Eve's Wine 101

February 2020 Rhone Rangers Paso Robles Experience

by

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

“Rhone Essentials” Seminar

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

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

Vintners’ Lunch

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

Grand Tasting & Silent Auction

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

Tickets

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

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

To purchase tickets, click here.

Hotel Room Blocks

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

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

More hotel partners coming soon.

Sponsors

We are grateful to the businesses and organizations without whom we could not put on our event.

Garagiste Wine Festival Wins ‘Best of the Fests’, Kicks off 10th Anniversary Year in Sonoma on February 15th

by

PASO ROBLES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The Garagiste Wine Festival, which was just named ‘Best of the Fests’ for 2019 by Fest Forums, is kicking off its 10th anniversary year with its popular Garagiste Northern Exposure event in Sonoma on February 15th, 2020. The Sonoma event offers wine lovers rare access to cutting-edge wines from over 40 micro-production, commercial wineries from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Sierra Foothills, Lodi, Santa Cruz and more.

The Garagiste Festival premiered in 2011 and is the nation’s first and only festival to showcase the wines of micro-production commercial ‘garagiste*’ winemakers. The ‘Best of Fest’ Award from Fest Forums, the country’s leading conference for Event and Festival producers nationwide, recognized The Garagiste Festival for its innovation. Because Garagiste offers wine lovers one-of-a-kind opportunities to taste a range of each year’s most exciting handcrafted small-lot production wines, all under one roof, its four annual festivals in Sonoma, Solvang, Los Angeles and Paso Robles consistently sell out. This is the second national award for the festival which was also named the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“2020 is a landmark year for Garagiste, and we are so grateful to receive this prestigious award as we head into our 10th anniversary year,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “The Garagiste Festival is the ‘little engine that could’ in a world of bigtime events featuring major stars and corporations, and we know it is all down to the amazing winemakers who pour at our festivals and each year inject freshness, creativity and a renegade spirit into the wine establishment.”

The non-profit Garagiste Festival also supports the Garagiste Festival Scholarships at the Wine and Viticulture Department at Cal Poly University San Luis Obispo.

“Our mission over the last decade has been to shine a spotlight on small-lot winemakers, who you don’t find in grocery stores or on wine country maps, while supporting the winemakers of the future through our Garagiste Festival Scholarships,” said Garagiste Co-founder Stewart McLennan. “Our intimate and ‘no snobs’ allowed atmosphere has made the Garagiste Festivals unique and memorable, while our winemakers have expanded the horizons and palates of thousands of wine lovers. 2020 will be our best year of festivals ever. Stay tuned!”

Northern Exposure in Sonoma:
The February 15th 2020 Garagiste Festival Northern Exposure will be held at the Sonoma Veterans Building near Sonoma’s historic downtown plaza and features 40 winemakers, one-in-four of which are brand new to the festival, pouring over 100+ wines from 20+ grape varieties. Limited availability VIP Experience tickets celebrate Valentine’s weekend with a Rare and Reserve tasting featuring library, club only and reserve wines; a wine county box lunch from local fave, The Girl & the Fig; a full glass of sparkling Rosé from Garagiste Festival winemaker, Carboniste Modern Sparkling, as well as a themed treat from artisan chocolatiers Fleur Sauvage Chocolates.

Among the 40+ winemakers scheduled to pour at the Sonoma Northern Exposure Festival are:
601 Cellars, Abbot’s Passage, Aesop Wines, Ampere/Pine Mountain Vineyards, Armitage Wines, Benevolent Neglect Wines, Boonville Road Wines, Brombeere Wines, Carboniste Modern Sparkling, Carpenter Wine, Crux Winery, Dane Cellars, DeWitt Vineyard, Enriquez Estate Wines, Fallon Place Wines, Ferguson Family Wines, Fields Family Wines, Frostwatch Vineyard, Greyscale Wines, Jardesca Aperitvo, JonEVino, March Wines, Mastro Scheidt, Montagne Russe Wines, Oceano Wines, Oceans Churning, Old County Cellars, Ondule Wines, Perri Jaye Vineyards, Piezo Winery, Purple Dragon Cellars, Ricci Vineyards, Sosie Wines, Sutro Wine, T. Berkley Wines, Weatherborne Wine Corp. and Zo Wines

2020 Garagiste Festival Dates and Places:
The Garagiste Festival’s 10-year anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year with special events, signature tastings, local chefs, after parties, and rare and reserve nights.

  • Feb 15 in Sonoma at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall: 126 1st Street W. Sonoma, CA
  • April 17 & 18 at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in the heart of Solvang: 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA
  • July 25 at the historic Glendale Civic Auditorium: 1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA
  • Nov 12 -15 – The 10th Annual Garagiste Festival in Paso Robles includes a series of special events and The Grand Tasting at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds: 2198 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA

For more information and full Garagiste Festival Northern Exposure schedule details, go to: http://californiagaragistes.com/

Tickets are limited for the Sonoma festival and Garagiste Festivals always sell out. To buy tickets, go to:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-garagiste-wine-festival-northern-exposure-tickets-75598187213?aff=website For breaking 10 anniversary celebration festival news and special discounts, sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt athttps://www.garagistefestival.com/garagiste-blog or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival
The Garagiste Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named Best of the Fests for 2019 by Fest Forums and the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

In addition to being named the US’ Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste Festival was named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News, * “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

*Garagiste (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

Waipapa Bay Wines Pledges Support for Whale and Dolphin Conservation With 2019 Vintage Launch

by

Sonoma, Calif. –Beginning this past November, in tandem with the launch of the 2019 vintage in the USA, Waipapa Bay Wines partnered with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) as the nonprofit’s first wine industry corporate sponsor—a milestone in Waipapa Bay’s ongoing commitment to supporting global conservation and sustainability efforts.

The name Waipapa Bay comes from a renowned whale-watching coastal site on the South Island of New Zealand where Brent and Shirley Rawstron—who oversee viticulture and winemaking—often visit when traveling to the vineyards in Marlborough.  Furthermore, the close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive; protecting the ocean and its delicate underwater ecosystems is paramount to producing high quality grapes in the region.

“It’s always been our intention with Waipapa Bay Wines to give back to the oceans,” says Liz Cobbold, Marketing Director. “We’ve been in search of the right partner who shares our goals and are thrilled to have found it with WDC. Plus, the partnership is a meaningful way to introduce the 2019 vintage wines to market.”

Founded in 1985, WDC is a global organization which has led the charge on protections for whales and dolphins in all our world’s oceans, an essential means to sustain the future of the planet’s climate resiliency and future. WDC has around 80 staff worldwide working in six locations dedicated to research and action to support this mission. 

“We are excited to receive the support of sustainably-focused businesses such as Waipapa Bay Wines,” says WDC’s Melissa Walker. “The future of grape growing and agriculture overall are dependent on healthy oceans, so it is imperative that we unite for this common goal.” 

As the organization’s first winery corporate partner, Waipapa Bay Wines will pledge to help support WDC in their four principal goals—end captivity, stop whaling, create healthy seas, and prevent accidental deaths in fishing gear—with a particular emphasis on raising awareness for the intern program, which fosters careers in conservation biology for young adults.

The 2019 vintage wines from Waipapa Bay include: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay from Marlborough, as well as a Pinot Noir Rosé from Canterbury. The wines retail at $14.99 and will be available in retail outlets. Read the full harvest report here.

Follow @waipapabaywines and @whales_org on Instagram for news and developments regarding the partnership.

About Waipapa Bay Wines

Waipapa Bay Wines reflect and respect the stunning, natural beauty of the place they take their name from–Waipapa Bay. With vineyards in Marlborough and Canterbury, we strive

to produce wines with elegance and a sense of place from grapes farmed with the utmost

attention and care. The close proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides ideal climatic conditions for the vines to thrive and gives a signature fresh character that carries through each of the four wines. To learn more visit: waipapabaywines.com.

About WDC

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and their ocean home. Their mission is to educate people on the significant ecological role whales and dolphins play in the marine ecosystem, and inspire global action to protect them. This is not a noble gesture, but an essential means to sustain the future of our Earth by increasing the planet’s climate resiliency.

About Broadland Wineries

An international wine business with UK heritage, Broadland Wineries brings innovative and

modern wines to consumers–most recently with the wine advent calendar, which sold out at a national supermarket in less than 24 hours and created a social media buzz. Throughout its 50-year history, the mission remains the same: to offer superior service, quality, and value at all times. To learn more visit: broadland-wineries.com.

Alsace Rocks Now and Stay Tuned For the Main Event May 2020!

by

Have you heard of Alsace Rocks? But first, have you tried wines from Alsace, France? Alsatian wineries are currently experimenting with Syrah, produce little of one red, Pinot Noir, as well as beautiful whites such as dry Riesling, sweet Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer.

So what is Alsace Rocks? It’s a month-long celebration of Alsatian wines with events, at restaurants, wines bars and retail shops – many attended by their Grand Cru producers. The event will hit Los Angeles May 2020, after running through both New York one year and Chicago another.

Why attend? Well, in my opinion: Because the wines are stellar. This is what I wrote in a social media post regarding an event I just attended:

In a tasting of all Alsatian wines (easier to pronounce than Al-zass) I enjoyed all that we sampled, happy to learn about the charming area of France that borders Switzerland and Germany, their traditional use of the long-necked bottles that I was taught shows off their aromatics, how to pair these wines with food and that LA dwellers will soon have a full month of their own to discover all of the same things – and more.

The month-long event, Alsace Rocks, has had great success in both New York and Chicago, and is now coming to Los Angeles May 2020 to offer plenty of tasting experiences for everyone. Stay tuned to their website for details as they emerge. I will be too. 

Wine we loved included Charles Baur sparkling rose of Pinot Noir, Julien Schaal Dry Riesling, Trimbach Riesling, Hugel Pinot Gris and Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer. 

More

The social media post above was just one small part of what I learned during the tasting. I noted the champenoise method used to make the NV Domaine Charles Baur Crémant d’Alsace sparkling rose of 100% Pinot Noir, aged for nine months as opposed to the 12 months decreed by law in Champagne, they only make one batch a year, about $22 a bottle, and it was my favorite in the tasting.

The Julien Schaal Rangen de Thann dry Riesling is a Grand Cru and one of 15 wines to be imported regularly to the U.S. The grapes are grown in volcanic soil and in very steep terrain. I noted a medium acid and Meyer lemon, another wine I would definitely like to sample again.

Our third wine, from well-known wine brand Trimbach that was established in 1626, was an aged 100% Riesling, a 2010 Cuvee Federic Emile (named after one of their ancestors). I noted a fine balance to this one.

The 2016 Hugel Pinot Gris Classic had a striking “Corkscrew Man” logo designed by Fear and Loathing illustrator, Ralph Steadman. The wine is made from the same Pinot Grigio grape, with zero skin contact, has some residual sugar, with notes of anise on the nose as well as smoky, earthy qualities in a rich mouthfeel.

Our final wine was a 2017 Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer. The grapes had no irrigation and were hand-harvested mid-October. Lots of yellow apple and fruit cocktail, as well as the most incredible blooming rose petal aromas in this lovely gold-tinged wine.

Find most of the wines at K and L or Total Wine. 

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.

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

by

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.

Russian River Valley’s Prestigious Wine Growing Reputation Experiences a Growth Spurt

by

Santa Rosa, CA—The Russian River Valley makes another big stride in proving itself to be one of the world’s premiere wine growing regions.  In the 2019 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, the top three Sweepstakes winners were all wines made with Russian River Valley grapes.  All three of the wineries are also members of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW).

“Those of us who live and work in the Russian River Valley know what a treasure we have in the soils and climate that produce some of the most outstanding wines in the world,” says Chris Crispo, President of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers. “It’s gratifying to see that work recognized.”

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair hosted 18 judges over the course of 2 days for a competitive tasting. In the end, the three wines chosen for the top honors are:

Sweepstakes Winning Specialty Wine

Balletto Vineyards & Winery

2013 Sparkling Brut Rose- Estate, Russian River Valley

 

Sweepstakes Winning White Wine

Russian River Vineyards

2018 Chardonnay- Petersen Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

Sweepstakes Winning Red Wine

J Vineyards

2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

“My panel had arguably some of the most amazing wines of the competition,” says wine journalist and Harvest Fair Wine Competition judge, Laura Ness.  “We felt we had the makings of a sweepstakes-worthy chardonnay in that Russian River Vineyards Petersen Vineyard, and it proved to be an all-around palate pleaser. Russian River really showed its special stuff in this well-run and highly competitive contest, from a plethora of wonderful rosés to exquisite pinot noirs. Kudos to all the winemakers for a great effort on every level.”

The Russian River AVA was established in 1983 and is the second largest appellation in Sonoma County (Sonoma Coast is the first).  The area is known for its cool, foggy nights and mornings, which is the perfect weather for cool climate varietals like pinot noir and chardonnay.

Just as a wine region like Burgundy is filled with villages, the Russian River Valley is made up of six smaller areas called “neighborhoods” that stretch from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and from Forestville to Healdsburg.  A new UC Davis study shows scientific proof that each neighborhood is made up of unique soils and terroir that exhibit specific characteristics in the wines resulting in unique textures and aromas for each area.

The Russian River Valley Winegrowers are also celebrating member winery, Gary Farrell for making the list of the top 100 international wineries according to Wine & Spirits magazine.  The region is included in Wine Enthusiast magazine’s declaration of Sonoma County being the “Wine Region of the Year”, and all member wineries are currently celebrating Sonoma County Wine Month as declared by the Sonoma County Vintners.

About the Russian River Valley Winegrowers:
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers (RRVW) is a nonprofit marketing and educational organization dedicated to promoting the Russian River Valley as the premier region for growing cool climate grapes while producing wines that showcase the diversity of the AVA’s six neighborhoods. The region’s generations of farmers and winemakers are continuing a long legacy of producing distinctive wines of exceptional quality, authenticity, and integrity. The RRVW has more than 200 members including growers, wineries, and sponsors.  The RRVW provides regular marketing, publicity and community relations support through consumer events that promote the Russian River Valley as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions.

Rescue Dog Wines launches nationally

by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clink Different: French and German Wines at Napa Valley Grille? Only for this October!

by

Brian Cousins, General Manager of Napa Valley Grille in Westwood, recently treated my #LAWineWriters group to a wine pairing luncheon with a selection of French and German Wines represented by Clink Different. Of the featured wines we were to have Sparkling, Rosé, Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Bordeaux. Of the meal, we were to also have no less than five courses prepared by Executive Chef Kenny Spost. (Napa Valley Grille does a monthly promotion, so head there before the end of October to try these wines!)

Cousins has been our host for numerous luncheons, where our organizer Cori Solomon usually brings in a winemaker. I was happy to support his own wine program, and taste through wines he wanted our opinions on. Later that evening he would repeat the tasting for clients of the restaurant.

In the course of our discussion Cousins shared that the wines were not ones we would find in stores and were an “expression of what (he) tasted and liked” providing the restaurant with a “world’s list” of imports. Of our menu he said that there were many new items we were trying that were being offered for both lunch and dinner, including more selections for vegetarian and vegan diners – at least six new dishes. Cousins said that between the new imported wines on their list, and the new menu items, Napa Valley Grille seeks to be “in the conversation” with other innovative restaurants – I believe they already are. (Photos of the food and wine can be seen on my public Facebook post here.)

The menu (below) and tasting notes were provided, so I limited my commentary on how I liked the wine and how well I felt it paired with the menu, noted with an EB at the end of each course/wine descriptions:

Pairing Menu

1st Course
Oyster with Chipotle Herb Butter.

2016 Scharzhofberger Riesling sparkling wine brut, Saar

Fine citrus and grapefruit aromas, concise animating mineral, racy acidity, fine yeasty notes and elegant perlage.

EB: Chef Spost had made his own chipotle sauce with shallots, parsley, butter = I loved the savory qualities of this dish. The wine was so different for me, I noted a fresh apple cider and yeast that was a nice complement to the oyster.

 

2nd Course

Fruit Salad

mixed greens, frisée, toasted turmeric pepitas, pears, raspberries,

bubu arare, vanilla bean vinaigrette.

2018 Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé, Pfalz

a true rosé, made with a brief maceration before pressing to extract color. It is light and refreshing, with deliciously bright berry and fruit flavors and a clean, zippy finish.

2017 Franz Keller Vom Löss Pinot Gris, Baden

concentrated grapefruit and lemon flavors that leave a pleasant murmur of citrus zest on midpalate. It finishes on lingering notes of crushed mineral and volcanic ash.

EB: Many of the LA Wine Writers commented that this was the best “fruit salad” they ever had. I loved the vanilla bean in the dressing and the toasted pepitas – crunchy, nutty, sweet and vinegar all working together well. I enjoyed both of the German wines; the Pinot Noir (bright raspberry with a very balanced acidity) and Pinot Gris (apple, perfumy, crisp).

 

3rd Course

Turmeric-Crusted Tuna

orange-ginger-soy reduction, shaved fennel, black sesame seeds, taro root chips.

2017 Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent. Sauternes, Bordeaux

70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Featuring a mix of pear, tangerine, yellow and green apple flavors, lined with light honeysuckle and fennel hints. Creamy along the edges, and pure and vibrant through the middle.

2017 Scheferkorf Sylvaner, Franken, Germany

Brisk aromas of tangerine and quince gain ripeness and concentration on the palate of this dry but honeyed Silvaner. It’s an easy-drinking, juicy wine with ample yellow-peach flavor and just a hint of mineral complexity.

EB: I was in love with this flavorful tuna, especially with the soy reduction. The Sauterne was drier and less sweet than the usual dessert wine, with creamy apple notes. The Sylvaner, from Germany, had a light but round mouthfeel and lovely peach notes.

 

4th Course

Colorado Lamb Rack

corn polenta, mint-pomegranate reduction.

2016 August Kesseler, The Daily August, Pinot Noir, Rheingau

Hints of beetroot, black cherry and earth extend from nose to palate in this lusciously ripened Pinot Noir. Full bodied and supple in mouthfeel, it’s fringed by fine, smooth tannins and just a hint of astringency on the finish.

2017 Chateau St Sulpice, Bordeaux Superiore

70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

In the nose plum, red cherry, menthol, dried herbs, baking spice and oak. On the palate plum, red cherry and baking spice followed by dried herbs and a cedar finish.

2016 Franz Keller Pinot Noir, Baden

The nose suggests whiffs of cherry blossom, graphite, plum and smoke. Black cherry and berry flavors seem delicate initially, but amass concentration and complexity with aeration, building layers of savory earth and tannin.

EB: A lot going on here but let me just start with the Colorado lamb – yes it’s gamier than what you might be used to, but with that it’s also earthier, so having a flavorful meat was perfect for me. Of the three wines I appreciated the Bordeaux but my palate, for a change, leaned toward the two German Pinots, “The Daily August” especially as it had nice dark cherry and what Cousins referred to as a “herbaceous” quality.

 

5th Course

Australian Wagyu NY Strip Steak

10 oz, green peppercorn-cognac jus.

2010 Goulée by Cos d’Estournel, Medoc

On the nose aromatic ripe cherries, tobacco, coffee and minerals. On the palate rich and full bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish. 

EB: Thank you for this course. The meat was cooked perfectly – pan seared with brown butter – and I thoroughly enjoyed it with the Bordeaux, that was all barnyard aromas at first but blew off to reveal nice dark fruit and a slightly sweet finish.

 

Dessert Course

Chateau Grand Jauga Sauternes, 2015

A lovely mix of aromas and flavors including apricot, honeysuckle, and juicy citrus, plus a streak of minerality. Gracefully balances honeyed sweetness against acidity, and finishes with appealing intensity and length. 

EB: This is my idea of dessert after such a filling meal, just bring on one small taste of a luscious dessert wine. This one provided a sweet pineapple, Meyer lemon and a lingering fresh fruit cocktail finish.

 

Napa Valley Grille

1100 Glendon Avenue, #100

Los Angeles, CA 90024

310-824-3322

https://napavalleygrille.com/our-chef/

https://napavalleygrille.com/

https://www.instagram.com/napavalleygrille/

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

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.

LOT18.COM UNVEILS NEW WINE COLLECTION BASED ON ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ AND ITS NEW FEATURE FILM

by

LOS ANGELES  – Lot18 cordially invites you to taste a new wine collection, crafted in honor of Downton Abbey’s eagerly awaited return for the first time on the big screen. Relive the romance, drama and intrigue of the beloved Crawley family and its fiercely loyal staff, as both the upstairs and downstairs members of the iconic residence continue to navigate their personal lives as well as larger events of the early 20th century. As the Dowager Countess would say, “You’ll find there’s never a dull moment in this house” – nor with this wine.

Winemaker Lot18.com has teamed up with NBCUniversal and Focus Features to produce a collection of wine based on the beloved and multiple Emmy® Award-winning series, and newly released feature film, Downton Abbey. The new collection includes a Downton Abbey Sparkling Rose from Val de Loire, France, a 2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc from Bordeaux, France and a 2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Rouge from Bordeaux, France.

The collectable wines, which are available in limited quantity, go on sale today and can be purchased exclusively in-store at select Cost Plus World Market locations nationwide as well as ordered exclusively online at Lot18.com/DowntonAbbey while supplies last.

Here are the tasting notes for the Downton Abbey wine collection:

Downton Abbey Sparkling Rose, Val de Loire, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

We are the oldest sparkling wine company from the Loire with 200 years of winemaking experience. With one of the most trusted names in France when it comes to producing sparkling wines. The best blending, made with the wine base after the first fermentation, is achieved in our cellars. This blending art is perfectly mastered by our Chief winemaker according to a 2-century tradition and is one of the key factors of success for this wine. The second fermentation is temperature controlled and is made in stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. This method allows for a wine with fine and delicate bubbles. The grapes were selected from a blend of vineyards in well-known growing regions of France, the Loire and Languedoc to create its unique and fruity style. The wine was elaborated in the Charmat Method and aged to create small, delicate bubbles that delight the palate.

Tasting Notes:

A brilliant bright pink hue, a medium-bodied wine from France’s highly renowned Loire region. Beautifully rounded on the palate, with bright, red fruit aromas blending notes of ripe raspberry and delicate mountain strawberry, florals and refreshing acidity. The finish provides notes of citrus with fine bubbles that are crisp and effervescent. This Rosé is an ideal food match. Enjoy as an apéritif, or pair with flavorful cheeses, fresh seafood or meats, like duck, chicken and pork, with flavorful, fruit-based sauces.

2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

Co-fermented and aged in stainless steel before bottling. With a name derived from the French word sauvage, or wild, Sauvignon Blanc is a grape that can be tracked back at least 500 years. Our Downtown Abbey Bordeaux Blanc touches upon the variety’s origins and essence. Fresh flavors of white grapefruit and lemon are punctuated by lemongrass and mineral nuances on the palate, followed by a crisp, dry finish. The Semillon addition is a classic and contributes lively stone fruit notes and rounds out the palate. Enjoy this classically styled Sauvignon Blanc with fresh fish or dishes that feature goat cheese.

Tasting Notes:

Lively and fresh fruit flavors of white grapefruit and lemon are punctuated by lemongrass and mineral nuances on the palate, followed by a crisp, dry finish.

2018 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Rouge, Bordeaux, France

The Wine and Winemaking:

Vines are 30+ years of age. Co-fermented and aged in stainless steel and 10mo French Oak Barriques. A family castle steeped in history and respect for the land. Château Haute Courtiade’s vineyard is part of a family history since the 17th century. It was created and developed over the centuries with a strong passion: to reveal its soil in a vineyard management respecting the ecosystem. Henri SICARD, 13th generation, exploited the vineyard since 1988. Very active and engaged in the development of environmental farming practices, he is one of the craftsmen of the obtaining of the standard High Environmental Value (HVE) by UNIVITIS.

Tasting Notes:

This opaque wine is elegant and rich, with aromas of red, blackberry and blackcurrant. Remarkable balance and complexity, velvety tannins and a long and tasty finish confirming the anticipated aromas. 10 months of ageing in French oak barrels gives the wine a beautiful concentration, balance and finish.

The Sipping Sisterhood Presents Hip Hip Rosé

by

WESTPORT, Conn., /PRNewswire/ —  Hip Hip Rosé (IngramSpark) is ready to help quench America’s growing thirst for rosé. This delightfully illustrated parody of a well-known children’s story portrays Alice, passionate patron of the pink drink who, after a particularly happy, happy hour, finds herself in for a rouge awakening: The next morning she is completely rosé colored! Seeking a pallor of a paler pantone, it seems only the local sommelier can help. Will Alice take his advice or end up with a bright fuchsia ahead of her? Readers find out in this whimsical tale about life seen through rosé-colored glasses.

Alli DiVincenzo and Erica Karlin

Hip Hip Rosé fills a void in both the literary and wine markets by offering a clever, fictional romp about rosé, rather than yet another wine appreciation or recipe book. HHR is ideal for hostess gifting and is meant to be shared with readers’ own sipping sisterhoods.

The Sipping Sisterhood celebrates friendship and fun via happy-hour-related merchandise and interactive forums. This debut story in the Sipping Sisterhood series speaks to our inner “mischievous girl,” and taps into that love of curling up with a fun book. Additional titles about other favorite varietals will be released in the coming months. Written with a dash of fantasy, these are, in essence, children’s books for consenting adults. Read, clink and be merry!

Hip Hip Rosé ($18.95) is available for purchase at https://sippingsisterhood.com/ or on Amazon.com.

Authors: West Coaster ERICA KARLIN and East Coaster ALLI Q DIVINCENZO are long-time buddies bonded by their L.A. roots, simpatico funny bones and love of wine. Artist: From North Wales, Sarah Latham’s artwork is unique and heartwarming.

Hoorays for Hip Hip Rosé

“Charming and funny! The perfect summer read and wine pairing. You’ll be craving rosé with every flip of the page!” — SARA LEHMAN, SOMM IN THE CITY

“Every mom, woman and wine lover will appreciate this fruit-forward parody of the children’s classic! A truly hilarious take on the pink color palette.” — MELISSA JOAN HART, ACTRESS

“A cute, whimsical tale about a flush lush longing for more blush. Cheers!” — ZIGGY, THE WINE GAL AND COUNTESS OF COCKTAILS

Suggested Retail: $18.95
FOLLOW @Hip_Hip_Rose
Facebook: Sipping Sisterhood
Twitter: @SippingSisterh1

Get our Dear Wine Friend wine news via your inbox every Friday!
  • Our Latest Wine News
  • A Weekly Wine Discovery
  • Links to our Seven Weekly Articles
  • Our Weekly Highlighted Event
  • SCV Wine Calendar Updates
Do you want to plan your weekend? Subscribe Today!
Your name and email address will never be sold.
Clifton's Lightbox