Nerano Welcomes Winemaker Matt Dees for the Jonata Wine Dinner on August 22

August 13, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

A Menu Created by Chef Michele Lisi and Wine Pairings by Sommelier Samantha Johnston in Celebration of Jonata’s Cult Wines

As part of a continuing series of dinners showcasing domestic and international winemakers, Nerano presents an intimate five-course dinner tasting menu paired with wines from Jonata, one of the Central Coast’s most sought after wine producers, on Tuesday, August 22, 2017.

nerend The wines selected for Nerano’s Jonata wine dinner were chosen to introduce and familiarize the richness of these Santa Barbara County wines to a wider audience. Winemaker Matt Dee’s wines offer something for everyone – Rosé for warm afternoons or Aperitivo, versatile Chardonnay for any food at every price point, and reds that can be enjoyed every day like The Hilt, or something reserved for a memorable dinner, such as Jonata’s Tierra or ‘Alma’ Cabernet Franc.

The evening reception begins with Stuzzichini of Crostino di Pomodoro Verde with Apulian Burrata and Green Tomato Marmellata and Ahi Tuna Tartare with Meyer Lemon, Capers and English Cucumber Cup paired with The Paring, Rosé of Pinot Noir 2016. A Primi course of Capesante with Roasted Scallops, Sunchoke Crema, Toasted Walnuts and Crispy Salsify is paired with The Hilt, ‘Vanguard,’ Chardonnay 2014; followed by a Risotto with Kabocha Squash and Norcia Black Truffles paired with The Hilt, ‘Old Guard,’ Pinot Noir 2014. Next is the Pasta course of house-made Pappardelle with Colorado Lamb Ragu’, Castelmagno Cheese and Crispy Rosemary paired with Jonata, ‘Tierra,’ Sangiovese 2007. For Secondi, guests will savor Braciola Di Cervo – a Roasted Venison Chop with Oregon Chanterelles, Grilled Polenta and Bing Cherry Riduzione paired with Jonata, ‘Alma,’ Cabernet Franc 2013.The dinner is completed with a Dolci of Coconut Sorbet paired with Nerano’s House-Made Limoncello.

Pricing for Nerano’s Jonata Wine Dinner is $175 per person inclusive of menu and wines, and exclusive of tax and gratuity. Dinner will be served in the upstairs BG Lounge promptly at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required and seating availability is limited for this event.

ABOUT JONATA

Matt Dees and the Jonata team’s commitment to a forward thinking approach to winemaking has made Jonata one of the most sought after cult wines of California’s Central Coast. The sandy soil slopes of the 84-acre vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County were uncultivated until the Jonata team pioneered the land, planting some of the first and most successful Bordeaux and Rhone varietals in the region. Matt Dees has shown extraordinary results and gained widespread acclaim from critics such as Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, and Stephen Tanzer. In addition, the Jonata team has an incredible commitment to sustainability. The Jonata Estate integrates livestock into their farming model, which enhances the soil and the health of their land. The ranch also contains a large communal garden, an orchard that produces olives for estate olive oil and honey bees raised for the production of honey. The vineyard team practices judicious water use without using chemicals such as herbicides or pesticides. Small production, meticulously made, with an outstanding commitment to quality – that is Matt Dees and Jonata’s way.

JONATA WINE DINNER WITH SPECIAL GUEST MATT DEES

Executive Chef Michele Lisi

Sommelier Samantha Johnston

Special Guest Winemaker Matt Dees

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

7:30 PM IN THE BG LOUNGE

stuzzichini

Crostino di Pomodoro Verde

apulian burrata, green tomato marmellata

Ahi Tuna Tartare

ahi tuna, meyer lemon, capers, english cucumber cup

The Paring, Rosé of Pinot Noir 2016

primi

Capesante

roasted scallops, sunchoke crema, toasted walnuts, crispy salsify

The Hilt, ‘Vanguard,’ Chardonnay 2014

Risotto

risotto with kabocha squash, norcia black truffles

The Hilt, ‘Old Guard,’ Pinot Noir 2014

pasta

Pappardelle

pappardelle, colorado lamb ragu’, castelmagno cheese, crispy rosemary

JONATA, ‘Tierra,’ Sangiovese 2007

secondi

Braciola di Cervo

roasted venison chop, oregon chanterelles, grilled polenta, bing cherry riduzione

JONATA, ‘Alma,’ Cabernet Franc 2013

dolci

Sorbetto

coconut sorbet

Nerano House-Made Limoncello

$175 per person

inclusive of menu and wines, plus taxes and gratuity.

WHEN:

JONATA WINE DINNER WITH WINEMAKER MATT DEES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017

7:30 p.m. upstairs in the BG Lounge

Limited availability; advanced reservations required

WHERE:

Nerano & The BG Lounge

9960 South Santa Monica Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

310.405.0155

ABOUT:

Nerano is the fourth restaurant from the Toscana Restaurant Group and is the vision of owners Andy Brandon-Gordon and Carlo Brandon-Gordon’s trips to the Amalfi Coast where they became inspired by the temperate climate, the pure simplicity of the coastal cuisine and the inviting Italian culture. In combining their individual talents with a virtuoso team of culinary and creative professionals, they are fulfilling their vision of a stunning contemporary space matched with exquisite dishes and welcoming service they discovered in the village of Nerano. Executive Chef Michele Lisi’s menu is deftly created with a light touch, using only the finest California and imported Italian ingredients. Mixologist William Perbellini has crafted the cocktail program for both Nerano and the sleek and lush BG Lounge upstairs. The BG Lounge is beautifully appointed and the dramatic and theatrical room is an instant classic, reminiscent of Bemelmans Bar at New York’s Carlyle Hotel or Bar Hemingway in Paris. Nerano and BG Lounge opened in November with much fanfare from The Hollywood Reporter, Eater, Thrillist and Urban Daddy.

Become a Fan of NERANO on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/neranobh

Follow NERANO on Twitter: @neranobh

on Instagram: @neranobh

For OpenTable reservations

Please visit TRG’s restaurants on the Web:

www.toscanabrentwood.com

www.bartoscana.com

www.sykitchen.com

Perlis Picks – Paso Robles Wine Country Grand Tasting Tour: Part Two

August 12, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Last week, I shared with you about the seminar provided for trade and media to kick off the Paso Robles Wine Country Grand Tasting Tour held at the Newport Beach Marriott.

This week, I’ll tell you our favorites of the wines we tasted at the Grant Tasting…

Alta Colina Vineyard

2016 Grenache Blanc [95% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne]

2013 Old 900 Syrah [97% Syrah, 3% Viognier]

Ancient Peaks Winery

2015 Renegade [55% Syrah, 27% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot]

2013 Oyster Ridge [75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Malbec, 5% Petite Sirah]

Barr Estate Winery

2014 Albarino

2013 Dane Head [51% Malbec, 18% Petite Sirah, 18% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon]

Calcareous Vineyard

2013 Tres Violet [37% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 28% Mourvedre]

2013 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon [91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc]

Caliza Winery

2016 Pink [Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah]

2013 Sympatico [76% Tempranillo, 24% Grenache]

Cass Winery

2015 Viognier

2015 Mourvedre

2014 Vintage Ted [70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Mourvedre, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot]

Daou Vineyards

2015 Pessimist [37% Syrah, 31% Petite Sirah, 27% Zinfandel, 5% Tannat]

2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon [75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot]

Gray Wolf Cellars & Barton Family Wines

2015 Jackal [100% Zinfandel]

2015 Big Bad [90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah]

MCV Wines

2016 Pink [Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Tannat]

2014 1105 [60% Petite Sirah, 21% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Tannat, 1% Viognier]

Niner Wine Estates

2014 Malbec [91% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc]

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon [85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 2% Carmenere]

ONX Wines

2016 Indie [Rose of Tempranillo]

2016 Indie Noir [Red Blend]

2014 Level 22 [45% Petite Sirah, 33% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache]

A few comments…

We didn’t taste at every table. These were are our favorites of the ones we tasted.

We didn’t taste everything at MCV or ONX. We probably would have more of their wines on this list if we had. But, we just reported on our visit to MCV and our article on ONX is coming up soon.

Minor rant…really minor…

We started going to Paso Robles about 20 years ago. At that time, Zinfandel was king. Don’t get me wrong, we love the Rhones coming out of Paso, and Cab is definitely making a name for itself. Wineries like Turley, Tobin James, J Dusi and others still carry on the Zin tradition, but sometimes I think it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

So, for this reason and also because the wines were totally kick-ass, my wines of the day were the two Gray Wolf & Barton Family Wines Zinfandels – Jackal and Big Bad.

From the Gray Wolf & Barton Family Wines website:

Joe and Shirlene Barton established Grey Wolf Cellars in August 1994. Since then, the Bartons have made their winery a family-run business. Joe Senior had a vision and a dream to create great wine and do so with his family. He put on his wine labels, “A family is a circle of caring, strong and eternal.” He succeeded because he always put 100% into everything he did. Joe Senior left our pack in the Winter of 1998, but his dream and passion lives on through his family and the spirit of Grey Wolf.

I actually met Joe Junior soon after his father had passed, when the tasting room was still on Paso’s east side, at what is now Penman Springs. Joe has done amazing things with the winery and you should definitely pay them a visit.

Paso Robles has certainly made its mark on the world wine stage. I can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Perlis Picks – Paso Robles Wine Country Grand Tasting Tour: Part One

August 5, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

I realize that the drive from Santa Clarita to Newport Beach is a little daunting. In fact, on a weekday it took almost as long to get there as it does to get to Paso Robles. But once there, Karen and I were presented the opportunity to taste with representatives of 35 Paso Robles wineries…

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery

Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery

DAOU Vineyards & Winery

Eberle Winery

Grey Wolf & Barton Family Wines

Halter Ranch Vineyard

HammerSky Vineyards

HEARST RANCH Winery- San Simeon

Lohr Vineyards & Wines

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery

Robert Hall Winery

San Antonio Winery

San Marcos Creek Vineyard

Sextant Wines

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Thacher Winery

The Farm Winery

Treana and Hope Family Wines

Victor Hugo Winery

Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery

Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards

Maybe if you spent a week in Paso, you’d be able to visit all of these. Fortunately, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance has a traveling roadshow.

And admittedly, I did have another motive.

Prior to the start of the trade and media portion of the tasting, we were invited to attend a seminar on Paso Robles wine presented by Peter Neptune, MS. For me, this was enough to justify the schlep to Newport Beach even without the grand tasting afterwards.

Master Sommelier Peter Neptune is a world renowned wine expert and educator. I’ve often wanted to attend one of his seminars but never had the chance. I was not going to pass up this opportunity.

We tasted through six wines from wineries that are representative of Paso Robles Wine Country today. Mr. Neptune offered his thoughts on these wines, as well as how Paso has developed over the last couple of decades.

[Yes, I realize that I often bemoan the loss of “old” Paso, as recently as a couple of weeks ago. But I do understand that, overall, the wines are better for a host of reasons. Still, 20 years ago, the wines – and winemakers – were special enough to make us fall in love with the region.]

The wines we tasted during the seminar were [with some of Mr. Neptune’s comments noted as PN]…

We first tasted the 2014 Espirt de Tablas Blanc from Tablas Creek Vineyard. A blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc, PN said that that this is one of his favorite whites from Paso Robles.

Then, we moved on to the 2016 Indie Rose of Tempranillo from ONX. PN referred to the wine’s “sunset” color and that it reminded him of a “creamsicle” [in a good way].

Time for the reds, so we started with the 2013 Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah blend from Alta Colina, which PN referred to as a “versatile” wine.

A Paso Robles tasting wouldn’t be complete without a Zinfandel in the mix, so we tasted the 2015 Zinfandel from Ancient Peaks, described with the highly technical word of “yummy” by PN.

Then we had the opportunity to taste two of Paso’s super-premium wines – the 2014 Soul of a Lion from Daou and the 2014 Estate Cuvee from L’Aventure. The Daou was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which PN referred to as “gorgeous” and the L’Aventure blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot was noted by PN to have “tremendous power and concentration”.

We also discussed the 11 Sub-AVAs within the Paso Robles AVA [American Viticultural Area] and how wineries were labeling their bottles with their specific AVA along with the trend toward estate wines and organic and biodynamic farming.

Peter Neptune’s passion for wine really showed up in the class. His speaking style made a fun seminar even better.

After the seminar we stayed around awhile to taste some of the wines being poured at the Grand Tasting before heading back up to the Santa Clarita Valley. Next week, I’ll let you know our favorites.

Perlis Picks: Double Trouble Wine Room

July 29, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Downtown Newhall is fast becoming an all-in-one destination for the Santa Clarita Valley.

With a state of the art public library standing guard at the north end of Main Street and Newhall Refinery restaurant and Pulchella Winery tasting room near the southern end, along with everything else going on nearby and in-between, it is easy to see why this area’s popularity is only going to increase.

Recently, Karen and I had the opportunity to visit the Double Trouble Wine Room on Main Street, a joint project of Hoi Polloi Winery and Pagter Brothers Winery. Both wineries make their wines locally at SCV Custom Crush Services, sourcing grapes primarily from vineyards on California’s Central Coast.

PAGTER BROTHERS WINERY

For some years, I’ve enjoyed the wines made by Scott Pagter of Pagter Brothers Winery. I can’t remember all the details of when he shared the wine [under his previous wine label] with me at the much missed All Corked Up wine bar, but I do remember it being a pretty killer Grenache. [I also have very fond memories of Scott’s band Stupid Pony from those days. Fronted by excellent lead singer Sidney Iverson, I always looked forward to this band’s rare appearances.]

Scott and his brother Gib formed Pagter Brothers Winery in 2013 specializing in “big, bold reds.” That being said, the first wine we tried was the 2014 Chardonnay which was excellent, a fairly light wine but with a touch of oak on the finish to give it some body.

After that, though, we did move on to those big bold reds, tasting through a selection of wines from the 2014 vintage, mostly Rhone varietals with Syrah sourced from the White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Ynez and the Grenache from the Hoyt Vineyard in Paso Robles…

Notorious – blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, named after Gib’s day job as an attorney.

Melodious – a reverse of the Notorious, 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache, a tribute to Scott’s music/entertainment background.

Syrah – 100% from the White Hawk Vineyard. This was delicious, but we also got a sneak peek of the 2015 vintage which if anything was even better.

In addition, Pagter Brothers makes a Tempranillo. I think Tempranillo does very well in Paso and this 2014 was no exception.

Finally, another sneak peek – the 2015 Tannat. From Paso’s Adelaida district, this wine belied Tannat’s reputation as being monolithic and unapproachable. Definitely the opposite of that, drinking very well right after bottling and will only get better. My fave of the Pagter Brothers tasting.

Scott told me that their motto is to “make wine they like to drink…so if no one buys it they can drink it.” With these wines, they’re not going to be able to keep much for themselves.

HOI POLLOI WINERY

My relationship with Doug Minnick, one of the three owner/winemakers of Hoi Polloi Winery, goes back several years as well. Doug is also one of the co-founders of the Garagiste Festivals and he and I first met when I interviewed him for our Eve’s Wine 101 website about the inaugural event that was coming up.

So, it was a natural progression to want to make wine. The special focus is on Syrah and Doug says they will soon be able to do side-by-side single vineyard Syrah tastings from all four of their Syrah sources – Sebastiano Vineyard [Sta. Rita Hills], Alta Colina Vineyard [Paso Robles], Hoppe Kelly Vineyard [Russian River Valley] as well as the iconic Larner Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. If you know Syrah, you know that Doug et al have connected with some pretty outstanding vineyards. I feel that Syrah is one of the best varieties for showing off differences in terroir, so this is pretty exciting stuff.

But they do make other wines besides Syrah. We started our tasting with the newly released 2016 Grenache Rosé from Colburn Vineyards in Paso Robles – one of the best Rosés that I’ve had.

We then moved to the reds by first tasting the 2015 “Illicit” Pinot Noir from Santa Maria and the 2014 “Touch of Evil” Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cass Vineyard in Paso Robles. Both solid wines.

Now, time for the red Rhones!

We eased into them, starting with the 2015 Syrah / Grenache Blend called Tryst, so called because while the 34% Grenache is entirely from Paso Robles, the 66% Syrah is a combination of Paso and cool-climate Sonoma. Makes for a very tasty wine.

Not messing around now, we tasted the Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. from Rita Hills and the Alta Colina Vineyard from Paso Robles, both from the 2014 vintage. I had already tasted these wines from last year’s Garagiste Festival in LA and knew what to expect. I was not disappointed. [Not tasted this time but tasted at that same festival was the 2014 “Double Exposure” blend from both of these vineyards, which was actually one of my favorites that day.]

We got a sneak peek here as well – the 2015 Petite Sirah from the Loma Seca Vineyard in Paso Robles. Delicious now, this wine is going to be fun to watch develop.

The Double Trouble Wine Room is definitely worth your time. Gorgeous facility, now with a patio, along with great wines poured by nice people. I expect this is a place you may want to become a “regular” at before it becomes too popular.

DOUBLE TROUBLE WINE ROOM

24338 Main St.
Newhall, CA 91321

New To The Roof: Pomp and Whimsy

July 21, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Before attending this year’s Second Annual Masters of Taste event I was already getting excited because not only was it a unique event held on the actual field of the Rose Bowl, with adult beverages and famous chefs, it also reminded me of my own mini version: Cocktails on the Roof held on the rooftop of Macy’s parking structure with our very own local chefs, their cocktails and whatever single spirit companies that wanted to join us.

I found Pomp & Whimsy at the Rose Bowl’s end zone, a VIP area of the event, and was immediately won over by their unique gin liqueur, both as a single spirit and in a cocktail. So much so that I invited them to join us on the roof.

Pomp & Whimsy brings modern sensibilities to the tradition of gin making, by infusing classically distilled gin with a natural, delightfully flavorful botanical liqueur. The result is a highly refined, yet playfully sensorial spirit, that is both graceful by itself, and effortlessly dressed, up or down. It’s gin, reimagined.

Made from scratch in Downtown Los Angeles from a select blend of 18 natural and whole ingredients, including juniper, coriander, angelica, grapefruit, bitter orange, cucumber, lychee, raspberry, lavender and jasmine pearls.

As to why this is a gin liqueur and not just a gin Dr. Nicola Nice, CEO at Pomp & Whimsy, LLC answered, “Hi Eve! A gin liqueur is a traditional gin that has been further infused with fruits, florals and botanicals. As a result, it is a lot more flavorful and aromatic than a regular gin. Traditionally, gin liqueurs were used as the basis for English cup-like cocktails (like Pimms). However, in our modern spin on the gin liqueur, we wanted to make a spirit that could also be sipped by itself on the rocks, as well as lightly mixed or used in place of gin in traditional cocktails. Compared to other liqueurs, Pomp & Whimsy is a lot less sweet, and at 30% ABV has a little more punch to stand up by itself.”

Tasting

A L O N E

Reminded me or rose water, sweetened and delicate, mouth coating viscosity.

NEGRONI ROSE

1 oz Pomp & Whimsy
1 oz Lillet Rose
1 oz Aperol

Combine the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice; stir to combine.

Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

(From Eve: I LOVE that I had all of the ingredients ready to go in my liquor cabinet and refrigerator to make this cocktail! Very refreshing, reminded me of a perfect sugar-topped pink grapefruit, with hints of cling peaches, watermelon, mandarin oranges in light syrup all while getting a hint of rose petals on the aroma. I could have this as an aperitif or a digestif! And if this sounds too sweet – add more Pomp & Whimsy!)

SUFFRAGETTE MARTINI

1 oz Pomp & Whimsy
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Dry vermouth

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Stir well to chill.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Twist a piece of lemon peel over the drink for aromatics and use the twist as a garnish. (From Eve: Similar to a Vesper, aka Casino Royale, that also incorporates gin, vodka but with Lillet Blanc instead of Pomp & Whimsy, the Suffragette Martini is more delicate, and the botanical, floral and fruit flavors in Pomp & Whimsy are made just that much more delicate, with a less sweeter flavor. If you like your martini without the blaring flavors of say, of a Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop or any dessert-flavored martini, this one is for you.)

https://www.pompandwhimsy.com/home/

https://www.instagram.com/pompandwhimsy/

https://www.facebook.com/pompandwhimsy/

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

Perlis Picks – MCV Wines

July 15, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

When Karen and I plan trips to Paso Robles Wine Country, I tend to wax nostalgic. Having been visiting wineries there for almost 20 years, I often look at the past through rose colored glasses [or is that rosé?].

Admittedly, I do kind of miss the days when Paso was our little secret to introduce to our friends. Trying to recreate the feel of those experiences is as much [or maybe even more] about the people that we know there as it is about the wine.

So, when we went back up to Paso Robles earlier this year, it may come as a surprise that we didn’t even start out tasting in Paso or the surrounding hills. Instead, we skipped the fairly short although borrrrring drive up the 5 and across the 46 and opted for the 101 to 1 route, with our destination to visit Matt Villard, owner/winemaker of MCV Wines.

The only other time we had visited Matt was in 2014. At that time, he was somewhat of a new kid on the block on Limestone Way in Paso Robles. Since then, he has moved his winery tasting room to the Morro Bay Embarcadero where he joins a few other wineries and wine bars in providing great wines to serious wine drinkers as well as the crowds that frequent Morro Bay at any given time.

Matt has great people working with him in the MCV tasting room. But the real treat is when Matt is there himself. He’s a lot of fun to hang out with and, should you be so inclined, is more than happy to “geek out” with you on the technical aspects of winemaking. And he knows his stuff, being justifiably proud of the abundance of 90+ scores he has received for his wines and for the other wineries for whom he is consulting winemaker.

Also, Matt old me that “we’re starting to do private tastings in the Paso Robles area for smaller groups. If anyone is interested they should call our tasting room.”

Some of the highlights of our tasting…

2015 ALV Sauvignon Blanc from the ONX vineyard, made in a “New Zealand” style and meant to be consumed very cold.

2013 Syrah – from the Glenrose Vineyard, this wine kind of blindsided me. At first, it just tasted like a really good Syrah. But as I continued to taste, the wine seemed to have a visceral effect on me. I don’t know if it triggered some memory that I couldn’t identify, but there was something about this wine that I really really liked, a lot.

2014 Red – an insane bargain at $21, delicious blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Tannat.

Matt started MCV to focus on Petite Sirah, so we finished the tasting with two of those – the 2014 Petite Sirah and the 2014 Rosewynn Vineyard Petite Sirah. Matt explained that the latter was treated more like a Cabernet Sauvignon in the winemaking process while the former was more traditional. Both tasted excellent to me.

Matt also said that the 2016 vintage should be a benchmark vintage for Paso Robles. I am really looking forward to seeing what Matt and others do with the 2016 wines when they are released.

MCV Wines
845 Embarcadero Ste. H
Morro Bay, CA 93442

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2013: Tasting, and Learning, from Louie Lucas of Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards

June 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Walking into the Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards tasting room on the popular Copenhagen Drive in Solvang, I was pleased to have my winery appointment set up with Louie Lucas himself. Before we even sat down he started giving us some history of his winery.

Louie Lucas is on the far right, with his hands on his award-winning grapes. Photo from Facebook.

With 400 acres, and four different properties, Lucas and Lewellen grows 25 grape varietals. The tasting room had been open for 10 years – serving up to 25 wines. The planting began in 1970 and Lucas has been in the area for 40 years.

The current winemaker for the last five years is Megan McGrath Gates, who went to UC Davis for her wine credentials.

Wining Awards For Others

Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards has a long history of selling grapes to Napa wineries as well as more local winemakers. So, his grapes “win awards for others”. And he also makes wines for others, like actress Jane Seymour. Amongst his list is Chardonnay to Kendall Jackson, more goes to Jed Steele of Steele wines, Muscat to Napa’s Castello di Amorosa, Gewurztraminer to V. Sattui and Syrah to winemaking legend Heidi Barrett.

I asked Lucas if I could mention this in my article, he hesitated for two seconds and then agreed, saying, “Its too late for them to get me!”

Lucas’ father and grandfather were grape growers, and what they produced had to be perfect and blemish free, even the stems had to be cured. “You grow good grapes,” Lucas said. “And you get good wine.”

“Today we buy from catalogs when shopping for root stocks,” Lucas said in regards to how things have changed in 40 years. “So many more variations then we had before, and all are supposed to be resistant to disease, we shall see.”

Lucas and Lewellen has 1200 French oak barrels, and buys both new and used. They added 300 new barrels last year and are experimenting with hybrid barrels that are made from half American and half French oak.

Tasting

2011 Blanc de Noirs Brut Sparkling wine, 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Juicy fruit strawberry and peach on the nose, nice toast and jam on the palate. They don’t make the wine, instead they use a sparkling wine facility to make it, and only use their handpicked grapes. Outstanding.

Viognier 2012

A touch of stainless steel, followed by peach, kiwi, candied ginger and pear on the nose. Very balanced on the taste. Perfect.

2009 Chenin Blanc

White peaches, lime, green grapes, green grass. Great viscosity, mouth coating, not acidic.

Gewurztraminer 2011

Lemons, earth, peppermint on nose. Same gentle mouthfeel and low acid.

2011 Old Vine Moscato

2% residual sugar. Candied orange, wet wood, cloves.

2012 Pinot Noir Rose (100% Pinot)

Cherry, stems, rose petals…again, that nice balance and viscosity.

2009 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Estate

New clones since the “movie” (a nod to “Sideways”), and now making outstanding Pinot Noir wines from 10 different clones.

Good dark cherries, dry, green peppercorns.

2010 High Nine Pinot 667 clone, Santa Maria.

Smokey, charred, bright red fruit, long finish.

Malbec 2010

Blue and red fruit, dry, medium length. A favorite.

2007 Petit Verdot

Inky black color, blue fruit, blueberry jam rolled up in a pancake on the nose. Mature and tannic on the palate. Another fave.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Cote del Sol (means “The Sun side”)

Balanced red and blue fruit and tannins, very good, long finish.

2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Valley View

83 cab percent and all other Bordeaux grapes

Balanced, dusty, plums bell pepper.

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 6

Dark purple, jammy, dry toast, plums.

http://www.llwine.com

Tasting Room: 1645 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang, CA 93463

MARTINI Vintage Prosecco scores 95+ at The Drinks Business Prosecco Masters

June 11, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Hamilton, Bermuda – MARTINI® Prosecco Vintage 2016 has achieved a top score of 95+ points at The Drinks Business Prosecco Masters 2017, beating strong competition from some of the world’s best loved Prosecco brands including Bisol, Bottega, Follador and Andreola.

The judging panel, comprising five Masters of Wine, also presented MARTINI Prosecco Vintage with one of six Master Medals, a testament to the exceptional quality of the wine.

MARTINI is the world’s best selling Italian sparkling wine brand and is driving growth worldwide through innovation. This multi-award winning wine was crafted by MARTINI’s Master Winemaker of the past 30 years, Franco Brezza. Made from 100% Glera grapes from the 2016 harvest, MARTINI Prosecco Vintage is pale gold in color with hints of emerald green and delicate bubbles. It offers delicate floral notes and fresh green apple and lime undertones.

Shane Hoyne, CMO Europe & North America, comments: “Premium Italian sparkling wine is experiencing tremendous growth, fuelled by consumers’ love of its light, refreshing style. Prosecco is the fastest growing category in the global sparkling wine industry, and we have created this exquisite tasting and beautifully packaged product to lead that growth and to knock on Champagne’s door with a strong quality statement”.

Franco Brezza, Master Winemaker says: “We have used all expertise and know-how to create a sparkling wine that offers a true alternative to champagne. The harmonic but delicate flavors make this the perfect style to enjoy as an aperitif.”

Instantly recognizable with a gold foil and stylish glass bottle, MARTINI Prosecco Vintage joins a selection of award-winning wines in the growing MARTINI Sparkling Wine portfolio including its sister wine, MARTINI Vintage Asti. Other wines in the range include MARTINI Prosecco, MARTINI Asti, MARTINI Rosé, MARTINI Brut, MARTINI Riesling, Alta Langa and Montelera.

The full results of The Drinks Business Prosecco Masters will be announced in the May issue of The Drinks Business, which will be distributed at the London Wine Fair at London’s Olympia from 22^nd – 26^th May.

About The Drinks Business Prosecco Awards
The Drinks Business Prosecco Awards is now in its fourth year and judged 135 Proseccos. This year’s international panel of experts included Alex Canneti, Anthony Foster MW, Jonathan Pedly MW, Roberto Della Pietra, Patrick Schmitt MW, Patricia Stefanowicz MW and Nick Tatham MW.

About MARTINI
One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI® is the leading name in Italian winemaking and a purveyor of the highest quality aromatized and sparkling wines. The award-winning, vibrant and bittersweet taste of the MARTINI range is the result of secret blends of more than 40 botanicals sourced from the finest locations across the globe. The MARTINI portfolio includes: MARTINI Bianco, MARTINI Rosato, MARTINI Rosso, MARTINI Extra Dry, MARTINI Asti, MARTINI Moscato d’Asti, MARTINI Prosecco, MARTINI Rosé, MARTINI Brut and MARTINI Royale. Created in 1863 in Turin, Italy, the MARTINI brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, and continues to be the market leader of the category. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Enjoy Martini Prosecco Responsibly

MARTINI and the ball and bar logo are trademarks.
For more information, please visit www.martini.com

National Association of Professional Women Inducts Eugenia Romeo, Owner of Romeo Vineyards & Cellars/Blue Heron Vineyards, Into VIP Professional Woman of the Year Circle

June 8, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Garden City, NY (PRWEB) – The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) honors Eugenia Romeo as a 2017-2018 inductee into its VIP Woman of the Year Circle. She is recognized with this prestigious distinction for leadership in entrepreneurship. NAPW is the nation’s leading networking organization exclusively for professional women, boasting more than 850,000 members, a thriving eChapter and over 200 operating Local Chapters.

“I’m pleased to welcome Eugenia into this exceptional group of professional women,” said NAPW President Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”

In 1997, Eugenia Romeo and her husband purchased land with a vineyard in downtown Calistoga, CA, in the heart of the Napa Valley. According to the company’s website, “Romeo Vineyards produces elegant and enduring wines from vines forty- two years old…” The vineyard has 25 acres, 16.5 of which were planted in 1971.

Originally from Manhattan, Ms. Romeo’s rich family history goes back 14 generations to Ireland. As winemakers, she and her husband are respectful not only of the vineyard land but of the wildlife who call it home. Blue Heron Vineyard is named for a blue heron that was killed by a poacher on the property years ago. Today, two herons roam freely on the vineyard.

The vineyard’s wine label is called “Sempre Vive,” which in Latin means “Always Alive.” Among the many award-winning wines produced at the vineyard are whites, roses and reds. Customers may enjoy these wines at the on-site tasting room that was opened in 2014. There is plenty of outdoor seating and people can reserve the space for catered events. The tasting room also features a pizza oven and portable bar. Discounts are available to military personnel as well as members of the vineyard’s exclusive wine club.

Awards & Accomplishments:
Ed.D., College of Notre Dame; member of Wine Association, Family Wine Makers and California CA Grape Growers

About NAPW
NAPW’s mission is to provide an exclusive, highly advanced networking forum to successful women executives, professionals and entrepreneurs where they can aspire, connect and achieve. Through innovative resources, unique tools and progressive benefits, professional women interact, exchange ideas, advance their knowledge and empower each other.

Perlis Picks: The Rhone Rangers Back Again [Part Two]

May 6, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Last week’s article was about the seminar that kicked off the latest Rhone Rangers event in Los Angeles.

Now it is time to report on the grand tasting. Three dozen wineries were pouring, mostly from Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles]:

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Bud break, photo courtesy Rhone Ranger Facebook.

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery

Alta Colina

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Bernat

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Broken Earth Winery

Calcareous Vineyard

Crux Winery

Derby Wine Estates

Eberle Winery

Fess Parker & Epiphany

Hearst Ranch Winery

Jaffurs Wine

Kaleidos

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Kukkula

Leverage

Lone Madrone

Martian Ranch & Vineyard

Morgan Winery

Petrichor Vineyards

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery

Qupé

Ranchero Cellars

Record Family Wines

Rideau

Ridge Vineyards

Sculpterra Winery

Seven Oxen

Tablas Creek Vineyard

tercero wines

Thacher Winery

The Withers Winery

Two Shepherds

Vines on the Marycrest

Wrath

Zaca Mesa

Zenaida Cellars

I was determined to get to some new wineries along with some old favorites. With that many wineries, I couldn’t taste nearly everything. So, before I begin my personal picks from the event, I’d like to preface my remarks. More than maybe any other event, the Rhone Rangers tastings have always impressed me with the overall high quality of the wines being poured. My point is this. I tasted at less than half of the tables and found amazing wines at pretty much all of them. I am quite sure that if I had tasted at the other half of the winery tables, I would have found an equal number of outstanding wines at those stations as well.

That being said, these were the standouts for me of what I tasted – once again, please pardon the lack of diacritical marks on the French words. I’ve added a few comments here and there, along with a few from my wife Karen as well, noted as KP.

Alta Colima

Paso Robles, CA

2013 Toasted Slope Syrah

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Los Olivos, CA

2014 Roasted Slope Syrah

2015 Watch Hill Vineyard Syrah

[Nice to see Andrew Murray, one of my early Rhone influencers, continuing to hit it out of the park.]

Bernat Wines

Los Olivos

2010 Intrigue Syrah

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Santa Cruz, CA

2012 Le Cigare Volant Red Blend

[Randall Grahm is my own personal nominee for the father of the American Rhone movement, with the latest release of the wine that started it all for me.]

KP: Bonny Doon’s 2016 Picpoul was an even balance of bright acidity and minerality. My favorite white of the day.

Calcareous Vineyard

Paso Robles, Ca

2014 Tres Violet Red Blend

2013 Devil’s Canyon Syrah

2013 Moose Red Blend

Crux Winery

Geyserville, CA

2013 GSM, Red Blend

2014 Mourvedre

2013 Syrah

[Nice to taste some of more of the wines from this winery that I was first introduced to at Hospice du Rhone last year.]

Derby Wine Estate

Paso Robles, CA

2011 Mourvedre

2013 Petite Sirah

[For some reason I hadn’t tasted Derby’s wines, even though I am well acquainted with the history of one their vineyards – Laura’s. I’m glad I finally tried them.]

KP: I dragged Michael over to the Derby table. I enjoyed all their white wines and loved their 2015 Mourvedre Rose. Light, refreshing and clean on the palate. It was one of my favorites of the day.

Hearst Ranch

San Simeon, CA

2014 The Pergola Petite Sirah

Leverage

Paso Robles, CA

2016 Leverage Rose, Grenache Blend

2014 Acceleration Red Blend

2014 Trajectory, GSM Red Blend

[A fairly new winery, doing some good things.]

Petrichor Vineyards

Santa Rosa, CA

2014 Syrah

2014 Grenache

2014 Les Trois Red Blend

[I’ve been a fan of this winery since it started. We visited them in 2015. Still making great wines that make you want more of them.]

KP: I tasted the Petrichor 2016 Rose Blend. Subtle and very enjoyable.

Ranchero Cellars

Paso Robles, Ca

2013 Carignane

[Amy Butler might be better known as a consulting winemaker for other wineries in Paso, but her own label is definitely worth seeking out.]

KP: Amy’s 2015 Chrome, Grenache Blanc, knocked me over. It has wonderful mouth feel and bright apple overtones.

Ridge Vineyards

Curpertino, CA

2015 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah

2014 Lytton Estate Grenache/Mataro/Syrah

[An iconic winery. Nothing else needs to be said.]

tercero wines.

Los Olivos, CA

2013 Mourvedre

2011 Grenache, Camp 4 Vineyard

Two Shepherds

Windsor, CA

2014 Pastoral Blanc

2014 Pastoral Melange, Red Blend

Vines on the Marycrest

Paso Robles, CA

2014 Syrah

2014 Petite Sirah

Zaca Mesa

Los Olivos, CA

2014 Mourvedre

2012 Mesa Reserve Syrah

[Almost skipped this oldtimer, until I saw our friend Anita Musi pouring the wine. Turns out she is now their Southern California sales manager. I’m glad we stopped because the wines were excellent.]

Stopping at Zaca Mesa helped to remind me, and I am now reminding you, to check out all of these Rhone Ranger wineries. They’re making wonderful, delicious wines and deserve your attention.