Radico Khaitan Unveils Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky in the U.S. Market

December 29, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Radico Khaitan, one of the largest companies in the Indian spirits industry, is excited to announce the launch of their newest jewel, Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky, in the U.S., adding to their current portfolio, which includes award-winning Rampur Select Single Malt Whisky and Rampur PX Sherry. The Rampur distillery, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, was established in 1943 and has been distilling high-quality whisky for the past 26 years.

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky is beautifully crafted by maturation in hand-picked American bourbon barrels for two-thirds of its life and a third in European oak sherry Oloroso casks. It is a non-chill filtered single malt, distilled and matured in Uttar Pradesh in north India. As this whisky matures significantly more quickly than other whiskies, due to its unique location, Rampur benefits from a smooth, mellow taste with a long and elegant finish.

Sanjeev Banga, President at Radico Khaitan says, “Rampur Double Cask is a very exciting addition to our portfolio. The new expression displays Indian craftsmanship at its best, and I believe the Double Cask speaks to quality and heritage of the brand extremely well. Sipping on Rampur Double Cask, either neat or on the rocks, whisks you away to springtime in India, when the flowers begin blooming and spice is rife in the wind – a truly immersive experience.”

Some characteristics of the Rampur Double Cask include vanilla, butterscotch, tropical fruits, along with hints of stewed fruit, mint, and florals on the nose. On the palate, stewed fruit makes another appearance with hard candy, citrus, and warm caramel accompanied by an array of spices, finishing with pepper and clove.

Rampur Double Cask Whisky is currently available in the U.S. with a suggested retail price of $89.99 for a 750 ml bottle. As of November 2019, Rampur Double Cask is now distributed in more than 20 states.

WhistlePig Rye Whiskey The Boss Hog 六 Edition ‒ The Samurai Scientist

December 5, 2019 by evebushman

SHOREHAM, VT. (PRWEB) – WhistlePig, the No. 1 distiller in the fast growing, ultra-premium and luxury rye whiskey category, 1 is pleased to introduce their newest edition of The Boss Hog: The Samurai Scientist. Now available for pre-order via Caskers, The Samurai Scientist is a sixteen-year-old, single barrel, straight rye whiskey that is powerfully complex and distinctly unique from anything WhistlePig has introduced before.

The Samurai Scientist is named for a legendary Japanese chemist, Jōkichi Takamine, the pioneer who introduced koji fermentation to the American whiskey industry in the 19th century. The limited-edition whiskey is the embodiment of a genuine collaboration between WhistlePig’s team and Japanese brewers from Kitaya, an award-winning sake, shōchū and umeshu producer located near Yame City in Fukuoka Prefecture on Japanʼs Kyushu Island. The umeshu used is Saikoo, a uniquely traditional, aged umeshu made by Kitaya. The whiskey was distilled in Canada using koji fermentation and aged for sixteen years before being finished in umeshu seasoned barrels and bottled by hand on the WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, VT.

“It was an honor to work alongside the team at Kitaya to bring this collaboration to life in the form of the first American whiskey finished in Japanese umeshu barrels. With the introduction of The Samurai Scientist, WhistlePig continues to pave the way for innovation across the rye category,” says Jeff Kozak, CEO, WhistlePig. “Dave Pickerell committed to five promises for The Boss Hog, including being distinctly unique from anything we’ve done before. He had a thirst for exploring and trialing techniques from around the world, and Takamine was likeminded in propelling whiskey innovation across continents. This vision continues to drive us to explore beyond the limits of American Whiskey.”

“We finished one of our oldest whiskeys in barrels that held Kitaya’s eleven-year-old umeshu. With umeshu being an intensely aromatic spirit, it does not take long to impart deeply complex flavors. Each barrel of The Samurai Scientist is bottled at proof. Only 90 barrels exist and each bottle notes the barrel number and proof, ranging between 120 – 122,” says Pete Lynch, Master Blender, WhistlePig.

On the nose, The Samurai Scientist is intensely aromatic, with cinnamon, maple syrup and toasted marshmallow. Upon tasting, you’ll find bold notes of tobacco, ginger, baking spices and savory umami. After some time in the glass, and with a few drops of water, the whiskey reveals rich and complex notes of rye spice, oak char and vanilla. The finish on The Samurai Scientist is incredibly long, with oak spice, char and just a touch of smoke.

The Samurai Scientist is crowned by a hand-made Danforth pewter stopper representing Takamine’s family heritage and ground-breaking contributions in the field of chemistry. It is presented in a gift box elaborating his story.

The Samurai Scientist is available in a 750ml bottle at 60 – 61% alc./vol. with a suggested retail price of $499.99. Like the other Boss Hog editions before it, The Samurai Scientist will be sold at a variety of premium liquor stores, bars and restaurants across the United States, entering select international markets in the coming weeks, and is now available for pre-sale via Caskers.com.

About WhistlePig

Founded in 2008, WhistlePig is the premier aged rye whiskey, featuring the bold and often untapped flavor of rye. WhistlePig is leading a surge of innovation in the emerging field of North American whiskey. As the most decorated rye whiskey – having received the coveted ‘Best in Show Whiskey’ title from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, WhistlePig is widely viewed as the world’s finest Rye. With the opening of its distillery on its 500-acre Vermont farm in the fall of 2015, WhistlePig has also become one of the leading farm-to-bottle rye whiskeys in the world. http://www.whistlepigrye.com

(1) Ultra-premium and luxury rye category defined as all rye whiskies in the U.S. sold at $75 or higher per 0.75L bottle at retail (Source: IWSR 2016)

San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery Wins Double Gold and More

December 2, 2019 by evebushman

SAN JOSE, CALIF. (PRWEB) – San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery has earned Double Gold at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition for its Peated Single Malt American Whisky, which expanded distribution to Southern California on November 1. 10th Street Distillery Single Malt American Whisky offers discerning whisky enthusiasts an award winning, super-premium American Single Malt that draws inspiration from both Scottish whisky-making tradition and Californian ingenuity.

10th Street Peated Single Malt American Whisky (ABV 46 %, MSRP $65) is the first whisky produced in San Jose. It is crafted by a small, passionate team with painstaking attention to detail, combining time-tested methods with a unique sense of adventure. The carefully crafted harmony between the wood, malt and peat has resulted in a delicate, balanced whisky with subtle complexity which has already won Best in Class Gold at Whiskies of the World.

“We wanted to make an authentic peated whisky with California provenance. So, we needed a malted barley that had been dried over a peat fire to give it that essential peat reek with a touch of smoke,” explains 10th Street Distillery co-founder Virag Saksena. “At the same time, we also wanted it to be distinctly Californian, incorporating local terroir.”

After months of searching, partners Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri found a maltster who created a custom peated malt that perfectly complements the alkaline, mineral-rich water of the Bay Area – the essence and key ingredient in their distillate. The gentle heathery notes of the peat used for malting allowed them to craft a flavor profile which is distinctly peaty yet extremely approachable.

10th Street Distillery founders are engineers with a steadfast passion for making things better. They refused to accept the status quo of making whisky in America (where whisky is spelled with an ‘e’). First, they learned the old ways of making Scotch whisky from the masters; then, they reinterpreted these techniques with an engineer’s precise, meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to erase boundaries. The culmination of eight years of design and development efforts in San Jose’s first modern distillery.

10th Street Distillery’s alembic-shaped, double-pot copper stills are derived from traditional copper pot designs with unique custom modifications for a complex flavor profile. The top-quality, ex-bourbon barrels slowly age and develop the whisky’s smooth, velvety expression without overpowering it with wood. The influence of local microflora during the extended fermentation adds a touch of the local terroir. A premium whisky that respects tradition while breaking new ground, 10th Street’s Peated Single Malt American Whisky promises to be a new American classic.

Peated Single Malt American Whiskey Tasting Notes:
Nose: Citrus, with a peat smoke essence
Color: Light golden
Palate: Creamy full flavors of vanilla and dark red apple peels, turning into rounded peat flavors. A delicate balance of fruity and smoky notes.
Finish: Full bodied, buttery, with a lingering peaty finish

About 10th Street Distillery:
San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

Vintage Eve Circa 11/2016: Bubbles from Jeio and Sauvignon Blanc from Arrow and Branch

November 26, 2019 by evebushman

Three wines in today’s tasting notes:

From Jeio

If you struggle with choosing the right wines to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner you are not alone.

If you are afraid a big red will overpower the turkey but a dry white will fail to match the exquisite flavors resulting from your hours spent in the kitchen, you would do yourself and your family a great service by considering sparkling wine.

Bisol’s Jeio Prosecco DOC and Jeio Cuvée Rosé are delicious, high quality, and affordable sparkling wines that have the subtle characteristics to complement your main course, accentuate your sides and carry you through your meal without overpowering your cooking.

Jeio Cuvée Rosé (SRP: $14) is a sparkling wine made from a combination of Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards on the steep hills of the Veneto. A brief period of maceration gives the wine its brilliantly delicate pink color, excellent balance, and unique personality. Intense notes of roses accompanied by a delicate bouquet of fresh citrus and lychee compliments the light acidity and dry finish. It is superb with roasted turkey.

Eve’s Notes: Very pale red berry notes on the nose followed by red Maraschino cherry, strawberry and pink grapefruit on the palate. 87 Eve pts.

Jeio Prosecco DOC (SRP: $15) is a Prosecco produced with grapes from the low-lying hills of the Veneto. This beautiful straw-yellow Prosecco has a refined balance between acidity and minerality. The floral bouquet of apple, apricot and fresh meadow flowers compliments the fruity flavors and dry finish. Jeio’s fresh, youthful character pairs well with your sweet potato casserole and elevates the flavor of both the cranberry sauce and savory stuffing.

Eve’s Notes: On the nose I got a great deal of green apple followed by honeydew melon, lemon-lime, yellow peach and a hint of wet gravel. On the palate there was a nice lime hard candy flavor and medium acidity. 89 Eve pts.

From Arrow&Branch

2015 Sauvignon Blanc

Eve’s Notes: Honey, Meyer lemon, white pepper, white peach on the nose followed by flavors of bruised lemon, grapefruit, lime, medium to high acidity, a lingering finish. 89 Eve pts.

Arrow and Branch was chosen as the name for the couple’s wine as a subtle reference to numismatics. Proprietor Steve Contursi owns one of America’s most respected and renowned coin dealerships, RCW Financial. A professional numismatist since 1975, Contursi has bought and sold more than $2 billion worth of United States rare coins, and helps investors, collectors and other dealers acquire the finest quality, historically significant, museum quality U.S. coins. Found on the reverse of most United States coinage is an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The Arrow&Branch name is both a nod to Contursi’s success in the rare coin business, as well as paying homage to both US coinage and Americana. The olive branch signifies the United States as a peace-loving nation, while the arrow portrays the country’s ability to defend itself.

Contursi made international headlines in March 2004 when he and The American Numismatic Association unveiled new evidence about “Uncle Sam’s first buck.” The Neil/Carter/Contursi specimen, 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, is believed by many experts to be the very first silver dollar struck by the U.S. A truly historic national treasure, this mint coin represented an economic declaration of independence for the young United States. The coin was displayed at The ANA Money Museum in Colorado from 2004 through 2010 as well as in other locations around the country. In May 2010, Contursi sold this coin for $7.85 million, setting the record price for a single coin.

And yes, the winery eliminates the spacing between the letters and the ampersand: Arrow&Branch.

3003 Hagen Road, Napa CA 94558, Phone 707-927-3640, open for vineyard tours by appointment only. www.arrowandbranch.com

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

Highest Rated Wine in a Can

October 27, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – California’s WineSociety premium canned wine stands up to bottles at the 2019 International Wine & Spirits Competition, Sommelier Challenge, with its TEMPT red blend scoring a 94 Point Rating and Platinum Medal. To date, this is the highest ranking for a canned wine in any wine competition.

“For the first time in Challenge Series history canned wines have taken a spot in the top tier.”* Says Rich Cook, columnist for Wine Review Online, Director of the San Diego County Fair Wine Competitions and the Director of Robert Whitley’s Challenge Wine Competitions.

WineSociety launched in January of 2018 with three flagship blends, TEMPT (red), FATE (white) and CHANCE (rosé). Although the concept of wine in cans may not be new, top quality wine that rivals a bottle is, a message CEO and founder Angela Allison has worked hard to convey.

“Wine lovers shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience and consumers are seeking an alternative option to bottles. So many people still don’t know wine is available in cans, let alone good wine. We have found that education is key and ratings reinforce that. The Platinum Medal and 94 rating is an exciting achievement for WineSociety and an equally exciting moment for the canned wine industry. To score this high in a blind taste judged by distinguished sommeliers, speaks volumes. We hope this gets more cans in hands!”

From day one it has been WineSociety’s mission to change the way American’s purchase and consume wine by offering quality, approachable and affordable alternatives to traditional wine. Unlike typical single serve canned wines, WineSociety is packaged in sleek, matte, and minimalistic 500ML cans (just shy of a full bottle!), these wines strike the perfect balance of elegant and casual and are meant to be shared. Each of their blends are designed for maximum enjoyment and canned to be environmentally-friendly and convenient for any experience.

On WineSociety’s TEMPT blend Cook continues, “This Syrah-dominant blend shows black and blueberry fruit, a touch of tar and a touch of smoky oak on the nose, and the promise translates in the mouth with a plush midpalate and a nice supple grip in the finish. Well done!“ *

WineSociety can be purchased online starting at $49 for a 3pk or $149 for Subscription at http://www.winesociety.com with shipping to almost 40 states, as well as select National and local retailers in CA, TX, OH and KY where you can purchase by the can for about $9/can.

Unique Wine Blend To Salute the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

December 24, 2018 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, the lifestyle brand centered around wine and food, focused on creating memorable moments that enrich lives, has expanded its role as the Official Wine of the Screen Actors Guild Awards® to salute the 25th Annual SAG Awards.

At the heart of the Cooper’s Hawk’s celebration is a wine named the “Artist’s Red Blend” developed under the supervision of Cooper’s Hawk CEO/Founder Tim McEnery and Winemaker Rob Warren to salute the SAG Awards’ Silver Anniversary. This limited-edition wine, which bears a commemorative label, will be served during the Awards ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. This event will be simulcast live at 8 p.m. (ET) on TNT and TBS.

Cooper’s Hawk’s “Artist’s Red Blend” will also be the Official Wine being served at the Post-Awards Gala that same evening. In addition, Cooper’s Hawk will be offering this exclusive wine in its restaurants during live viewing parties on Jan. 27, and it will be available to the nearly 350,000 members of the Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club as January’s wine of the month.

“The Cooper’s Hawk wine club and SAG-AFTRA members are large communities who share similar characteristics – artistry, passion and dedication,” said Tim McEnery, Founder and CEO of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants. “We are honored to be part of such an extraordinary occasion and to celebrate the outstanding representatives of the acting community.”

This marks the second in a multi-year partnership between Cooper’s Hawk and the SAG Awards. The critically acclaimed winery also returned for its second year as a partner of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Patron of the Artists Awards, held on Nov. 8, and provided wine for the receptions.

“I truly enjoyed my visit the Cooper’s Hawk winery in Illinois to watch the Artist’s Red Blend being bottled and labeled,” said Kathy Connell, SAG Awards Executive Producer. “I am appreciative that it both celebrates the SAG Awards’ Silver Anniversary and honors the excellence of actors’ performances.”

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants will provide exclusive taste experiences throughout the evening of the SAG Awards. Honorees, presenters, industry notables and members of SAG-AFTRA at the SAG Awards ceremony and Post-Awards Gala will be served Cooper’s Hawk Artist’s Blend. The individual components of this deep red blend come together in a synergistic way; much like the characters in a movie, to form something that is more than the sum of its parts. The nose is loaded with aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, and baking spices. It is full-bodied with firm, well-rounded tannins and an exceptionally long finish.

Cooper’s Hawk wines have earned more than 500 awards, including Best of Show at the prestigious 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. In addition to its winery, the company operates 34 restaurants/tasting rooms and the country’s largest members-only Wine Club.

About Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Founded in 2005 by CEO Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is built upon the passionate belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections. Cooper’s Hawk is a lifestyle brand centered around wine and food and focused on enriching lives. The concept is a fusion of familiar elements – winery, modern casual restaurant, Napa-style tasting room and artisanal retail market – that has combined to create an entirely new hospitality experience.

Connect with Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Hashtag: #sagawards
Website: chwinery.com
Instagram: @CHWinery
Twitter: @CHWinery
Facebook.com: /coopershawk

About the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®
The 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, presented by SAG-AFTRA with Screen Actors Guild Awards, LLC will be produced by Avalon Harbor Entertainment, Inc. and nationally simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 at 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT). Nominations will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018.

One of the awards season’s premier events, the SAG Awards® annually celebrates the outstanding motion pictures and television performances from the previous calendar year. Of the top industry honors presented to actors, only the SAG Awards are selected entirely by performers’ more than 160,000 peers in SAG-AFTRA. The SAG Awards was the first televised awards show to acknowledge the work of union members and the first to present awards to motion picture casts and television ensembles. For more information about the SAG Awards®, SAG-AFTRA, TNT and TBS, visit sagawards.org/about.

Connect with the SAG Awards®
Hashtag: #sagawards
Website: http://www.sagawards.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sagawardsofficialpage/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sagawards/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sagawards/

Tasting Through Turtle Rock at Napa Valley Grille

August 31, 2018 by evebushman

It isn’t a secret that I love Rhônes, whites and reds alike, so reading the wine list for a recent tasting with Turtle Rock Vineyards already whet my palate. Paired with another multi-course lunch created by Chef Kenny Spost of the Napa Valley Grille in Westwood for the #LAWineWriters group I’m in, the table was proverbially set. But first, we learn about and taste the wines.

From Turtle Rock owner, Claudia Burns, I quickly discovered that her husband Don Burns came from a caliber of winemakers to respect: He was and continues to be the assistant winemaker for Saxum Vineyards – obtaining many of his wine grapes from the same vineyards – and he works on both wines simultaneously in the Saxum caves. If it’s punch down day for Saxum it’s also punch down day for Turtle Rock.

There is no estate fruit in any of the Turtle Rock wines, however, they “control all of the farming” in the “handful of vineyards” they purchase their grapes from according to Claudia. It takes two years from grape to glass. Claudia herself “does everything else” other than winemaking at Turtle Rock, but she did tease us with the idea that she might like to try her hand at winemaking as well. (See more about the vineyards in the From the Winery section below.)

The Burns’ also co-own the Wine Shine distillery I visited a few years back. Both Turtle Rock and Wine Shine have tasting rooms in Tin City, Paso Robles.

(From our very own Contributing Editor Michael Perlis I learned that Don is Justin Smith’s childhood friend. He wrote about them here: evewine101.com/2012/08/04/michael-perlis-discovers-westberg-cellars/ and here: http://evewine101.com/2014/05/24/paso-robles-trip-part-one-paso-underground/ along with mentions in other articles in Eve’s Wine 101.)

If you are salivating already, check out the two photo grids here.

Tasting (Yep, I loved them all)

2016 Willow White

63% Grenache Blanc, 28% Roussanne, 5% Picpoul, 4% Viognier

On the nose I got lemonade, popcorn kernel, unsalted butter and toasted oak. The taste gave way to flavors of lemon, peach, apricot, kiwi, green apple with a mild acidity allowing for a lingering finish.

2016 Plum Orchard

68% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre

2015 was their first vintage from Plum Orchard, and the sandy soils allow for a “filtration system, a leaner wine…” they then added “stem tannins (to) accentuate the spice.” Aromas of black cherry, black pepper, plum, dark chocolate, forest floor, leaves and sage. On the mouth I got fresh dark fruit, killer spice notes, pepper, very rich.

2015 Willow’s Cuvee

45% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, 5% Carignon

Stewed fruit, plums again, creamy milk chocolate, white pepper and toasted oak on the nose, followed by flavors of ripe berries, spice and cracked black pepper.

2016 G2 Syrah

90% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 4% Mourvedre

A wonderfully balanced nose of both fruit and spice. Also felt a velvety quality, blue to black fruit, tri-color pepper, char, sweet chocolate candy, oak and a whiff of cigar wafting through it all. Tasting the wine, knowing from the nose I would love it, I found that it was filled with bold dark fruit, had a dusty quality, lots of spice and again, with a great balance.

Surprise Wine: 2016 “Maturin” (The name is an ode to a Stephen King horror series that references a turtle). 50% Syrah, 32% Graciano*, 18% Grenache. Wine Club Only. Aromas of blackberry, rich earth, mint and cream. On the mouth I loved the dry, richly layered qualities that also included lots of pepper and spice, dark fruit and tannin that allowed for no end to the finish. Seriously, the fruit and the spice just went on and on. That’s what I call a welcoming wine.

* Graciano was FKA Mourvedre in many Paso Robles vineyards until very recent. It shook things up a bit. This is just one article about it.

NAPA VALLEY GRILLE PAIRING MENU BY EXECUTIVE CHEF KENNY SPOST

For the Willow White: Harvest Salad, roasted butternut squash, green dragon apple, glazed walnuts, baby kale, feta cheese, maple-olive dressing. I couldn’t get enough of this salad. Every bite had so many enticing flavors. The wine was the perfect accompaniment; both had those notes of green apple. One of the other writers commented “good start” and I had to agree.

For the Plum Orchard: Cast iron seared Branzino, toy box summer squash, red plum jam, fennel-arugula salad. Loved the plum in the dish that matched up perfectly with the plum I had found in the nose of the wine.

For the Willow’s Cuvee: Oven roasted Duck Breast, roasted cauliflower, port wine glaze. Again the flavors Chef added – specifically the glaze – was perfect with predominately Grenache driven blend.

For the G2 Syrah: Petit filet, Bing cherry red wine demi glace, truffle mashed potatoes, fat rendered breadcrumbs. Oh boy, saving the biggest wine for the steak was, of course, perfect for my palate.

FROM THE WINERY

2016 Willow White:  Aged in 20% new French oak to give a touch of creaminess. The remainder was aged in 40/40 stainless and neutral French barrels to preserve the minerality and crispness. The nose gives way to fresh stone fruit, lemongrass and flower petals while the palate is of Granny Smith apple and dried kiwi. Cases produced 106. Drink now to 2022. Wine Advocate– 93 points G2 Vineyard, Plum Orchard, Windrock.

2016 Plum Orchard: The Plum Orchard vineyard is in the Templeton Gap District and is made up of sandy soils. It sits near a creek bed which provides minerality, spice, and purity of fruit. We did 50% whole cluster fermentation for added weight and complexity and aged for 22 months in neutral French 400L barrels. It’s a gorgeous wine with a silky texture, bright red fruit and a bit of white pepper and herbaceousness. Cases produced 104. Enjoy now until 2028. Plum Orchard Vineyard.

2015 Willow’s Cuvee: We added just a touch of Carignon for tannin and structure to our usual blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. We did 20% whole cluster fermentation on the Syrah and co-fermented the Grenache and Mourvedre in concrete. All was aged for 22 months in 50% new French and 50% neutral French barrels. This wine is soft with notes of blackberry jam and violets that are truly fresh and balanced. Cases produced 183. Enjoy now until 2028. Wine Advocate– 94 points James Berry, Kruse Vineyard.

2016 G2 Syrah: This vintage is beautiful and very deep in color. We did 30% whole cluster fermentation and aged for 22 months in new French oak which gives complexity and structure. Black and blue fruit coupled with smoked meats. There are lively herbal notes accented with warm spice. This unfiltered wine has great tannin, intensity, and a long finish. Cases produced 312. Enjoy now until 2032. G2 Vineyard.

WWW.TURTLEROCKVINEYARDS.COM

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

New Releases From Mystic Hills Vineyard: From (Their FIRST) White to Red

June 15, 2018 by evebushman

When my longtime friends at Mystic Hills Vineyard, vintners Joel and Judy Cox, sent me their latest five new releases for review I wanted to share the wines with some wine pals for a group tasting: and NINE ladies were thrilled to join me. I was excited too, as I would taste their first white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, along with their other popular varietals that I had already fallen for. The tasting notes below are a collective from all:

The Wine Tasting

Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Lots of citrus on the nose, followed by both yellow and green apple, a slightly chalky/powdery scent and a steeliness. On the mouth we got flavors of crisp lemon-lime with an acidic backbone. The group agreed with me when I thought the wine was Sangria-worthy and would lend itself well served in the glass with fresh cut fruit and some spritz.

“H.E.A.R.T.S.” Rosé 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Named after the Coxes five grandchildren (their first initial) with a beautiful artsy label and the color of ripe watermelon, all were excited about trying this rosé. We got the gamut from fruit to minerality in the aroma: strawberry, raspberry, honeydew melon, fruit cocktail, butter, earth and wet sidewalk. When we went in for our tasting we also found: red cherry, stewed fruit, clove, black pepper, as well as that butter and wet sidewalk again.

Gran Trio 2014

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot

A lovely balanced nose of both spice and fruit that included blackberry, black cherry, pepper and forest floor. We tasted complex notes of that same pepper and spice as well as layers of deep dark fruit, smoke, tannins and even a hint of bourbon. One taster called it “a hug in a glass.” This was a favorite among the red wine lovers in the group.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

And this was to be the favorite of both the red and white wine lovers in the group! We were literally seduced by notes of chocolate covered cherries, plum, blackberry and stems in the aroma. The flavor had that same chocolate, spice with the addition of dried blue to black fruit and toasted oak.

Unforgiven 2014

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Petit Verdot, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec

Another favorite for our big red wine lovers. This Bordeaux blend had it all: dark chocolate, dark fruit, plums, dark cherry, blackberry, rich and port-wine-like all on the nose. The taste gave off big notes of spice and fruit: black to blue fruit, spice, espresso and an incredibly long finish.

About Mystic Hills Vineyard

Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Paso Robles, California. We focus on sustainable estate-grown Bordeaux style wines that showcase our passion for excellence and our tenacity for a memorable bottle of wine. We are blessed with crisp mornings acquired from the Pacific Ocean influence, and hot days soothed by the cooler afternoon winds. This climate, with the beneficial temperature swings, helps to create superior fruit for our wines.

Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award winning Film Editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. His meticulous and diligent eye for a well-crafted scene in a movie is brought to life in our beautiful, extraordinary wines that will surely captivate your palette and produce a memorable experience for you to embrace.

http://www.mystichillsvineyard.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, 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

Ways Top Winemakers and Merchants Are Utilizing Virtual Reality

January 29, 2018 by evebushman

Virtual Reality (VR) has long been viewed as a powerful marketing and engagement tool. The wine industry is also awakening to this fact, with multiple winery virtual reality solutions and studios on the market. Through case analysis, we’re going to break down 6 ways for wine makers and merchants to explore new business opportunities through VR.

Creating multi-sensory experiences: Brancott Estate

Brancott Estate is a New Zealand-based winemaker with over 40 years history of crafting wines. Partnering with Found Studio, they created “The Red Shed”, an unprecedented tasting experience that brings their story to life by engaging all your senses. The experience later went on a worldwide tour of wine festivals to showcase BE’s service and products.

‘The Red Shed’ reconstructs a virtual set of Brancott Estate’s vineyard and wine cellar, as well as features a vivid experience of wine serving and tasting. You head movements would trigger different actions from the environment; they also installed custom devices to release scents of flourishing grapes and fruit being sliced, to prepare your nose and palate for an expert wine tasting afterwards.

Making vineyard virtual tours: Flora Springs Winery, Napa Valley, CA, USA

Flora Springs is a family-owned and operated winery founded in Napa Valley in 1978, committed to producing sustainably farmed, estate-grown, handcrafted wines. Napa Valley is north of San Francisco, with more than 400 wineries in its wine region, whose Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys worldwide fame.

This video takes you on an exploration into Flora Springs’ premises, vineyards and cellars, with its current owner explaining the history of the winery. By VODE VR.

Making wine cellar virtual tours: Le Chai au Quai, Castillon-la-Bataille, France

Le Chai au Quai is a French boutique winery boasting a large 19th century cellar on the banks of the Dordogne in Castillon, just a stone’s throw from the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. With no vineyards attached, the winery purchases grapes regularly of its own choice. This is also why it decided to show you around its historied cellar instead of a vineyard tour. By Liquid Productions.

Producing wine tasting experiences: Vincent Gandia

Vicente Gandia is a Valencian wine producer and seller company founded in 1885, now managed by the 4th generation of the Gandia family. Its family-owned estate is located in Utiel, Spain. The cellar produces and sells wines from different appellations of Origin including Utiel-Requena, Valencia, Alicante, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, Rueda and cava (sparkling wine).

Bodegas Vicente Gandia is one of the top 15 cellars in Spain as well as one of the top 100 European wine companies according to Plimsoll ranking. By Oud Reuchlin & Boelen

Demonstrating wine portfolio & recording press events: Inverarity Morton

Founded in 1945, Inverarity Morton is Scotland’s leading independent wines and spirits merchant.

Being the only SOPA-certified organic wine importer in Scotland, Inverarity Morton’s wine list features over 2,000 wines from around the world, many of which carried exclusively. By WBC (Watchtower Broadcasting Corporation)

Recording wine festivals: Wine Festival, Landau in the Palatinate, Germany

Palatinate is a German wine-growing region in the area of Bad Dürkheim, Neustadt an der Weinstraße, and Landau in Rhineland-Palatinate. With 23,461 hectares (57,970 acres) under cultivation in 2008, the region is the second largest wine region in Germany after Rheinhessen. There are about 6,800 vintners producing around 6.5 million hectolitres of wine annually. By uSphere.

7. Die Bergkelder, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Built in 1968, Die Bergkelder (now Fleur du Cap) is one of the world’s most advanced underground cellars. It produced one of South Africa’s premier and best known wines – Fleur du Cap. It’s a member Distell group, the country’s top producer and marketer of fine wines and spirits.

The Fleur du Cap wines are made from grapes cherry picked from vineyards in the Cape Coastal region, which captures and reflects the highly sought-after varietal character and terroir.

Dedicated to making wine “the way Mother Nature intended”, winemakers Pieter Badenhorst and Elmarie Botes strive to make quality wines with minimal intervention in the cellar. By Chris du Plessis.

More From Napa: Phifer Pavitt, Tank Garage Winery, Larkmead, Joseph Phelps and Switchback Ridge

December 29, 2017 by evebushman

This is the last article in my series on the Napa Valley for 2017. Today we will have a virtual taste from Phifer Pavitt, Tank Garage Winery, Larkmead and Joseph Phelps.

Phifer Pavitt

We met with Luke Speer, the Director of Hospitality, for our tasting. Phifer Pavitt is known (written up in Wine Spectator 13 times so far) for their “Date Night” Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. New for them: the XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon. A sparkling has recently been added but, woe is me, none was available for tasting during our visit.

We began with the 2016 Phifer Pavitt Sauvignon Blanc – fresh, crisp, lemon-lime, fleshy peach with low acid and a long finish. I’m partial to this wine as I’ve known the winemaker before he made commercial wine and have been a longtime fan: Gary Warburton. Next we tried the 2013 Date Night – It was big, dry and tannic with exceptional plump blue to black fruit, fig, smoke, aromatic and perfumy. Their red winemaker Ted Osborne always does a great job. Now onto the 2014 Date Night – I got a bit brighter fruit than I did from the 2013, but with the same plumpness. Very well done. The 2014 XRoads Cab had great fruit from the valley floor: red fruit, dried blueberry, black cherry, and very balanced with the tannins. Destined to be a hit.

www.phiferpavittwine.com

Tank Garage Winery: Completely Out of the Tasting Room Box

Can’t recall exactly where I heard about the Tank Garage Winery, but it was either via a wine trade or marketing magazine. I had read it was a unique space with a unique brand. What I discovered is that this is a must stop for those looking for a different experience, or those new to wine looking for some fun.

Several out-of-the-box ideas flew at me:

Turned a 1930s era filling station into a tasting room and…a cozy Speakeasy in the back for members only.

The wines are all one and done. Each release is an all new blend, name and package.

The official motto is actually “Never Dream Alone” and they’ve “found a ton of amazing people to dream” with them.

All of their wines are in fact small batch. At one point, they were all under 125 cases, but as they’ve grown, some are as large as 500 cases, like their brand new Chrome Dreams.

They have four wines that are distributed at larger production including a Rosé, Chardonnay, Cab and Red Blend called All or Nothing, which is primarily Zin, Cab and Petite Sirah.

The Wine Club has three levels, 3-Bottle, 6-Bottle and 12-Bottle. The Half-Tank and Full-Tank options are just for purchases in the tasting room.

The wines we quickly tasted through (I didn’t make an appointment and had another coming up) included a 2016 “California Stroke” White Wine, California, 92% Vermentino with 8% Verdelho, skin fermented; 2015 “Nothing Gold Can Stay” 100% Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 40% new oak and 60% neutral; 2015 “Like You Stole It” Red Wine, Contra Costa County, blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignane; 2015 “Take It Easy” Red Wine, Sonoma County, a blend of 96% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Carignane; 2014 “The Heavy” Red Wine, Napa Valley – the only label that stays with each vintage – and a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Larkmead Vineyards

Jeff Smith from Hourglass suggested we make a reservation to taste at Larkmead. Beautiful tasting areas both inside and out, we snagged a couch and settled in for a few tastes. We did learn that the vineyards were established back in the 1800s and the first vintage came in 1930s! Look up Lillie Hitchcock Coit (yes, of Coit Tower fame) to sleuth around more. Lillie had a wild life before she died in 1929. She was the first female volunteer firefighter and sold grapes to churches during prohibition – among other things.

The wines are “heavily allocated” to loyal members. Though all from the valley floor the vineyards have a diversity of soils and gravel. One vineyard, the Dr. Olmo, is named after the famed UC Davis Dr. Olmo that is credited for fighting Phylloxera. We tasted three wines: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon was all mature developed fruit, velvety soft, pepper and nicely balanced black currant, black plum and black currant with crushed black pepper and spice. The 2014 Dr. Olmos started with that barnyard nose with the addition of dark chocolate and blackberry while the taste was dry with layered black fruit and tasted oak. The final wine, the 2014 Solari Cab had that barnyard funk, prune, ripe berries, dusty, mint and tannin. The lingering length on this one made it our favorite.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

The benefits of membership: calling to make an appointment as you park the car in their lot! We had just received our allocation but my hubby wanted to taste the new Insignia before we put it away for a few years. We got to try more than that, and as I wasn’t “covering” the winery I just wanted to at least give their wines a shout out, sans tasting notes, as I’ve never ever been disappointed with Joseph Phelps: 2014 Pinot Noir, Pastorale Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; 2014 Pinot Noir, Quarter Moon Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; 2012 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley (I did note this one as “perfect”); 2014 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley; and a 2015 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley, barrel sample.

Switchback Ridge

Last but not least we had the opportunity to try another winery new to us: Switchback Ridge. Their 2014 Switchback Ridge Merlot gave off that interesting funky barnyard nose, saddle leather at first. Some of that blew off and I got good dark fruit while the 2014 Switchback Ridge Cabernet had pungent thick fruit that softened in the glass, a bit of mint and licorice on the nose as well. In the mouth I tasted layers of blackberry, black cherry, cigar, oak and tannin. Bob Foley makes these two wines.

www.switchbackridge.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, 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