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

February 12, 2021 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

Now some single bottle shout outs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pulchella Releases 2019 Rogue Rose Tonight!

July 10, 2020 by evebushman

Locals! Tonight is the night to get your hands on Pulchella’s new Rose before it’s sold out! Details from the winemakers:

With a beautiful color of deep rose gold, the nose offers lovely fruit aromas of just ripe strawberry, nectarine skin, effervescent watermelon water, and a touch of citrus zest before notes of hibiscus, orange blossoms, rose petals, and the slightest touch of white pepper on the back end. On the palate entry, right off the bat you get a lovely viscous mouthfeel which quickly widens to an expansive fruit forward mid palate of rich cherry, Gaviota strawberry, white peach flesh, and the return of lovely watermelon character before acid carries you away to a finish of minerality and lingering red fruit. A truly delicious rosé and a perfect pairing for a hot summer day!

$35 bottle, 20% off for club members.

http://pulchellawinery.orderport.net/wines/current-releases

Visit the Tasting Room at 24261 Main Street, Downtown Newhall from 4 to 7 PM Friday, July 10 or 1 to 4 pm Saturday, July 11 to purchase your bottle. (These will also be the tentative hours from now on, until winery tasting rooms can re-open in LA County safely.)

Technical Notes:

Varietal: 52% Syrah, 46% Grenache, 2% Viognier

Vineyard: Briarwood

AVA: Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles

Harvest Date: October 11^th, 2019

Fermentation: All 3 varietals crushed together, 24-hour cold soak, then lightly pressed into stainless steel for a low and slow fermentation. No malolactic fermentation.

Aging: 7 months – 100% stainless steel

Production: 50 cases

ABV: 15.1%

Cellar Time: Drink now! We would normally say drink this wine very cold, however, the flavors and aromas become more open for interpretation after the temperature creeps up slightly. Drink this wine at your personal preferred rosé temperature.

Vintage Variation: Let’s talk about the obvious: where’s the Tannat? We had some minor Tannat issues at Bella Collina during the 2019 vintage, and we simply didn’t get enough fruit to support making a rosé on top of our red program. This is the first time since 2016 that our rosé hasn’t been made with 100% Tannat. And you know what… that’s okay, because the 2019 is a damn good wine! For 2019, we decided to make a Highs and Lows inspired rosé of Syrah and Grenache. And for good measure we through in a little Viognier to the co-fermentation. All in all, the 2019 is a very comparable wine to our Tannat rosés, but with a little added richness in the fruit department. The color is also a touch different, leaning more to rose gold hue than fire engine red hue. This vintage definitely falls outside the lines of traditional rosés and that’s exactly what we look to do: push the boundaries! No rules!

Thoughts During a Time of Covid, and What We’ve Been Drinking Through it All

July 10, 2020 by evebushman

We all have found a new normal here in California since our original stay-at-home orders hit us in March and still continue now with the slow re-opening of businesses. There are those that lamented daily on social media and those that joked about it. We all had to find a way to get through this. Personally we had just finished up a wine trip to Paso, and were looking forward to another the same month, then WHAM!

My last trip to Paso was just before the stay-at-home orders.

I was one of those people that focused on the positive on social media, sometimes by sharing silly light-hearted posts. I also decided to work for free. Created and promoted the New-Haul Drive-Through event, suggested that the Vine 2 Wine event I was working on with Circle of Hope change to a To-Go format (where they ended up earning just as much as they had in their last live event), did an Influencer’s Night for one restaurant’s reopening, and spent more time promoting bars, wineries and restaurants on social media more than ever before. Because why not. What did you do and learn from your Covid time out?

Here are a few takeaways of what I learned, and some of the wine and cocktails that have gotten me through it so far:

First off I began to notice that social media had really taken off, there was 30% to 100% more people online daily than ever before. I used this information to begin promoting local businesses by either sharing their posts or by making my own from photos and videos every time I ordered food and drinks to-go.

Along with more attention to social media, and having the time to notice things around me more, I began reaching out to check on friends near and far. Often on Zoom and always with a drink in hand. Friends were more than appreciative.

The “Gin Old Fashioned” was cocktail my nephew Zack told me about. Couple of ounces of gin with a little simple syrup, bitters and an orange peel garnish. He gave me the recipe a couple of years back, but in my effort to find something new to drink at home I tried it again. Very refreshing.

Created a new motto, “If you can afford it support it” that pretty much covers how I feel. It’s been a time to focus on businesses that aren’t doing as well, and if you can help them out why not?

Discovered EmergenCee Hydration packets that I could add to my water and have during my now daily workouts. With spending less time driving to and from the gym I found that I had more time for exercise, and often spent an hour walking my neighborhood after a workout. The energized water may have helped, and at the same time it has helped me feel more covid-protected.

An old time favorite, the Aperol Spritz, came back as March turned into June. With the heat, and missing a planned trip abroad at the same time, it helped to have the simple-to-make drink at home. It was almost like being in Italy…almost.

Pizza, Amish Bread, Rye and Rolls, oh my! My husband had already been baking bread before this all began, but he upped his game during Covid. The weekly pizza and bread added a nice 5 pounds to my mid-section but it was so worth it! And what goes better with pizza than wine?

Wine on the Porch: this is something we’ve done for years, but once we could get together when friends again, we found a way to add more chairs and space them out. Now pals that aren’t ready to dine out yet have asked to have drinks on our porch with us.

Downloading the TikTok app and enjoying all the booze-related stories I could share on social media. For those of us with a short attention span, or if you don’t have too much time for social media, TikTok is a Godsend.

These wineries were amazing in the Vine 2 Wine, To Go event so support them if you can: Mystic Hills, Entourage by Two Papas, Alonso Family Vineyards, Pagter Brothers, Hoi Polloi, Pulchella, Parhelion Cellars, Byron Blatty, Cavaletti Vineyards, Artisan Uprising, Dusty Nabor and Bolt to Wines.

#CovidCrazy was my hashtag one day as there have been some horrific things happening – won’t go into the specifics here as everyone knows and I prefer not to get political – that I personally think may have been actions partially fueled by the stress of Covid-19.

Wine-themed masks became the rage. A good pal and my sister-in-law made me versions that no one else could duplicate. Thanks again ladies.

We bid on and won a future trip to an all-inclusive – yes including liquor – resort vacation, for up to 8 guests in Barbados. Wouldn’t ever have bid on that if we hadn’t been locked up at home and desperate for a vacation in the future.

I’m going to miss finding a plate of cookies or some other treat on my porch. And I’m sure my neighbors may miss the bottle of wine given in thanks on theirs.

Free local wine delivery, often by the winemaker, was very nice! I was sorry that they had to discount their wines and offer personal delivery at their own cost though.

Zoom offerings became the standard, and some had to step out-of-the-box to be seen as everyone began offering them. Unique ones included Daily Drinking with Wes Hagen, Cheese and Wine pairings with Phifer Pavitt, weekly wine tasting with Byron Blatty and virtual tastings with Paso winemakers.

Things weren’t all perfect, not by a longshot, like everyone else lamenting what they missed so did we: our daughter’s graduation from CSUN and her birthday, missing many friends that have compromised health and couldn’t leave their homes, Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, The Cab Collective, the Tenth Annual Universal Whisky Experience, the Fifth Annual Masters of Taste, Art Beyond the Glass, Wine on the Roof, judging a Chili Cook Off, my birthday and a 12-day cruise that had us starting in Venice (where of course I had booked some wine tastings for a few days before), Greek islands, Croatia (wine tasting again) and Turkey before coming back to Venice.

What did you gain and what did you miss? We pray that you have been well and the same for our loved ones.

Circle Of Hope Does 180: Vine2Wine is Now Vine2Wine, To Go (Eve is Co-Chair)

May 22, 2020 by evebushman

Circle of Hope Pivots From Vine2Wine Event To Virtual Online Event

with Food, Wine, Beer, Music, Auction, Chef Demos, Winemaker Talks and Wine Lesson

SANTA CLARITA, CA – Non-profit Circle of Hope recently announced enormous changes to their annual Vine2Wine event, now taking place on May 30. “During our April meeting I suggested that we seriously contemplate a change in our plan to a to-go and online format, and I wanted us to be the first to create this type of event,” Eve Bushman co-chair explained. “I wanted our winemakers to have as much exposure as possible so I proposed the task of moving all of the wine from bottles into minis to mimic the wine tasting experience.” The 17-member strong board added ideas that included an online auction to start a week before, on May 23, as well as board member Melanie Meyer serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, entertainment from board member and popular singer Alesia Humphries, food from three beloved local restaurants, winemaker talks, chef demos and a wine Q and A with Bushman.

Circle of Hope board member Janine Jones making masks for guests of the event.

Taylor Kellstrom, past chairman and co-chair of the event commented, “Our community needs this. The idea is unique and I’m proud of our board for jumping right in with more concepts to make it a successful much-needed fundraiser.” Tickets are available on the Circle of Hope Website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Laura Kirchhoff, Executive Director for Circle of Hope added, “We are taking all the popular and exciting aspects that have drawn attendees over the years to this highly anticipated signature event, plus we added a few more, and we are offering them in a quarantine safe, fun and friendly way – in their own homes.”

Tickets include a choice of a dinner selection from one of three of Santa Clarita’s most popular restaurants: Salt Creek Grille, The Old Town Junction and Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Co. VIP tickets will also include an additional bottle of wine and a ticket to be entered into the exclusive VIP Opportunity Drawing.

When guests pick up their meals curbside from the restaurant of their choice, they will also receive a Vine2Wine kit in a bag. The kit includes a wine glass, wine samples, beer, dessert, other assorted favors, giveaways and a program of the evening’s activities – with a link to join the event live.

The on-line silent auction will go live one week prior to the event on Saturday, May 23, 2020. The entire community, whether purchasing a ticket to the event or not, is encouraged to register and participate in bidding on boutique and library wines, creative baskets, post quarantine trips, gift certificates, home décor, beauty products and more. The online auction can be found at https://charityauction.bid/Vine2WineToGo .

“We are so thankful to all those in our community that have recognized the need to help those with cancer now,” stated organization officials. “Cancer did not stop with COVID-19 and the immediate needs of those with cancer cannot wait until this pandemic is over.” Funds raised at this event will help those in need to pay for their cancer related medical bills and treatments.

Circle of Hope is grateful to Cowe Consulting, Sebastian Velona Foundation, Henry Rodriguez State Farm, Thrivent Financial, Chicago Title, City of Hope and our presenting Sponsor, Logix Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Wineries include Mystic Hills Vineyard, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Byron Blatty Wines, Bolt To Wines, Dusty Neighbor Wines, Alonso Family Vineyards, Artisan Uprising, Navarro Vineyards, Parhelion Cellars, Double Trouble Wine Room-Pagter Brothers Winery and Hoi Polloi Winery, Entourage by Two Papas Wines, Firestone Vineyard, Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyard, Lincourt Vineyards, Pulchella Winery and Tasting Room, La Crema Wines, Cavaletti Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards and Winery.

For information on Vine2Wine, To Go, Circle of Hope services and programs or to receive sponsorship information, please contact Circle of Hope at info@circleofhopeinc.org or at 661 254-5218. Donations and ticket purchases can be made through the Circle of Hope website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. For more information on Circle of Hope and the services they provide, please visit their website at www.circleofhopeinc.org or call 661 254-5218. The Circle of Hope office and Wellness Center is located at 23033 Lyons Ave., Ste 3, Newhall, Ca. 91321

Support Local Restaurants and Wineries – That Have Supported the Local Community

May 8, 2020 by evebushman

People that know me for the events I’ve worked on know that I have a couple of pet peeves that I make pretty clear to organizers before I’ll consider getting involved. The first is the pay-to-play event where the restaurant or winery is not only asked to donate food/wine and their personnel, they are also asked to pay for the privilege. Really? I don’t work on those.

Shannon Mee, Eve, Simon Mee. The Mees own Egg Plantation and Newhall Refinery.

The second pet peeve are the non-profit events where the organizers (and/or volunteers working for them) recruit wineries and restaurants and yet don’t “return the favor” by buying wine from the wineries, or dining in said restaurants.

I think both practices are pretty shameful. Today I’ll tackle how to rectify the latter issue, and how we can support our local community by dining out and buying wine now.

In this time of the Coronavirus I’ve made lists of all of the restaurants that have remained open that have donated to any of the events I’ve worked on or promoted. It was always appropriate to pay them back before, and to me, even more so now. So below you will find several lists of Santa Clarita businesses that have given their food or wine away to our non-profits for free.

At press time, this is a list of the restaurants on the FeedSCV website offering Drive-Thru/take Out. From this list I’ve selected the ones (and some I’ve added) that have supported the SCV by way of an event or other means (food for students) and if my memory serves me correctly they include:

Double Trouble Wine Room, Egg Plantation, Newhall Refinery, Gyu-Kaku, Honu Coffee, Jill’s Cake Creations, Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Marston’s Restaurant, Nealie’s Skillet, Newhall Press Room, Old Town Junction, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, Route 66 Classic Grill, Salt Creek Grille, The Local Pub and Grill, The Social, Wolf Creek Brewery, Wolf Creek Restaurant, Alchemy, Solita Tacos and Margaritas.

Other restaurants that I’m not sure (again at press time) if they are open, but we may be able to buy gift cards from to support them now, and/or dine in them once the re-open. These include Greater Pacific in the Hyatt, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Smokehouse on Main, Claim Jumper, Red Lobster, Brewery Draconum, DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses (offers classes), Clarice’s Cake and Candy Supplies and Jersey Mike’s.

Local wineries (again some may be open for curbside service so check with them first) that have participated in non-profit events include Pulchella Winery, Parhelion Cellars, Entourage by Two Papas, Due Nasi, Pagter Brothers, Hoi Polloi Winery (Pagter and Hoi Polloi share the Double Trouble Wine Room on Main Street in downtown Newhall), Golden Star Vineyards, Alonso Family Vineyards (at Le Chene), Stephen Hemmert Wines, Reyes Winery and Agua Dulce Winery.

For me, to date, I’ve purchased from Newhall Press Room (dinner and groceries), Salt Creek Grille (dinner and wine), Egg Plantation (lunch and groceries), Route 66 Classic Grill (dinner and cocktails to go), The Social (dinner and cocktails to go), Olive Terrace Bar and Grill (dinner and wine to go), Wolf Creek Restaurant (dinner and wine to go), Parhelion Cellars (free no-touch delivery and discounted wine) and Pulchella Winery (club wine delivered). I have many more to go. (Note: When I’ve shared photos on social media there is usually one or more comments regarding other restaurants people want me to visit. Nothing against those, we all have our reasons to support different local businesses, but I have my way and you may have yours. Doesn’t make either wrong! Support local is good any way that you do it, just do it.)

The events that come to mind when I made these lists are food and wine centric. These include my own Cocktails on the Roof and Wine on the Roof as well as other big non-profit events like our Taste of the Town, Vine 2 Wine, The Wine Affair, Sunset in the Vineyard and the SCV Charity Chili Cook Off – and I’m sure there are others I haven’t thought of.

So if you have attended a food or wine event in this town, please take a moment to think of the wines and dishes you’ve enjoyed, and make your own list. Those in the service industry need our support now more than ever. And if you happen to be reading this in another community, I challenge you to seek out and patronize the restaurants and wineries that have supported your town as well. And then keep up the habit!

Being An Armchair Wine Writer Again, and Focusing on Local Wineries to Support

May 1, 2020 by evebushman

I think it was the book Accidental Tourist where I first I heard the phrase “armchair writer” to describe the main character who was a travel writer that wrote from home. For me the phrase was apropos because when my daughter was under 18 I really didn’t want to leave her with a sitter to go out to a wine event, let alone a weekend or longer. Now with the COVID-19 and zero events to cover and zero travel plans, it’s time to dust off the chair and write about wine like I used to – more about supporting the wine industry itself and not about the events that drive it.

For my first, in what I hope will be a minimal series of armchair articles, I will focus on local wineries and what we can do to support them at this time. I sent emails to some of the wineries near me (which are also near to local readers) to ask how we can support them at this time, their current varietals available (and how we can get them) and any specials. Also, look for most of these wineries at the upcoming Vine 2 Wine 2 GO benefitting Circle of Hope set for May 30.

Photo from “Romancing The Vine” article in SCV Elite Magazine. Me and Eddie, maybe just short of 10 years ago.

Pulchella Winery

The winery is currently offering bottle sales for pick-up via the tasting room in Newhall, Fridays from 4pm-7pm and Saturdays from 1pm-4pm (call ahead, email orders, or walk ups welcome). Bottles can also be purchased via the website for shipment directly to your home.

They are happy to announce a few “stimulus packages” during this current “stay-at-home” time, which include: 20% off 6+ bottles (30% for members), 30% off 12+ bottles (40% for members), plus cases of 2014 Distinguished red blend are $150+ tax. They are also offering 50% off shipping costs via the website for all orders being shipped within CA.

Email customerservice@pulchellawinery.com for questions or orders, go to the website, or call the tasting room at 661-799-9463 to place an order. Feel free to leave a message with your order if you’re not calling during the limited hours above.

Golden Star Vineyards

Golden Star Vineyards is an Estate Vineyard and Winery in Los Angeles County with Estate bottled Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec; and locally sourced Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah and Purple Haze. They are currently open Sat/Sun 12-5 pm for VINO2GO at the winery in Littlerock, CA with contactless curbside pickup, as well as free delivery within the greater Antelope Valley area (3 bottle minimum). Wine Club members get 20% off all wines and non-Wine Club get 15% off 3 bottle minimum. They are also offering 50% Off shipping in CA with a 3 bottle minimum. Please go to their wine store of current releases at:

https://goldenstarvineyards.orderport.net/wines/CurrentReleases or call 661-713-6660.

Hoi Polloi and Pagter Brothers, of the Double Trouble Wine Room

The Double Trouble Wine Room, featuring the wines of the Pagter Brothers and Hoi Polloi Wineries, is open for bottle sales Thursday and Friday 4 to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday 2 – 5 pm. They sanitize every bottle before delivering. Guests can pick wines up inside at a socially approved distance or they’ll deliver curbside to your car. They will also deliver to your home (in the SCV area) with the purchase of 6 bottles or more. For case sales they will extend an additional 10% off on top of their usual discount. “If you are in need of a last minute bottle when we’re not usually open just email us and we can zip over and meet you.” They are also working on a Zoom concert and a Zoom tasting, “Not tasting Zoom, but tasting our wines with the winemakers giving tasting notes, more to follow. If you’re not receiving our emails, please send your email to Scott@PagterBros.com or DKMinnick@mac.com”

Parhelion Cellars

Parhelion Cellars is a small family owned winery in Santa Clarita. They have been dedicated to making outstanding wine since 2017, and carry a wide variety of wines: a Cabernet from the Mount Veeder region of Napa, a Zinfandel from Paso Robles, and a single vineyard Sparkling rosé from Clement Hills in northern California. These are just three of the outstanding wines they offer.

Please visit their website at parhelioncellars.com, where they are currently offering a 30% off discount by using coupon code F&F on all our products. They also always offer FREE non-contact delivery to LA County. After you’ve selected the wines that you would like, choose “in person pick up” and make sure you share your phone number. The winery will then contact you and schedule a date and time that is perfect for your delivery. You can also reach them by phone: 661-644-9478.

Entourage Two Papas Wine

Entourage Two Papas Wine is a boutique winery based in Valencia, specializing in Rhône varietals. Each wine is produced with meticulous care while allowing the grapes to fully express their full flavor potential. Their grapes are sourced from the two top Rhône varietal vineyards in Santa Barbara County, Thompson and Saarloos Vineyards.The current inventory includes: 2017 Saarloos Grenache ( $20- 90 pt WS), 2018 Saarloos Grenache ($30), 2017 Thompson Grenache ($35- 90 pt WS), 2018 Thompson Grenache ($37), 2017 Thompson Syrah ($35- 90 pt WS), 2018 Thompson Syrah ($37)
2018 Thompson GSM ($37), 2018 Thompson Grenache Blanc ($27) and 2019 Thompson Stainless Steel Chardonnay.

“Until July 1st we are offering discounts of 10% off our normal prices while ordering 3 or more bottles. Order a mixed case and the discount will go to 15%. Current and new members will receive a discount of 20%. As always, all orders within 30 miles will be delivered to your front porch, much like the milkman of the 60’s. Check us out at Entourage Two Papas Wine or call me (winemaker Rick Pratt) direct at (323) 974-7021.”

Coruce Vineyards and Winery Tasting Room

Located at 1055 West Columbia Way (Avenue M) in Lancaster, Coruce proudly features award winning wines of the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles County. They offer a variety of white and red blends as well as several vintages of single varietals like Zins, Viogniers, Chardonnays and “some lip smackin’ Syrahs.” They currently have a “screaming deal on some delicious clearance wines.” For the immediate future all purchases at their website (www.corucevineyardsandwinery.com) will be shipped for a flat $10 fee. They are open for purchases through pick up or delivery of bottles or cases. Hours are 1 PM to 7PM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 1PM to 6PM on Sunday. Call ahead at 661-494-8877 and “we’ll have everything ready for you to minimize contact time and number of people present at any one time.”

Byron Blatty

Byron Blatty Wines, which features locally grown, Los Angeles wines, is currently offering free, contactless delivery on all orders in the Los Angeles area, and are running several “Stay at Home Specials” which include 3 bottle packs of select wines for $99 + tax. (30% off). “We are also holding weekly tastings on Zoom every Friday, which are free to attend.” https://purchase.byronblatty.com/stay-at-home

Vintage Eve March 2017: The Rosé of Tannat, A First for Pulchella Winery

February 11, 2020 by evebushman

Well of course I coaxed local winemaker Steve Lemley from Pulchella Winery into letting me taste their – co-winemaker Nate Hasper definitely had his hand on this one – first ever 100% ROSE OF TANNAT that had YET TO BE RELEASED just so I could get your taste buds watering. It may be in bottle, it may even be in the tasting room before their ever-popular Viognier runs out, so pay attention:

Pulchella Rosé of Tannat

Bella Collina Vineyard, Adelaide District, Paso Robles

Bottled by Pulchella Winery, Santa Clarita

15.5% alcohol

The back label reads:

Some may question her nature, but are ultimately seduced by attraction. Away from the pack she moves, forging a new path.

Now, that’s a hell of a teaser. Time to taste!

Tasting

Compared to the color of the bright spring tulips I placed the wine bottle next to, I’d have to begin by saying the wine was the color of ripe strawberries with a touch of red peach fuzz. And while some Rosé wine can go anywhere from pale peach to pink, when I see one this deeper color, a rarity, I know I’m in for a treat.

Of the aroma, which I conferred with my husband on, we got raspberry, strawberry, peach and something that reminded me of rain-washed pavement.

The taste would be a favorite among Francophiles with mild acidity and delicate fruit that included that strawberry, of course, as well as the same raspberry we found on the nose, stewed red fruits, white pepper and mineral elements.

As we thoughtfully sipped the wine, on our front porch one of those hot evenings we enjoyed this past March, we thought how the colors of one of those red glowing sunsets would compare with our wine. We also thought, as we grew hungry for dinner, how nice the wine would pair with hard cheeses or a Margherita Pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella cheese.

Current Releases

As this wine may not be available in a widespread release right away this is what is currently available:

2013 Racket

Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat

Adelaida District, Paso Robles

2013 Red, White and Blue

Field Blend/ Co-Fermented.

El Pomar District, Paso Robles

2014 Awakening

Tannat, Petite Sirah

Paso Robles.

2014 Block 6 Reserve

100% Syrah

La Vista Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles

(Club members only)

2015 City Slicker

Zinfandel, Petite Sirah

Paso Robles

2015 Decorus

100% Syrah

Pipestone Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles

2015 Mercenary

100% Zinfandel

Paso Robles

2016 Drifter

100% Viognier

Terra Mia Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles

Of their 2016 vintages the winemakers said, “The #2016vintage is beautiful: heavily extracted, intense and well structured. We are stoked to show these wines off next year! #WorthTheWait”

The Tasting Room is located at 24261 Main Street, Newhall (old downtown historical district), 91321. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. Tasting is free for members! Hours sometimes vary, they are closed on major holidays, so keep an eye on their social media for updates or call them at 661-799-WINE. You can bring in your own food or order from nearby restaurants, there is no kitchen at the tasting room. (Reserve as spot on their patio or in the bar if you have a large party of 8 or more, or want to book a private event.)

https://www.facebook.com/pulchellaWinery/

https://www.instagram.com/pulchellawinery/

http://www.pulchellawinery.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.

Vintage Eve: My Favorite Wines and Cocktails from 2016

December 24, 2019 by evebushman

In writing wine and spirit reviews, which include comprehensive tasting notes on appearance, aroma, flavor and sometimes a score, it would be remiss for me not to explain that even when I’m not working on an article I will still employ some of these same methods when drinking wine for pleasure with friends or at a large commercial tasting event. Those wines, sans actual notes, are the ones I want to share today.

2016 Cocktails on the Roof.

Why? Because sometimes we make our buying choices dependent on numerical scores from critics. While that is fine, especially if you have found a critic that has a similar palate as yours (you agree with his scores) it also reduces the time spent trying wines on your own, and finding them not to be enjoyable, which can be costly.

Some pals have also reached out to me, believing they will like what I like, and have asked me to share my favorites. So this article is for them as well. (Please keep in mind these are wines and cocktails I enjoyed in 2016 alone.)

And now, without further adieu:

Remarkable vintage years I did note – so it will be easier if you want to duplicate the experience – I found via my Facebook photographs: 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Bual Madeira, 2003 Tramin Cerveny (Czech dessert wine), 2000 Don Melchor Puente Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Champagne, 2004 Robert Mondavi Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape, 2014 Turley from Howell Mountain, Pesenti Vineyard and Dogtown Vineyard, 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a 2006 Backus, 2015 Trombetta Chardonnay, 2015 J. Lohr White Riesling, 2005 Robert Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, 2007 Kosta Browne 4-Barrel Pinot Noir, 2013 Beekeeper Zinfandel Rockpile Appellation, 2005 Chateau Canon, 2013 Hearst Pergola Petite Sirah, 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, 2012 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel, 2012 Kynsi Pinot Noir, 2012 Colome Estate Malbec, 2012 Dilecta Unorthodox, 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, 2013 Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 and 2013 Cabernet Franc all from Crocker and Starr.

In general, wines that I enjoyed but didn’t note the various vintage years were from Backus, Insignia, Le Mistral, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (all from Joseph Phelps club membership), Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, every vintage of Phifer Pavitt DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon, various Del Dotto wines, all wines from Stolpman Vineyards, Silver Oak, Carlisle Mourvedre, Pure Cru wines by Mitch Cosentino, non vintage Champagne Jacquart, Pulchella Zinfandel, Stillman Petite Sirah, Regusci Patriarch, Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Larner Vineyard, Ferrari Trento, Derby Wine Estates, Oso Libre, Frick, Mystic Hills, Calcareous, Workman Ayer Defacto Red Rhone blend, Jaffurs, Epoch Estate, Whalebone, Casa Dumetz, Zaca Mesa, Tercero, Four Brix, Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, Cellardoor Winery Blueberry wine, wines that my local winemakers serve up every year at Sunset in the Vineyard…

Cocktails: Everything I could get my hands on at Cocktails on the Roof, which included these three award winners: Bourbon Bramble from Newhall Refinery, Trader Vics inspired Mai Tai at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and the Manhattan from Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. I also enjoyed: the Manhattan made by 12 Bottle Bar authors Lesley and David Solmonson, Frozen Margaritas, single barrel tequila and Horchata at solita, Bloody Mary at Egg Plantation, Perfect Rob Roy from The Social, Cucumber Soju Cocktail served up by Xevichez Sushi Bar, Black Manhattan at Bacari PDR, a Moscow Mule I made with Cherry Ginger Beer and a Negroni with St George Gin, Bowen’s Whiskey, Black Momma Vodka, whatever I get to taste with the L.A. Scotch Club and a 10 year old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon I nabbed from a pal.

New News for Wine On The Roof, Set For May 16

May 3, 2019 by evebushman

Presented by the WiSH Education Foundation, Wine on the Roof is being held on May 16, 2019 on top of the Macy’s parking structure at Westfield Valencia Town Center. The event, starting at 6:30 pm, will feature at least six food courses prepared by local chefs paired with many wines from our handpicked winemakers. In addition, this year we are adding wines for the appetizer hour donated by private wine enthusiasts. Local favorite Lance Allyn will provide live music. Up to twelve winemakers and vintners will be seated among our guests to answer questions about the wines. Only 200 tickets will be sold.

“This was so popular for our first year that we had to bring it back again this year,” says Amy Daniels, Executive Director of the WiSH Education Foundation. “It’s a great way for our community to really enjoy and spoil themselves and support our local students.”

Created by Eve Bushman of Eve Bushman Consulting, the event is also hosted by Marlee Lauffer of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and Steve Lemley of Pulchella Winery. Tickets are $125 and available now at www.WiSHscv.org.

Lemley added, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us as winemakers to share our wines as paired with food that presents them well. To be able to sit among the diners is yet another great occasion to share our knowledge and toast to a wonderful spring evening.” Adds Bushman, “We try to bring something new to these events every year and I think we’ve succeeded in doing that. The response has been incredibly positive and we look forward to another successful event for everyone involved.”

Currently, participants include Salt Creek Grille, Old Town Junction, Nealie’s Skillet, Olive Terrace, Honu Coffee, Greater Pacific, Newhall Press Room, Marston’s, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Company and Smokin Bar-B-Quties. Wineries include Pulchella Winery, Dusty Nabor Wines, The Blending Lab, Pagter Brothers, Triassic Vineyards, Ascension Cellars, Byron Blatty Wines, Hoi Polloi Winery, Parhelion Cellars, Two Papas Wines, Mystic Hills Vineyard and Golden Star Vineyards.

Each course is presented with a wine – paired by Lemley and Bushman – and single menu card that lists the dish, chef, restaurant, winery, wine and winemaker. As the dishes are served our chefs and winemakers are invited to introduce the course and the wine respectively.

We want to promote our generous wineries and restaurants as much as we can and ask that our guests take the menu cards home with them so they can reach out to the restaurants and wineries that they enjoyed.

We ask that our guests be responsible; this is a 21 and over event. Westfield is allowing cars to be parked overnight in the garage and Hyatt Regency Valencia, only steps away from our roof, is offering a special rate of $109 for our guests. Simply call the Hyatt at 661-799-1234 and ask for the “Rooftop” rate.

We appreciate our sponsors Westfield Valencia Town Center, Eve Bushman Consulting, Santa Clarita Magazine, SOS Entertainment, and Jennifer Ramos Social Conduit. Our restaurant prep tent coordinator will again be the amazing Jennifer Chadwick of Salt Creek Grille.

For more information on ticketing and sponsorships, please contact Executive Director Amy Daniels at WiSH@hartdistrict.org or go to www.wishscv.org.

2019 Dates – and Some Surprises – for Wine on the Roof and Cocktails on the Roof

March 29, 2019 by evebushman

SCV’s Only Roof Top Events Offer Unique Atmosphere For Both Wine and Spirit Lovers to Dine with Wine and Dance with Cocktails!

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY – The WiSH Education Foundation is once again pleased to announce the dates for their wildly popular rooftop events held on the top of Macy’s parking structure at Westfield Valencia to benefit over 23,000 students in the Hart District: Wine on the Roof…Dine on the Roof will be held on May 16 and the 5^th annual Cocktails on the Roof on September 6. Tickets, sponsorship information, “raves”, past and current vendors can all be seen on the Cocktails on the Roof dedicated website: http://cocktailsontheroofscv.org/

What to Expect: In our inaugural 2018 event Wine on the Roof guests were treated to several courses paired with wines in a seated dinner. The venue was not made public prior to the event, and each dish came out with its own menu and pairing card. Chefs and winemakers took to the microphone during the evening to share their inspiration for their own creations. All restaurants brought staff members to the roof, all working seamlessly together. The models from Pinups for American Heroes, a local nonprofit, also served guests at the event in the spirit of the 1940s USO. Local favorite Lance Allyn provided live music.

Wine on the Roof participants, several in their debut, included: The Speakeasy Bakery, Bakers Scott Ervin and Todd Wilson, Newhall Press Room, Chef Trevor; The Old Town Junction, Chef Daniel Otto; Hundred Miles, Chef Louis Pechan; Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, Chef Lucio Teraza and Chef Alfonso Canuto; Bonefish Grill, Culinary Team; Sweet Beams Ice Cream Truck, Karin and Chris Beam; Nothing Bundt Cakes, Jennifer and Zachary Zeidler; Wolf Creek Restaurant, Pastry Chef Meghan Launier, 8. Salt Creek Grille, Pastry Chef Kristina Waggoner and Honu Coffee, Brew master James. Wineries: Byron Blatty Wines, winemakers Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper; Pulchella Winery, winemakers Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper; Hoi Polloi Winery, winemakers Ted Behlendorf, Doug Minnick, Dan Erland Andersen; Pagter Brothers, Scott Page-Pagter winemaker; Parhelion Cellars, winemaker Adam Hasper.

What to Expect: In our 5^th Cocktails on the Roof, Eve Bushman and a committee of amazing volunteers and WiSH board members promise to have a surprise or two up their collective sleeves. Our first year was brand new: DJ MAV from SOS Entertainment, guests voting for their favorite cocktails and a Flash Mob of prepared dancers doing “Thriller” for guests. In subsequent years, guests could sponsor private lounges with private service; finally last year we added in a table just for Pulchella Winery as a special nod to their invaluable work in Wine on the Roof. (Cocktails on the Roof focuses on highlighting the cocktail programs from our local restaurants, and several unique single spirit vendors.)

2018 participants included: JFC Int’l, Nealie’s Skillet, Marston’s Restaurant, Honu Coffee, Mammoth Mountain Coffee, Willow Creek Distillery, Indian Affair, Wolf Creek Brewery, Wolf Creek Restaurant, Salt Creek Grille, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Mule 2.0, Lazy Dog Restaurant, SCV Custom Crush Services (Pulchella Winery), Newhall Press Room, LA Scotch Club, Alchemy, Dulce Vida Tequila, Hyatt Regency Valencia, Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, Sweet T’s Treats, Impex Beverages, The Local Pub, Smokehouse on Main, Claim Jumper, solita, Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka and the Joy Squad Photo Experience.

Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting created these two events and co-hosts along with Amy Daniels, Executive Director of the Wish Education Foundation; Marlee Lauffer, the President of the Henry Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation; and Alexander Hafizi; of Elite Magazine and the Santa Clarita Magazine. Steve Lemley, the co-owner of Pulchella Winery and SCV Custom Crush Services, is the co-host for Wine on the Roof, curating all of the wineries, working with the winemakers and pairing the menus with Bushman. Last but not least, Jennifer Chadwick, Director of Marketing for Salt Creek Grille; serves as the Wine on the Roof Lead Coordinator in the restaurant Prep Tent. Our tireless committee members also include: Judy Penman, Ed Masterson, Richard Cohn, Jennifer Ramos, Dawn Begley and Mitch Russell.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for either or both of these exciting events, please reach out to Amy Daniels: Wish@HartDistrict.org

Past and Present Sponsors include: Westfield Valencia Town Center, The Magazine of Santa Clarita, Elite Magazine, Littler, California Credit Union, Oasis Associates, Brightview Tree Company, Andy Gump, Burrtec, 24/7 Events, SOS Entertainment, Peterson Printing, Jennifer Ramos Social Conduit, Eve Bushman Consulting, Image 2000, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Team House Real Estate and PinUps for Heroes.