Reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion and GIFTS too!

November 27, 2020 by evebushman

My history with DAOU is a long one, so I was thrilled to receive the 2017 Soul of a Lion to review, as well as some gift ideas that I’ve shared below my tasting notes. Let me start with some of my previous notes:

I covered the first few annual Cab Collective events, a multi-day educational retreat for press and sommeliers that was started by Daniel Daou and other Cab-minded Paso vintners. This article ran in January 2017 in Elite Magazine, all about the event (but don’t blame me for this title, it should read the well-rated not underrated) https://scvelitemagazine.com/2017/01/underrated-wines-paso-robles-cabs-distinction-grand-tasting-2016/

At another tasting event this is what I thought of just one vintage: DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2013 – Who isn’t a fan of DAOU? This reserve Cab was all tobacco, dark and dry and good to go.

An excerpt from another Cab Collective, and also getting my first taste of Soul of a Lion, this is what I’ll share: Daou told the crowd, “We don’t get a bad vintage often…it’s our trademark” as “our region achieves ripeness year after year” delivering wines of “perfect balance.”

From a 2013 report from Robert Parker I also shared: Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC) members were awarded dozens of scores well above 90 points for their red Bordeaux-style wines including 98 points and 96 points for DAOU Vineyards and Winery’s 2013 Patrimony and 2013 Soul of a Lion, respectively.

And back in 2010 I wrote: Daou spoke of how he co-founded DAOU with his brother Georges and how Paso Robles has the “most French-like terroir we could find in California.”

2010 Soul of a Lion: Daou said they produced 550 cases of this wine, which saw “new French oak aging for 24 months, still needs some time.” It sold out in five weeks in tasting room. EB: Mint, full/round, plump dark fruit, milk chocolate; Tannic, dusty dark fruit, pepper, long finish. Good to go now or cellar, very nice.

TODAY AND TASTING THE 2017 SOUL OF A LION

A pretty black cherry in color, opaque. Onward, we are greeted with aromas reminding me of sweet fruit leather: blackberry, blueberry and plums; then cherry cola, milk chocolate, white pepper, medium toasted oak and a hint of rich caramel. Next comes a very rich mouthfeel of flavors. Layered fruit and spice: dark, dark fruit and tamed spice; with a juicy, long finish. Can imagine this 2017 getting even more interesting with more age.

Now, some very cool gift ideas from DAOU:

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY ($129)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

Smooth yet robust, DAOU’s cabernet boasts flavors of dark cherry and cassis with subtle mocha and truffle nuances. A firm but smooth texture of pure blackberry fruit and coffee makes for a well-rounded wine that’s ideal to put on your table for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners alongside meat or seafood dishes.

Gift set includes:

2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Estate Olive Oil
DAOU Wine Opener
Reserve Linen Box

SOUL OF A LION COLLECTOR’S SET ($450)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

Soul of a Lion is the crown jewel of DAOU, named after Joseph Daou, the father of Georges and Daniel Daou. This wine displays richness, elegance and balance.

Gift set includes:

Three 2017 Estate Soul of a Lion
3 Bottle Estate Wooden Box
Lionhead Pourer

Merry and Bright!

MERRY & BRIGHT ($135)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

For the fans of whites and rosés, this set includes a bottle of Chemin de Fleurs, an elegant and sophisticated white wine, and Reserve Rosé, inspired by the refreshingly dry rosés that are a winemaking staple in southern France.

Gift set includes:

2019 Reserve Chemin de Fleurs
2019 Reserve Rosé
2019 Estate Olive Oil
DAOU Wine Opener
Reserve Linen Box

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 3/2018: Appellation Alentejo in Portugal, A Tasting and Masterclass

November 24, 2020 by evebushman

One rare not-so-sunny day I traveled to the Mondrian Los Angeles in West Hollywood for a wine class and tasting on the Alentejo region of Portugal. My education on Portugal had been, up to this point, mostly spent on the obvious: Ports. However, as a wine writer, it’s always special to not only taste new wines but also have the additional benefit of learning. Here goes…

Image from CellarTours.com

The Masterclass

The session will be presented by Evan Goldstein, MS, one of our industry’s most engaging and informed wine educators, in addition to being a leading expert on Portuguese wines. At the masterclass, Evan will offer a snapshot of the grapes, zones, sub-zones and characteristics that define Alentejo’s wines and collectively establish it as one of the most promising wine regions in southern Europe today.

Takeaways for Wine 101ers

Three sides of Portugal is bordered by Spain.

It takes less than 90 minutes to travel by train from Lisbon to Alentejo.

Alentejo covers one third of Portugal.

Alentejo is the size of Belgium.

They’ve been making wine for over 4,000 years; the Roman settlers were the first to plant vineyards.

They are 9^th in the world in vineyard acreage.

They are 11^th in total worldwide production (USA is 4^th)

Portuguese have the largest wine consumption in the world, 54 liters per person per year.

Nearly 80% of the wines are reds.

Blending is allowed and they “embrace everybody’s grapes” in Alentejo.

Tasting

We had 12 wines to taste, starting with a sparkling Rose, two whites and the remainder were all reds. Evan wanted us to taste blind – this was lost on me as no one seemed that familiar with the grapes to begin with, we were there for a lesson, so not sure why the blind format – but it didn’t slow us down. In fact, by “halftime” we had been given less time to evaluate each wine.

Surrounded by fellow media and some members of the trade, we began our task. Number, year, producer and then the name of the wines are below. The many wine grape varietals are in parenthesis.

Rose: 2014 Herdade do Rocim, Espumante Brut Rose (Touriga Nacional)

Color: fresh peach.

Aroma: strawberry, cherry blossom, French toast, yeast.

Flavor: cherry, strawberry, tart, medium acid.

One: 2015 Rui Reguinga, Terrenus Reserva Branco (field blend of mixed whites)

Color: 24 carat gold.

Aroma: honey, kiwi, stone fruit.

Flavor: green apple, grapefruit, orange zest, medium acid.

Two: 2016 Luis Duarte, Rubrica Branco (Antao Val, Verdelho and Viognier)

Color: pale gold.

Aroma: green hay, barnyard, yeast and cheddar cheese.

Flavor: sweetened grapefruit, tinny, good mouth-coating viscosity, short finish.

Three: 2013 Susana Esteban, Procura Tinto (Field blend, Alicante Bouschet)

Color: purple.

Aroma: blue to black fruit, Cabernet-like, chocolate.

Flavor: dry, tannic, dried dark fruit.

Four: 2013 Joao Portugal Ramos, Vila Santa Reserva Tinto (Aragonez – aka Tempranillo – as well as Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet)

Color: dark garnet.

Aroma: red fruit, stems, cigar, wet bark, medicinal.

Flavor: red fruit and stems again.

Five: 2011 Mouchao, Tinto (Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira – commonly used in port wine reduction but I didn’t know that until I looked up the grape!)

Color: dark purple.

Aroma: sweet, port-like, blueberry, blackberry jam.

Flavor: drier in mouth than expected, same port-like qualities and cigar.

Six: 2014 Esporao, Reserva Tinto (Aragonez – aka Tempranillo –as well as Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet.)

Color: dark purple.

Aroma: cigar, dark chocolate, espresso, mint.

Flavor: mature fruit, balanced with spice, good dark fruit.

This was the first of my favorites in the tasting.

Seven: 2014 Cartuxa, Tinto (Aragonez – aka Tempranillo – as well as Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira.)

Color: purple.

Aroma: pungent red to blue fruit – a lot, and a nice amount of spice.

Flavor: black fruit, balanced, spice milder.

This was the second of my favorites.

Eight: 2012 Dona Maria, Grande Reserva Tinto (Alicante Bouschet, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Touriga Nacional)

Color: dark purple.

Aroma: tart nose of blueberry, dark cherry and white pepper.

Flavor: red fruit, some spice, tannic.

Nine: 2015 Cooperativa Granja Amaraleja, Moreto Pe-Franco Tinto (100% Moreto – in amphora!)

Color: dark garnet.

Aroma: sweet, stewed fruits, plump raisings, milk chocolate, dark cherry.

Flavor: Nice big, bold and dark fruit, good spice.

My third favorite in the tasting. Been a long time since I had a clay pot, aka amphora, wine.

Ten: 2015 Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Malhadinha Tinto (Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Tinta Miuda and Touriga Nacional.)

Color: dark garnet.

Aroma: fresh bowl of cut red fruit, juicy darker fruits, mint, earth.

Flavor: deep, layered, balanced fruit, spice and tannins.

Also a favorite for me.

Eleven: 2013 Cortes de Cima, Tinto (Aragonez – aka Tempranillo – as well as Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Petit Verdot.

Color: dark red.

Aroma: red to blue fruit, nicely balanced.

Flavor: heavy red fruit, deep, flavors well integrated.

Facebook: Wines of Alentejo USA

Twitter: @winesofalentejo

Instagram: winesofalentejousa

#WinesOfAlentejo

http://www.winesofportugal.com/us

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.

Tolago Hard Seltzer Enters California

October 31, 2020 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA: It is not news that the hard seltzer category is on fire, nor that many major beverage brands are adding their logo to a version of the same liquid that made the category explode two years ago. Conversely, Tolago – which has broad and deep roots in The Golden State – is “building from within our communities’ culture,” explains Tolago Hard Seltzer CEO, Nicholas Greeninger. “We took a page out of the hard kombucha playbook when creating the product by using the highest quality, real ingredients,” he says. “To us, every 50-year-old corporate beverage logo on a hard seltzer can is lazy and a bit opportunistic. Until now, not one hard seltzer brand had listened to consumers to push the category in the right direction.”

Tolago is based on all-natural ingredients, including ethically sourced fresh fruit juices, purées, and natural botanicals from Southern California, as well as fair-trade certified 100% organic agave nectar from Mexico. Clean of chemical taste, gluten-free, and 5% ABV, the flavors include Ginger Pear, Guava Mango, Cherry Rose, and Agave Lime. Available only in fully-recyclable printed standard cans from Ball, the seltzers are premium priced and come in 6- and 12-can cartons, with SRPs of $12.99 and $24.99, respectively.

The entire founding group grew up in California and the business is headquartered in Los Angeles. All founders surf regularly and have a strong commitment to sustainability, thus the fully recyclable, 100% plastic-free packaging and alignment with 1% For the Planet.

LA-based co-founder and fine artist Matt McCormick, who developed the packaging, draws inspiration from the gritty reality of downtown LA, as well as the homestead towns, gold rush bonanzas, and 1920s Hollywood glamour that captivate popular imagination. Tolago Board members include Circe Wallace, EVP at Wasserman, and Henny Yegezu, co-CEO and founder of EQT (Equative Thinking), an LA-based music label and management company. The collective of 32 owner advocates behind the brand include LA-based photographer Sandy Kim; Ventura-based pro-skateboarder Curren Caples; and two-time Olympian and X Games Gold Medalist, Encinitas-based snowboarder Elena Hight.

Greeninger, the former branding and marketing power behind Saint Archer Brewing Company, which was acquired by MillerCoors, is the bridge from lifestyle to beverage. Other beverage sales and distribution experts include Doug Gudmundson (36 years in beer, most recently with Karl Strauss Brewing Company); Jason Schwenck (13 years with Red Bull America, and 12 years building numerous successful startup beverage companies); and Matthew Mitchell (25 years in wine & spirits, most recently with Jackson Family Wine Company).

In California, Tolago Hard Seltzer will be distributed by Young’s Market and reach retail shelves late September. Initial retail response has been positive – with particular enthusiasm for the better-for-you brand proposition, industry veterans, and high-profile advocates – and pre-orders from chain and independent accounts are underway. Tolago will also be sold via Amazon.com, Drizly, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Cloud retail.

The brand’s robust marketing campaign includes in-store retail programming, point of sale materials, digital and out-of-home advertising, as well as an annual commitment to 1% for the Planet. Bryan Boeck, Senior Vice President of Young’s Market, enthuses: “We can’t wait to launch Tolago. The hard seltzer category is on fire, and we want only the best for our book of business. We don’t see many wine and spirits distributors going into the category, which excites us.” The Tolago executive team is in talks with other select distributors nationwide.

“Tolago is the only drink I keep at my house AND the studio. It’s a secret weapon for a pool day or late night recording. I never get caught without a case!” says co-owner and music producer Kenny Beats. Greeninger concludes: “When others settled, we simply would not. Taking real ingredients to create a better-tasting, better-for-you hard seltzer captures the spirit of this business and all those involved.”

#OasisBound

Enjoy Responsibly

Sutter Home Family Vineyards Celebrates 20 Years Of Fighting Breast Cancer With Annual Sutter Home for Hope Campaign

October 29, 2020 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Sutter Home Family Vineyards, a longtime champion in the fight against breast cancer, announced today the winery’s renewed commitment to fighting breast cancer with the 20^th annual Sutter Home for Hope campaign. As one of America’s first wine companies to make a commitment to breast cancer research, treatment and education, Sutter Home has contributed more than $1.5 million to the cause over the past 20 years. The wine brand marked its seventh year of partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.^® with limited-edition White Zinfandel and Rosé 187mL bottles – each donning pink ribbons like the returning Sutter Home for Hope 750mL and 1.5L formats.

The Sutter Home for Hope initiative began in 2001, when one of Sutter Home’s founding family members, Vera Trinchero Torres, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sutter Home fans can help continue the fight against breast cancer by sending in their Sutter Home bottle capsules, corks and screwcaps via mail. Fans can also support the cause by sharing designated Facebook posts that will appear on Sutter Home’s Facebook page throughout September and the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For each Facebook share and for every cork, capsule or screwcap received by mail, the winery will donate $1 to National Breast Cancer Foundation, up to $60,000. The program began Sept. 1 and will run through the end of 2020.

“This year of adversity has been particularly arduous for those affected by breast cancer,” said Brie Wohld, vice president, marketing for Sutter Home. “In our 20^th year, we at Sutter Home stand strong with breast cancer fighters and survivors and reaffirm our commitment to this exceedingly important cause. Our mission for making a difference remains twofold: providing support to charities and nonprofits like National Breast Cancer Foundation that are working to make a difference in communities nationwide, and promoting positive messages of hope and support to let those affected by cancer know they are not alone. We are truly grateful to our fans who have joined us as we take on this cause together in our 20^th year.”

Banded together to make a positive difference in the lives of families around the world, Sutter Home and National Breast Cancer Foundation are committed to Helping Women Now®. The National Cancer Institute predicts that an estimated 276,480* women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 42,170* will die in the United States in 2020. With the help of Sutter Home’s fans, National Breast Cancer Foundation can inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.

“We are thankful for Sutter Home Family Vineyards’ continued commitment to our mission of Helping Women Now,” said Janelle Hail, founder and chief executive officer of National Breast Cancer Foundation. “Sutter Home’s generosity will help us support women in need during this critical year for our community of fighters and survivors.”

Sutter Home invites those looking to make a difference to “Clink for Pink” now through Dec. 31. Learn all the ways Sutter Home’s little corks bring big hope, from our home to yours at www.sutterhome.com/sutter-home-for-hope/ and www.facebook.com/sutterhome.

About Sutter Home
When the Trinchero family bought the Sutter Home Winery in 1948, they had vision, passion and a keen insight into consumer tastes. In the early 1970s, Sutter Home revolutionized the way Americans enjoyed wine when it created the first-ever White Zinfandel, introducing a new, sweeter style of wine—along with several other crowd-pleasing varietals—at an affordable price. By the 1980s and 1990s, Sutter Home became a household name as the second largest independent, family-owned winery in the United States. In 2005, the winery was the first to produce the groundbreaking single-serve, 187ml package in light-weight plastic bottles. Today, Sutter Home continues to reflect the evolution of its consumers, offering more than 21 different varietals in 750ml, 187ml and 1.5L bottles, 500ml Tetra Pak® packages and new 3L bag-in-box packages. For more information visit www.SutterHome.com.

About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.®
Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for 14 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/.

Source
*National Cancer Institute U.S. Female Breast Cancer Statistics: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html

Support the Cause
Send Sutter Home corks, screwcaps and capsules in an envelope labeled SHFH20 to:
Inmar Rebate Center
PO Box 426008
Del Rio, TX 78842-6008

Tenuta Montemagno Brut: the Barbera grape becomes sparkling

October 22, 2020 by evebushman

Barbera d’Asti is the identity of Tenuta Montemagno, wine producers in the heart of Monferrato. Actually, Barbera is the variety that most of all tells the story of Tenuta Montemagno, through its 80 years old vineyards, planted on clay and limestone soil with slightly silty marls, Western facing. Our Metodo Classico are made from Barbera grapes harvested early, hand picking and with a careful grapes selection.

The Barbera is a versatile and charming variety, capable of being the protagonist: the TM24 and TM36 Brut, are both another expression of its potential. They are sparkling wines born from the synergy of intuition and innovation. The idea to have the Metodo Classico of 100% Barbera that refines on yeasts for 24 (TM24) and 36 months (TM36) is astonishing.

The perlage of TM Brut 24 is elegant and fine; the bouquet is intense, delicate and generous, notes of yeast and delicate hints of crusty bread, overtones of freshly picked flowers and wild berries. On the palate it is fresh, lively and sapid, with an excellent underlying acidity and clearly expressed minerality. The finish presents light notes of wild plum and currants. Therefore, the peculiar traits of Barbera – bouquet and acidity, are well present almost as if weaving the warp on which the other sensations intertwine. TM Brut 24 has been rated 92 point by Wine Enthusiast, one of the most eminent international wine magazine.

GOLD

If the TMBrut 24 is “unexpected” because of its structure, color and pleasantness, the Tm Brut 36 is surprising and unique, enough to be awarded with the Gold Medal – category Sparkling Rosé, in the International wine Competition The Global Sparkling Masters 2020.

The bouquet reveals an intense fragrance, delicate and generous. Notes of yeast and crusty bread, overtones of freshly picked flowers and wild berries. On the palate, it is fresh, lively and savoury, excellent underlying acidity with clearly expressed minerality and a light finish of wild plum and currants.

In this sparkling too, the characteristics of the variety are the texture on which the other perfumes and aromas are waived on. TM24 and TM36 both are the example of how the Barbera grape is a precious and versatile grape, a storyteller of the region. In these sparkling, tradition and innovation are perfectly combined and we can say that TM24 and TM36 are a great examples of wine that becomes sparkling and then, comes back to wine.

Mionetto Prosecco for Holiday Gifts? Sure! For Yourself and Everyone Else On our List!

October 5, 2020 by evebushman

It’s been quite the year, to say the very least. And having to endure your aunt’s ‘famous fruitcake’ while also having to explain to your distant relatives why you’re still single via Zoom is more than enough to drive anyone up the wall. Luckily Mionetto is here to help with a few refreshing sparkling wines from the Prestige and Luxury collections. From the perfect holiday pairings, luxurious gifts, and stocking stuffers galore, Mionetto has you covered this holiday season – or perhaps just keep the bottle for yourself?

Mionetto Prestige Brut ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) Made from 100% Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for high quality Prosecco, this sparkling wine offers a luminous straw yellow hue and stylish mousse. The palate is marked by aromatic notes of honey and white peach. For stocking stuffers, you should start with Mionetto’s signature mini bottles ($4). The classic ribbon beautifully displayed across the bottle means there’s no need to wrap. You can even customize with notecards displayed around the bottle’s neck.

Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) This deeply luscious sparkling rosè is the result of soft pressing of red grapes. The wine offers a peach blossom luminosity, accompanied by a fine, lively perlage. This wine is known for its intense fragrances, like holding an edible bouquet of violets, raspberries, strawberries, and wild flowers – a perfect pairing for your holiday table. Serving this cuvée with a grilled turkey breast or fish (or a variety of fish on the Feast of Seven Fishes) is sure to be a recipe for success.

Mionetto Luxury Cartizze DOCG ($40) This elegant Cartizze boasts luminous golden tones and delicate beads of tiny bubbles. A majestic, multi-faceted bouquet releases seductive impressions of apple and pear alongside notes of citrus and glazed almond. On the palate it is crisp, well-balanced, and elegant. The perfect gift for anyone special in your life.

11 Things You Might Not Know About Mionetto:

Mionetto was founded in 1887 by winemaker Francesco Mionetto in Valdobbiadene, the heart of the Prosecco region, just north of Venice.

As one of the areaʼs oldest wine producers, Mionetto has long-standing relationships with vineyard partners, ensuring a consistent supply of quality grapes year after year.

Mionettoʼs mantra is absolute freshness. Itʼs the only Prosecco producer to bottle on demand – as soon as an order comes in and not a moment sooner.

Mionetto Prestige Brut is made from 100% Glera grapes. In 2009, the Glera grape was renamed from Prosecco.

Mionetto Organic was the first Prosecco made from organically-grown grapes.

Mionetto Rosé is not a Prosecco yet, but it will be soon! The Prosecco Consortium approved the release of Prosecco Rosé and itʼs expected to hit U.S. shelves in January 2021.

There are 49 billion bubbles in one bottle of Mionetto and the cork pops at a speed of 25MPH!

Prosecco has fewer calories than most wine—especially Mionetto since itʼs one of the driest Proseccos—and many believe itʼs actually good for you. In moderation, Prosecco can improve blood vessel function.

Prosecco is not always bubbly. It can be made in sparkling, semi-sparkling, or still, but all Mionetto Proseccos are sparkling or semi-sparkling.

Just like the grade of the wineryʼs rolling hills, the Mionetto label is set at the same 27 degrees to honor its origins and history.

The Mionetto winemaking tradition continues today under winemaker Alessio Del Savio, who studied as Francescoʼs grandson, Sergio Mionettoʼs, protégé for over 15 years.

Second Annual International Canned Wine Competition Gives Gold to Aluminum

September 10, 2020 by evebushman

BOONVILLE, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — In the only event of its kind in the world, over two hundred canned wines flexed their aluminum muscles at the second annual International Canned Wine Competition held July 21-23 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, California. Seventy producers from around the globe sent in a total of 226 entries. Wines were submitted from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain as well as from many parts of the U.S.A. While California and Oregon producers took their share of honors, many of the 96 gold medals went to wines from less prominent regions.

Best of Show White Wine honors went to Archer McRae Beverages’ Joiy Wine “Savvy Society” Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. Best Rosé was Hall Wines’ BACA 2019 “Ring Around the Rosé” from California, and Best Red was Fourth Wave Wine’s “Take it to the Grave” 2018 Shiraz, Langhorne Creek, Australia.

Erosion Wine Co. from Napa took home five gold medals and a package design award for their exquisite jewel-like can designs. The Uncommon sent four wines from England; all four won gold medals and the series won package design recognition for their charming illustrations.

According to competition founder Allan Green, it was notable that 30% of the entries were Rosé wines: “Rosé has become so popular in the last few years, and it lends itself to cans: people take Rosé along for a picnic or drink it sitting by the pool.”

The competition judges came from academia, marketing and the wine trade. Professional judge Mark Bowery noted that he has, “been judging wine professionally for 36 years, but this was my first foray into the canned category. And I’ve got to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality, across the board. I was especially impressed by the varietal accuracy and deep satisfaction delivered in the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc submissions.“

Handley Cellars’ winemaker Randy Schock said, “It was amazing to see the improvement in quality across the board compared to the first International Canned Wine Competition last year. Not just with the products oriented to the pop “seltzer” market, which were fun and refreshing, but the wines that expressed traditional bottled varietal expressions exceeded my expectations.”

Because of the Covid 19 virus, the organizers of the competition scheduled the judging over three days, with three judges on each daily panel socially distanced in a large exhibition hall. Judges had individual sets of glassware and bussed their own samples after each flight.

Plans are already in the works for the third annual International Canned Wine Competition, to be held in July 20-22, 2021. Competition director Allan Green promises it will be “aluminating!”

Complete results and photographs are available at www.cannedwinecompetition.com.

Discovering Montemar Again, and Probably Again and Again?

August 28, 2020 by evebushman

I remember tasting Montemar wines at past Wine in the Pines events, and that a few friends were in love with their wines, especially their Pinot Noirs. When my #LAWineWriters group planned a trip to Lompoc I looked around to see who else I would like to visit, and remembered that Montemar was there. Besides Pinot they are also known for Rhônes – GSM blends and Syrah – as well as Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Rose, Viognier, Grappa and more.

When I met up with owner Caryn Arrowood she gave me their wine list, and whew, there was a lot to choose from. (For a writer, who of course has to spit everything, I limited myself to varietals that I normally appreciate.) Caryn commented that they make “too many” of a lot of varietals. They do indeed, lucky us.

But before we got to tasting Caryn showed me their life-size chalkboard where visitors could write down their goals (sadly Caryn’s husband Steve had his life’s goals written there before he passed away due to cancer), organic garden (Caryn offered that we take anything we like home with us), their sandy beach (yes, you read that right), large paintings of popular musicians one of their club members had done and plenty of well-spaced seating areas. Now, I grew thirsty to taste.

Tasting

The first wine we tasted, Caryn’s favorite and mine now as well, was their 2018 Grenache Blanc with delightful notes of fresh pineapple and fruit cocktail. Next up, a 2014 Sangiovese from Stolpman Vineyard, proved once again how great the Stolpman Vineyards are, and how a great winemaker can do great things with it. It had a beautiful nose filled with light red fruit, spice and brambles. Another wine with great fruit and spice, as well as mushrooms and violets, was the 2014 Grenache, I was now three for three in finding favorites at Montemar.

A dark, earthy, spicy wine with great balance, their 2014 GSM was the ticket. This rendition had 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 25% Mourvedre. A 2013 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard, had me at a “hello blueberry” youthful taste for a 2013, that also had a bright mint and some red earth notes to it.

Next up was their 2012 Syrah EBA (Extended Barrel Aged) from the Watchhill Vineyard. This wine has 12 more months in barrel, for a total of 30 months, before bottling. Caryn commented that this was “a good vineyard” for them. I got lots of red jammy fruit, pepper, crushed leaves, with a long tannic finish. Another favorite that lingered in my mind for a long time after tasting. Our final wine was a 2015 Petite Verdot from Happy Canyon. It was dark, dusty, with lots of great fruit and the most perfumed bouquet.

Note: Though Steve had been the winemaker for all of the wines we tasted, we learned that their son Kyle Arrowood, who Caryn said had been “a garage winemaker since he was a kid”, had taken up the helm. I look forward to returning and tasting Kyle’s vintages. The Arrowoods have long-time contracts with many vineyards where they can “control the fruit”, and I expect that to continue for many years to come.

Montemar Wines

1501 E. Chestnut Ct., STE E. Lompoc.

805-735-5000

https://www.montemarwinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Montemarwines/

https://www.montemarwinery.com/reopening.html

Discovering Camins 2 Dreams in Lompoc

August 14, 2020 by evebushman

Was recently invited by fellow wine writer and organizer of the #LAWineWriters group, Cori Solomon, for a road trip to Lompoc. It had been awhile since our group had met but Cori found a winery she liked that was most willing to set up for us outside and socially distanced for a tasting. The winery is Camins2Dreams and this is their story.

“Wife and wife” winemakers Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo Tena share the Camins 2 Dreams winery. Some of us had already tasted wines made by Gomez, as she is also the winemaker at Kita. The pair make wines, starting with their flagship Gruner Veltliner and Syrah, only in a natural style. Cori hinted that “Tara and Mireia have a good story.”

We quickly learned that the pair has years of winemaking experience between them. Gomez got her Enology degree and began making wine at J Lohr (where the two met) and Fess Parker before starting Kalawashaq’ Wine Cellars (the winery name is the same as the village her Chumash forefathers lived in). Fast forward to taking some time away to make wine in Spain, specifically at Castell d’Encus, where Tena was the winemaker. Tena also has an Enology degree, and went back to school to earn a Masters in Enology, Viticulture and Marketing of Wine.

The pair started Camins 2 Dreams in 2017, making wines from Sta. Rita Hills vineyards that focus on 100% natural bottling, not filtered or fined, all foot stomped, no new oak barrels (their new standard) and only add SO2 (a wine preservative) just before bottling. Their first production was a mere three barrels.

“We have to adjust for each vintage…it’s difficult to be consistent. So the focus is on the vineyard,” the pair shared. They “respect the land and want (their) vineyards to be SIP certified.” Look for newcomers Grenache and Graciano in their lineup.

Tasting (Notes on aromas and flavors were provided, I will only comment on those that I noted as remarkable.)

We started with a 2019 Gruner Veltliner that was a big hit with the group. Noted: pear, green apple, freshness, acidity and it worked as the perfect palate cleanser for the tasting. At the end of the tasting we were treated to a refreshing Pet Nat of their Gruner Veltliner which is described by Wine Enthusiast as “Pét-nat, or Méthode Ancestrale, is a method of sparkling wine production used all over the world. … After a period of rest that can be as short as a couple of months…”

After the white wine we moved over to their pink, a 2019 Rose of Syrah that had been made in the saignee method with nearly zero skin contact and completely fermented in stainless steel. We notes strawberries, Rainier cherries, pomegranate with a crisp finish that I thought would lend itself well to a nice picnic with cold fried chicken.

Then we started on their many Syrah wines: 2017 Zotovich Vineyard, which was their first, which had a lovely blueberry nose, tannins and long finish – my favorite of the Syrahs. A 2018 Zotovich had a lovely balance and a bit lighter to me than the 2017. The 2018 Spear Vineyards had a medium body, black fruit and a decent amount of acidity that I felt was due to its youth. We finished for with a 2018 JSB (from the John Sebastiano Vineyard) that had been bottled just two weeks prior, and a red table wine that was a combination of both 2018 and 2019 Syrah from all three vineyards: JSB, Pear and Zotovich.

My takeaway: If you seek natural wines Camins 2 Dreams is not to be missed.

Camins 2 Dreams

313 North F St, Lompoc, CA.

805-741-7047

https://camins2dreams.com

https://www.facebook.com/camins2dreams/

https://www.instagram.com/camins2dreams/

Recognition for Madera Wine Trail Vintners

August 12, 2020 by evebushman

MADERA, CA (JULY 7, 2020) – The results are in from the distinguished Sunset International Wine Competition which took place in June.

Several Madera County wineries received high recognition. Ficklin Vineyards received double gold, 95 points, for both their Aged 10 Years Tawny Port and the Old Vine Tinta Port.

Westbrook Wine Farm’s 2015 Fait Accompli, a co-fermented field blend of 6 grape varieties, earned gold and 91 points.

The Sunset International Wine Competition also awarded San Joaquin Winery silver for their 2018 Moody Press Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Paul Lorry Merlot, 2018 Toschi Vineyards Pinot Noir and 2019 Moody Press Cellars Sauvignon Blanc.

This year’s Sunset International Wine Competition saw a 10% increase in entries over last year, despite the pandemic, and was held in Santa Rosa the week of June 22. A record 12 judging panels were needed to accommodate the volume of entries, along with physical distancing requirements. Judging panels were comprised of 36 industry experts, including journalists, buyers and winemakers, who judged wines from all over the world.

A complete list of medal winners from the Sunset International Wine Competition from the Madera and Fresno area can be viewed here.

In the Monterey Wine Festival Judging, Fäsi Estate Winery’s Central Coast label Buoyant earned gold for their 2018 Pinot Noir and Fäsi Estate Winery’s Rose Bianca and Rose Syrah received bronze.

For more information about the awards and wineries contact the Madera Vintners Association at 559-975-6083 or wendy@maderavintners.com or visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com.

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About Visit Yosemite | Madera County

Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s mission is to draw the millions of visitors of Yosemite National Park to the many businesses and attractions in its gateway. Inviting visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward into the High Sierra. Along the way, discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four-seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.