The Cellars Are Closed, But The Libraries Are Open: Wine Road Bringing Together Member Wineries to Give Visitors a Taste Something Special

February 17, 2021 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Wine Road, a destination marketing association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, invites visitors to Wine Country to experience a weekend tasting discovering library wines at participating wineries, March 6 and 7. Along with hard-to-find wines, visitors can enjoy all Sonoma County has to offer: gorgeous scenery, amazing weather and world class food and wine.

Traditionally the first weekend of March is Wine Road’s annual Barrel Tasting weekend. This year because Sonoma County COVID-19 regulations will not allow visitors to gather in the cellars for barrel samples, Wine Road wineries are offering visitors a unique opportunity to meet winemakers and winery owners and taste their favorite wines, pulled from their library. Library wines are portions of vintages held back by wineries to re-released years after their debut.

“The safety of our guests is our number one priority. Realistically, due to statewide COVID19 restrictions, we will not be able to have large groups of people indoors by the first weekend of March to hold our annual Barrel Tasting event,” says Beth Costa, Executive Director of Wine Road. “However, we still wanted to commemorate the weekend that has been a 44-year tradition in Sonoma County by having our member wineries unite to offer visitors something special – in this case – rare library wines.”

This is NOT an event, as there are no tickets, wristbands, or logo glasses, but each winery will require a reservation in advance, and they will each charge their regular tasing fee. All safety protocols required of wineries will be in place at each winery: outdoor seating, social distancing, and masks required until seated. The only difference will be that wineries will serve a library wine with a flight of current wines.

Click on the program link at the Wine Road website to see a list of participating wineries, which currently include favorites such as Moshin Vineyards, Dutton Estate, GC Lurton Vineyards, Baldassari Wines, West Wines and Balletto Vineyards. (Winery list will be complete by February 22^nd). Wine Road hopes to be able to host a scaled down, modified version of their annual Barrel Tasting event in May of 2021 if conditions allow.

To plan your next trip, please visit: www.wineroad.com. For additional information, or to request a free map, call 707-433-4335 or via e-mail at info@wineroad.com, or visit the Wine Road on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

America’s Fine Wine Purveyor – Wine Spectrum Announces 2020’s Top 100 Wines

December 27, 2020 by evebushman

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. – Each year Wine Spectrum reveals its Top 100 Wine List—experienced wine buyers (sommeliers, former wine buyers and directors) select the most exciting wines from thousands of wines they’ve evaluated during the course of the year. Wine Spectrum’s 2020 Top 100 honors the ‘best-of-the-best’ wines—a diverse group ranging from Napa Valley and Sonoma County icons to international gems, artisan brands, emerging labels and superb values. Wine Spectrum’s selection is based on quality, value, excitement and accessibility. The Top 100 is a reflection of the special spectrum of wines our wine buyers, wine advisors and clientele are passionate about. Many of this year’s Top 100 winners are still available for purchase (some at limited quantities). Visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List at: winespectrum.com/top100.

“The Top 100 exemplifies a key reason why our customers love us. We are the ‘treasure hunters’ of the wine world with decades of wine buying clout resulting from our deep relationships in the wine industry. We provide consumers access to some of the best wines in the world delivered with pristine provenance,” said Glenn Siegel—Wine Spectrum’s Founder and President.

Wine of the Year
Wine Spectrum honors Chappellet ‘Signature’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 as the #1 Wine of the Year. The stunning ‘Signature’ Cabernet has been Chappellet’s flagship wine for more than three decades. The dry, rocky soils of Pritchard Hill produce small, intensely flavorful grapes. ‘Signature’ is a benchmark for the long-lived hillside wines of the Napa Valley; full of structure and aging potential, yet seductively forward in its concentrated varietal character. To purchase, or for more information, visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List: winespectrum.com/top100.

Winemaker of the Year
Wine Spectrum honors Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars in Healdsburg, CA. Katz honed his winemaking skills with stints at Pétrus, Viña Cobos, and Screaming Eagle. He spent five years as winemaker at Lancaster Estate in Alexander Valley. In 2009, he founded Aperture Cellars, a collaborative project with his father, renowned vineyard photographer Andy Katz. Aperture Cellars champions a range of expressive Bordeaux style wines from Sonoma County’s premier cool-climate Bordeaux varietal vineyard sites. Wine Spectrum recognized two of Aperture’s wines in the Top 100: 2018 Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend Alexander Valley (winespectrum.com/wine/2018-aperture-red-blend/) and 2018 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley (winespectrum.com/wine/2018-aperture-cabernet-sauvignon/). The wines are intensely scented, layered and texturally stunning representing some of the best Cabernets coming out of Sonoma County today. To purchase, or for more information, visit Wine Spectrum’s Top 100 Wine List: winespectrum.com/top100.

About Wine Spectrum
Wine Spectrum—in the heart of Sonoma wine country, provides discriminating collectors a spectrum of diverse, rare and highly allocated wines through personalized selection and guidance. For more information on Wine Spectrum Inc. visit: winespectrum.com or http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wine-spectrum

Perlis Picks: Portalupi

December 26, 2020 by Michael Perlis

“Grandma was a bootlegger.”

Not something you hear every day, but this is what Jane Portalupi told Karen and me when we visited.

The tag hanging on the one-liter milk bottles of their Vaso di Marina red and white wines tells the story like this:

“This wine is inspired by my grandmother, Marina Portalupi, who immigrated to Northern California from Piemonte, Italy. She believed wine was a staple, like milk and bread, and kept a barrel of her vino di tavola in her small grocery store. Every day, customers would fill their empty milk bottles to take home and pass around the dinner table. Vaso di Marina is a rustic yet refined wine in that same tradition and we hope you’ll enjoy it the same way.”

The above was how this article was supposed to begin after our visit in 2019. For various reasons, it got delayed. My apologies to the Portalupis for that. Then, 2020 came and the pandemic happened, the world changed, and I think it would be more important for you to know what is going on now with the winery.

But first, a little backstory…

I first tasted Portalupi’s wines at WineLA’s 2019 Elevating Zinfandel event. Of course, I only got to taste their Zins that day, but they were excellent versions from the Russian River Valley Dolinsek Ranch. I knew we needed to taste the rest of their offerings the next time we visited Sonoma County, which we ended up doing later in the year.

The winery was founded in 2002 by Jane Portalupi and Tim Borges to showcase their Italian heritage and its connection to California wine in a true Cal-Italia celebration. Jane and Tim knew each other as children and when they reconnected as adults, they married and combined Tim’s winemaking experience with Jane’s fashion marketing background into Portalupi Winery. Founded in 2002, Jane and Tim wanted Portalupi to honor their own Italian heritage along with the deep roots that Italian immigrants have in California’s wine industry.

Karen and I met up with Jane at the winery’s charming tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. Starting out, we were surprised to find they had a sparkling Barbera. What a delicious and fun wine to get our palates ready to taste some serious stuff.

We then tried a couple of whites, the 2016 Vermentino and the 2018 Arneis, both classic Italian varietals that were couldn’t wait to bring home and enjoy.

Enough playing around though, we were ready for the big boys.

Portalupi makes two Barberas, one from Shake Ridge Ranch in Amador County and one from Pauli Ranch in Mendocino. We tried the 2016 versions. I was very slightly partial to the Shake Ridge bottling, but I might have been a little prejudiced since I love Amador Barberas.

We also tasted through a selection of Charbono, two Zinfandels and a Petite Sirah. It’s hard to find much Charbono these days. Portalupi gets their Charbono grapes from the Venturi Vineyard in Ukiah, certified organic and vines over 100 years old, which is also where they get their Petite Sirah. I mentioned above that the Zin comes from Dolinsek in the RRV. As I said, these are “big boy wines”, delicious and able to stand up to whatever food you might throw at them.

I did check in with Jane on how things are going and this is what she told me:

“It has been a crazy year for sure. In Sonoma County we have been only able to serve outside. So our beautiful interior space is not being used although we have found out that our temporary outdoor seating has worked very well, especially on weekends. We are still not getting many tourists except from the bay area. People are loving the outdoors and everyone hopes this will go beyond Covid. We are approved by the city to go through December 2021 and I hope beyond, especially since we plan to build a beautiful outdoor space soon…Just wonder what our new normal will be – I have learned to be light on my feet and can make a change on a dime. So, as hard as it has been, we all have grown. We are fortunate to have a loyal following and are grateful every day for the people who support us.”

Jane said that Portalupi is all about food and wine with friends and family and celebrating the moment. We appreciate her letting us in to share that.

Portalupi Wine

www.portalupiwine.com

107 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Piper Sonoma Scoops The Sparkling Pool At San Francisco International Wine Competition

December 3, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Historic Sonoma County sparkling wine producer, Piper Sonoma, has scooped the pool: winning a Double Gold medal, and being named both Best Sparkling Rosé and Best in Show Sparkling Wine at this year’s 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC).

Piper-Sonoma photo from Wine Industry Advisor.

Now in its 40th year, the San Francisco International Wine Competition is one of the world’s longest-running international wine competitions and SFIWC medals have become reliable indicators of wine excellence across the globe.

Speaking to the success, well-respected and long-time winemaker Keith Hock, was thrilled with the result: “Our Rosé has always been one of my favorite wines to craft. It’s terrific to see the wine be judged so well, in a blind tasting by such a respected line-up of judges.”

Piper Sonoma is one of the first, and the few California sparkling wines with ownership ties to France. It was founded in 1980 in Sonoma County by Marquis d’Aulan, whose family has been linked for generations with Champagne.

Sourcing from vineyards across Sonoma County, the Brut Rosé is a blend of Chardonnay (53%) with Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. With aromas of freshly picked berries and tangerine, the palate displays red fruits and citrus, showcasing the bright fruit flavors of Sonoma County.

In total, all four of the current release wines in the Piper Sonoma range received Gold and Silver medals. The Piper Sonoma Sparkling Rosé NV was rated 94 points, and awarded a Double Gold, the Reserve Brut received a GOLD medal, while SILVER Medals were awarded to Blanc de Blanc and Brut.

Competition results appeared on their website on November 23, and a list of all Gold, Double Gold, and Premium Award winners will appear in the March 2021 issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine.

The wines are available nationally at the suggested retail prices: Piper Sonoma Brut NV ($22), Piper Sonoma Brut Rosé ($22), Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs ($22), and the limited release Piper Sonoma Brut Reserve ($25). Piper Sonoma wines are represented by Folio Fine Wine Partners.

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About Folio Fine Wine Partners:
Founded by the Michael Mondavi Family in 2004, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premier and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Washington State, Austria and South Africa. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit http://www.foliowine.com or social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Learning About Cosmopolitan’s Wine, the Best Wines “you can afford to drink daily” and the Cab that Stole my Palate – With Guarachi Wine Partners

October 30, 2020 by evebushman

When was the last time you tasted wine with one of your favorite wine influencers? It’s been 8 years since I drove over to Woodland Hills to taste wine with Alex Guarachi, owner of both Guarachi Wine Partners, as well as his own Napa-based Guarachi Family Wines label. Alex’s portfolio of wines have been included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of the year, dozens of 90+ scored wines from reputable sources and he’s been named Wine Importer of the Year…

Eve and Alex Guarachi, 10/2020.

That paragraph above was one of my public social media posts ahead of my reconnecting with Guarachi. After that came two more posts, one was a video of all of the bottles we shared and the second was nine photos of our fun. This is the story behind it all now.

Guarachi has been kept pretty busy with his distribution company and his winemaking, he now had many more wines to share from both – it’s been 35 years of growth. In our meeting I learned about one wine brand while tasting three others. I’ll start with the one we didn’t taste: Uncorked by Cosmopolitan. Yes, Cosmopolitan magazine with “the largest young women’s media brand in the world.”

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan

First look: the “Uncorked” wine label is silky smooth on one side, holographic on the other and a shape that is reminiscent of an open magazine…I think! We didn’t get to sample these as they are not yet released, so stay tuned as the magazine will surely be advertising their new babies made by Guarachi! And look for these reasonably priced wines on supermarkets and box stores everywhere. Varietals, with these cute little sayings on each, include 2019 “That’s enough todaying for today” Chardonnay, 2019 “Cheers to pour decisions” Rose, 2019 “Cuz Mercury’s always in retrograde” Pinot Noir and 2018 “This is totally one glass” Cabernet Sauvignon.

Parker Station ($15 range)

Parker Station makes a mighty tasty 2018 Chardonnay that has a mild acidity and benefited from four months in French Oak; a 2018 Pinot Noir that was an easy drinker and I could see why it was a #1 selling wine. Guarachi said the Pinot is the best in the price range. I liked the Pinot with a little chill on it and found it both fresh and fruity. Both wines are made with grapes from Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties; they also make a 2017 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon that had a great nose with a bit lighter flavor than most high alcohol Paso Cabs, and a lovely finish. Guarachi bought the label awhile back “but they’re still married” and he continues to purchase the grapes from the Santa Barbara County and Edna County. All labels proudly state, “The best (Chard, Pinot or Cab name is filled in here) you can afford to drink daily.” I agree.

Tenshen Wines ($20 to $25 range)

I was wowed by both a 2017 Central Coast White wine that was predominantly a white Rhone, with a twist (they added Chardonnay to it) that was aged six to seven months in French oak; and a yummy Cabernet Sauvignon made from Paso’s westside and had spent seven to eight months in French oak. These wines are from a partnership between Guarachi and winemaker Joey Tensley.

Guarachi Family Wines ($75 to $95 range)

Really enjoyed the buttery Guarachi 2018 Sun Chase Estate Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Chardonnay. The wine is a new release, its grown at the highest elevation in the Sonoma Coast, spent 11 months in new French oak, and no barrel is over two years old; then came the 2018 Sun Chase Estate Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Pinot Noir – an easy drinker, both rich and tannic.

Finally, the giant 2017 Meadowrock Estate Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon stole my palate. When we were on the Cab Guarachi commented, “Who doesn’t like it?” and I had to agree. It had spent 20 months in new French oak (65% new) and also benefited from all red volcanic soil. I found it rich, tannic and a length that never gave out. The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate to heat, it gave the wine tremendous backbone. He had started this endeavor over a decade before, and those years of experience shows. Both the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon have been richly awarded in wine competitions.

https://www.instagram.com/guarachiwinepartners/

https://www.facebook.com/guarachiwinepartners/

http://www.guarachiwinepartners.com

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.

Reviewing Hall Wines At Home

October 23, 2020 by evebushman

My experiences with Hall Wines over the years have included tours at both the Hall, Rutherford Hill winery and the original winery, that has had some incredible updating, on Highway 29. We also attended a Hall Cabernet Release Party that was really a showcase of all Hall wines and the wonderful local food. I try to share their press releases quite a bit as well. I had not, however, reviewed any of the wines from home in a long time. That changed when I received these two bottles for review. Both were very good and only make me want to visit them again.

2016 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

16.1% alcohol

Observations only: Love a deep punt and a heavy weighted bottle, always makes me think the wine has extraordinary value. The color was a deep garnet with a crystal clear edge.

Aroma: Black pepper tickled my nose at first, and then a lot of black plum, crushed black cherries, red peppercorn, toasted oak and pipe tobacco.

Flavor: Very spicy up front with some redder fruit mid-palate, that same black fruit as on the nose, tri-color pepper, rich, tannic, dark with a long and drying finish.

Wine.com shows these scores: Robert Parker/The Wine Advocate 97, Wilfred Wong 96, Jeb Dunnuck 95, Vinous/Antonio Galloni 94, Wine Enthusiast 94.

From Wine Spectator, July 15,2020 issue, 96 points, release price of $185. Tasting notes: A beauty, with creamed plum, braised fig and melted black licorice notes that are long and deep, gliding through effortlessly and ending with a swath of espresso, loam and smoldering tobacco details. Hard to resist now, but will cruise in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035. 6,600 cases made. — JM (James Molesworth, senior editor.)

My conclusion: Not to disagree with any of our experts, I’m somewhere between Galloni and Wong. Great wine!

Walt Wines 2018 Pinot Noir, Bob’s Ranch, Sonoma County

Observations: Dark cranberry in color with a dark gold edge. We had this with Pork Wellington and it was perfect.

Aroma: tart red cherry, earth, crushed leaves, round.

Flavor: red to dark cherry, red currant, very round mouthfeel – which I felt would come from the nose – long and tingly finish.

My conclusion: Though not a big Pinot fan I do appreciate the excellent fruit and care that went into this wine. I would not and did not stick up my nose against it. Would definitely drink again. And again.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 points, “…it offers an outstanding bouquet of bright black cherry and mulberry fruit intermixed with Asian spices, violets, and pine/foresty notions. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, this terrific Pinot Noir has plenty of classic Sonoma Coast complexity and elegance and will keep for 5-7 years.” $85

From Wine Spectator: This wine not rated, two other 2018 Walt Pinots, both from Santa Lucia Highlands, Rosella’s Vineyard and Sierra Mar were awarded 92 points each and the release price on both were $75.

Vertical Finance Welcomes 28 New Partner Wineries to the Grand Reserve Rewards Network

October 17, 2020 by evebushman

PASADENA, Calif. – Vertical Finance has announced that they have welcomed 28 new partner wineries to the Grand Reserve Rewards network, a unique loyalty and rewards program centered on the Grand Reserve™ World Mastercard®, the credit card designed for wine enthusiasts.

Grand Reserve is delighted to welcome, from Napa Valley: Myriad Cellars, Quivet Cellars, Switchback Ridge, In Good Taste, Bright Angel Wines, Shoe Crazy Wine, Yoonit Wines, from Sonoma County: Patz & Hall Winery, Ketcham Estate, Joseph Jewell Wines, Donelan Family Wines, Bricoleur Vineyards, P. Harrell Wines, Styler Wines, Zialena Winery, Collier Falls Vineyards, Huge Bear Wines & Knights Bridge Winery, from Paso Robles: Four Lanterns Winery, from Oregon: Lenné Estate, Ridgecrest Wines, Utopia Vineyard & Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn, from Washington: Col Solare Winery, Spring Valley Vineyard, North Star Winery, Elsom Cellars, and from New York: Suhru Wines.

Grand Reserve connects members with the finest boutique wineries and offers exclusive benefits through its winery rewards and loyalty program. Cardmembers enjoy significant bonus points on direct purchases from the newly added partner wineries, and enjoy other benefits such as exclusive offers and exclusive event access.

Partner wineries benefit from marketing opportunities with Grand Reserve cardmembers and promotions. Grand Reserve also facilitates co-hosted exclusive tastings, experiences, and more to showcase partners and provide cardmember with unique wine-focused experiences and access to boutique wineries across the country. The Grand Reserve Rewards program and events encourage cardmembers to purchase directly from our partner wineries.

The Grand Reserve Network has more than 400 founding partner wineries including Beringer Vineyards, Charles Krug Winery, Delectus Winery, Freeman Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, Krupp Brothers Estates, Ladera Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Relic Wine Cellars, Senses Wine, Stony Hill Vineyard, Wente Vineyards, Whitehall Lane Winery and Zaca Mesa Winery. The full list of Grand Reserve partner wineries may be viewed here: https://grandreserverewards.com/partner-network

Following a successful Grand Reserve World Mastercard launch in August, the Grand Reserve partner network has attracted more wineries to allow the program to expand its reach. Grand Reserve is working to add more discerning boutique wineries across the U.S. that fit their rigorous standards.

“Our partner wineries are at the heart of our offering to our cardmembers, so it is very gratifying to see such interesting and diverse wineries becoming an integral part of the Grand Reserve family,” said Matthew Goldman, Vertical Finance founder and CEO “Our goal is to provide a unique way for wine lovers and producers to share and extend their love of wine. As wineries face the challenges of the pandemic and recent devastating wine country fires, we provide a viable and growing channel to a targeted group of wine consumers.”

The Grand Reserve World Mastercard is designed with a cardmember-first approach and focused on the passion cardholders have for discovering, enjoying, and collecting fine wine.

Grand Reserve Points can be redeemed for hundreds of sommelier-curated items from wine keys and decanters, to books, classes, tasting experiences and more. Members also earn access to Grand Reserve exclusive member events.

Full details about Grand Reserve and the Grand Reserve World Mastercard be found at grandreserverewards.com.

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About Vertical Finance

Vertical Finance is a neobanking and challenger credit card startup. The company’s modern credit card platform matches consumers with independent and unique merchants and authentic rewards that enhance their lifestyle pursuits. The company’s flagship program, Grand Reserve, rewards consumers when they shop at wineries, wine clubs, and wine shops. Vertical Finance is a 1% for the Planet company, a global network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals working together for a healthy planet, committed to giving 1% of gross sales each year to approved nonprofit partners. Visit verticalfinance.com and grandreserverewards.com to learn more. Consumers can connect with Grand Reserve on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Disclaimer

Vertical Finance reserves the right to modify or discontinue its products or offerings at any time and without notice. The Grand Reserve World Mastercard is powered by Deserve and issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-Chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC. See site for complete terms and conditions.

Gracianna Winery Supports Sonoma County Fire-Related Organizations by Donating 100% of Online Sales Profits

September 26, 2020 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — In recent years Sonoma County has been hit hard by multiple fires, floods, and now a pandemic. There are many that need help and for local first responders it is especially true – firefighters, hospital workers and those that are food insecure. To do its part in this time of need, Gracianna Winery is stepping up again: 100% of the profits of three special wine offers featured exclusively on Gracianna’s website will be donated to four Sonoma County non-profits involved in helping those in need. The offers can be found at: https://www.gracianna.com/purchase.

“We are in the thick of it, and Gracianna has felt the effects of this shutdown,” said Gracianna Winery co-founder Ashley Amador. “We have kept our team employed and are open limited hours but we are still going. And while we keep going others are struggling. Our responsibility is to pitch in with the community to support affected people today, right now. It’s one of our core values to always help others when in need, and that’s especially relevant now as the four entities we selected to support have helped us and others tremendously.”

The wines offered are Gracianna’s core award-winners, brilliant Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Online buyers can buy 2- and 4-pack shipments and 100% of profits will be donated to these four important Sonoma County entities: Forestville Fire Protection District, Healdsburg Fire Department, Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Redwood Empire Food Bank. Many familiar with Gracianna’s label recognize that the gift stands for all the things that our fans worldwide are grateful for.

“We are at a critical moment in time and the Redwood Empire Food Bank is committed to distributing food to those in Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Lake, and Del Norte counties,” said Redwood Empire Food Bank CEO, David Goodman.

“We are first responders in this crisis, as we have been during floods and fires and public safety power shutdowns,” said Goodman. “Because of the support of our community, we run towards disasters, not away from them. We can’t do this alone.”

About Gracianna Winery
The Amador Family of Sonoma County are the owners of the award winning Gracianna Winery, a “fruit-first” craftsman’s winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Healdsburg, CA. They are committed to the care and devotion that goes into crafting and detailing each bottle of wine. Their approach combines science and craftsmanship mixed with gratitude for the brilliant hand-picked fruit they choose to make the wine.

Gracianna symbolizes everyday gratitudes and graciousness in entertaining because of their belief that successfully hosting a special meal with friends and family is an everlasting circle that fills all our lives.

Gracianna wines are for those with something to be grateful for.

World Class 2018 Pinot Noir Emerges from Sonoma County

September 17, 2020 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif.,/PRNewswire/ — Gracianna Winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in the Russian River Valley is riding high on the news that their recently released 2018 Westside Reserve Pinot Noir has earned Gold at five separate domestic and international wine competitions in 2020.

Gracianna Cellar, photo from their Facebook page.

Top honors were awarded at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition, celebrating a Best of Show win. Standing tall above the over 2,700 entries in this year’s competition, this Pinot Noir wowed the judges with its brilliant bouquet and flawless balance. On the way to winning the top prize, the Reserve Pinot was also awarded Best of Show – Red Wine, Best in Class, and Double Gold and garnered 97 points.

These accolades are in addition to the four other Golds won by the wine at the following competitions:

Best of Class & Double Gold – 2020 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge (98 points)
Gold – 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold – 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition
Best of Class & Gold – 2019 Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition

It has been a big year for Gracianna. Other Gracianna gold medal winners for 2020:

2017 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Pinot Noir – Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Gold at 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition, and Gold at the 2020 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
2016 Gracianna Mercedes Riverblock Estate Pinot Noir – Gold at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition (93 points) and Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2016 Gracianna Pinot Noir – Gold at 2020 The Fifty Best California Pinot Noir Wine Competition
2015 Gracianna Pinot Noir – Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Lisa Amador, Gracianna Winery partner said, “We are grateful and humbled at being lauded with a record eleven Gold medals for 2020 and are proud of our winemaking team for their care and our hospitality team members who have made Gracianna the #1 recommended winery in Sonoma County on TripAdvisor for the second year in a row. So proud.”

About Gracianna Winery
The Amador Family of Sonoma County are the owners of the award winning Gracianna Winery, a “fruit-first” craftsman’s winery on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Healdsburg, CA. They are committed to the care and devotion that goes into crafting and detailing each bottle of wine. Their approach combines science and craftsmanship mixed with gratitude for the brilliant hand-picked fruit they choose to make the wine.

Gracianna symbolizes everyday gratitudes and graciousness in entertaining because of their belief that hosting a special meal with friends and family is an everlasting circle that fills all our lives.

Gracianna wines are for those with something to be grateful for.

Vintage Eve Circa 7/17 One Bottle Post: Carlisle Compagni Portis

April 28, 2020 by evebushman

My editor Michael Perlis knows all about Carlisle Winery, and has for a number of years, so in this one bottle post I will give you my impressions of this one bottle alone. If you want to know more about winemaker/owner Mike Officer or the vineyard practices you can search our website for Michael’s articles and/or email Michael himself: michaelthezinfan@aol.com

Destemmed grapes used for this wine, from Carlisle Winery website.

In the meantime, let me back up a bit. Michael and I enjoy a monthly staff lunch where he generously supplies the wine while I foot the bill. Michael emails me in advance to even ask my preference on the wine, “Hey boss, will it be white, pink or red?” Whatever I answer it’s always a good one. And this time it was the Carlisle 2015 Sonoma County “Campagni Portis” White Wine.

Tasting

The Campagni Portis was a field blend of Gewurztraminer, Trousseau gris, Riesling and other whites. The alcohol percentage is shown as 13.9% on the bottle (I thought it might be higher, based on Michael’s tastes! LOL. Michael no longer pays much attention to alcohol levels on labels and tries to get people to ignore that as well.) and less than 100 cases were produced. Also of note: these vines were planted in 1954. The back label says that they are “highly perfumed” and “unique.” By the end of the tasting I had to agree with their assessment!

I got quite a few aromas and flavors that included jasmine, grapefruit, peach, lemon-lime and mandarin orange. A mild acidity allowed the fruit to hang in perfect balance on the palate.

Michael paired the wine with a turkey Panini while I enjoyed a Caprese salad with beets, tomato, cashew “Ricotta”, pepitas, grilled shrimp, prosciutto and balsamic. My dish just served perfectly in allowing all that crisp fresh fruit to dance further on my palate. Quite enjoyable and I have to give it a rousing 96 Eve pts.

(One last note, as Michael sipped the final drop lamenting that it was gone – he congratulated himself on having at least one more bottle at home to savor with his wife Karen. And to Michael: Thank you for the many years you have generously shared your coveted wines with me.)

Tasting notes and details on this wine can also be read on the website here.

From the Winery

We are a small Sonoma County winery specializing in the production of old-vine, vineyard designated Zinfandels and red Rhone varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah). We have also recently added our first whites, two blends from historic, old-vine vineyards plus Sonoma County’s first ever Grüner Veltliner. While we like our wines to be bold and intensely flavored, each reflecting its vintage and vineyard, we also strive to create wines of balance, complexity, and nuance. Our goal is always the same – grow and source outstanding fruit, do as little as possible to it, and bottle outstanding, pleasurable wine at the fairest price possible..

We hope you enjoy our Website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Mike Officer

https://www.facebook.com/carlislewinery/

http://www.carlislewinery.com/

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.