evebushman

The 100+ members of the Rhone Rangers invite you to join them for a day in Paso Robles Wine Country with some of America’s leading producers of Rhone varietals as we explore these great grapes and wines. This fun-filled and information-rich day will move this year to the Paso Robles Event Center! The event includes:

“Rhone Essentials” Seminar

Taste a top example of each of the principal categories of Rhone Rangers wines as you hear from winemakers and principals who have chosen the Rhone Ranger route in America, and who are forging California’s “Rhone Zone” reputation. The discussion will be moderated by Erin Brooks, Reviewer of Oregon, Sonoma, and the California Central Coast for Robert Parker Wine Advocate. The featured wines will be:

• Viognier – Steinbeck Vineyards
• Other White Varietal – Domaine De La Terre Rouge, Roussanne
• White Rhone Blend – Ridge, Adelaida Vineyard
• Dry Rosé – Rabble Wine
• Grenache – Ranchero Cellars
• Mourvèdre – Horton Winery
• Syrah – Eberle Winery
• Other Red Varietal – Peachy Canyon, Petite Sirah
• Red Rhone Blend – TH Estate, Five Blocks

Vintners’ Lunch

Seminar participants will be joined by Rhone Rangers principals and winemakers for a gourmet banquet lunch prepared by Chef Jeffery Scott. Throughout lunch, members’ Rhone wines will be passing freely around the tables, while attendees enjoy an extended opportunity to interact with the producers. Click here to preview the delicious lunch menu.

Grand Tasting & Silent Auction

Taste 200+ wines from Rhone Rangers members from Paso Robles and beyond, including top single Rhone varietals and the best in Rhone blends. New this year, we welcome delegations of wineries from Rhone Rangers chapters outside Paso Robles. During the Grand Tasting, bid on lots donated by Rhone Rangers member wineries and help support the Rhone Rangers scholarship fund!

Tickets

The day’s events will take place, for the first time, at the Paso Robles Event Center on Riverside Avenue in downtown Paso Robles! Participation in the seminar and lunch will be limited to the first 200 tickets sold. The grand tasting will be limited to 400 attendees.

Tickets for the seminar and lunch are $95 (seminar/lunch attendees will receive free entry into the Grand Tasting). Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $45.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Hotel Room Blocks

Paso Robles Inn: call our front desk at 1-800-676-1713 and ask for the Paso Robles Event Center corporate discount, which will be 12% off the best available rate at time of booking.

The Oaks Hotel: mention RHONE RANGERS when booking at 805-237-8700 for a 12% discount for a one or two night stay, 15% on a three-night stay.

More hotel partners coming soon.

Vintage Eve Circa 1/2017: Revisiting Law Estate Wines

December 31, 2019 by evebushman

Back in 2014 I traveled to Paso Robles and visited Law Estate Winery. Loved everything they had to offer and was overdue for a revisit when an invite from my #LAWineWriters group appeared. This was from my last taste:

From Law Estate’s Facebook page. (When I was there for my tasting we sat on the couch opposite the fireplace. Way overdue to return.)

“2010 was the first Law Estate Wines vintage after owners Don and Susie Law met with winemaker Scott Hawley. The Laws learned what works with limestone soil from Hawley and believe that their wines offer fresh acidity. Hawley became the winemaker in 2008 full time and continues to produce his own label as well. They tend to focus on Rhone style reds, promising that whites will be next. They currently have 54 acres, including Carignan and Tempranillo now in ground but not in wines yet. Hawley picks based on the maturity of the grapes and not the brix levels.” Read more.

This time around we met at Café Del Rey in Marina Del Rey where Chef David Vilchez had created the perfect pairing menu for four different wines:

Roasted Fennel Flat Bread with sun dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried cranberries and Manchego cheese – for the Grenache; Herb Crust N.Z. Lamb Loin in a prune and porcini sauce – for the GSM; Grilled Octopus with vanilla forbidden rice, blackberry, squid ink yogurt and black radish – with the Mourvedre and Petit Verdot/Coffee Spiced Filet en Croute – with First Tracks.

As is my custom, I did my review of the wines without food first. Then, once I was done, I dove in to the delectable dishes. Each dish had a unique twist to them that made them really pop for me with the wines: the fennel and cranberries in the flat bread, the prunes with the lamb, the vanilla forbidden rice for the octopus and the coffee in the filet.

Too busy to read further? Here’s a quick slideshow you can view to see all of the wines and dishes.

Tasting Notes, Aroma and Flavor separated by ;

The Nines 2012

100% Grenache

Noting the browner color first, as it was different from all the other wines to be tasted, and different for a Grenache, I dove in to what would soon turn out to be my favorite wine in the tasting. Luxardo cherry, fig, anise, red rose and black licorice were lovely to find on the nose; with balanced flavors of both spice and red to black fruit. This wine had aged gracefully in my opinion. 95 Eve pts.

Sagacious 2013

37% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, 29% Syrah

Aromas of blueberry, blackberry, dark plum, white pepper and a hint of a gamey quality; then came a mouthful of bright fruit, as well as the same blue to black fruit, a tarty note and a general lighter feel than some heavier GSMs. 92 Eve pts.

Prima 2013

100% Mourvèdre

Luscious sweet prunes, black olive, spice, dark chocolate and perfumy; the same sweet prunes came through in the mouth, as well as cherry and spice, all in a nice harmonic balance. 92 Eve pts.

First Tracks 2013

40% Petit Verdot, 32% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackest fruit to come out yet in today’s tasting, as well as cloves, green peppercorn – and huge; the mouth was no different with amazing black fruit and bold tannins. 94 Eve pts.

More to Learn in Today’s Tasting

From our winery hosts this time I learned that the wines are made from all LAW Estate owned vineyards, the grapes are all hand picked and hand sorted – and was also told that there are few wineries in Paso Robles doing this. Dan Law, being a geologist, dug 42 soil pits in this prized Adelaida AVA. The grapes benefit from a Mediterranean climate, which can be much cooler than other parts of Paso.

Rescue Dog Wines launches nationally

October 31, 2019 by evebushman

LODI, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Based in Lodi, California, Rescue Dog Wines was established with the goal of donating 50% of its profits to rescue dog organizations across the country. Proprietors Blair and Laura Lott explain that they started planning a new life in wine country around 2015. “We knew that we wanted to embrace sustainable growing practices and create a new, more rewarding lifestyle for ourselves. In addition, we knew that we wanted enough land to grow wine grapes AND foster dogs…we knew that we wanted to create high quality, premium wines. During this period of exploration throughout many of California’s wine regions it dawned on us that we could combine our two passions and Rescue Dog Wines was born,” they said.

The Lotts are preparing to plant their 16-acre vineyard in Lodi this spring to Grenache, Sangiovese, and Mourvedre. Until those grapes are grown, the winery is sourcing grapes from the Lodi growing region which are grown according to Lodi Rules and California Rules sustainability protocols. The winemakers are Susana Rodriguez Vasquez and Eric Donaldson.

Current releases are Bubbly Boxer NV Demi-Sec Sparkling Wine, Methode Champenoise, $34.00 (Lodi AVA); Predominantly Poodle NV Sauvignon Blanc, $18.99 (Lodi AVA: Cosumnes River sub-AVA); Bubbly Boxer Sparkling Rosé is a NV, Methode Champenoise, $38.00 (Lodi AVA); Beloved Mixed Red, Red Wine Blend, NV, $24.99 (41% Lodi, 28% Cosumnes River, 21% Clement Hills, 10% Mokelumne River) and 2018 Rosé, $18.99 (Cosumnes River AVA). Rescue Dog Wines’ first release was Beloved Mixed Red Blend, a non-vintage red, which was released in the summer of 2018.

The wines are available to purchase from the winery’s website. There are plans for a tasting room in Lodi in the future.

On National Dog Day (August 26), the winery did a joint program with Hotel Milo in Santa Barbara, California. Dogs were welcomed with treats and gifts, and owners with choices of the Rescue Dog wines. “This type of collaborative effort brings us great joy,” comment Blair and Laura Lott, who have participated in dog rescue related events including the Sacramento SPCA Fall Gala, Friends of the Alameda (California) Animal Shelter, the Lodi PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter), Los Angeles Found Animals Foundation, The Rescue Dog Runway Show in Los Angeles and the English Bulldog Rescue Bully Ball in Atlanta. As Rescue Dog Wines have been presented at rescue dog charity events around the country, Blair and Laura have felt an enormous wave of enthusiasm and interest. “The feedback we receive is phenomenal and heart-warming. We love meeting our customers and future customers and discussing our combined love of dogs and wine,” Blair explains. “People are initially drawn in by our mission, but end up leaving impressed with the wines,” he adds. Blair and Laura also relish their role as evangelists for the Lodi growing region.

Blair Lott was born and raised in Georgia. He worked with his father on their 20-acre farm and, in fact, several generations of his family have been farmers in the South. The family grew vegetables and raised livestock and he came to value the agricultural lifestyle. There were lots of dogs in his childhood, mostly boxers and Boston terriers. At 17, Blair formed an alternative rock band, the first expression of the drive to creativity which still propels him today. Blair spent the first years of his career working in the music world—writing and performing in Athens, Georgia, Nashville and later in Melbourne, Australia. He transitioned into a livelihood as a digital media consultant. During his three years in Australia he became immersed in the wine and food scene and intrigued with the idea of making wine his vocation. After moving back to Atlanta and marrying his wife Laura, they decided to move to northern California to be closer to wine country.

Laura Lott was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and she grew up all across the U.S. as part of an Air Force family. In the summers she visited her family in Brittany, on the northwest coast of France. Her grandfather was a pastry chef in St. Malo and Laura has fond memories of spending time in the bakery. She would also visit cousins who were farmers; she remembers dinners being interrupted by having to run outside to take care of squealing pigs. She’d garden with her grandmother, where one of their specialties was making jam from the raspberries they grew. As a young adult Laura adopted her first rescue dog, a boxer, Daisy, from an animal rescue operation in Atlanta. The experience of visiting the animal shelter made an enormous impression on Laura; she determined after that visit to make rescue dogs a cause in her life. In the first part of her career, she became an HR specialist for large corporations. She then left the corporate world and embarked on a journey of exploration, investigating her creative side.

Founded in 2009, Krewe du Bizou Wines is based in New Orleans and imports and distributes fine wines from around the world. In New Orleans, the term “krewe” is applied to a group of people who make up a Mardi Gras organization. “When combined, you get a collection of fine wines representative of those special little kisses (bizou) in life, which is exactly what you’ll discover at Krewe du Bizou Wines,” explains James Moises. The company is located on the Lafitte Greenway at 2500 Saint Louis Street in New Orleans. Following Rescue Dog Wines’ lead, Bizou will be donating a portion of their sales to local New Orleans animal rescue groups.

Tasting Wine Australia With “Largest Group of Aussie Winemakers to Ever Travel to the USA”

October 25, 2019 by evebushman

How about some Aussie wines? This (now past) “tasting offers an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about the current landscape of Australian wines – discover the latest releases, explore new trends, taste special back vintages and engage with the largest group of Aussie winemakers to ever travel to the USA.”

As part of the event, Wine Australia launched two new interactive components: The “Australian Wine Discovered” lounge that gave an “up-close look at Wine Australia’s award-winning free education platform” and the “Made Our Way Theater” that showcased “Cool Climate Reds” presented by Wine Victoria and World-Class Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River presented by Margaret River Wine Association.

Sadly I missed the seminars as there was a LOT of wine to cover. Found lots of dark fruit and some spice in the Shiraz and Cab blends at price points beginning at about $20, was told that Spanish varietals from McLaren Vale worked well due to their proximity to the Gulf St. Vincent – and a tasty Nero D’Avola did just that, Sue Henderson of Schild Estate explained how important the generations of family is to their winery, and though there was a change at the helm at MollyDooker a few years back the wines are still awesome and only bottled at a certain Fruit Weight (FW) of 55% or above: “Individual wine parcels have to achieve a certain FW to go into a particular label.”

Of the list below I have noted those in bold that I enjoyed and added in parenthesis any special wines of note. As is my habit I simply cannot visit all exhibitors, so me not noting one doesn’t mean it wasn’t a winery of note! (This is a hyperlink to my public Facebook post with pics of many wines I loved.)

Participating Exhibitors

Accolade Wines, All Saints Estate, An Approach To Relaxation, Angove Family Winemakers, Austral Estates Wines (Brothers in arms 2016 Cab and 2012 Shiraz), Barossa Valley Estate, Blue Pyrenees Estate, Cabernet Corporation, Calabria Family Wines, Cape Mentelle, d’Arenberg (Coppermine Road 2015 Cab, Ironstone Pressings 2016 Grenache Shiraz and The Dead Arm 2016 Shiraz made from vines 50-130 years old), Dandelion Vineyards (March Hare of the Barossa 2015 Mataro – aka Mourvedre), De Bortoli Wines (21 Year Old Tawny Port and Nobel One Botrytis Semillon 2015), Epicurean Wines (Massena Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2016), First Drop Wines, Fowles Wine, Giant Steps, Henschke, Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard, Hill Smith Family Vineyards, Howard Park Wines, Hudson Wine Brokers, Jim Barry Wines (Lodge Hill Shiraz 2016 and The Armagh Shiraz 2013), Manser Wines, Margaret River Wine Association, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association (Brash Higgins NDB Nero d’avolo 2016), Mollydooker Wines (All: Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2017, Carnival of Love Shiraz 2017, Gigglepot Cab 2017 and The Boxer Shiraz 2017), Mount Langi Ghiran, Negociants USA / Winebow, Old Bridge Cellars (Cullen Mangon Red Moon Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot 2017, John Duval Eligo Shiraz 2017, Kilikanon Oracle Shiraz 2014), Penfolds (Bin 47 Cab 2017), Penley Estate, Periscope Management Pty Ltd (Credero 5 Tales Cab Merlot 2016, Cab 2017, and Chard 2018), Peter Lehmann Wines, Pure Wine Co (Clare Cab 2015), Schild Estate Wines (Narrow Road Shiraz Cab 2016, Grenache Mourvedre Shiraz 2017, Estate Shiraz 2017 Ben Schild Shiraz 2014 and Edgar Schild Grenache 2016), Torbreck Vintners (The Factor Shiraz 2016 and The Struie Shiraz 2016), Tyrrell’s Wines (Vat 8 Shiraz Cab 2016, Shiraz 2017,Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2016 and Lunitiq Heathcote Shiraz 2014)), Vasse Felix (Margaret River Cab 2015 and Tom Cullity Cab Malbec 2015), Vinaceous Wines, Vintage Longbottom (Henry’s Drive Shiraz Cab 2017 and Shiraz 2017), Wakefield Wines (St Andrews Cab 2015 and Shiraz 2013), Wine Victoria, Wine Yarra Valley, Xanadu, Yalumba Family Winemakers 1849 (The Signature Cab Shiraz 2015 and Coonawarra Cab 2014), Yangarra Estate Vineyard (Ironheart Shiraz 2016 and King’s Wood Shiraz 2017), Yering Station.

https://www.australianwine.com/en-AU

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2016: A Trio to Taste From Paso’s Oso Libre

September 10, 2019 by evebushman

After regrettably missing out on a wine luncheon orchestrated by Cori Solomon of the #LAWineWriters Cori reached out to the winery and connected me so that I could review a few samples from home. The winery: Oso Libre in Paso Robles.

A Teaser

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains on the far western edge of Paso Robles’ acclaimed Adelaida district, Oso Libre Winery is fast gaining recognition for its rich, complex wines and for the unusual microclimate of the sustainably farmed vineyards that produce them. This small, family-owned estate lies just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, which is consistently cooler than the rest of Paso Robles and is proving ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhone varieties and Primitivo.

Owners Chris and Linda Behr acquired the 90-acre property in 1996 when it was raw land and set about developing it into a sustainable working cattle ranch and vineyard. After more than 10 years of getting to know the region, understanding the property’s unique microclimates and learning how to grow grape vines and make wine, the couple was ready to embark on their next phase—a winery. Their son Jeff Freeland and his wife Elizabeth, with their twin daughters, moved north from Los Angeles in 2007 and two years later the family winery opened for business. (‘Oso Libre’ is Spanish for ‘free bear,’ a combination of their last names and a nod to Linda’s Hispanic heritage.)

Tasting – Aromas and flavors divided by ;

2012 Nativo (100% Estate Primitivo)

Dark browned plum in color. Spiced red apple, plums, dark cherry, mushroom, earth and dark cocoa; bright red fruit, cracked black pepper, dry and good tannins. 90 Eve pts.

2012 Carnal (Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah)

Blackberry in color. Smokey blue to black fruit including blueberry, blackberry, black plum, cigar, grilled mushrooms, grilled meat, spice rack; same dark and robust fruit, dust, black pepper, firm balanced tannins. Want another bottle. 92 Eve pts.

2012 Vino d’Oro (Chardonnay)

The color of pale yellow hay. Oak, Meyer lemon, cantaloupe melon unsalted butter; viscous, both cream and tang from the oak, lemon with a long finish. 89 Eve pts.

Visiting Oso Libre

With its distinctive Central Coast location, award-winning wines and picturesque working ranch and vineyards, a visit to Oso Libre Winery offers guests much more than wine. Just off Highway 46 towards Hearst Castle, the mountain setting boasts outdoor patio seating just steps from the vines. The SIP-certified (Sustainability in Progress) estate is powered by solar panels and a wind machine, and Oso Libre practices sustainability in all areas of the business. A spacious and welcoming tasting room is open every day except Tuesdays, and visitors are encouraged to take their time tasting and learning about Oso Libre’s limited production wines. An impressive display of 54 bottles on the tasting room wall, one from each of their neighboring wineries, emphasizes the close ties Oso Libre has to its fellow vintners and the community spirit they all enjoy. The winery is dog and kid-friendly and families can view the “working partners” grazing in the pastoral, mountainous ranch setting. Wine club members are treated to the locally raised dry-aged beef at member gatherings and special events at the winery.

Oso Libre’s wines not only offer a sense of terroir of this coveted Central Coast region, they also embody the winery’s blended beliefs of commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and charity. Oso Libre prides itself in creating a sustainable and healthy ecosystem for every component of its working ranch.

Tasting Five From Byron Blatty Wines

September 6, 2019 by evebushman

I know, lots about Byron Blatty Wines from me lately, but this time I actually took some time to try five of their wines for review and write up the full tasting notes. Not only examining aromas and flavors alone, I invited about 15 ladies from the Winey Women Unwind meet-up group to join me for “collective” tasting notes and feedback. Let’s see what everyone thought:

2018 Rosé, 100% Grenache. Neenach Ranch Vineyard, Antelope Valley

Aroma: Pear blossom, strawberry, sandalwood, musk.

Flavor: Bruised yellow apple, tart and sweet fruit, grapefruit, tequila.

One of our Wine-y Women is not a red wine fan, she was happy to sip on this Grenache Rose for the remainder of the night!

2016 Agenda, 85% Syrah, 15% Tannat. Alonso Family Vineyards, Sierra Pelona Valley (the Tannat came from Bella Collina, Adelaida District, Paso Robles.)

91 points, Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast

Aroma: Chocolate, vanilla, sugar, plum, black currant, raisin and dust.

Flavor: Blackberry, tart dark cherry, crushed plum, earth and tannin.

The ladies were surprised to learn that Alonso Family Vineyards is owned and run by Juan Alonso, owner of our own LA County based Le Chene restaurant.

2017 Tremor, 65% Grenache, 30% Merlot, 5% Syrah. From Neenach Ranch Vineyard (Grenache), Smith Family Vineyards (Merlot), Alonso Family Vineyards (Syrah). All vineyards run parallel to the San Andreas Fault.

Aroma: Cloves, wheat toast, black fruit, port wine, vanilla, plum jam.

Flavor: Blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, allspice, mulled wine.

This was the first favorite of more than half of the ladies. The wine had also been decanted in advance into…my new #PortoVinoWinePurse.

2016 Evenfall 65% Tempranillo, 25% Petite Sirah, 10% Merlot. Neenach Ranch Vineyard, Antelope Valley (Grenache), Manini Vineyard, Paso Robles (Petite Sirah), Smith Family Vineyards, Los Angeles County (Merlot).

Aroma: Black licorice, musty/dusty, green peppercorn, dark fruit and dark chocolate.

Flavor: Tri-color peppercorn, dark, big and jammy with black cherry and caramel notes.

This is my personal favorite, and I was happy to see that the group agreed with my assessment of quality. They also learned that winemakers Nate Hasper and Steve Lemley, of our own Pulchella Winery, were the winemakers for all of Byron Blatty’s wines.

2017 Undertake 60% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah. All from the Northeast LA County, except for the Petite Sirah which came from Paso.

Aroma: Raspberry, red licorice, blackberry, black pepper and bright cherry – a nice mix of red and black fruit.

Flavor: Earthy, mushroom, blackberry jam and cranberry tea.

The Zin lovers in the room, and there were many, were really happy with this Zin. A couple made it their favorite in the tasting.

One quote from the evening says it all, from Samantha F., “I feel like the last three wines we tasted grew richer and richer as we progressed along.” I had to agree as most if not all of the women were growing in fandom as we moved along as well.

To inquire about Membership options please email mark@byronblatty.com or see their website: https://byronblatty.com/membership

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2016: Taking Over Skirball, Rhone Rangers LA 2016 Part Two

August 20, 2019 by evebushman

To continue where I left off last week, this is Part Two of my Rhone Rangers LA coverage. Or just have a taste via the photos here: https://www.facebook.com/eve.bushman/posts/10208640076546763?pnref=story

Wineries H-Z (A-F ran last week)

Tom Stolpman says, “I don’t always drink wine but when I do it’s La Cuadrilla” from, you guessed it, Stolpman Vineyards!

For some of you that think I was nuts to skip a particular winery…it may have been because I “Gave a Positive Review Already” and chose to forage on to other wineries. These wineries will be noted as GPRA and will have a hyperlink to my review…if I can find it. While some others, that may have been equally stellar as those I did visit, suffered my absence (Ha!) due to me suffering a wee bit of palate fatigue, so those are noted as SPF. (Editor’s note: any links for the West Ranch Beacon, aka WRB, are now closed, the webmaster chose not to save the links when he closed up his site. Also note that every article I wrote for the WRB is re-purposed on this site every Tuesday.)

Halter Ranch Vineyard – Always great to see Tony Quealy, Tasting Room Mgr. and all around nice guy, pouring at events. The last I enjoyed Halter Ranch wine I raved about was a Malbec from the Cab Collective event. Before that was a weekend tasting and tour at the ranch that I will never forget: http://www.thescvbeacon.com/category_view.php?catg=5&id=3985 At this event I enjoyed the 2014 CDP Red Blend, 2014 Syrah and a first bottling of their new 2013 Cuvee Alice blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Tannat, only 175 cases. (Not even sure of the wine’s spelling as it’s not yet online!)

Hearst Ranch Winery – Had their Cabernet Franc at a Family Winemakers event, which got them on my radar, this time I enjoyed the 2013 Three Sisters Red Blend and the lovely aromas and then the flavors in the 2013 Pergola Petite Sirah.

Jaffurs Wine Cellars – Enjoyed their 2013 Santa Barbara Grenache, 2013 Santa Barbara Syrah, 2012 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah and 2014 Thompson Vineyard Petite Sirah. This was not a table I remember being at before so I’m glad to have made the time.

Kaena Wine – SPF

Kale Wines – Michael Perlis was chatting it up with Kale Anderson, the winemaker and owner who had also participated in that day’s seminar, so I got a quick introduction and a taste of his 2013 Kale Home Run Cuvee from the Kick Ranch Vineyard and the 2013 Kale Broken Axle from the Stagecoach Vineyard. Both were grand.

Kaleidos – GPRA http://www.westranchbeacon.com/weekly-column.php?id=5402

Kenneth Volk Vineyards – GPRA http://www.westranchbeacon.com/weekly-column.php?id=5402

Larner Vineyard & Winery – GPRA It was nice to spy Michael Larner and I would’ve loved to just sit and drink his wines – if I wasn’t at this event. He had also been in the seminar so I hope to read Michael’s coverage on that soon. http://evewine101.com/2016/06/03/santa-barbara-road-trip-los-angeles-rhone-varieties/

Leverage – SPF

Lone Madrone – Enjoyed the 2013 Points West White blend, 2013 Mourvedre and the 2014 Oveja Negra Red Blend.

Martian Ranch & Vineyard – GPRA often tasted during previous years at the LA Wine Fest.

Morgan Winery – SPF

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery – SPF

Qupe – SPF

Record Family Wines – SPF

Ridge Vineyards – GPRA http://www.westranchbeacon.com/weekly-column.php?id=5402

Rock Wall Wine Company – SPF

Sculpterra Winery – More than one person has shared photos with me of this Paso Robles property but I can’t recall a tasting…so I did them all. Of mention is the 2014 Viognier, 2013 Mourvedre, the spicy aroma of the 2014 Mega Focus GSM Red Blend and the firm tannins in the 2012 Petite Sirah. They are what the rep called a “Cab prominent” winery so I clearly have to visit to try more.

Stolpman Vineyards – GPRA First person I met with on the tasting floor was the owner of Stolpman Vineyards, Tom Stolpman. The last time I tasted with him was just a couple of weeks before, at the Long Beach Grand Cru. And one of the most memorable vineyard tours I ever took was with his son Peter: http://evewine101.com/2013/03/08/eve-and-peter-stolpman-stolpman-vineyards-ballard-canyon-tour-picnic-and-tasting/ I did a quick repeat tasting of the 2013 L’Avion Roussanne, 2014 La Cuadrilla Red Blend that has a picture of Tom hidden under a sombrero on the label, 2014 Estate Syrah and 2014 Angeli 100% Syrah. We had joined the Angeli wine club for that one.

Tablas Creek Vineyard – This Rhone-only Paso producer makes a lot of varieties. During this tasting I thoroughly enjoyed the 2014 Espirit de Tablas Blanc white blend, 2015 Grenache Blanc, 2014 Mourvedre and 2014 Espirit de Tables (red). The white blend was my favorite.

Tercero Wines – GPRA http://evewine101.com/2016/06/03/santa-barbara-road-trip-los-angeles-rhone-varieties/

http://www.westranchbeacon.com/weekly-column.php?id=5402

The Withers Winery – SPF

Treana & Hope Family Wines – SPF

Two Shepherds – GPRA http://www.westranchbeacon.com/weekly-column.php?id=5402

Villa Creek Cellars – GPRA Happy to hear that winemaker Cris Cherry is still at the helm, and can be found at the namesake restaurant in downtown Paso at times as well. We visited a few years back and I was desperate for re-visit! http://evewine101.com/2011/03/18/the-paso-robles-shout-out-photos-are-in-post-below-this-one/ This time it was a killer 2013 Willow Creek Cuvee GSM, 2013 Avenger blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre and the 2013 High Road blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre that got my attention.

Vina Robles – GPRA Tasted SEVERAL times but couldn’t pass up on tasting the latest http://www.westranchbeacon.com/visit-article-archives-view.php?catg=8&id=6287 Another winemaker I’m happy to know is still at the helm, Kevin Willenborg, of Vina Robles. I was delighted with the 2013 RED4 blend, the very big 2012 Estate Petite Sirah and the 2011 Syree Syrah made with 20% Petite Sirah.

Zinke Wines – A new one for me to discover, maybe visit the tasting room in Los Olivos for more of the 2014 Whitehawk Vineyard Viognier, 2013 Central Coast Syrah, 2014 Jack McGinley Vineyard Syrah and 2013 Thompson Vineyard Syrah.

Eve's Wine 101