Eve's Wine 101

Alessia Antinori to Headline South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, April 23 – 26, 2020

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MIRAMAR BEACH, FLA. (PRWEB) – Alessia Antinori of Marchesi Antinori, the most famously iconic winemaking family in history, will pour her family’s highly prized Italian wines at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, taking place April 23 – April 26, 2020, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin (not to be confused with the Sandestin resort or Sandestin wine festival). With more than 600 quality wines and dozens of spirits to taste over four days, this annual award-winning charity event delivers an unparalleled wine experience.

Antinori’s wines will be featured in Culinary Village and will be paired with an exclusive menu of authentic Italian dishes by Festival Culinary Director, Scott Plumley.

“At the beginning in the renaissance period we were more merchants and then after a few generations we started to produce wine in the Chianti Classico. The last generation has been very important because we focused on buying land to plant vineyards to assure that we could guarantee the high quality of the product. The last period we started to focus on the quality of the product and on the vineyards which we owned to try to get the best from them,” said Antinori, whose family has been making wine for 26 generations.

Attendees will be able to engage with Antinori and learn how her family’s wineries have evolved over six centuries since being established in 1385.

“We are talking about a business which is human and nature related and for this reason we believe the way to succeed is to transmit values like passion, quality and integrity from generation to generation and for this reason we want to maintain it in the family,” said Antinori.

Antinori will also present one of the weekends popular tasting seminars where her family wines will be paired exclusively with award-winning cheeses and charcuterie presented by world-renowned cheese expert and educator Michael Landis of the Intitut du Fromage.

Alessia Antinori said the tasting attendees can expect “that they will understand our family, our passion, our lifestyle and that they can appreciate our wines through our values and tasting a good glass of wine!”

Another festival highlight will be the Jackson Family Wine World pavilion which will feature their Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Viogniers from California and “big reds” including Cabernet Sauvignons, French Bordeaux, Italian Super Tuscans, Australian Shiraz and more.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will present some of the most acclaimed winemakers and master distillers in the world, including Mariano Buglioni, the owner of the eponymous estate in San Pietro in Cariano, located in Valpolicella Classico; Greg Brewer winemaker and owner of Brewer-Clifton; Daniel DAOU, winemaker and proprietor, DAOU Family Estates; Jill DelaRiva Russell, winemaker of Cambria Winery; Jesse Lange, owner and principle, Lange Winery; Jared Himstedt, head distiller of Balcones Distilling; and Jessica Koga, Associate Winemaker, Davies Vineyards and Schramsberg Vineyards.

The festival kicks off Thursday at 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. with Winemakers & Shakers, held at Wine World in Destin. The VIP Wine Tasting is part of a 3-Day Package and takes place Friday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., followed by the Friday Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Grand Tastings are Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The VIP Tasting can only be attended by purchasing the VIP Wine Festival 3-Day Package that includes most festival events as well.

Tickets can be purchased at SoWalWine.com.

The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is truly a celebration of wine, food and music that everyone can feel good about. This event is a major fundraiser for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation with proceeds benefiting more than a dozen children’s charities in Northwest Florida.

Presented by Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton, the festival offers the ideal backdrop for wine, charity and fun along the South Walton beaches, named among the best beaches in the country.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is made possible by the generous support of the following Founding Partners: Visit South Walton Tourist Development Council, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wine World of Northwest Florida and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®. Resortquest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is the Official Lodging Partner.

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is an annual charity event held the last weekend in April. The festival features a stunning showcase of some of the best wines in the world. Celebrity wine producers and chefs present fine wine and food pairings from the world’s most famous appellations. The Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit SoWalWine.com.

Crittenden Estate of Australia Wins Top Honors in 2020 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in partnership with FIVS, a global public policy federation serving the wine, spirits, and beer sectors, are pleased to announce the winners of their 2020 International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition. Topping this year’s competition is Crittenden Estate of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, based on the winery’s on-going programs addressing the three elements of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – as well as its wine’s flavor.

Founded in 1982 by Garry Crittenden, Crittenden Estate farms 27 acres in Dromana and is proud of its multi-generational family farm commitment to preserving the land while producing high-quality wine.

Among Crittenden’s many sustainable accolades are abandoning the use of chemicals in the vineyard for an innovative program of inter-row cover crops and soil cultivation; a twelve-month composting program to maintain soil health; introducing bees to the property to fertilize desirable fruit trees and supporting a diverse agricultural population of plants and insects while combating wasp species; reducing energy costs by sixty percent cost with the installation of solar panels; and reclaiming and reusing water through Crittenden’s water treatment plant.

The awarded wine was Crittenden Estate’s Cri De Coeur 2017 Pinot Noir, a new, premium wine that showcases Crittenden’s viticulture and winemaking efforts.

“The Crittenden family has taken great pride in working their land for two generations and in that time their wines have won the accolades of Australia’s food and wine critics,” said Dr. Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “The combination of sustainable programs with the family’s love of the land has produced a wine that’s truly outstanding.”

“To win such a prestigious international award, particularly given the caliber of our fellow entrants is very humbling for us,” said Rollo Crittenden, second generation winemaker at Crittenden Estate. “We’re passionate about our sustainability and regenerative programmes and delighted that they have been recognised in this way by BRIT/FIVS. There is no doubt these efforts contribute directly to an increase in the quality of wine we produce, and we will continue to strive further on both our land care and wine advances over the generations to come.”

Additional BRIT/FIVS sustainable awards went to:

Gold Medals

  • Vina Cono Sur, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Cono Sur Organic Red Blend.
  • C. A. Henschke & Co., Keyneton, South Australia. Submitted Henschke Mount Edelstone 2015.

Silver Medals

  • Herdade dos Grous, Albernoa, Portugal. Submitted Herdade dos Grous Red.
  • Valdivieso, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Valdivieso Eclat Vigno 2010.

Bronze Medals

Platinum Multi-brand Award

“A big round of applause goes to all of our 2020 winners,” says Greg Hodson, President, FIVS. “From their sustainable programs in the field to their progressive workforce and community programs, to being good leaders and stewards within the global wine industry, we congratulate their achievements.”

When entering the competition, wineries provide a self-assessment of their organization’s accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and ecopreneurial/social responsibility practices. They describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the field and in their operations; how they have sought to minimize waste, how water is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers and communities. They also are asked to submit a wine sample that best represents their sustainable efforts for a tasting by the judging committee.

Because the BRIT/FIVS award is the only international award of its kind, it is of primary interest to wineries who are taking a leading role in their community/region/country by embracing sustainable practices. Sustainable winegrowing programs are by nature ongoing, so a key component of each program involves its continual improvement process.

Presentation of the BRIT/FIVS glass sculpture award to Crittenden Wines will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, during BRIT’s Vine to Table award dinner and fundraising event.

The 2021 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition begins in the summer of 2020. Details of the 2021 competition will be posted on the BRIT web site, http://www.BRIT.org/wineaward and on the FIVS web site, https://www.fivs.org.

Tasting Wine Australia With “Largest Group of Aussie Winemakers to Ever Travel to the USA”

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How about some Aussie wines? This (now past) “tasting offers an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about the current landscape of Australian wines – discover the latest releases, explore new trends, taste special back vintages and engage with the largest group of Aussie winemakers to ever travel to the USA.”

As part of the event, Wine Australia launched two new interactive components: The “Australian Wine Discovered” lounge that gave an “up-close look at Wine Australia’s award-winning free education platform” and the “Made Our Way Theater” that showcased “Cool Climate Reds” presented by Wine Victoria and World-Class Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River presented by Margaret River Wine Association.

Sadly I missed the seminars as there was a LOT of wine to cover. Found lots of dark fruit and some spice in the Shiraz and Cab blends at price points beginning at about $20, was told that Spanish varietals from McLaren Vale worked well due to their proximity to the Gulf St. Vincent – and a tasty Nero D’Avola did just that, Sue Henderson of Schild Estate explained how important the generations of family is to their winery, and though there was a change at the helm at MollyDooker a few years back the wines are still awesome and only bottled at a certain Fruit Weight (FW) of 55% or above: “Individual wine parcels have to achieve a certain FW to go into a particular label.”

Of the list below I have noted those in bold that I enjoyed and added in parenthesis any special wines of note. As is my habit I simply cannot visit all exhibitors, so me not noting one doesn’t mean it wasn’t a winery of note! (This is a hyperlink to my public Facebook post with pics of many wines I loved.)

Participating Exhibitors

Accolade Wines, All Saints Estate, An Approach To Relaxation, Angove Family Winemakers, Austral Estates Wines (Brothers in arms 2016 Cab and 2012 Shiraz), Barossa Valley Estate, Blue Pyrenees Estate, Cabernet Corporation, Calabria Family Wines, Cape Mentelle, d’Arenberg (Coppermine Road 2015 Cab, Ironstone Pressings 2016 Grenache Shiraz and The Dead Arm 2016 Shiraz made from vines 50-130 years old), Dandelion Vineyards (March Hare of the Barossa 2015 Mataro – aka Mourvedre), De Bortoli Wines (21 Year Old Tawny Port and Nobel One Botrytis Semillon 2015), Epicurean Wines (Massena Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2016), First Drop Wines, Fowles Wine, Giant Steps, Henschke, Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard, Hill Smith Family Vineyards, Howard Park Wines, Hudson Wine Brokers, Jim Barry Wines (Lodge Hill Shiraz 2016 and The Armagh Shiraz 2013), Manser Wines, Margaret River Wine Association, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association (Brash Higgins NDB Nero d’avolo 2016), Mollydooker Wines (All: Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2017, Carnival of Love Shiraz 2017, Gigglepot Cab 2017 and The Boxer Shiraz 2017), Mount Langi Ghiran, Negociants USA / Winebow, Old Bridge Cellars (Cullen Mangon Red Moon Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot 2017, John Duval Eligo Shiraz 2017, Kilikanon Oracle Shiraz 2014), Penfolds (Bin 47 Cab 2017), Penley Estate, Periscope Management Pty Ltd (Credero 5 Tales Cab Merlot 2016, Cab 2017, and Chard 2018), Peter Lehmann Wines, Pure Wine Co (Clare Cab 2015), Schild Estate Wines (Narrow Road Shiraz Cab 2016, Grenache Mourvedre Shiraz 2017, Estate Shiraz 2017 Ben Schild Shiraz 2014 and Edgar Schild Grenache 2016), Torbreck Vintners (The Factor Shiraz 2016 and The Struie Shiraz 2016), Tyrrell’s Wines (Vat 8 Shiraz Cab 2016, Shiraz 2017,Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2016 and Lunitiq Heathcote Shiraz 2014)), Vasse Felix (Margaret River Cab 2015 and Tom Cullity Cab Malbec 2015), Vinaceous Wines, Vintage Longbottom (Henry’s Drive Shiraz Cab 2017 and Shiraz 2017), Wakefield Wines (St Andrews Cab 2015 and Shiraz 2013), Wine Victoria, Wine Yarra Valley, Xanadu, Yalumba Family Winemakers 1849 (The Signature Cab Shiraz 2015 and Coonawarra Cab 2014), Yangarra Estate Vineyard (Ironheart Shiraz 2016 and King’s Wood Shiraz 2017), Yering Station.

https://www.australianwine.com/en-AU

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.

ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE Announces 2019 Results

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Hawthorne, NY – Ultimate Wine Challenge® (UWC), since 2010 the world’s most progressive global wine competition, released the results of the tenth annual Ultimate Wine Challenge. The judging, which took place throughout May, determined 31 Chairman’s Trophy winners, UWC’s highest honor.

Additional recognitions include Finalist, Great Value (awarded to entries with a high price/value ratio – showing that great wines don’t need to be expensive); and the Tried & True Award™, bestowed on brands that have demonstrated unfailing, consistent quality, year after year.

Led by UBC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult, and 16 of the world’s foremost wine experts, buyers, journalists, and educators convened to evaluate more than 1,100 still, sparkling and fortified wines, and sakes from around the world. Ultimate Wine Challenge was held at the custom-designed Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Evaluation Center in Hawthorne, NY. To view a full list of UWC judges, please visit www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019judges.

Said Pacult of UWC 2019, “Everything we do, each system we’ve installed, is geared to showcase every entry’s virtues on a level playing field of its peers. The responsibility of our judges to render reliable results is paramount to UWC’s mission of No Shortcuts. Just Honest, Impartial Judging.”

Top-scoring wines will be published in the Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2019 Guide To The World’s Best Wines & Spirits in the October 2019 issue of Beverage Media, which is referenced by 70,000 beverage alcohol buyers in the U.S. market.

THE 2019 ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

Full results at www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019results
Images at www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2019photos

RED WINES
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot 2016 Alexander Valley, United States (Merlot—World)
Château La Haye Majesté 2016 Saint-Estèphe, France (Red Wine—France)
Fernández de Piérola Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, Spain (Red Wine—Spain)
Frey Organic Malbec 2016 Mendocino, United States (Malbec—World)
Gallo Signature Series Zinfandel 2016 Dry Creek Valley, United States (Zinfandel—USA)
J. Lohr Cuvée ST. E 2015 Paso Robles, United States (Red Blend—North America)
Joana da Cana Reserva 2016 Tejo, Portugal (Red Wine—Portugal)
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Alexander Valley, United States (Cabernet Sauvignon—World)
McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz 2015 Langhorne Creek, Australia (Shiraz/Syrah—World)
Shiloh Legend Fiddler 2016 Judean Hills, Israel (Red Wine—Eastern Mediterranean)
Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir 2016 Russian River Valley, United States (Pinot Noir—World)
Topografia Reserva Red Blend 2014 Uco Valley, Argentina (Red Blend—Southern Hemisphere)
Villa La Pagliaia 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy (Red Wine—Italy)
William Fèvre Chile Espino Reserva Especial Carménère 2017 Valle Central, Chile (Other Red Varietals—World)

WHITE WINES
Aluado Chardonnay 2018 Lisboa Vinho Regional, Portugal (White Wine—Portugal)
Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Marlborough, New Zealand (Sauvignon Blanc—World)
La Perrière 2018 Sancerre, France (White Wine—France)
Pacifica Evan’s Collection Riesling 2017 Washington, United States (Riesling—World)
Protos Verdejo 2018 Rueda, Spain (White Wine—Spain)
Ron Rubin Pinot Gris 2017 Russian River Valley, United States (Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris—World)
SIMI Reserve Chardonnay 2016 Russian River Valley, United States (Chardonnay—World)

ROSÉ WINES
Secret de Léoube 2018 Côtes de Provence, France (Rosé—Europe)
Three Thieves Rosé 2018 California, United States (Rosé—North America)

CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINES
Chapel Down Three Graces 2014 Tenterden, England (Sparkling Wine—World)
J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Russian River Valley, United States (Sparkling Wine—USA)
Mionetto Prestige Brut Prosecco Treviso, Italy (Prosecco—Italy)
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012 Extra Brut Rosé Champagne, France (Champagne—France)
Vallformosa Col leció Brut Reserva 2012 Cava, Spain (Cava—Spain)

DESSERT WINE
The Hare Wine Co. Frontier Collection Cabernet Franc Icewine 2017 Niagara-on-the Lake, Canada (Dessert Wine—World)

SAKE
Joto Junmai Ginjo Ibaraki, Japan (Junmai Ginjo—World)

SANGRIA
Tiki Tonga Draft House Tropical White, Spain (Sangria—World)

All products are rated on the 100-point scale. All wines rated 80 points and higher receive an individual results page (accessed by clicking on “MORE DATA…” next to the product name) which provides downloadable marketing art work for the product. Wines rated 85 points and higher receive a tasting note also accessed from the individual results page. UWC results are promoted globally via email and web publication to both trade buyers and consumers.

Ultimate Wine Challenge…No shortcuts. Just honest, impartial judging.

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE
Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of wines and spirits for producers, importers and marketers through its two innovative annual competitions: Ultimate Wine Challenge and Ultimate Spirits Challenge. UBC partners are F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot. Photos and more are at ultimate-beverage.com.

Vintage Eve 9/2014: Planning For Healdsburg and Napa

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I’ll be heading out to Healdsburg for the first time since 2008 soon, and in planning the trip I looked for wineries that friends had recommended and/or I liked their wines already – but have never visited before. I don’t post when I’m actually away, so this article is a precursor to the fun I will be having…later…and then I will do a post-trip story.

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Photo: Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage Facebook page.

Day One would start with a sit-down tasting at Ramey Wine Cellars in Healdsburg. In perusing their Facebook page I learned that they harvested nearly 60 tons of Napa Cabernet in what might have been “possibly the most condensed harvest in many years…”

They also shared that their 2011 Pedregal Vineyard was given 92 points from Wine Spectator’s James Laube.

Not sure what we will be trying in the tasting room, but I see current wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Sounds good to me.

Eight minutes down the road we will then be at Mazzocco Sonoma Vineyards and Winery where we will meet and lunch with winemaker Antoine Favero, and then enjoy a private barrel tasting. Their website shows four Wine Spectator award winners for their 2010 Zinfandels: 91 points for Maple, 91 points for Pony Reserve, 91 points for Sullivan and 90 points for Warm Springs.

According to their Facebook page the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc was chosen for the United States Diplomacy Center’s groundbreaking event. Looking forward to trying whatever is offered here.

Next we will venture to visit Seghesio Family Vineyards where we will be checking in at the bar and then meeting with Tony Sciullo, the VIP liaison. Their last Facebook update showed that harvest for them started in late August, “Pinot Grigio was the first to come in, with some Zinfandel from Cloverdale not far behind.”

I became a fan of Seghesio when one of their Zins made Wine Spectator’s wine of the year. Their 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel received 92 points…looking forward to sampling.

The last winery to see on our first day will be Mauritson Family Winery, five minutes away from Seghesio. The winemaker Clay Mauritson, or his wife Carrie, will be hosting our tour and tasting. They show three small children, “future winemakers”, with Clay in several photos of the winery on their Facebook page, I’m hoping we will get a sighting of these cuties!

The website of Mauritson label wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Rockpile labels include lots of Zinfandels, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Can’t wait to review!

That will pretty much end our first day. If you have a reasonably priced suggestion for dinner let me know: Eve@EveWine101.com

Leaving Healdsburg, Day Two will begin at Rocca Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. You read about Rocca recently on Eve’s Wine 101 as they had obtained the title of “Napa Valley Organic Winery of The Year.” We will be meeting with Sales Director John Taylor for our tasting. There seems to be plenty of Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and red blends for us to try! And according to their Facebook page they are currently crushing Merlot.

From Rocca we will probably venture over to Dean and Deluca for lunch supplies and then make a dash for Darioush Winery on Silverado Trail. We have been scheduled for a “Tableside Portfolio Tasting” via concierge Jenna Kennedy.

The Darioush Facebook page reported that they were “safe and sound” after the recent earthquake. Their damage was minimal but they were without power and were closed for one day. Their website promised current releases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier. Shiraz blend and a late harvest Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

ZD Wines may be our last trip of this day unless we hit someone up near 4pm…if we have the energy. There are beautiful photos of grape clusters on their Facebook page, as well as a bottle of their 45th anniversary Chardonnay. Besides maybe trying that one, we look forward to sipping their Reserve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon…and more.

Bright and early on Day Three we have a special treat, a tour of the Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage. There will be no swirling and tasting, but there will be aromas! Hoping to see some toasting, bending and whatever else they have in store for us. Earlier this month they showed a cool photo of a barrel being toasted on their Facebook page.

Visit Temecula Valley Reveals Winners of the Second Annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting and Awards

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TEMECULA VALLEY, Calif. (PRWEB) – Visit Temecula Valley (VTV), in coordination with Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA), has announced the winners of the second annual People’s Choice Blind Tasting. The event took place on Sunday, November 12, 2017, at Leoness Cellars, and featured a walk-around blind tasting, a wine seminar led by Master of Wine Roger Bohmrich and a 6-course awards dinner paired with last year’s winning wines.

666397627_640_6edb3d40-cda9-4169-a7f1-8f16dde6dbd0Doffo Winery’s 2015 Zinfandel took first place in the competition, after taking second place to Wilson Creek’s Petite Sirah at last year’s inaugural event. The 2017 second place winner was Lorimar Winery’s 2014 Syrah, and third place was taken by Thornton Winery’s 2014 Estate Syrah.

“We are beyond thrilled with receiving 1st Place in the People’s Choice competition,” said Damian Doffo, CEO and Winemaker for Doffo Winery. “We work very hard in the vineyard to produce high quality fruit and make exceptional wine. We look forward to sharing with wine with the public in February.”

Over 200 guests tasted 29 wines (6 whites and 23 reds) without knowing any of the wines’ identities, and rated them on a scale of 1-5 during a walk-around wine tasting. The top 12-scoring wines from this portion of the event went on to be poured during a wine seminar led by Master of Wine Roger Bohmrich, where they were again tasted blind and rated on a scale of 1-5, including by Roger himself. Final scores were tallied to determine the top 3 “People’s Choice” wines. Wines could be any variety or a blend, at any price point, as long as they were from the Temecula Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). Entries ranged from just $24 per bottle to well over $100, and represented a number of grape varieties, from Falanghina to Syrah to Cabernet Franc.

In addition to the walk-around tasting and seminar, the event featured a six-course dinner created by Chef Daragh Matheson from Leoness Cellars, paired with last year’s People’s Choice winners. A VIP reception offered hand-selected pours presented by local winemakers and winery owners. San Diego singer-songwriter Christian Taylor performed throughout the tasting. The evening’s dinner program was emceed by Lindsay Pomeroy, Master of Wine Candidate and owner of the “Wine Smarties” school in San Diego, and a brief keynote was delivered by Bohmrich. Local musician Brian Stodart performed throughout the dinner program.

Sponsors included Gosch Ford, 34° Crisps, Palpula Dips & Sauces, Temecula Lavender Co., Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, Aall In Limo & Party Bus, Grapeline Wine Tours and American AgCredit. Carter Estate Winery & Resort was the official hotel partner for the event.

The top twelve scoring wines in alphabetical order were as follows:

  • Avensole Winery 2014 Malbec, $32.95
  • Baily Vineyard & Winery 2014 Malbec, $25.00
  • Doffo Winery 2015 Zinfandel, $72.00
  • Falkner Winery 2014 Rock Creek Syrah, $49.95
  • Fazeli Cellars 2014 Shiraz, $48.00
  • Hart Winery 2014 Volcanic Ridge Vineyard Syrah, $60.00
  • Leoness Cellars 2014 CS Cabernet Franc-Merlot, $38.00
  • Lorimar Winery 2014 Syrah, $48.00
  • Miramonte Winery 2014 Estate Syrah, $65.00
  • South Coast Winery 2016 Viognier, $25.00
  • Thornton Winery 2014 Estate Syrah, $49.00
  • Wiens Family Cellars 2015 Sangiovese, $44.00

Most wines can be purchased directly online through each winery’s website. The entire list of wines entered into the competition can be accessed HERE.

ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY AND VISIT TEMECULA VALLEY

With natural gifts of climate and geography, Temecula Valley is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and friendly wineries as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as Downtown, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Visit Temecula Valley is online at VisitTemeculaValley.com; “Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country” on Facebook and @Visit_Temecula on Twitter. The Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula on Mercedes Street adjacent the Old Town Parking Garage. For visitor assistance, call 888/363-2852 or 951/491-6085.

ABOUT THE TEMECULA VALLEY WINEGROWERS ASSOCIATION

Temecula Valley is the largest and most commercially successful winegrowing region in the South Coast AVA, the viticultural zone spanning more than 2 million acres from Riverside County to the San Diego border. The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association has long served as a steward of the Southern California wine community. Comprising 36 wineries and more than 60 winegrowers, the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit regional organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the quality wines and wine grapes grown in the Temecula Valley and South Coast Appellations. Established in 1984, the Temecula AVA consists of 33,000 acres, of which approximately 2,500 acres are currently planted to commercial vineyards. Known as Southern California’s wine country, the Temecula Valley is located in Riverside County just one hour from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs and 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

Australia Up Close: Part Two

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…enjoy making new discoveries as well as trying the latest vintages of old favorites.

Last week I wrote about the Australian white wine seminar I attended via the Australia Up Close event; what I learned and what we tasted. It got a little lengthy so I split up the story into two parts. Today is what happened the second part of the day, after the seminar, and is limited to all of the Australian red wines that I sampled in a walk around tasting; those that I loved and hope to get my hands on again.

IMG_0062My favorites (of those tables I got to as I know I missed quite a bit) are listed below. Wineries part of the “Australia’s First Families of Wine” designation that I liked are noted as an AFF Wine.

Trade Tasting Participating Wineries

Andrew Peace Wines

Ashton Hills

Austins

Ben Haines

Best’s Great Western

Bethany

Brokenwood

Brown Brothers

Campbells of Rutherglen

 

Cape Mentelle – 2013 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend; 2014 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot blend.

 

Climbing

Cullen

Dalrymple

 

d’Arenberg (AFF Wine) – 2013 “The Dead Arm” McLaren Vale Shiraz; 2013 “The Ironstone Pressings” McLaren Vale Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre blend; 2013 “The Coppermine Road” McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon; 2011 “The Old Bloke and Three Young Blondes” McLaren Vale Shiraz, Roussanne, Viognier and Marsanne blend. (The Old Bloke…only used 2% of each white wine varietal listed in the blend. They are newly biodynamic and organic. This may have been my favorite table.)

 

De Bortoli Wines

Delinquente

DiGiorgio Family Wines

Fowles Wine

Giant Steps

Handpicked Wines

Helen & Joey Estate

Henry’s Drive

Henschke Wines

 

Howard Park (AFF Wine) 2012 “Abercrombie” Mount Barker Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon; 2009 “Abercrombie” Mount Barker Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon. (While both were excellent I enjoyed the younger 2012 for all of the outstanding fruit and peppery notes. There was no irrigation used – though the vineyards have irrigation if needed – and the vines were planted in 1975.)

 

Innocent Bystander

Jansz Tasmania

Jasper Hill

 

Jim Barry (AFF Wine) – 2014 “1877” Hilltops Shiraz.

 

John Duval

Kaesler

Kilikanoon

Koonara

Langmeil

Leeuwin Estate

Mac Forbes

McWilliam’s Wines

McPherson Wine Co

 

Negotiants USA – 2014 Langmeil “Orphan Bank” Barossa Valley Shiraz (Vines had to be moved, 90% survived, and were called orphans due to the move.)

 

Nova Vita

Ocean Eight

 

Old Bridge Cellars – 2014 John Duval “Eligo” Barossa Shiraz; 2015 Cullen “Diana Madeline” Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot blend; 2013 Jasper Hill “Georgia’s Paddock” Heathcote Shiraz. (They only made 600 cases of my favorite at this table, the Eligo.)

 

Penfolds – 2014 “Bin 389” Barossa Valley Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blend; 2014 “Bin 407” Coonawarra Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon; 2014 “RWT” Barossa Valley Shiraz. (Who isn’t familiar with Penfolds? I stuck to just the wines I didn’t know, so damn good. The vines for these wines were planted between 1951 and 1960.)

 

Penley Estate

 

Peter Lehmann – 2012 “Stonewell” Barossa Shiraz.

 

Pewsey Vale

Pikes

Rob Dolan

Rogers & Rufus

Rymill Coonawarra

 

Schild Estate – 2013 “Moorooroo Ancestor Vines” Barossa Valley Shiraz. (170 year old vines, two years in both new and old French oak and then two years in bottle before release. Worth the wait for this 100% Shiraz.)

 

Shaw + Smith

Snake & Herring

Syrahmi

Tahbilk Winery

Thorn-Clarke Wines

Tolpuddle

 

Torbreck Vintners – 2009 “The Factor” Barossa Valley Shiraz; 2014 “The Struie” Barossa Valley Shiraz; 2014 “RunRig” Barossa Valley Shiraz and Viognier. (Only 3.5 % of Viognier was used in this blend to “soften” the wine and for a “tonal” lift. It worked.)

 

Tournon

Tyrrell’s Wines

Vasse Felix

Vinaceous

Voyager Estate

 

Wakefield Wines (AFF Wine) – 2013 “St. Andrew’s” Clare Valley Shiraz had a lovely touch of sweetness and great balance.

 

Wicks
Wirra Wirra – 2013 RSW McLaren Vale Shiraz (With vines between 40-60 years old, low yield production and the vineyard was originally planted in 1890.)

 

Woodstock

Yaldara

 

Yalumba (AFF Wine) – 2013 “The Signature” Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz blend.

 

Yarra Yering – 2010 “Dry Red No. 1” Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec blend; 2013 “Old Bastard” Barossa Valley Grenache Mourvedre blend. (These both got big “wows” from me.)

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

Wine 101ers Get: AUSTRALIA UP CLOSE Part One

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With a geographical size similar to the US and distinct climates, soils and terroirs, its no surprise that Australia boasts an array of wine styles, regions and grape varieties for you to experience.

This was an intriguing teaser to a recent Australian wine event I attended. I went in knowing very little about Australian white wines so I signed up for their seminar, and then knew I would enjoy the walk around tasting to get my fill of the wines I was more familiar with: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignons and many Bordeaux and Rhone blends.

IMG_0059SEMINAR – White Wines: Unique Expressions of Australian Riesling, Semillon and Chardonnay

Australia is blessed with regions and climates that can produce truly world-class wines from the noblest of vines. Discover the many exciting expressions of Riesling, Semillon and Chardonnay being produced across Australia’s diverse wine regions. Presented by special guests and winemakers, and moderated by Wine Australia.

Our Seminar Panelists  

Fahara Zamorano – Head Sommelier, Gwen LA; Matt Kaner – Owner, Bar Covell & Augustine; Kyle Meyer – Wine Exchange; Bruce Tyrrell – Tyrrell’s Wines; Jeff Burch – Howard Park Wines; Jeff McWilliam – McWilliam’s Wines; Mark Davidson, Wine Australia (Moderator).

Seminar Wines – Flavors and Aromas separated by ;

Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Hunter Semillon Hunter Valley 2011 – Green apple, pineapple lemon zest, Mandarin orange and white pepper all on the nose; with lemon-lime, bruised apple and a medium acidity on the palate. 90 Eve pts.

Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon Hunter Valley 2009 – I smelled apple, pear, fresh lemon, pears in light syrup; then tasted bright and tangy fresh fruit – same as those I found on the nose. 90 Eve pts.

Ashbrook Estate Semillon Margaret River 2015 – Perfumy aroma, then bruised yellow apple, cream and a pale hint of cinnamon; viscous on the mouth, as well as slightly paler fruit and a long finish. 90 Eve pts.

Silkman Estate Semillon Hunter Valley 2015 – Lemon, toast, grapefruit and unsalted butter on the nose; followed by tart apple and limeade on the palate. 90 Eve pts.

Pewsey Vale Contours Riesling Eden Valley 2011 – Fruit cocktail, green grass to yellow hay, floral and bright; that same bright quality came through on the taste as well as lemon, grass, acidity, bone dry. 90 Eve pts.

Grosset Polish Hill Riesling Clare Valley 2016 – Bright aromas of pears and kiwi fruit; followed by lemon, orange and steel on the palate. 90 Eve pts.

Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling Frankland River 2015 – Green apple, crushed green leaves and a whiff of orange on the nose; the palate was very sharp citrus fruit: lemon and orange, a slight viscosity and a long dry finish. 90 Eve pts.

Pressing Matters R9 Riesling Tasmania 2015 – My favorite of all the white wines I tasted with aromas of sweet orange blossoms, apple pie and a bit of cream; then came a slightly sweet and lingering fresh lemon-lime fruit on the mouth. 91 Eve pts. (All of the Riesling shared the same bone dry quality, except this expression from Tasmania.)

McWilliam’s 842 Chardonnay Tumbarumba 2013 – Fresh oak, honey, barnyard, earth, citrus, butter and white pepper on the nose; then the taste was tart, some oak and apple. 91 Eve pts.

Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay Mornington Peninsula 2012 – Earthy, dried apple, butter, clove and steely; then bruised apple, tart with medium acid. 90 Eve pts.

Howard Park Miamup Chardonnay Margaret River 2015 – Toast, lemon, cream, and a general feeling of being in a sweet floral garden; the flavors were bright, tart and citrusy with a medium acidity and long finish. 89 Eve pts.

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills 2014 – Creamery butter, lemon and green fields; then that same lemon on the mouth, but light, and a leaner acidity. 89 Eve pts.

What I Learned From Our Panelists and the White Wine Tasting

One of our panelists stated that if you remotely expect that a Semillon from Australia would taste like one from Bordeaux, France you would be dead wrong. If you thought that a Riesling from Australia would taste like its German counterpart you would be equally wrong. My tasting notes above probably express this.

Australia is considered a New World wine area, however, Meyer would like us to see their wines as truly old world, but with an edge. The vines are very old, the area is larger than Europe and Phylloxera has never hit them.

The 12 elite wineries in “Australia’s First Families of Wine” group have several criteria to meet including their dedication to promote Australian wine to the global market, 100% family owned and have to have at least a 20 year vertical.

Next week I will run part two of the tasting, the reds I got to try, on June 16 here on this blog.

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

Vintage Eve Circa Dec. 2012: Wine With Attitude and Without

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I’ve never really had a problem with wine attitudes. Like the first time Eddie and I visited France. We were warned that the waiters would turn up their noses if we selected the wrong wines, scoff at an inexpensive choice and return our check too quickly. I spent the long flight getting there refreshing my French to avoid the problem. Ed scoffed at me. He said just be yourself; no erase that, just be like him: polite.

DCIM100SPORT

A newer photo: Wine 661 owner Tanya Green

It amazed me that our earnest attempts at French were not laughed at. Our earnest attempts to learn were far from scoffed at. And, in being earnestly polite, we were richly rewarded in enjoying and learning about French wines. Our summarization: Attitude comes from the drinker, not the server, and certainly not the wineries which by basic successful business standards pretty much prohibit discrimination.

With that in mind, we ventured into the cozy local Wine 661 for a taste. We had been disappointed with Wine Savor, the former store ownership, as we would like to drink more than just a $10 bottle limit. We gave it six visits before giving up. We never voiced our complaint, trying to be polite, we just wanted a little more selection and sought it elsewhere. But now, even though there were new owners, we weren’t sure if we would be comfortable in a place that promised “no attitude”. What if they sniffed out our experienced palates and assumed attitude? How should we behave? We settled on our old standby of: “politely”.

We were unsure about the flights of wine offered and ventured into the recesses of the racks to try a mid-priced Australian Shiraz we had never heard of. A nice screw capped Kilikanoon South Australia Killerman’s Run Shiraz Grenache 2004, to be exact, as we bought a bottle before leaving. That’s not all we bought though.

After settling in and watching bartendress Val deftly decant our wine we took a look around to see what a wine bar “without attitude” looked like. It looked like a lot of women. I don’t mean dozens but at least an even half. Young women. Lounging on the comfortable sofas. Relaxing. Gazing out of the store front. Looking glorious in the soft lighting. Checking out the appetizer menu. We were left to consider that a wine bar was probably a more respectable place for women to meet than a regular bar. But then we moved on to what they had: the appetizer menu.

Out of a surprising six selections we settled on the Warm Brie w/Raspberry Chipotle Drizzle that Val warned us was the drizzle to die from. I think she even said she used it in her PB & J. Like spicy chutney, when paired with the warm brie and the Shiraz, our palates were quite pleased. Not sated, of course, we ordered the olive Tampenade. Slightly chunky but with the same favorable bit of dueling flavors. Again it seemed perfectly matched with our wine.

Had we been hungrier we would have ventured on to the Warm Spinach Dip, Assorted Cheese Plate, Chicken Skewers with Teriyaki Sauce and the “Ménage Et Trois” bit of salami, white cheddar and nuts. Next time we told ourselves. As all were reasonably priced, having more than one for a dinner or as a snack sounded just about right.

So next time you want to go out and leave your attitude at home remember it’s all up to you. You can sniff and swirl anywhere. But when will you learn something? When you are open to it and not above it.

Vintage Eve Circa 6/2011: The CLASSIC Results

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The last time I co-chaired a big wine event, Pour Into Haiti with Roman Weiser and David Schutz, I counted on these two very capable men to harness the winery help while I could focus on being the social networking butterfly.  With the Circle of Hope (COH) taking over the Betty Ferguson Foundation’s Vine 2 Wine…I was able to attract the big gun behind the former SCV Wine Classic, Jeff Jacobson, to persuade and secure the wineries. Enter the inaugural Vine 2 Wine CLASSIC.

2013-vine-2-wine-classic-banner1The event committee, headed by expert event planner Shawneen Rubay and COH Executive Director Ray Tippet, included Judy Penman, Cheryl Gray, Steve Cravitz, Nicole Weir, wine chair Jeff Jacobson, with Janice Murray and myself as the event co-chairs.

This was far beyond my realm. Several meetings whizzed by. Fast forward to the morning of the event and my husband Eddie and I found ourselves picking up dozens of cases of wine from Jeff’s house and helping him unload at the event site. It was dizzying working alongside the volunteers all morning. When it was lunch time – Jeff had arranged for all of the volunteers to have lunch – he gave the wine pourers a quick pep talk and…we were off.

Eddie, planning on working the sparkling table we were assigned to together, was left with about six other women instead…as I was the official “greeter” that thanked all of the guests for supporting COH. (A note on our table: John Carter, the owner of BarParts.com, gave me a gold-plated Champagne opener to use. Remove the cage, clamp the serrated edges on the cork, turn the bottle, and voilà, it worked like a charm!)

Once inside guests could look at original art, have some lunch, listen to music, bid on silent auction items, partake in a “wine pull”, enjoy the Beer Garden of Hope or…taste wine. At one point our local radio-personality Janice Murray called me up to the microphone. She said to tell people some kind of wine hint, my mind when blank, I think I stammered, “Stay away from my library wine tables, that’s all for me” in my usual charming way.

This is what guests found on their own:

CLASSIC surprises

We keep some secrets from the general public which included the wine yoke, a fabric necklace with several sturdy grips for a wine glass because, as I told guests as they entered, “Circle of Hope cares….and wants you to be comfortable and hands-free for the tasting today.”

The “Library” wine donators weren’t made public before the event as well as exactly what rare wines may be available.

And, since we had to move from a few tents to a few tents plus three pavilions, two were named after Betty Ferguson Foundation Founders Judy Cox and Marjanne Priest and one was named for the Circle of Hope Founder, Colleen Shaffer.

CLASSIC Quotes

When Jeff asked me to go to all of the tents to thank the volunteers and the winery representatives for coming out to support the event, I took the time to also check in with guests to ask what their favorite wine of the day was. And though I mentioned their favorite exact “descriptor” in this week’s Eve’s Wine 101 YouTube (link) …I’m not putting that in print. (Suffice to say, the volunteers, winery representatives and guests all had a great experience and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.)

Elizabeth Hopp: 2000 Talley Pinot Noir.

Cathy Martin: 2006 Silver Oak Magnum at the Circle of Hope table.

Rose Chegwin by way of Kathy Crone: Les Deux Chats and Pulchella. (Our local winemakers!)

Leah Granen: The Martinelli table.

Marlee Lauffer: 1999 William Selyem Pinot Noir served at Jeff Jacobson’s library wine table.

Diane Ghilardi: Pulchella and Morello Pinot Noir (Nick Morello, you may remember, was the first manager at Valencia Wine Co., made wines at Leona Valley, and now, I can attest, makes an outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.)

Amanda Bahnmaier: Clos La Chance 08 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Pulchella.

Kelly Abbott: The dry Italian sparkling wine and Pulchella.

Dr. Andrew Friend: 06 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon at the Jacobson library table.

Janice Murray: Rotari Brut and Rose.

Michael Parks: Leona Valley Malbec.

John Geraci: Morello Pinot Noir and Les Deux Chats Zinfandel.

Sheryl Geraci: Morello Chardonnay.

Dr. Rex Baumgartner: 06 Stage Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

Ramon Rebel: A Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the French Wine Table.

And a nice, non x-rated quote from Steve-looking-sharp-Chegwin: “It’s like the Vine 2 Wine and The Classic Merged!” Ding! Ding! Ding!

CLASSIC sightings

Clyde and Colleen Shaffer, Judy Cox, Marjanne Priest, Moe, Linda and Alex Hafizi, Laine Hedwell and Marlee Lauffer, Judy Penman, Michele Buttleman, Jim Walker, Bob Keller, Cheryl Gray, Ray, Janey and Jason Tippet, Geoffrey and Shawneen Rubay, Amanda Bahnmaier, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, John and Sheryl Geraci, Steve and Cathy Martin, Mike and Pam Ripling, Ken and Patrice Rifkind, Sharyn Buncick, Shaun and Ivy Pierson, Sharon Lindquist and all of her lovely Wine-y Women, Oriana John, Bruce and Tamara Brown, Darrin and Cathy Craig, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Yvonne Matute and her daughter, Christina Scott Haselbusch, Ron Horton, Rich Soto and Jane Bettencourt-Soto, Larry Barbro, Lois Bauccio, Kathy Crone, Dan and Janine Jones, Bob and Susie Majesky, Patrick, Barbara and Brittney Raach, Terry Bucknall, Maria Strmsek, Michael Parks, Diana Vose, John and Tera McHugh, Maureen McKaughan, Leah Granen, Jenifer Costin, Kelly Anderson Phen, Linda Woolf, Judith Cassis, Dr. Rex Baumgartner, Ramon Rebel, Shelley Hann, Mary Reuschel, Bob and Susie Majesky, Kevin Kistler, Dr. Andrew Friend, Liz Seipel, Ron Horton and the two very nice undercover “Matrix-Looking” policemen.

CLASSIC thanks

So many local pals stepped up to volunteer! Janice Murray, Sue Saffir, Steve and Amy Elzer, Jeff, Joan and Julie Jacobson, Eddie Bushman, Steve and Julie Cravitz, Dean Funk, Mary Bradway, Tom and Jenny Lukas, DiMaggio Washington, Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong, Roger and Gwen Gertz, Chef Tamra Levine, Claudia Sheridan, Danise Davis, Jami Kennedy, Doug Penman, Ralph Gray, Diane Ghilardi, Nicole Weir, Nick Morello, Steve and Megan Lemley, Nate Hasper, Wendy Ora Roberts, Lee Yoon, John Burton, Casey Boshae, Corey Jones, Mark Abraham, Randy Bartlett, Russ and Nancy Briley, Denise Cardamone, Priscilla Faubel, John Whitman, Jim Schaffert, Corey Ann Koontx Jones, Lisa Van Blarcom, Roman Weiser, Beth Heiserman, Greg Moss, Krystal Anderson, Heidi Brook-Meyers, Randy and Cherie Bartlett, Corey Jones, David Reynolds, Kelly Abbott, Kathy Rutherford, Gary Stein, Russ and Leslie Bretall, Scott and Susan Hand, Don Kelly, Steve and Julie Sturgeon, Jo Ann Vindigni, Don Kelly, Tim and Barb Heinzel, Patty Blazer, Darrell and Judy Gilbert, Lisa Valenti, Paul Vernier, Laura Romano, John Whitman, Bonnie Stauch, Mike and Sue Wynn, Mark and Pat Abraham, Don and Donna Heese, Sandy Brandon, Mike and Sue Wynn, Wayne and Rhonda Durand, Don and Joyce Woodmansee, Ken and Marilyn Euken, Friends of Kevin Byrne, Kevin Byrne, Saheer and Sabrina Ali, Heidi Wiss, Beth Greenwald, Don and Diane Scudamore.

I also asked Jeff Jacobson what he would like to add: “We want to especially thank all the wineries for trusting in our “great expectation” that the event would be attended by so many people that their attendance, as with the Wine Classic, would be worth their while, and to single out two very important people whose ongoing support was paramount in importance: John Burton of Southern Wine & Spirits of So. California, who recruited several wineries for the event, and Kevin Byrne of Wine Warehouse who not only recruited several wineries, but also ran the Beer Garden of Hope. Without the ongoing support of these amazing and generous people, as well as our friends who donated those incredible library wines from their own cellars, as well as the volunteers, we could not have had such an outstanding event, particularly on less than three months’ notice.”

CLASSIC food

Salt Creek Grille Catering, Cake Goodness, M & W Gourmet Foods, McClaren’s Shortbread, Toffee DeJour, Jersey Mike’s and Sam’s Specialty Sausages kept guests happy. (Tickets weren’t needed for tastings, and the food was included in the overall ticket price.)

CLASSIC music

Dave Ford & the Last Set, Kelly’s Lot and Stagg Street Band Rhythm Section. Walking through the venue I happened upon a young woman, Brittney Westover, that sang between band sets. Brittney works, and often performs, at the Roman Holiday Wine Lounge. She brought me to tears when she sang from an opera for us today!

CLASSIC artists

Georgette Arison, Jaylene Armstrong, Janine Ayers, Lisa Barr, Donna Boydston, Evie Cook, Hector Fernandez, Laurie Finkelstein, Sandy Fisher, Zony Gordon, Olga Kaczmar, Cheri Marcovitch, Gerda Maxey, Jane Mick, Trae Mundt, Patty O’Hearn, Laurelle Quintero, Dale & Pat Thayer, David Veal, Lynn Wolverton-Parker, Leroy Ward and Ross Walhburg.

CLASSIC Sponsors

Canyon Country Magazine, Elite Magazine, HotSpot SCV, KHTS, Santa Clarita Valley Magazine, The Signal, THEsaurus FILMS, A1 Rentals, Andy Gump, Burrtec, Copper Eagle Security, KEI Management, KISS Storage, Mann Biomedical Park, Newhall Ice, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, Santa Clarita Photographic Studio, Sheila Veloz Breast Imaging Center, SOS Productions, Southern Wine & Spirits of Southern California, International Wines and Wine Warehouse.

CLASSIC Beer in the Beer Garden of Hope

Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Lost Coast Brewery, Napa Smith Brewery and Mission Brewery, were manned by volunteers Doug Penman and Sam Senner. A note on Sam: He flew in from Alaska to assist at the event! He not only helped in the Beer Garden of Hope but also stepped in to make pulled pork with the many other tireless volunteers.

CLASSIC Plans

You’ll just have to stay tuned to find out the date and venue for next year. But, before I give you a taste of the wines, just a thank you to everyone that made this event so successful.   From the volunteers to the guests and back around to the women with breast cancer we strive to help, take pride in knowing that you strengthened the circle of hope last Sunday. Learn more here: http://www.circleofhopeinc.org/v2/

The CLASSIC wines

CIRCLE OF HOPE’S 2011 VINE 2 WINE CLASSIC
WINERIES, WINE TABLES, LIBRARY WINES AND BEER GARDEN DETAILS
Circle of Hope Table of Sparkling wines of the world
NV Santa Julia Brut Rose, Argentina
NV Mumm Brut Prestige, Napa
NV Rotari Brut Rose, — Aldo Adige, Italy
NV Abbazia Asti Spumante, Italy
NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserve Cava, Spain
NV Segura Viudas Brut Reserve Cava Rose, Spain
NV Veuve du Vernay Brut, France
NV Piper Sonoma Brut, California
2007 Gerard Bertrand Cremnt de Limoux Brut, France
NV Sekt Extra Dry Rose, Germany
2008 Terra Sparkling Malbec, Argentina
NV Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose, Cremant d’Alsace, France
NV Graham Beck Brut Rose, South Africa
Circle of Hope Table of Italian wines
2006 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva
2008 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese San Girogio Molise Terra Degle Osci
2008 Fontanafredda Barbera d’Alba Briccontondo
NV Rotari sparkler rose, Aldo Adige
NV Bellussi Spumante Prosecco Valdobiadene
Moscato d’ Asti, Il Conte d’Alba
2009 Masi Pinot Grigio
2008 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese Molise
2008 sportoletti Assisi Rosso
2007 Sirch Ribolla Gialla
Wines from Australia and New Zealand
2008 Overhill Shiraz McLaren Vale Red Silk
2009 Rata Sauvignon Blanc, Marlboro
2009 Terroir Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
2008 D’Arenberg Shiraz, “The Stump Jump,” McLaren Vale
2009 D’Arenberg Viognier-Marsanne, “The Hermit Crab,” McLaren Vale
2008 Leeuwin Riesling, Margaret River Art Series
Wines of South Africa
2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Sugar Bush
2008 Boekenhoustkloof Syrah Porcupine Ridge
2008 Boekenhoustkloof Wolftrap Red (Meritage)
2008 Ken Forester Petit Chenin Blanc
2009 Ken Forester Petit Pinotage
2005 Stellekaya (S. Africa) Cabernet
2008 Man Vintners Pinotage
2009 Indaba Chard (So. Africa) — may have enough for the White wines tables.
2008 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon
2008 Delheim Cab Sauv. Shiraz (So. Aftica)
Interesting White Wines of the World
2005 Pinot Gris Albert Mann, Furstntum Grand Crue, Alsace
2007 Can Feixes Penedes Blanc
2007 Chardonnay, Flora Springs, Napa Vlley
2009 Huber Gruner Veltliner Niederosterreich Hugo, Austria
2006 Saxon Brown Semillon Somoma Valley Casa Santinamaria Vineyards, California
2007 Sirch Ribolla Gialla, Italy
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood, Sonoma
2009 Veramonte sauvignon blanc, Chile
2009 Poppy Chardonnay, Sta Lucia Highlands
2009 Roc de Segur, Bordeaux, France
2009 Tarquinet Classic Ugni Blanc Colombard-Gascogne, France
2009 King Estate Pinot Gris, Oregon
2009 Quinta de Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde, Portugal
2009 Dominio del Plata Torrontes Crios de Susana Balbo Mendoza, Argentina
2008 Cune Rioja Blanco Monopole, Spain
Circle of Hope Table of Interesting Red Wines
2006 Clos La Chance estate cabernet sauvignon, California
2006 Stonestreet Meritage, Fifth Ridge
2007 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand
2007 Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel, California
2007Malhadinha Nova Monte Da Peceguina, Alentejo, Portugal
2008 Rioja, Bodegas Y Vinedos Noe ,Rioja, Spain
2008 Fritz Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California
2008 Santa Emma Merlot, Chile
Pittnauer Burgenlander Rot, Austria
2009 Beaujolais, Domaine Jean Descombes (Duboeuf), Cote de Morgon, Burgundy, France
2009 Chateau Roc de Segur, Bordeaux Superior
2009 McManis Petit Sirah, California
Campesino Cellars
www.campesinocellars.com
2008 Pinot Noir, Papi y Chula Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley
2008 Syrah, Sangiacomo Old Lakeville Road Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
2009 Chupi Late Harvest Chardonnay, Napa Valley (375 ml)
The Cellar — DiMaggio Washington — Ports and Fortified Wines
In addition to DiMaggio’s own syrah port
Fonseca port, Bin 27, Finest Reserve
Ramos Pinto Collecor Porto Riserva
Offley white porto
Niepoort tawny port
Pennfold’s tawny “Club” port
Henriques & Henriques Madeira, Full, Rich
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Dry Amontillado
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Fino
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Oloroso
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Deluxe Cream
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry –Moscatel Superior
Lustau Solera Reserva Sherry — Pedro Ximenez
Cantine Pellegrino 1880 Marsala, Sweet
4 Joes Winery
2006 Grenache, Paso Robles
2006 Mourvedre, Thompson Vineyards, Santa Barbara County
2006 Syrah, Thompson Vineyards, Santa Barbara County
Halter Ranch Vineyard
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
2008 Syrah, Paso Robles
2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles
2010 Cotes de Paso Blanc, (rhone blend), Paso Robles
Leona Valley Winery
2009 Chardonnay, Leona Valley & Santa Barbara County
2006 Pinot Noir, Leona Valley
2006 Malbec, Leona Valley
2005 Meritage, Leona Valley
2008 Rose, semi-sweet, “Fault Line,” Leona Valley
NV Port, Malbec and Petite Verdot blend, Leona Valley
Navarro Vineyards
2007 Pinot Noir, Methode a l’Ancienne
2009 Chardonnay, Premiere Reserve
2009 Gewurztraminer, Estate Bottled
2009 Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley, Mendocino
2009 Riesling, Anderson Valley, Mendocino
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Cuvee 128, Mendocino
2010 Rose Mendocino, Anderson Valley
Martinelli Winery
1999 Martinelli Chardonnay, Charles Ranch, Sonoma Coast
2003 Martinelli Pinot Noir, Seven Mules Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2003 Zinfandel, Giuseppe & Luisa, Russian River Valley
2004 Martinelli Syrah, Terra Felice, Russian River Valley
2004 Martinelli Zinfandel, Vigneto di Evo, Russian River Valley
2006 Martinelli Pinot Noir, Bella Vigna, Russian River Valley
2006 Martinelli Zinfandel, Giuseppe & Luisa, Russian River Valley
2006 Chardonnay, Three Sisters Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
2006 Syrah, Hop Camp Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2007 Pinot Noir, Lolita Ranch, Russian River Valley
2008 Zinfandel, Vigneto di Evo, Russian River Valley
Morello Wines
2008 Chardonnay, Leona Valley
2008 Pinot Noir, Leona Valley
2008 Pinot Noir, Paso Robles
Old Creek Ranch Winery
2007 Nebbiolo, Stolpman Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
2008 De la Tierra (Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier blend)
2008 Petite Sirah, Branham Obsidian Vineyard, Napa Valley
2008 Sangiovese, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara
2010 Albarino de Moro, Edna Valley
Vino V Winery
2006 Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
2010 Gruner Veltliner, “Confundida,” San Luis Obispo County
Pulchella Winery
Pulchella Everyday Wine Blend, Paso Robles
Pulchella Everyday Red Blend, Paso Robles
2009 Pulchella Zinfandel, Golden Cloud Vineyard, Paso Robles
2009 Pulchella Private Family Reserve Blend, Paso Robles
Reyes Winery
www.reyeswinery.com
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature, Sierra Pelona Valley
2009 Merlot, Signature, Sierra Pelona Valley
2009 Syrah, Signature, Sierra Pelona Valley
Talley Vineyards
2000 Talley Rosemary’s Chardonnay
2000 Talley Rosemary’s Pinot Noir
2004 Talley Rosemary’s Chardonnay
2004 Talley Rincon Chardonnay
2005 Talley RIncon Pinot Noir
2005 Talley Stone Corral Pinot Noir
2007 Talley Rincon Chardonnay
2009 Chardonnay, Estate Bottled, Arroyo Grande Valley
2009 Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Arroyo Grande Valley
Whitcraft Winery
2005 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard
2007 Pinot Noir, Aubane Vineyard
2007 Syrah, Stolpman Ranch
2007 Pinot Noir, Melville Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
2009 Chardonnay, Olivos del Mar Vineyard
2009 Pinot Noir, Morning Dew Ranch, Barrel Select, “futures” tasting
Les Deux Chats Winery
Vintages and other details to follow:
2009 Roussanne, Ripken Vineyard, Lodi
Viognier
Syrah
2009 Zindandel, Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles
Nuggucciet Cellars
2009 Pinot Noir, Riverbench Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
Francis Coppola Winery
2010 Blanc de Blanc, Sofia, Monterey
2009 Chardonnay, Votre Sante, California
2010 Riesling, Sofia, Monterey
2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Diamond, California
2010 Rose, Sofia, Monterey
2008 Cinema red blend, Director’s Cut, Sonoma
2009 Claret, Diamond, California
2009 Pinot Noir, Votre Sante, California
2008 Zinfandel, Director’s Cut, Dry Creek
Constellation Wine U.S.
2008 Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Reserve
2008 Blackstone Merlot, Sonoma Reserve
2010 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
2008 Wildhorse Chardonnay, Paso Robles
2008 Wildhorse Pinot Noir, Paso Robles
Wente Family Estates
An assortment of excellent wines, to be determined
Prestige Wine Imports
NV Rotari Talento Brut Sparkling Wine, Trento, Italy
NV Rotari Rose Sparkling Wine, Trento, Italy
2010 Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy
2010 Mezzacorona Moscato, Alto Adige, Italy
2008 Feudo Arancio Contadoro, red blend, Sicily, Italy
Pedroncelli Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay, Vintage Selction, Dry Creek Valley
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Eastside Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2009 Merlot, Bench Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
2007 Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2009 Zinfandel, Mother Clone, Dry Creek Valley
Gallo Family Vineyards
MacMurray Ranch 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
MacMurray Ranch 2009 Pinot Noir, Central Coast
Bridlewood 2009 Blend #175, red blend, Central Coast
Bridlewood 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Kenneth Volk Vineyards
2007 Chardonnay, “Santa Maria Cuvee”
2009 Malvasia Bianca, Monterey
2007 Pinot Noir,”Santa Maria Cuvee”
2008 Negrette, Calleri Vineyard, San Benito
Shannon Ridge Ranch Vineyards and Winery
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County
2009 Chardonnay, Lake County
2009 Wrangler Red, red blend, Lake County
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
2008 Zinfandel, Lake County
2009 Petite Sirah, Lake County
Rosenthal The Malibu Estate
Suefrider 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Edna Valley
Rosenthal 2008 Chardonnay, Newton Canyon, Malibu
Rosenthal 2009 Chardonnay, Newton Canyon, Malibu
Surfrider 2008 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley
Rosenthal 2008 Merlot, Newton Canyon, Malibu
Rosenthal 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Newton Canyon, Malibu
J Lohr Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay, “Riverstone,” Monterey
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, “Seven Oaks,” Paso Robles
2008 Merlot, “Los Osos,” Paso Robles
2009 Syrah, “South Ridge,” Paso Robles
2010 Reisling, “Bay Mist, Monterey
2010 Valdiguie, “Wildflower,” Monterey
Wines of Spain
2008 Albarino, Eidos De Padrinan, Rias Baixas
2009 Verdejo, A Rodriguez Martin Sancho, Rueda
2009 Valdeorras, Casal Novo Godello
2007 Mencia, Bodega Pazzo de Arribi, Bierzo
2008 Tempranillo, Vina Gormaz, Ribera del Duero
2009 Garnacha, “Xiloca,” Vinae Mureri, Rivera del Jiloca, Aragon
International Wines & Liquor
An assortment of excellent wines
Sunrise Spirits and Food Company
An assortment of excellent current vintages and library wines,
Woodland Hills Wine Company
2010 Chateau du Rouet Cuvee Reservee Tradition Cotes de Provence Rose, France
2010 Moulin de Gassac, Guilhem Rose, Languedoc, France
2010 Muga Rioja Rosado, Rioja, Spain
2010 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose, Costal Region, South Africa
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Cote-de-Brouilly, Domaine du Riaz
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Julienas, La Trinquee
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Morgon, Domaine de la Chaponne
2009 Beaujolais, Duboeuf, Moulin-a-Vent, Domaine des Rosiers
Library Wines
Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong
1996 spotswoode cabernet sauvignon (3 Litre)
2001 Colgin Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Herb Lamb Vineyard, Napa Valley
1999 Colgin Cellars Proprietary Red, Cariad Vineyard, Napa Valley
2006 Colgin Cellars Syrah, IX Estate, Napa Valley
Faubel
1982 Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon
1985 Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon
2000 Colgin Cellars Proprietary Red, Cariad Vineyard, Napa Valley
1990 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Vendage Tardive
1992 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Heinbourg
Roger and Gwen Gertz
1998 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1995 Chateau Lagrange, Saint Julien, Bordeaux
1995 Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leongan, Bordeaux
1996 Chateau Montrose, Saint Estephe, Bordeaux
Steve and Amy Elzer
Jonata Winery — assorted vintages, Santa Ynez
1993 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1994 Quintessa Cabernet Sauvignon
1994 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Rutherford, Napa Valley
1994 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon
Jeff, Joan and Julie Jacobson
1994 Chateau d’Yquem, sauternes
1996 Antinori Tagnanello
1997 Barbi Brunello di Montalcino
1997 Ca’ de Rocchi Amarone Classico
1997 Chateau Leoville Barton
1999 Anselmann Huxelrebe Trockenbeerenauselese dessert wine
2001 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
2001 Fauveley Latrices-Chambertin Grand Cru
2003 Chateneuf du Pape Clos de l’Oratorie des Papes, Les Choregies
2003 Tommasi Amarone classico
2003 Leonetti Reserve Red
2003 Opus One
2003 Hacienda Monasterio Ribera del Duero
2004 Clos Mogador Manyetes Priorat
2004 Caymus Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Cos d’Estornel Bordeaux, St. Estephe
2004 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, Botella
2004 Stefano Farina Barolo
2005 Albert Mann Pinot Gris Grand Cru
2005 Chateau Lanessan, Haut Medoc
2005 Chateau Talbot St Julien Bordeaux
2005 Frescobaldi Chianti Ruffina Nipozzano Riserva
2005 Ripoli Sans Closa Battlet Gratallops Priorat
2005 Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino
2005 Robert Mondavi cabernet sauvignon, Oakville
2006 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Bauge Au dessus
2006 Domaine Charles Allexant Gevrey-Chambertin “Craite-Palle”
2006 Nadia Viognier-Grenache Blanc-Roussanne
2006 Renato Ratti Nebiolo d’Alba Ochetti
2006 Russian Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
2006 Kistler Dutton Ranch Chardonnay
2006 Twomey Pinot Noir, Russian River
Ridge Vineyards — Various zinfandels and other old-vine field bleds
Seasmoke Cellars — Various Pinot Noirs
1999 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Yorkville Highlands
2004 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Forchini
2005 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard
2005 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Flax Vineyard
2005 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Forchini
2006 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Ferrington Vineyard
2006 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Bucher Vineyard
2006 Williams Selyem Zinfandel, Forchini Vineyard
Plus, the older vintages poured at the Navarro, Martinelli, Talley, Whitcraft and other tables.
Lee’s Wine Bar
1986 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes
1990 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red, Caldwell Vineyard
1993 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
1997 Turley Zinfandel, Duarte Vineyard
1997 Whitehall Lane Merlot, Leonardinin Vineyard
1999 Galleron Cabernet Sauvignon, Ramon Vineyard
2000 Turley Zinfandel, Juvenile Vineyard
2000 Cardinale Red Napa Valley WIne
2002 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Dominus Estate cabernet sauvignon
2004 Cos d’Estornel bordeaux
2004 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
Other wines, to be determined
Beer Garden of Hope — Outstanding American Craft Beers and Ales (from kegs)
Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale
Lost Coast Great White, Belgian-style witbier
Napa Smith Pilsner
Mission American IPA
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