Eve's Wine 101

FOLEY FAMILY WINES LAUNCHES ONE-STOP-HOLIDAY-GIFT SHOP

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SANTA ROSA, Calif. –Foley Family Wines (FFW) is mixing it up this holiday season, launching an online gift shop on the Foley Food & Wine Society website that offers unique collections of wines from across its prestigious portfolio. Beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, Holiday Shop selections range from hard-to-find magnums to varietally-themed duos to collections of limited-production wines from its most celebrated wineries. The Holiday Shop has launched for corporate gifting at https://shop.foleyfoodandwinesociety.com/holiday.

“Through the creation of these unique gifting items, we’re inviting wine lovers to forge a new holiday tradition this year by giving shoppers access to some of the most beloved wines from across our portfolio, packed together in one beautiful gift box,” says Liz Lease-McCaffrey, Senior Vice President, Consumer Direct. “We’re inviting wine lovers to gift all of their favorite wines to the special people in their lives.”

A sampling of available gift collections includes:

Chardonnay Showstoppers, a trio of iconic Chardonnays from estate vineyards; $145. Includes:

  • Ferrari-Carano 2019 Tré Terre Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

  • Chalk Hill 2019 Estate Chardonnay, Chalk Hill AVA

  • Sebastiani 2019 Patrick’s Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros

Founder’s Selection, three critically acclaimed wines representing the ‘best of the best’ vineyards from across Sonoma County; $315.  Includes:

  • Chalk Hill 2019 Estate Chardonnay, Chalk Hill AVA

  • Sebastiani 2017 Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley

  • Ferrari-Carano 2015 PreVail West Face, Alexander Valley

Prestige Collection, made for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers who appreciate the pedigree of these celebrated wines; $530.  Includes:

  • Ferrari-Carano 2015 PreVail Back Forty Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

  • Sebastiani 2017 Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley

  • Merus 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Hosted on the Foley Food & Wine Society website, the FFW Holiday Shop is open to the public; no membership is required, though purchases by those enrolled in the Foley Food and Wine Society accumulate points that may be used to purchase wine or experiences at any Foley property. All Holiday Shop gifts are available for shipping nationwide.

About Foley Family Wines

Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines is a portfolio of highly-acclaimed wines from some of the world’s greatest vineyards. Every brand in the company’s portfolio has a distinct style and legacy. Encompassing more than two dozen wineries across the globe, Foley Family Wines is the proud steward of some of the wine world’s iconic brands and winery experiences. The Foley Food & Wine Society, the world’s leading luxury lifestyle community, provides members with a gateway to an unmatched variety of culinary, travel, and entertainment experiences around the globe, including the US, New Zealand, France and Argentina. 200 Concourse Blvd., Santa Rosa, CA 95403; 707-708-7600; https://foleyfamilywines.com.

New York and Texas Restaurants to Showcase the Women and Next-Gen Winemakers of Bordeaux This November with Rare, 3-liter Bottle Features

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – The Bordeaux wine region is joining forces with New York and Texas restaurants to celebrate their talented women and Next Gen winemakers with a special big bottle promotion this November. New York restaurants will feature fourteen different “Next Gen” wineries to showcase the young movers and shakers who are making their mark throughout the Bordeaux region. In Texas, the region will sponsor their second annual event for the women winemakers of Bordeaux with a statewide campaign. Making this extra-special, the featured wines will be offered in 3-Liter bottles, a rare, double-magnum size.

Ranging from wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, over 100 accounts in New York and Texas have signed up to support the program this fall. Beginning November 1st, each account will pour a selection of wines from 3-Liter bottles, and many are opting to host additional tasting experiences and promotions throughout the first week of November. Program details and updates will be shared in early October.

“The people of Bordeaux have always been our most dynamic force and source of innovation,” says Bernard Farges, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council. “It is exciting to showcase the collective talent of the many young winemakers and women who are contributing so much to enrich our region. We are honored to work together with our wineries and importers to support our hospitality partners in New York and Texas through these challenging times and are tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support we have already received.”

Featured Women Winemakers of Bordeaux (Texas)
The participating women winemakers and châteaux representatives from Bordeaux represent the rich diversity of their region and will present a selection of wines from renowned reds to dry and sweet whites. Their wines capture the artistry and depth of various Bordeaux appellations from many different perspectives, including family-owned wineries and relative newcomers. The featured wineries this November in Texas include:

  • Château Biac (Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux), Youmna Asseily, Owner and Winemaker
  • Citran (Bordeaux Supérieur), Sophia Sanchez, General Manager
  • Château Haut Mazières (Bordeaux), Gwen Corre, Export Manager
  • Château La Freynelle (Bordeaux blanc), Véronique Barthe, Owner and Winemaker
  • Château La Rame Bordeaux & Bordeaux blanc), Angelique Armand, Winemaker
  • Château Larrivaux (Haut-Médoc), Bérangère Tesseron, Owner and Winemaker
  • Château Rol Valentin (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru), Alexandra Robin, Owner and Winemaker
  • Château Simon (Sauternes, Graves), Pauline Dufour, Owner and Winemaker
  • Château Thieuley (Bordeaux rouge & Bordeaux blanc), Marie Courselle, Owner and Winemaker
  • Clarence Dillon/Clarendelle (Bordeaux rouge & Bordeaux blanc), Erika Smatana, Export Manager USA
  • Les Vignerons Reunis De Monsegur (Bordeaux), Valérie Gosselin Conche, Commercial Director

Featured Next Gen Winemakers of Bordeaux (New York)
The Next Gen Bordeaux winemakers and châteaux representatives presenting their wines in New York this November are a driving force of new ideas, sustainable initiatives, and global connection. They range in age from 23 to 42 and represent a dynamic generation working in every sector from viticulture, winemaking, and commercial management. The featured wineries this November in New York include:

  • Château Biac (Côtes de Bordeaux), Yasmina Asseily, Sales Director (42)
  • Château d’Arche (Bordeaux blanc & Sauternes), Matthieu Arroyo, Winemaker (39)
  • Château des Combes (Bordeaux), Jonathan Ducourt, Owner and Winemaker (38)
  • Château du Moulin Rouge (Haut-Médoc), Geoffrey Ribeiro, Owner and Winemaker (28)
  • Château Gardera (Bordeaux Supérieur), Guillaume Gonfrier, Sales Manager (28)
  • Château Haut-Rian (Côtes de Bordeaux), Pauline Lapierre, Owner and Winemaker (32)
  • Château La Rame (Bordeaux & Bordeaux blanc), Augustin Allo-Armand, Winemaker (23)
  • Château Larose Trintaudon/Perganson (Haut-Médoc), Madeleine Hostache, Export Director (28)
  • Château Larrivaux (Haut-Médoc), Bérangère Tesseron, Owner and Winemaker (39)
  • Château Moulin de la Roquille (Côtes de Francs), Jean-Laurent Audoin, Manager
  • Château Roquefort (Bordeaux), Camille Giai, Commercial Director (39)
  • Château Simon (Sauternes, Graves), Pauline Dufour, Owner and Winemaker (35)
  • Château Tassin (Bordeaux Supérieur & Bordeaux blanc), Guillaume Gonfrier, Sales Manager (28)
  • Clarence Dillon/Clarendelle (Bordeaux & Bordeaux blanc), Erika Smatana, Export Manager USA (30)

ABOUT Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.)
Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created by the French Law dated August 18, 1948. It unites representatives from the three families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers, merchants, and traders. The CIVB’s 4 missions:

  • Marketing mission: stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships.
  • Technical mission: build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations.
  • Economic mission: provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment, sales and prospective data for Bordeaux wines around the world.
  • The industry’s general interests: protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.

Quintessa Introduces Inaugural Decade Release with 2010 Vintage

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ST. HELENA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Quintessa is honored to announce its inaugural Decade Release, a library release that consists of a limited number of bottles of 2010 Quintessa set aside to evolve for one decade in the caves where it originated. First made exclusively available to Quintessa Vineyard Circle members in 3-packs of 750ml bottles and in 1.5 L (magnum) bottles, the Quintessa Decade Release is now available in highly limited quantities in the wholesale market.

Convinced that Quintessa had all the quality elements as an estate to be a true Napa Valley classic, the only thing missing was an understanding of the wine’s capacity to age and improve with time. So in the summer of 2012, shortly after bottling the 2010 vintage, proprietors Agustin and Valeria Huneeus decided to set aside a limited number of bottles of the 2010 vintage to rest undisturbed in perfect conditions without leaving the estate.

“Wine has the capacity to reflect a place like no other, as grapes have the singularity of being fully connected to where the vines grow, including the soil, geology and the unique climatic conditions of that particular vintage,” said Estate Director Rodrigo Soto. “The resulting wine is a time capsule, and over the decade that this wine has transformed in the bottle, it clearly demonstrates that the evolution is not only real but also special and unique.”

The 2010 vintage is evidence of this incredible transformation, with black bright cherry and floral layers to dried herbs, anise & violets. From a supple silky texture to integrated layers of spice, followed by a long mineral finish. Having the time to age wine in the bottle brings balance and multiple dimensions to the glass, making the pleasure of drinking wine a completely different experience.

The 2010 growing season in the Napa Valley began with cooler than average temperatures and plentiful rainfall, which pushed bud break, flowering and fruit set back nearly two weeks. Mild, cool temperatures continued into summer which made meticulous canopy management essential to encourage consistent flavor development. Two late summer heat spikes helped the small, concentrated berries develop toward a later than average harvest.

At twenty years old in 2010, Quintessa’s biodynamic and organically farmed vines had the knowledge to work with mother nature and thrive through the seasons. Beginning on October 5th, the fruit from the Quintessa property was harvested with patience and precision to create a wine of elegance and balance, worthy of the first Decade Release.

To acquire or learn more, please visit quintessa.com/decade-release. For media inquiries, please contact Josh Zoland (jzoland@colangelopr.com) or Rachel Keigley (rkeigley@colangelopr.com) of Colangelo & Partners.

About Quintessa – http://www.quintessa.com
Quintessa is a world-class wine estate in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley. Inspired by the old-world Estate model, Quintessa crafts a single wine each year that expresses the Estate’s diversity and transforms the soil, vines, climate and energy into something greater than those individual elements. In order to capture the purest expression of place, Quintessa has practiced organic techniques since its founding in 1989 and transitioned to biodynamic practices in 1996.

When founders Agustin and Valeria Huneeus first set foot on the pristine, uncultivated property, they believed they had found something absolutely unique from what they had seen in Napa before. They knew that the land, spread over five hillsides, with different soil types and exposures, encompassed tremendous diversity that would lead Quintessa to become a world-class wine estate akin to the first growths of the Old World. Today, the Estate is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère on 26 vineyard blocks. Since its first vintage in 1994, Quintessa has quickly become globally recognized as a benchmark of the Napa Valley.

Ornellaia Celebrates 30th Anniversary of First Vintage (1985) and 10th Anniversary of Vendemmia d’Artista

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – To commemorate the 30th vintage of iconic Italian wine Ornellaia and the 10th edition of the Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista project, the iconic Bolgheri estate invited world-renowned artist William Kentridge to create special-edition labels centered on the theme of “carisma,” or “charisma.” The art, created to represent the character of the vintage itself, will adorn a limited number of Ornellaia 2015 wine bottles. Continuing its partnership with Sotheby’s, Ornellaia will donate 9 rare lots to be auctioned off during a gala evening at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and all proceeds will be used to support the arts and art education at the V&A.

bg-home-2For this year’s edition of Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista – a project launched in 2009 to showcase the unique relationship between fine wine and contemporary art – South African artist William Kentridge developed a site-specific art installation, designed a limited series of 111 large-format bottles, and created a limited-edition label that will appear on one of the six bottles in each case of Ornellaia. As explained by William Kentridge, the images on the labels depict the work of winemaking, specifically the unique combination of craft and processes involved in the vendemmia, or the wine harvest.

“The secateurs come from a memory of the one occasion I took part in a Tuscan vendemmia… when I spent six months in San Casciano outside of Florence…” Kentridge recounts. “The aspects of wine-making that combine both manual craft and mechanical processes suggested the transformation of people into machines and machines into workers…. The drawings are done on pages from various old Italian cash books found in flea markets and second-hand shops in the Tuscan area.”

The theme “Il Carisma,” or “charisma,” was selected for the 2015 vintage, as it perfectly captures the stunning spirit and energy of this wine. Its rich, deep color suggests a wine of great texture and intensity, while the fruit-rich nose shows both ripeness and freshness, with hints of classic balsamic and spice. On the palate, it is rich, dense, and full-bodied, with an exceptionally tannic texture that is simultaneously dense and velvety along the palate. The lengthy finish concludes with an impression of firmness and delicate hints of spice.

The classic flavor profile and exceptional character of this particular vintage can be attributed to the fact that 2015 was a particularly well-balanced harvest season, with relatively normal, almost textbook-like weather patterns. Winemaker and Estate Director Axel Heinz explains, “Like people of great ‘carisma’ (charisma), wines of great vintages know how to impose themselves naturally, without force, their balance allowing them to shine without having to flaunt themselves.”

On May 23, the spotlight will shift to the celebratory event, a benefit auction featuring 9 rare lots, which will include the special bottles created by William Kentridge for the Ornellaia 2015 Il Carisma. Stephen Mould, Sotheby’s Senior Director and Head of the European Wine Department, will preside over the gala dinner and auction, and all funds raised will be donated in their entirety to the host sponsoring the event, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London.

V&A Director Tristram Hunt states, “The V&A is thrilled to host Ornellaia, Sotheby’s, and the renowned artist William Kentridge, as they present the 10th edition of Vendemmia d’Artista. We are honored that Ornellaia have chosen the V&A for this spectacular event and we are hugely grateful for its generous support.”

Stephen Mould continues, “I admire how William Kentridge interprets Ornellaia 2015 “Il Carisma” through his allegorical language – the artworks he has created for the bottles and the estate transform the spirit of Ornellaia through visual art and make concrete his interpretation of Ornellaia 2015’s character. This vintage, born during an optimal harvest season, is set to be one of Ornellaia’s greatest.” Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Wine, further elaborates, “Sotheby’s Wine is proud to participate in our tenth collaboration with Ornellaia’s superb Vendemmia d’Artista art program… These unique large-format bottles will find homes in new cellars and will always remind their new owners of the joys of bringing wine, food, art and friendship together.”

Ornellaia CEO Giovanni Geddes da Filicaja concludes, “Today, as Vendemmia d’Artista marks its 10th year, it continues to attract funds for the restoration of artworks belonging to our universal heritage. In just first nine editions we have succeeded in donating almost two million euros across the globe; just a small drop perhaps, but there is much more to come.”

About Vendemmia d’Artista
Vendemmia d’Artista celebrates the unique character of each new vintage of Ornellaia. Every year since the release of Ornellaia 2006 in May 2009, a contemporary artist creates a site-specific work of art and a series of limited edition labels, drawing inspiration from the word chosen by the Winemaker to describe the character of the new vintage. The Vendemmia d’Artista project includes a label created by the Artist for a single bottle in each wooden case of Ornellaia (containing six 750ml bottles). As in previous years, the project provides for a limited edition of 111 large-size bottles (100 Double Magnums (3L), 10 Imperials (6L) and 1 Salmanazar (9L) each individually numbered and personally signed by the artist.

About the Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. It was established to make works of art available to all and to inspire British designers and manufacturers. Today, the V&A’s collections – which span over 5,000 years of human creativity in virtually every medium – continue to intrigue, inspire and inform. The Museum holds many of the UK’s national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewelry, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.

Bodega Catena Zapata Draws $260,000 at Naples Winter Wine Festival

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NAPLES, Fla. (PRWEB) – A dazzling journey through Argentina donated by Bodega Catena Zapata exceeded expectations at the Naples Winter Wine Festival auction with a winning bid of $260,000, making it one of the top lots at the leading charity wine auction in the United States. The lot—which combines wine, art, food, and culture in a getaway for four—inspired spirited bidding during the auction, with auctioneer Humphrey Butler hammering it “Sold!” to Joan and Bob Clifford for more than a quarter-million dollars.

piramide“The energy in the room was incredible,” said Dr. Laura Catena, the winery’s managing director. “The driving force was to raise money for children and that got everybody fired up to bid up, up, and up! I adore the Cliffords and I am going to make sure that it is the best trip their family has ever taken.”

The journey begins in Buenos Aires at the Faena Hotel, the glamorous property designed by Philippe Starck in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. Chefs at the city’s top restaurants—Tomás Kalika of Mishiguene, Donato De Santis of Cucina Paradiso, and Germán Martitegui of Tegui—will open their kitchens for private, behind-the-scenes culinary tours. A visit to the studio of the renowned Buenos Aires artist, Luti Vernet, will include sitting for a portrait. And Nicolás Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata’s third-generation winemaker and considered the father of the modern Argentine wine industry, will host an intimate lunch with his wife, Elena.

Then it is on to Mendoza, the country’s premier wine region, with relaxing stays at the Park Hyatt hotel and La Vendimia, the Catena family’s weekend retreat outside the city. An in-depth visit to the Catena Zapata winery, led by Dr. Laura Catena, will include a blending session to create a unique personal bottling to take home, along with other treasures from the Catena cellar that were part of the Naples auction lot, including: double-magnums of Nicolás Catena Zapata, the winery’s flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, as well as current releases of their pure Malbec releases, including Malbec Argentino, Fortuna Terrae, River Stones, and Mundus Bacillus Terrae.

The trip will conclude with a celebratory night at chef Francis Mallmann’s renowned restaurant, 1884, and tango at Bodegas Caro, the winery that was created in partnership by Nicolás Catena and Domaines Barons de Rothschild, whose holdings include Château Lafite Rothschild.

The generous bid on Bodega Catena Zapata’s donation helped boost the total proceeds of this year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival to $15.15 million. The funds will benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation, an organization supporting charitable programs in Collier County, FL. Since its inception in 2001, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more than $176 million for children in need.

About Bodega Catena Zapata:

Bodega Catena Zapata has been at the forefront of wine culture in Argentina since their vineyards were first planted in 1902. Over the past 40 years, the pioneering vision and tireless work ethic of Nicolás Catena Zapata has been rewarded by the fact that Argentine wine now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best wines in the world. Nicolás Catena Zapata is the only South American to have received both Decanter’s Man of the Year Award and Wine Spectator’s Distinguished Service Award. Under the current direction of winemaker and managing director Dr. Laura Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata continues to lead Argentina into the next century of winemaking, balancing a ceaseless study of Argentina’s high altitude climate and soils with the family’s century-old heritage. For more information about Bodega Catena Zapata, please visit http://www.catenawines.com, or visit Catena’s U.S. Importer at http://www.mundovinoimports.com.

Announcing A New Way to “FlyWithWine”

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Napa, CA (PRWEB) – FlyWithWine, the leading retailer of safe and secure wine travel luggage, announces the concierge same day/next day delivery program in Napa/Sonoma. Solving the problem of worrying how to ship wine home safely and avoiding high-priced shipping costs, FlyWithWine’s VinGardeValise® is a wine enthusiast’s dream. It is well-built, easy-to-roll luggage that comes in 8 and 12 bottle capacities. If you are not carrying a full case, then you can pack clothes or other items too. The best part is that you or your local concierge can have the suitcase sent directly to your home, hotel room, or Air B+B.

15235910_359724071058547_2135679277043666826_oAnyone who travels with wine knows how difficult and expensive it can be. FlyWithWine’s VinGardeValise® offers ultimate reusable protection, convenience, and versatility. Easily and safely transport your wine anywhere you want to go. Fully packed, it typically weighs between 43-50 lbs, staying under airline limits. It also conforms to all applicable TSA, FAA, and airline luggage standards.

“Being someone who regularly travels the world with wine, I know how frustrating it can be to get stuck with expensive shipping costs and no guarantee on ensuring the integrity of your wine. The first time I used my VinGardeValise, I knew I had to share it with the world. Our free same-day delivery service in Napa and next day in Sonoma, and free ground shipping in the continental United States, allows us to do just that. Don’t take my word for it, try it yourself and let your senses be your guide.” Ron Scharman, CEO FlyWithWine.com.

The removable wine cavities are especially designed to hold a combination of bottles of almost any shape. The suitcase includes a special Burgundy shaped cavity and a Bordeaux cavity that has removable “shoulder” pads to ensure a snug fit. From Champagne to Riesling, you’ll never have to worry about the safety of your bottles. In addition, there are optional special inserts for magnums, wine glasses, and custom needs.

Thoughtfully designed, FlyWithWine’s VinGarde Valise® is the most versatile suitcase your wine lover will ever own.

Buy online http://www.flywithwine.com/products/vingardevalise and get free same-day/next day delivery in Napa/Sonoma and free shipping to any location in the continential United States.

Contact: info(at)flywithwine(dot)com

Recap:
WHO – FlyWithWine.com
WHAT – FlyWithWine’s concierge network same-day delivery of the VinGardeValise® – The world’s first suitcase designed exclusively for transporting wine
WHEN – Available now on FlyWithWine.com
WHERE – Available in The United States and Canada
HOW MUCH- 12 Bottle suitcase – $269 plus tax. 8 Bottle suitcase – $199 plus tax. *Shipping is inclusive for all orders in the continental United States
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About FlyWithWine
FlyWithWine is the leader in superior wine travel luggage. Operated by a group of wine enthusiasts who live in Napa and travel around the world, we are inspired by solving the complications involved with transporting wine safely and securely. By combining style and stability with a durable design, wine enthusiasts can transport their wine safely by plane, train, automobile, jet ski, boat, hang glider, submarine, gondola, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, and more. (Please travel safely).

Sour Grapes and Grain: A Film Review and A Warning

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The only auctions we’ve ever purchased wine from were Juan Alonso’s at Le Chene benefitting the senior center, Circle of Hope’s Vine 2 Wine and an event I co-hosted: Toast and a Wish. Those were little auctions in comparison to the ones held in Napa Valley that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, or any auction – ever – held by a respected auction house like Sotheby’s or Christie’s. Why no those? Because we don’t have that kind of money.

15003411_1215564208534739_6178823305423283059_oIf you do buy wine via wine auction, or are a vinophile, you’ve undoubtedly heard the story of Rudy Kurniawan by now. (I’ll be just abbreviating his name to RK for the rest of this article, as he’s all over this.) RK wormed his way into the wine world first by buying wine in large amounts, possibly driving up price and demand, and then started selling large amounts of it.

A new film on Netflix, Sour Grapes, is an a eye-opening documentary on RK that I just watched before writing this article.

The wine RK sold via auction couldn’t be pinpointed to a specific source or cellar other than his own and he relied on the opinions, or so he said, of other respected somms of their quality.

There were no actual tests done by the auction houses to authenticate the wines before putting them up for sale.

Things unraveled when one millionaire buyer and a French winemaker started to question RK more and more. The film is compelling to watch as the sleuths uncover RK’s work and, finally, get into his Arcadia home where everything from a printing press to bottles soaking in a sink long enough to remove their labels are exposed.

We learn in the film that Petrus didn’t make a magnum for the vintage year RK sold, glossy photos of bottles in the auction program were of fakes, one winery didn’t even exist in the vintage years sold and while a label looked brand new – albeit misspellings appeared – the foil capsules were definitely from older vintages.

Also of note in the film was a person I recognized in several shots drinking with RK: Calogero Drago of Pasadena’s Celestino restaurant. I Googled their names together and found nothing. But, if you watch the film, you will see and hear from many people that trusted, and some that still trust, RK. I found that interesting too.

We wine people are a tight bunch. If I find someone I like to taste with, that is sharing some nice wines, I might not ask/care how the wine was obtained. But I would be embarrassed to have liked a wine that turned out to have been blended by someone other than the true winemaker.

There is a scene with Christian Navarro of Wally’s Wine where a few bottles of Rudy’s wine is brought in and tasted, two or three people claim it as being perfect, and Navarro calls it out for crap. That was hard to watch.

Then this hit my newsfeed: a report of Fake Whiskey in the auction market. The article highlights a 1903 Laphroaig but the story doesn’t end there. Like RK’s cellar, these whiskies may still be out there and available via auctions, and in personal collections.

How much fake wine and whiskey could there be on the market? How much may already be purchased but the buyer left unaware? Are the auction houses now taking more serious precautions? I’m a wee bit grateful not to be a millionaire right now.

For your further study:

A little more on the ongoing story of Rudy Kurniawan.

Follow more Sour Grapes news on Facebook.

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

Wine Enthusiast Award Winning Winemakers Present Wine Blending Class

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Valencia’s Only Bonded Winery, Pulchella Winery, Leads Hands-On Take-A-Magnum-Home Winemaker-For-A-Day Class

The SCV Custom Crush Services, owned by Pulchella Winery winemakers Nate Hasper and Steve Lemley, has dozens of clients making wine at their state-of-the-art facility – who may have started on their journey after attending winemaking classes like Winemaker for a Day. Winemakers and wine fans alike may also have come to SCV Custom Crush Services after reading about their recent awards in Wine Enthusiast magazine.

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Now you have the same opportunity to learn why Merlot is the best blending grape and why Petite Sirah is sometimes added for color alone, when Hasper and Lemley lead vinophiles in an exclusive wine blending class for 50 students only on Sunday May 22, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“When have you ever had the chance to relax in a winery barrel room and learn first hand, from winemakers, the secret of blending wines?” Lemley asked with a grin. “On top of that, take home a magnum-sized bottle of your very own custom blended creation drawn straight out of the barrel. Just think what your friends will say when you open your magnum and tell everyone that you actually blended the bottle yourself.

Our ‘Winemaker for a Day’ begins when you arrive and are greeted with a glass, beaker and small cheese and cracker plate as we settle down for ‘class.’ The fun will then continue with the secrets of blending – where Nate and I will share our tricks of the trade. With beaker and wine samples at your table, you will then work to create your very own custom blend, and end by placing the cork in your magnum to take home!”

Reserve your spot now (tickets are non-refundable, however there will be a repeat event in December) for $125 via this link: https://www.wineweb.com/scripts/secure/eventReservation.cfm?w=44010&seq=336

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Recent Wine Enthusiast Contributing Editor Matt Kettmann recently awarded Pulchella Winery these ratings (At press time all of these wines are sold out)

 

2013 Mercenary reserve Zinfandel:

94 points-  highest rated Zinfandel in the entire California central coast.

 

2013: Red White & Blue Zinfandel Field Blend:

91 points and featured article in November issue.

 

2013: Henchman Tannat:

91 points-  highest rated Tannat in Adelaida sub district.

 

customerservice@pulchellawinery.com

http://www.scvwinery.com

http://www.pulchellawinery.com

 

Vintage Eve Circa 6/2011: The CLASSIC Results

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The last time I co-chaired a big wine event, Pour Into Haiti with Roman Weiser and David Schutz, I counted on these two very capable men to harness the winery help while I could focus on being the social networking butterfly.  With the Circle of Hope (COH) taking over the Betty Ferguson Foundation’s Vine 2 Wine…I was able to attract the big gun behind the former SCV Wine Classic, Jeff Jacobson, to persuade and secure the wineries. Enter the inaugural Vine 2 Wine CLASSIC.

2013-vine-2-wine-classic-banner1The event committee, headed by expert event planner Shawneen Rubay and COH Executive Director Ray Tippet, included Judy Penman, Cheryl Gray, Steve Cravitz, Nicole Weir, wine chair Jeff Jacobson, with Janice Murray and myself as the event co-chairs.

This was far beyond my realm. Several meetings whizzed by. Fast forward to the morning of the event and my husband Eddie and I found ourselves picking up dozens of cases of wine from Jeff’s house and helping him unload at the event site. It was dizzying working alongside the volunteers all morning. When it was lunch time – Jeff had arranged for all of the volunteers to have lunch – he gave the wine pourers a quick pep talk and…we were off.

Eddie, planning on working the sparkling table we were assigned to together, was left with about six other women instead…as I was the official “greeter” that thanked all of the guests for supporting COH. (A note on our table: John Carter, the owner of BarParts.com, gave me a gold-plated Champagne opener to use. Remove the cage, clamp the serrated edges on the cork, turn the bottle, and voilà, it worked like a charm!)

Once inside guests could look at original art, have some lunch, listen to music, bid on silent auction items, partake in a “wine pull”, enjoy the Beer Garden of Hope or…taste wine. At one point our local radio-personality Janice Murray called me up to the microphone. She said to tell people some kind of wine hint, my mind when blank, I think I stammered, “Stay away from my library wine tables, that’s all for me” in my usual charming way.

This is what guests found on their own:

CLASSIC surprises

We keep some secrets from the general public which included the wine yoke, a fabric necklace with several sturdy grips for a wine glass because, as I told guests as they entered, “Circle of Hope cares….and wants you to be comfortable and hands-free for the tasting today.”

The “Library” wine donators weren’t made public before the event as well as exactly what rare wines may be available.

And, since we had to move from a few tents to a few tents plus three pavilions, two were named after Betty Ferguson Foundation Founders Judy Cox and Marjanne Priest and one was named for the Circle of Hope Founder, Colleen Shaffer.

CLASSIC Quotes

When Jeff asked me to go to all of the tents to thank the volunteers and the winery representatives for coming out to support the event, I took the time to also check in with guests to ask what their favorite wine of the day was. And though I mentioned their favorite exact “descriptor” in this week’s Eve’s Wine 101 YouTube (link) …I’m not putting that in print. (Suffice to say, the volunteers, winery representatives and guests all had a great experience and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.)

Elizabeth Hopp: 2000 Talley Pinot Noir.

Cathy Martin: 2006 Silver Oak Magnum at the Circle of Hope table.

Rose Chegwin by way of Kathy Crone: Les Deux Chats and Pulchella. (Our local winemakers!)

Leah Granen: The Martinelli table.

Marlee Lauffer: 1999 William Selyem Pinot Noir served at Jeff Jacobson’s library wine table.

Diane Ghilardi: Pulchella and Morello Pinot Noir (Nick Morello, you may remember, was the first manager at Valencia Wine Co., made wines at Leona Valley, and now, I can attest, makes an outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.)

Amanda Bahnmaier: Clos La Chance 08 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Pulchella.

Kelly Abbott: The dry Italian sparkling wine and Pulchella.

Dr. Andrew Friend: 06 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon at the Jacobson library table.

Janice Murray: Rotari Brut and Rose.

Michael Parks: Leona Valley Malbec.

John Geraci: Morello Pinot Noir and Les Deux Chats Zinfandel.

Sheryl Geraci: Morello Chardonnay.

Dr. Rex Baumgartner: 06 Stage Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

Ramon Rebel: A Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the French Wine Table.

And a nice, non x-rated quote from Steve-looking-sharp-Chegwin: “It’s like the Vine 2 Wine and The Classic Merged!” Ding! Ding! Ding!

CLASSIC sightings

Clyde and Colleen Shaffer, Judy Cox, Marjanne Priest, Moe, Linda and Alex Hafizi, Laine Hedwell and Marlee Lauffer, Judy Penman, Michele Buttleman, Jim Walker, Bob Keller, Cheryl Gray, Ray, Janey and Jason Tippet, Geoffrey and Shawneen Rubay, Amanda Bahnmaier, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, John and Sheryl Geraci, Steve and Cathy Martin, Mike and Pam Ripling, Ken and Patrice Rifkind, Sharyn Buncick, Shaun and Ivy Pierson, Sharon Lindquist and all of her lovely Wine-y Women, Oriana John, Bruce and Tamara Brown, Darrin and Cathy Craig, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Yvonne Matute and her daughter, Christina Scott Haselbusch, Ron Horton, Rich Soto and Jane Bettencourt-Soto, Larry Barbro, Lois Bauccio, Kathy Crone, Dan and Janine Jones, Bob and Susie Majesky, Patrick, Barbara and Brittney Raach, Terry Bucknall, Maria Strmsek, Michael Parks, Diana Vose, John and Tera McHugh, Maureen McKaughan, Leah Granen, Jenifer Costin, Kelly Anderson Phen, Linda Woolf, Judith Cassis, Dr. Rex Baumgartner, Ramon Rebel, Shelley Hann, Mary Reuschel, Bob and Susie Majesky, Kevin Kistler, Dr. Andrew Friend, Liz Seipel, Ron Horton and the two very nice undercover “Matrix-Looking” policemen.

CLASSIC thanks

So many local pals stepped up to volunteer! Janice Murray, Sue Saffir, Steve and Amy Elzer, Jeff, Joan and Julie Jacobson, Eddie Bushman, Steve and Julie Cravitz, Dean Funk, Mary Bradway, Tom and Jenny Lukas, DiMaggio Washington, Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong, Roger and Gwen Gertz, Chef Tamra Levine, Claudia Sheridan, Danise Davis, Jami Kennedy, Doug Penman, Ralph Gray, Diane Ghilardi, Nicole Weir, Nick Morello, Steve and Megan Lemley, Nate Hasper, Wendy Ora Roberts, Lee Yoon, John Burton, Casey Boshae, Corey Jones, Mark Abraham, Randy Bartlett, Russ and Nancy Briley, Denise Cardamone, Priscilla Faubel, John Whitman, Jim Schaffert, Corey Ann Koontx Jones, Lisa Van Blarcom, Roman Weiser, Beth Heiserman, Greg Moss, Krystal Anderson, Heidi Brook-Meyers, Randy and Cherie Bartlett, Corey Jones, David Reynolds, Kelly Abbott, Kathy Rutherford, Gary Stein, Russ and Leslie Bretall, Scott and Susan Hand, Don Kelly, Steve and Julie Sturgeon, Jo Ann Vindigni, Don Kelly, Tim and Barb Heinzel, Patty Blazer, Darrell and Judy Gilbert, Lisa Valenti, Paul Vernier, Laura Romano, John Whitman, Bonnie Stauch, Mike and Sue Wynn, Mark and Pat Abraham, Don and Donna Heese, Sandy Brandon, Mike and Sue Wynn, Wayne and Rhonda Durand, Don and Joyce Woodmansee, Ken and Marilyn Euken, Friends of Kevin Byrne, Kevin Byrne, Saheer and Sabrina Ali, Heidi Wiss, Beth Greenwald, Don and Diane Scudamore.

I also asked Jeff Jacobson what he would like to add: “We want to especially thank all the wineries for trusting in our “great expectation” that the event would be attended by so many people that their attendance, as with the Wine Classic, would be worth their while, and to single out two very important people whose ongoing support was paramount in importance: John Burton of Southern Wine & Spirits of So. California, who recruited several wineries for the event, and Kevin Byrne of Wine Warehouse who not only recruited several wineries, but also ran the Beer Garden of Hope. Without the ongoing support of these amazing and generous people, as well as our friends who donated those incredible library wines from their own cellars, as well as the volunteers, we could not have had such an outstanding event, particularly on less than three months’ notice.”

CLASSIC food

Salt Creek Grille Catering, Cake Goodness, M & W Gourmet Foods, McClaren’s Shortbread, Toffee DeJour, Jersey Mike’s and Sam’s Specialty Sausages kept guests happy. (Tickets weren’t needed for tastings, and the food was included in the overall ticket price.)

CLASSIC music

Dave Ford & the Last Set, Kelly’s Lot and Stagg Street Band Rhythm Section. Walking through the venue I happened upon a young woman, Brittney Westover, that sang between band sets. Brittney works, and often performs, at the Roman Holiday Wine Lounge. She brought me to tears when she sang from an opera for us today!

CLASSIC artists

Georgette Arison, Jaylene Armstrong, Janine Ayers, Lisa Barr, Donna Boydston, Evie Cook, Hector Fernandez, Laurie Finkelstein, Sandy Fisher, Zony Gordon, Olga Kaczmar, Cheri Marcovitch, Gerda Maxey, Jane Mick, Trae Mundt, Patty O’Hearn, Laurelle Quintero, Dale & Pat Thayer, David Veal, Lynn Wolverton-Parker, Leroy Ward and Ross Walhburg.

CLASSIC Sponsors

Canyon Country Magazine, Elite Magazine, HotSpot SCV, KHTS, Santa Clarita Valley Magazine, The Signal, THEsaurus FILMS, A1 Rentals, Andy Gump, Burrtec, Copper Eagle Security, KEI Management, KISS Storage, Mann Biomedical Park, Newhall Ice, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, Santa Clarita Photographic Studio, Sheila Veloz Breast Imaging Center, SOS Productions, Southern Wine & Spirits of Southern California, International Wines and Wine Warehouse.

CLASSIC Beer in the Beer Garden of Hope

Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Lost Coast Brewery, Napa Smith Brewery and Mission Brewery, were manned by volunteers Doug Penman and Sam Senner. A note on Sam: He flew in from Alaska to assist at the event! He not only helped in the Beer Garden of Hope but also stepped in to make pulled pork with the many other tireless volunteers.

CLASSIC Plans

You’ll just have to stay tuned to find out the date and venue for next year. But, before I give you a taste of the wines, just a thank you to everyone that made this event so successful.   From the volunteers to the guests and back around to the women with breast cancer we strive to help, take pride in knowing that you strengthened the circle of hope last Sunday. Learn more here: http://www.circleofhopeinc.org/v2/

The CLASSIC wines

CIRCLE OF HOPE’S 2011 VINE 2 WINE CLASSIC
WINERIES, WINE TABLES, LIBRARY WINES AND BEER GARDEN DETAILS
Circle of Hope Table of Sparkling wines of the world
NV Santa Julia Brut Rose, Argentina
NV Mumm Brut Prestige, Napa
NV Rotari Brut Rose, — Aldo Adige, Italy
NV Abbazia Asti Spumante, Italy
NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserve Cava, Spain
NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserve Cava Rose, Spain
NV Veuve du Vernay Brut, France
NV Piper Sonoma Brut, California
2007 Gerard Bertrand Cremnt de Limoux Brut, France
NV Sekt Extra Dry Rose, Germany
2008 Terra Sparkling Malbec, Argentina
NV Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose, Cremant d’Alsace, France
NV Graham Beck Brut Rose, South Africa
Circle of Hope Table of Italian wines
2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva
2008 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese San Girogio Molise Terra Degle Osci
2008 Fontanafredda Barbera d’Alba Briccontondo
NV Rotari sparkler rose, Aldo Adige
NV Bellussi Spumante Prosecco Valdobiadene
Moscato d’ Asti, Il Conte d’Alba
2009 Masi Pinot Grigio
2008 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese Molise
2008 sportoletti Assisi Rosso
2007 Sirch Ribolla Gialla
Wines from Australia and New Zealand
2008 Overhill Shiraz McLaren Vale Red Silk
2009 Rata Sauvignon Blanc, Marlboro
2009 Terroir Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
2008 D’Arenberg Shiraz, “The Stump Jump,” McLaren Vale
2009 D’Arenberg Viognier-Marsanne, “The Hermit Crab,” McLaren Vale
2008 Leeuwin Riesling, Margaret River Art Series
Wines of South Africa
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Sugar Bush
2008 Boekenhoustkloof Syrah Porcupine Ridge
2008 Boekenhoustkloof Wolftrap Red (Meritage)
2008 Ken Forester Petit Chenin Blanc
2009 Ken Forester Petit Pinotage
2005 Stellekaya (S. Africa) Cabernet
2008 Man Vintners Pinotage
2009 Indaba Chard (So. Africa) — may have enough for the White wines tables.
2008 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Delheim Cab Sauv. Shiraz (So. Aftica)
Interesting White Wines of the World
2005 Pinot Gris Albert Mann, Furstntum Grand Crue, Alsace
2007 Can Feixes Penedes Blanc
2007 Chardonnay, Flora Springs, Napa Vlley
2009 Huber Gruner Veltliner Niederosterreich Hugo, Austria
2006 Saxon Brown Semillon Somoma Valley Casa Santinamaria Vineyards, California
2007 Sirch Ribolla Gialla, Italy
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood, Sonoma
2009 Veramonte sauvignon blanc, Chile
2009 Poppy Chardonnay, Sta Lucia Highlands
2009 Roc de Segur, Bordeaux, France
2009 Tarquinet Classic Ugni Blanc Colombard-Gascogne, France
2009 King Estate Pinot Gris, Oregon
2009 Quinta de Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde, Portugal
2009 Dominio del Plata Torrontes Crios de Susana Balbo Mendoza, Argentina
2008 Cune Rioja Blanco Monopole, Spain
Circle of Hope Table of Interesting Red Wines
2006 Clos La Chance estate cabernet sauvignon, California
2006 Stonestreet Meritage, Fifth Ridge
2007 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand
2007 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel, California
2007Malhadinha Nova Monte Da Peceguina, Alentejo, Portugal
2008 Rioja, Bodegas Y Vinedos Noe ,Rioja, Spain
2008 Fritz Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California
2008 Santa Emma Merlot, Chile
Pittnauer Burgenlander Rot, Austria
2009 Beaujolais, Domaine Jean Descombes (Duboeuf), Cote de Morgon, Burgundy, France
2009 Chateau Roc de Segur, Bordeaux Superior
2009 McManis Petit Sirah, California
Campesino Cellars
www.campesinocellars.com
2008 Pinot Noir, Papi y Chula Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley
2008 Syrah, Sangiacomo Old Lakeville Road Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
2009 Chupi Late Harvest Chardonnay, Napa Valley (375 ml)
The Cellar — DiMaggio Washington — Ports and Fortified Wines
In addition to DiMaggio’s own syrah port
Fonseca port, Bin 27, Finest Reserve
Ramos Pinto Collecor Porto Riserva
Offley white porto
Niepoort tawny port
Pennfold’s tawny “Club” port
Henriques & Henriques Madeira, Full, Rich
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Dry Amontillado
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Fino
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Oloroso
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Deluxe Cream
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry –Moscatel Superior
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Pedro Ximenez
Cantine Pellegrino 1880 Marsala, Sweet
4 Joes Winery
2006 Grenache, Paso Robles
2006 Mourvedre, Thompson Vineyards, Santa Barbara County
2006 Syrah, Thompson Vineyards, Santa Barbara County
Halter Ranch Vineyard
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
2008 Syrah, Paso Robles
2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles
2010 Cotes de Paso Blanc, (rhone blend), Paso Robles
Leona Valley Winery
2009 Chardonnay, Leona Valley & Santa Barbara County
2006 Pinot Noir, Leona Valley
2006 Malbec, Leona Valley
2005 Meritage, Leona Valley
2008 Rose, semi-sweet, “Fault Line,” Leona Valley
NV Port, Malbec and Petite Verdot blend, Leona Valley
Navarro Vineyards
2007 Pinot Noir, Methode a l’Ancienne
2009 Chardonnay, Premiere Reserve
2009 Gewurztraminer, Estate Bottled
2009 Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley, Mendocino
2009 Riesling, Anderson Valley, Mendocino
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Cuvee 128, Mendocino
2010 Rose Mendocino, Anderson Valley
Martinelli Winery
1999 Martinelli Chardonnay, Charles Ranch, Sonoma Coast
2003 Martinelli Pinot Noir, Seven Mules Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2003 Zinfandel, Giuseppe & Luisa, Russian River Valley
2004 Martinelli Syrah, Terra Felice, Russian River Valley
2004 Martinelli Zinfandel, Vigneto di Evo, Russian River Valley
2006 Martinelli Pinot Noir, Bella Vigna, Russian River Valley
2006 Martinelli Zinfandel, Giuseppe & Luisa, Russian River Valley
2006 Chardonnay, Three Sisters Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
2006 Syrah, Hop Camp Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2007 Pinot Noir, Lolita Ranch, Russian River Valley
2008 Zinfandel, Vigneto di Evo, Russian River Valley
Morello Wines
2008 Chardonnay, Leona Valley
2008 Pinot Noir, Leona Valley
2008 Pinot Noir, Paso Robles
Old Creek Ranch Winery
2007 Nebbiolo, Stolpman Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
2008 De la Tierra (Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier blend)
2008 Petite Sirah, Branham Obsidian Vineyard, Napa Valley
2008 Sangiovese, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara
2010 Albarino de Moro, Edna Valley
Vino V Winery
2006 Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
2010 Gruner Veltliner, “Confundida,” San Luis Obispo County
Pulchella Winery
Pulchella Everyday Wine Blend, Paso Robles
Pulchella Everyday Red Blend, Paso Robles
2009 Pulchella Zinfandel, Golden Cloud Vineyard, Paso Robles
2009 Pulchella Private Family Reserve Blend, Paso Robles
Reyes Winery
www.reyeswinery.com
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature, Sierra Pelona Valley
2009 Merlot, Signature, Sierra Pelona Valley
2009 Syrah, Signature, Sierra Pelona Valley
Talley Vineyards
2000 Talley Rosemary’s Chardonnay
2000 Talley Rosemary’s Pinot Noir
2004 Talley Rosemary’s Chardonnay
2004 Talley Rincon Chardonnay
2005 Talley RIncon Pinot Noir
2005 Talley Stone Corral Pinot Noir
2007 Talley Rincon Chardonnay
2009 Chardonnay, Estate Bottled, Arroyo Grande Valley
2009 Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Arroyo Grande Valley
Whitcraft Winery
2005 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard
2007 Pinot Noir, Aubane Vineyard
2007 Syrah, Stolpman Ranch
2007 Pinot Noir, Melville Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
2009 Chardonnay, Olivos del Mar Vineyard
2009 Pinot Noir, Morning Dew Ranch, Barrel Select, “futures” tasting
Les Deux Chats Winery
Vintages and other details to follow:
2009 Roussanne, Ripken Vineyard, Lodi
Viognier
Syrah
2009 Zindandel, Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles
Nuggucciet Cellars
2009 Pinot Noir, Riverbench Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
Francis Coppola Winery
2010 Blanc de Blanc, Sofia, Monterey
2009 Chardonnay, Votre Sante, California
2010 Riesling, Sofia, Monterey
2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Diamond, California
2010 Rose, Sofia, Monterey
2008 Cinema red blend, Director’s Cut, Sonoma
2009 Claret, Diamond, California
2009 Pinot Noir, Votre Sante, California
2008 Zinfandel, Director’s Cut, Dry Creek
Constellation Wine U.S.
2008 Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Reserve
2008 Blackstone Merlot, Sonoma Reserve
2010 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
2008 Wildhorse Chardonnay, Paso Robles
2008 Wildhorse Pinot Noir, Paso Robles
Wente Family Estates
An assortment of excellent wines, to be determined
Prestige Wine Imports
NV Rotari Talento Brut Sparkling Wine, Trento, Italy
NV Rotari Rose Sparkling Wine, Trento, Italy
2010 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy
2010 Mezzacorona Moscato, Alto Adige, Italy
2008 Feudo Arancio Contadoro, red blend, Sicily, Italy
Pedroncelli Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay, Vintage Selction, Dry Creek Valley
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Eastside Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2009 Merlot, Bench Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
2007 Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2009 Zinfandel, Mother Clone, Dry Creek Valley
Gallo Family Vineyards
MacMurray Ranch 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
MacMurray Ranch 2009 Pinot Noir, Central Coast
Bridlewood 2009 Blend #175, red blend, Central Coast
Bridlewood 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Kenneth Volk Vineyards
2007 Chardonnay, “Santa Maria Cuvee”
2009 Malvasia Bianca, Monterey
2007 Pinot Noir,”Santa Maria Cuvee”
2008 Negrette, Calleri Vineyard, San Benito
Shannon Ridge Ranch Vineyards and Winery
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County
2009 Chardonnay, Lake County
2009 Wrangler Red, red blend, Lake County
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
2008 Zinfandel, Lake County
2009 Petite Sirah, Lake County
Rosenthal The Malibu Estate
Suefrider 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Edna Valley
Rosenthal 2008 Chardonnay, Newton Canyon, Malibu
Rosenthal 2009 Chardonnay, Newton Canyon, Malibu
Surfrider 2008 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley
Rosenthal 2008 Merlot, Newton Canyon, Malibu
Rosenthal 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Newton Canyon, Malibu
J Lohr Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay, “Riverstone,” Monterey
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, “Seven Oaks,” Paso Robles
2008 Merlot, “Los Osos,” Paso Robles
2009 Syrah, “South Ridge,” Paso Robles
2010 Reisling, “Bay Mist, Monterey
2010 Valdiguie, “Wildflower,” Monterey
Wines of Spain
2008 Albarino, Eidos De Padrinan, Rias Baixas
2009 Verdejo, A Rodriguez Martin Sancho, Rueda
2009 Valdeorras, Casal Novo Godello
2007 Mencia, Bodega Pazzo de Arribi, Bierzo
2008 Tempranillo, Vina Gormaz, Ribera del Duero
2009 Garnacha, “Xiloca,” Vinae Mureri, Rivera del Jiloca, Aragon
International Wines & Liquor
An assortment of excellent wines
Sunrise Spirits and Food Company
An assortment of excellent current vintages and library wines,
Woodland Hills Wine Company
2010 Chateau du Rouet Cuvee Reservee Tradition Cotes de Provence Rose, France
2010 Moulin de Gassac, Guilhem Rose, Languedoc, France
2010 Muga Rioja Rosado, Rioja, Spain
2010 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose, Costal Region, South Africa
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Cote-de-Brouilly, Domaine du Riaz
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Julienas, La Trinquee
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Morgon, Domaine de la Chaponne
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Moulin-a-Vent, Domaine des Rosiers
Library Wines
Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong
1996 spotswoode cabernet sauvignon (3 Litre)
2001 Colgin Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Herb Lamb Vineyard, Napa Valley
1999 Colgin Cellars Proprietary Red, Cariad Vineyard, Napa Valley
2006 Colgin Cellars Syrah, IX Estate, Napa Valley
Faubel
1982 Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon
1985 Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon
2000 Colgin Cellars Proprietary Red, Cariad Vineyard, Napa Valley
1990 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Vendage Tardive
1992 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Heinbourg
Roger and Gwen Gertz
1998 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1995 Chateau Lagrange, Saint Julien, Bordeaux
1995 Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leongan, Bordeaux
1996 Chateau Montrose, Saint Estephe, Bordeaux
Steve and Amy Elzer
Jonata Winery — assorted vintages, Santa Ynez
1993 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1994 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon
1994 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Rutherford, Napa Valley
1994 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon
Jeff, Joan and Julie Jacobson
1994 Chateau d’Yquem, sauternes
1996 Antinori Tagnanello
1997 Barbi Brunello di Montalcino
1997 Ca’ de Rocchi Amarone Classico
1997 Chateau Leoville Barton
1999 Anselmann Huxelrebe Trockenbeerenauselese dessert wine
2001 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
2001 Fauveley Latrices-Chambertin Grand Cru
2003 Chateneuf du Pape Clos de l’Oratorie des Papes, Les Choregies
2003 Tommasi Amarone classico
2003 Leonetti Reserve Red
2003 Opus One
2003 Hacienda Monasterio Ribera del Duero
2004 Clos Mogador Manyetes Priorat
2004 Caymus Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Cos d’Estornel Bordeaux, St. Estephe
2004 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, Botella
2004 Stefano Farina Barolo
2005 Albert Mann Pinot Gris Grand Cru
2005 Chateau Lanessan, Haut Medoc
2005 Chateau Talbot St Julien Bordeaux
2005 Frescobaldi Chianti Ruffina Nipozzano Riserva
2005 Ripoli Sans Closa Battlet Gratallops Priorat
2005 Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino
2005 Robert Mondavi cabernet sauvignon, Oakville
2006 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Bauge Au dessus
2006 Domaine Charles Allexant Gevrey-Chambertin “Craite-Palle”
2006 Nadia Viognier-Grenache Blanc-Roussanne
2006 Renato Ratti Nebiolo d’Alba Ochetti
2006 Russian Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
2006 Kistler Dutton Ranch Chardonnay
2006 Twomey Pinot Noir, Russian River
Ridge Vineyards — Various zinfandels and other old-vine field bleds
Seasmoke Cellars — Various Pinot Noirs
1999 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Yorkville Highlands
2004 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Forchini
2005 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard
2005 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Flax Vineyard
2005 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Forchini
2006 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard
2006 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Bucher Vineyard
2006 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Forchini Vineyard
Plus, the older vintages poured at the Navarro, Martinelli, Talley, Whitcraft and other tables.
Lee’s Wine Bar
1986 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes
1990 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red, Caldwell Vineyard
1993 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1997 Turley Zinfandel, Duarte Vineyard
1997 Whitehall Lane Merlot, Leonardinin Vineyard
1999 Galleron Cabernet Sauvignon, Ramon Vineyard
2000 Turley Zinfandel, Juvenile Vineyard
2000 Cardinale Red Napa Valley WIne
2002 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Dominus Estate cabernet sauvignon
2004 Cos d’Estornel bordeaux
2004 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
Other wines, to be determined
Beer Garden of Hope — Outstanding American Craft Beers and Ales (from kegs)
Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale
Lost Coast Great White, Belgian-style witbier
Napa Smith Pilsner
Mission American IPA

Vintage Beacon Circa 5/2011: The Gandara Dot Method, AKA a Cellar that Sticks

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I often run into longtime marrieds, Robert and Darlene Gandara, as they seem to enjoy an occasional end of their workday at Valencia Wine Company over a glass or two of Chardonnay. I got to know them a little better, and appreciate their amazing generosity, when Robert gave his all for our Senior Center in the last Dancing with Our Stars benefit.

red umbrellas vwcAnd, as with most wine people, once getting together, over wine, the secrets start to tumble out.

“I came home from work one day and found four opened bottles of wine,” Darlene began in her tale of woe. “And not one of them, I know you didn’t expect this, was empty! I asked Robert what had happened. He said he was looking for a Chardonnay and couldn’t find one.
https://www.parkviewortho.com/wp-content/languages/new/singulair.html

I noticed that yes, some of the bottles were white wines, but one was a Pinot Noir!”

(Apparently, in Robert’s defense, he sometimes wears contact lenses for far-sightedness, which cancels out reading and up close viewing.)

Darlene continued to torture Robert and tell me the rest of the story: He couldn’t tell which was the Chardonnay at all. This is when Darlene began to use her “dot” method. Although, Robert wouldn’t agree, she began putting dots on her bottles when a new-to-wine-and-no-clue relative opened a bottle that they shouldn’t have.

So this is how the method works – even if you do or don’t have the problem that the Gandaras have I think it a great system! Arm yourself with colored dot stickers to mark:

Orange – A fruity summer wine that doesn’t have to be aged to be enjoyed.

Yellow – Not an overly expensive wine, you can open it, it’s ready to drink at any time.

Green – Medium priced wine that can be shared with appreciative pals.

Pink – A wine with a long finish, aged in the cellar, and not to be opened unless Darlene is present. She mentioned that a Goldeneye would be in this category.

THREE PINK DOTS – “Don’t even look at this wine as it belongs to Darlene.” She is the only one allowed to open. In this category Darlene, gazing into Robert’s eyes, said, “Think magnums of Sea Smoke, Caymus or Dom Pérignon.

FOR ROBERT’S CHARDONNAY – Must have a dot with a handwritten cross on it so that Robert can find it easily and the marriage can stay intact another 30 years.

And keep a legend! Darlene has hers kept on the back of a wall plaque.