Perlis Picks: Elevating Zinfandel 2017

May 27, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

A few days prior to attending Ian Blackburn’s wineLA Elevating Zinfandel event with my wife Karen, I happened across a video that had been posted on Facebook by ZAP [Zinfandel Advocates and Producers – the organization “dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history”] featuring Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood winery and often called “the Godfather of Zinfandel.” Joel really gave a great explanation of why Zinfandel is considered America’s Heritage grape, given that it truly found its greatness here in California versus, for example, Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux and Pinot Noir in Burgundy.

This greatness was evident at Elevating Zinfandel, where more than a dozen of California’s best producers of Zinfandel showed up to La Brea Bakery to pour their wines for a group of very appreciative tasters.

VIP attendees got to start their tasting an hour early as well as getting an opportunity to taste some special wines reserved just for them. [Obligatory note – when a VIP option is available, always go for it!]

The wineries pouring:

Beekeeper Vineyards

Bedrock Wine Co

Bella Vineyards

Robert Biale Vineyards

Brown Estate

Carol Shelton Wines

Gamba Vineyards and Winery

J Dusi Wines

Mauritson Wines

Ottimino

Peter Franus Wine Co

Quivera Vineyards

Seghesio Family Vineyards

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

There were absolutely no losers here. Every winery on this list was pouring some outstanding Zinfandels. I could easily end this article here by just saying you should go buy wines from any of these producers and you will be happy. But, that would make for a pretty short article. So, let me expand on some wines that really stood out for me.

When people in Southern California think about Zin, especially those of us in Northern LA County, Paso Robles may come to mind more than any other region. At this tasting, Paso was represented by J Dusi. I knew that Janell Dusi would be up to this task, having made wine from her family’s Dante Dusi vineyard for about 10 years now. The Dusi Vineyard is one of my favorites anywhere for Zinfandel [not just Paso], so I was happy when Janell started making a small amount of wine from the family property, later expanding into other varietals as well. The 2014 Dante Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel and the 2014 Escandalosa blend of Zinfandel, Syrah and Mourvedre were two of my favorite wines of the evening.

The rest of the wineries were based farther North – in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Since people tend to think of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I thought it was great that the Zinfandels from these areas were being highlighted. Here are few of our favorites…

Bedrock Wine Co. & Under The Wire – winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson [son of the aforementioned Joel Peterson], along with partner Chris Cottrell, has been making wine since he was 5-years old [although he started out with Pinot just to piss off his dad]. The 2013 Under The Wire Bedrock Vineyard Sparkling Old Vine Zinfandel was stellar, and the two 2015 Heritage [historic vineyards – field blends] wines being poured – the Evangelho [Contra Costa County] and Pagani [Sonoma Valley] were great examples of what I think Morgan does best.

Ian Blackburn’s Beekeeper Cellars has been getting well deserved rave reviews. Based in Dry Creek Valley, my favorite was the 2014 Secret Stones, Madrone Spring Vineyard, Rockpile, Sonoma County. Not surprising – Rockpile is a favorite AVA of ours; more wines from there will appear later in this article.

Another Dry Creek Valley winery, Bella Vineyards, impressed us with their Westphall, Rockpile, Sonoma County 2013.

We first tasted Brown Estate Vineyards Zinfandel several years ago at a restaurant in Las Vegas called Rosemary’s. We ended up ordering a second bottle, it was so good. Sadly, Rosemary’s is gone but Brown Estate is still making great wine in Napa Valley, especially for us the Napa Valley, Chiles Valley District 2015.

Not sure where to begin with Carol Shelton Wines. We were just really impressed with her whole lineup. Based in Santa Rosa, she sources from various places. Nice of her to share a 2014 Carignane [loved that she snuck that one in] along with her Zins. And a big shout out for making a Zin from Southern California’s Cucamonga Valley.

When I first tasted the Zins from Gamba Vineyard and Winery many years ago, they seemed too big, even for me. I’m happy to report that they are doing it right. Luscious lip-smacking wines across the board from this Windsor based winery.

You can’t really talk about Dry Creek Valley, especially Rockpile, without mentioning Mauritson Wines. Clay Mauritson was pouring a few wines – favorite by a nose was the Rockpile Ridge Vineyard.

Ottimino is a new winery to me. Really cool to taste a 2001 Zin from them as well as their current releases. Based in Sebastopol in Sonoma County, the 2014 Ottimino Estate Russian River Valley Zin was great.

Robert Biale Vineyards – an old favorite of ours. I did not make it back to their table after the VIP portion of the event, but the 2009 Black Chicken Zinfandel that winemaker Tres Goetting had poured me at that time was excellent.

Turley Wine Cellars – while many people associate Turley with Paso, and rightfully so, the winery is actually headquartered in Napa Valley. Christina Turley was on hand to pour a few of the winery’s delicious Zins. I’ve made no secret of how much I like this winery. This time, the 2015 Duarte Contra Costa County earned top marks for me.

I apologize for the wineries I missed mentioning. As I said, all of the wineries represented are worthy of your attention.

Big thank you to La Brea Bakery for hosting the event and serving some delicious food.

Thanks to Ian Blackburn and his great staff at wineLA for putting on another great wine tasting. Check out his website and sign up so you don’t miss anything.

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

Perlis Picks: 2nd annual Masters of Taste

May 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Unlike some sports, such as baseball, somewhat inclement weather does not keep football players off the field. This is as true at the Pasadena Rose Bowl as it is anywhere else.

And like football players, attendees of the 2^nd annual Masters of Taste did not let a little rain keep them off the Rose Bowl field.

With once again all proceeds [expected to be over half a million dollars] raised by the event going to benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a wide variety of Food, Beverage and Sweets Masters were on hand to satisfy the intrepid attendees who braved the overcast skies for a great cause.

Eve has already shared her reporting of the event here so I won’t fill up this article with a list of participants.

While I wandered the event, my wonderful wife Karen kept showing up with some great food to keep me going. Here are her comments about the food…

Beef Tataki from Alexander’s Steakhouse of Pasadena: One of Michael’s favorites

Pork Belly Ramen by Ramen Tatsunoya: Extremely satisfying.

Handmade Mushroom Stuffed Pasta in Red Pepper Sauce by Celestino’s of Pasadena: I enjoyed this immensely. A great combination of flavors

Oxtail Dumplings from Bone Kettle: They melted in your mouth, absolutely delicious.

Hache LA: Angus burger sliders gave Michael and me the energy to make it around the Rose Bowl.

Spire Works of Eagle Rock and Westwood: Beef rice bowls were scrumptious.

Mama Lion: Uni appetizers were amazing.

Momed: Lamb shwarama sandwiches were extremely flavorful.

And here are a few standouts for me in the wine and beer category…

Ascension Cellars – this Paso Robles based winery continues to shine. I focused on the new releases at their table – the 2016 Siren Rose was very tasty; the 2015 Silver Blanc blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, Chardonnay and Viognier was unusual and delicious. The 2014 Mayhem Syrah [with a little Petit Verdot and also a small amount of Roussanne – instead of the traditional Viognier] was outstanding.

tercero wines – okay, I did not actually taste Larry Schaffer’s wines this time. He was pouring in the section for sponsors only. I did reach over and shake his hand and he was going to sneak me some wine over the fence when he was finished pouring for the sponsor who had come over to his table – you know, for reporting purposes. But, someone [and you know who you are] told me that there was also a tercero booth in the main area. So, I left in search of that booth, but I had been given misinformation. I do taste Larry’s wine often [actually very recently] and I can tell you they are worth seeking out.

Iron Triangle Brewing Co. – located in the growing and trendy Los Angeles arts district. The Dark Ale is well worth a trip to their taproom.

San Fernando Brewing Co. – loved the red ale. For our Santa Clarita Valley readers, this is an especially short trip to the taproom. You should definitely check them out.

As I had mentioned, now that we are actually experiencing some weather in Southern California, there was a threat of rain that afternoon. The cloud cover kept things cool and when there was one cloudburst while we were in attendance, it actually served to make things more fun, seeming to bring people closer together.

If you were there, what did you do when the rain started?

For us, we just happened to be visiting our friends at Golden Star Vineyards, Lee, Helen and Heather Williams. And when the sky opened up briefly, we just joined them under their tent and took advantage of the opportunity to taste more of their wines. Really loved their Chardonnay, the Viognier [in a blue bottle, no less] and the rose of Tempranillo. A real treat was a barrel sample of 2015 Syrah – aged in 100% new American oak, I was concerned that the oak might overpower the wine, but the fruit shone through. And their signature Purple Haze zinfandel-based red blend is always a favorite and was a great way to wrap up our day as well.

See you next year, rain or shine!

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

May 6, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

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

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

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Bud break, photo courtesy Rhone Ranger Facebook.

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery

Alta Colina

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Bernat

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Broken Earth Winery

Calcareous Vineyard

Crux Winery

Derby Wine Estates

Eberle Winery

Fess Parker & Epiphany

Hearst Ranch Winery

Jaffurs Wine

Kaleidos

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Kukkula

Leverage

Lone Madrone

Martian Ranch & Vineyard

Morgan Winery

Petrichor Vineyards

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery

Qupé

Ranchero Cellars

Record Family Wines

Rideau

Ridge Vineyards

Sculpterra Winery

Seven Oxen

Tablas Creek Vineyard

tercero wines

Thacher Winery

The Withers Winery

Two Shepherds

Vines on the Marycrest

Wrath

Zaca Mesa

Zenaida Cellars

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

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

Alta Colima

Paso Robles, CA

2013 Toasted Slope Syrah

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Los Olivos, CA

2014 Roasted Slope Syrah

2015 Watch Hill Vineyard Syrah

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

Bernat Wines

Los Olivos

2010 Intrigue Syrah

Bonny Doon Vineyard

Santa Cruz, CA

2012 Le Cigare Volant Red Blend

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

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

Calcareous Vineyard

Paso Robles, Ca

2014 Tres Violet Red Blend

2013 Devil’s Canyon Syrah

2013 Moose Red Blend

Crux Winery

Geyserville, CA

2013 GSM, Red Blend

2014 Mourvedre

2013 Syrah

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

Derby Wine Estate

Paso Robles, CA

2011 Mourvedre

2013 Petite Sirah

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

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

Hearst Ranch

San Simeon, CA

2014 The Pergola Petite Sirah

Leverage

Paso Robles, CA

2016 Leverage Rose, Grenache Blend

2014 Acceleration Red Blend

2014 Trajectory, GSM Red Blend

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

Petrichor Vineyards

Santa Rosa, CA

2014 Syrah

2014 Grenache

2014 Les Trois Red Blend

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

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

Ranchero Cellars

Paso Robles, Ca

2013 Carignane

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

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

Ridge Vineyards

Curpertino, CA

2015 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah

2014 Lytton Estate Grenache/Mataro/Syrah

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

tercero wines.

Los Olivos, CA

2013 Mourvedre

2011 Grenache, Camp 4 Vineyard

Two Shepherds

Windsor, CA

2014 Pastoral Blanc

2014 Pastoral Melange, Red Blend

Vines on the Marycrest

Paso Robles, CA

2014 Syrah

2014 Petite Sirah

Zaca Mesa

Los Olivos, CA

2014 Mourvedre

2012 Mesa Reserve Syrah

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

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

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

April 29, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we had the pleasure of the Rhone Rangers visiting Los Angeles at the Skirball Center last year. They came out to see us again recently, a little earlier this year than in the past, getting exposure to attendees and enthusiasts who weren’t able to attend last time. So American Rhone fans were provided with an earlier than usual jump on the wine event season as well as the opportunity to taste from some wineries who weren’t able to attend last year’s event, along with some of the usual favorites.

Photo courtesy Rhone Rangers Facebook.

In brief, the Rhone Rangers is an organization of wineries dedicated to wines made in the United States from grapes that have their origins in France’s Rhone Valley. Some of the better known grape varieties are Syrah, Grenache and Viognier, but there are almost two dozen in all. For my wife Karen and me, American Rhone wines are without a doubt favorites of ours [along with Zinfandel, which I just can’t help mentioning] and make up the majority of our own wine enjoyment.

[Speaking of American Rhone, Patrick Comiskey was on hand to autograph copies of his definitive book on the topic during the grand tasting portion of the latest Los Angeles event.]

This year’s event was at a new location, Civic Center Studios in downtown Los Angeles. This central location was selected to help attract more attendees in general as well as more “millennials and hip somms” as explained to me by one of the participants, which makes a lot of sense as they are the future of wine consumption, after all.

This is the kind of event that I recommend going “all in” on if you can, taking advantage of the seminar as well as early VIP entrance to the grand tasting. [VIP status also got you access to the VIP lounge.]

[As I typically request when writing about grapes of French origin, please excuse my eschewing of accent marks, etc.]

The seminar this year was dedicated to pink wines. Titled Rhone-n-Pink, its timing was perfect for the start of spring and heading into the warmer months.

Moderated by Dan Fredman, these were the panelists and the wines they were pouring and discussing:

Andre Murray, Andrew Murray Vineyards [Los Olivos, CA], 2016 Esperance Rose [Cinsault].

Amy Butler, Ranchero Cellars [Paso Robles, CA], 2016 Galaxie Rose [Carignane].

Erich Fleck, Lone Madrone [Paso Robles, CA], 2015 Mourvedre Rose.

Larry Schaffer, tercero wines [Los Olivos, CA], 2016 Mourvedre Rose.

Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard [Santa Cruz, CA], 2013 Vin Gris Tuile

Victor Abascal, Vines on the Marycrest [Paso Robles, CA], 2015 Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah rose blend.

A pretty stellar panel, representing both Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles, along with Randall Grahm to represent the rest of the known universe. [Seriously, no disrespect intended. Randall is probably the winemaker most responsible for my own love of Rhone varietals – I have a signed poster of the 1984 Le Cigare Volant hanging on my wall like a teenager worshipping a rockstar – and without people like him pushing the envelope the wine world would be a much poorer place – definitely more boring. It was really a kick in the head to have Andrew Murray on the panel with him, because after Randall it was also Andrew who really fueled my Rhone interest many years ago.]

Who would have thought that such a seemingly simple topic would have produced such lively discussion? Did the winemaker go for a dark color or light color or maybe didn’t care about the color at all? Were the grapes picked specifically for rose or was the juice used the result of the saignee method [bleeding off the juice from grapes so the remainder can be used for a more concentrated red wine]? Should the wine be a “porch pounder” meant to be consumed as a quaff or should it be as attention getting as any red wine?

And of course, there was Randall’s wine which was, not surprisingly, the outlier of the six, literally solarized, sitting outside in carboys for nine months.

At the end, there were two main takeaways for me. 1. The white zin backlash is still evident as related by these producers of pink wine; it is hard to get people to even taste the stuff. And 2. Regardless of the winemaker’s philosophy of managing color and complexity, the end result still better taste good.

Next week: the Grand Tasting

Les Marchands: Weekly Wine Wednesdays and Monthly Somm-Guided Tastings

March 30, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Starting March 2017, Les Marchands resumed their acclaimed educational program with WINE WEDNESDAYS and SOMM TASTINGS, designed and created by new Retail Wine Manager Jeremy Bohrer and General Manager and Advanced Sommelier Emily Johnston, respectively.

Weekly, Les Marchands offers WINE WEDNESDAYS, an informal way to taste wines among fellow wine lovers. The early evening wine flight tasting is hosted by Les Marchands Retail Manager Jeremy Bohrer in collaboration with importers and distributors of some of their favorite wines. Each week Les Marchands works with a different distributor or importer in presenting fresh flights of wines. Guests are invited to stop by after work to try something new and have the chance to purchase one of their favorite bottles from the retail store. Bohrer has assembled a starting lineup that includes tastings from Epic Wines with samples from Lebanon, Italy, France and Spain; Vance Erickson Imports specializing in French, Austrian and German wines; The Bradford Wine Group showcasing local Rising Star wines and small artisanal French producers; and WineWise with unique Austrian and German wines.

WINE WEDNESDAYS are scheduled from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and open to the public. Pricing is $15 per guest.

On the third Thursday of each month, Johnston will present SOMM TASTINGS at Les Marchands. The SOMM TASTINGS are guided educational events hosted by Advanced Sommelier Emily Johnston focused on understanding the nuances of a specific wine producing region or a particular grape. The tasting is comprised of flights of three or four wines to highlight classic styles and current trends. This is an opportunity for wine lovers of all experience levels to learn more about wine in the most enjoyable way possible. The first four months of tastings include wines from Austria, the Rhone Valley, a Lesson in Blind Tasting and White Burgundy.

Upcoming dates for SOMM TASTINGS are April 20, May 18 and June 15, 2017, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The Tastings are open to the public and priced at $25 per guest.

“Tasting wines that speak to a region is not only a key study tool of mine, it can also be a method of transport to another place or time,” states Johnston. “I’m looking forward to getting to know more wine lovers in our community and sharing this experience.”

For further information and to make reservations contact Les Marchands at 805.284.0380 or email inquiries@lesmarchandswine.com. Space is limited.

WINE WEDNESDAYS
with Retail Wine Manager Jeremy Bohrer

March 29
Vance Erickson Imports
Specializing in French, Austrian and German wines
$15

April 5th
The Bradford Wine Group
Local wines by Rising Stars and small artisanal French producers
$15

April 12th
WineWise
Unique Austrian and German wines
$15

********

THE SOMM TASTINGS

with Advanced Sommelier Emily Johnston

Les Marchands

April 20
Syrahs from the Rhone Valley
winding through the Northern and Southern Rhone Valley
to understand the nuances of this complex grape
3 wines $25

May 18
How to Blind Taste
curious to know the secrets behind recognizing
a wine from just a glance and a taste?
flight of blind wines $25

June 15
White Burgundy Tasting
3 wines $25

WINE WEDNESDAYS WITH JEREMY BOHRER

Every Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.; continues indefinitely

$15

SOMM TASTINGS AT LES MARCHANDS WITH EMILY JOHNSTON

April 20, May 18 and June 15, 2017

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

$25

WHERE:

Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant

131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101

At the Corner of Yanonali and Anacapa

For further information and to make reservations contact: 805.284.0380 or email inquiries@lesmarchandswine.com

About Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant

Awarded the “Wine Bar of the Year” by Imbibe, and one of the 21 Best Wine Bars in the country by Thrillist, Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant is led by a world-class team of certified sommeliers and wine professionals with more than 100 combined years of experience in the wine and hospitality industries. Hailing from some of the most prestigious restaurants and wine retailers from around the country, the Les Marchands team enthusiastically brings their love for and deep knowledge of wine to confidently guide each guest through an outstanding wine experience matching every palate and budget with wines to enjoy in the wine bar or to take home. Product knowledge and personalized service is lived out daily at Les Marchands and is incorporated into every phase of the business from private cellar consultation to custom tasting events to the wildly popular Les Marchands Wine Club. The wines curated by the sommeliers represent quality-conscious producers – imports are Eurocentric, from the most relevant producers in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and beyond. On the domestic side, the focus relies heavily on local Santa Barbara County producers who are shaping and redefining the region. A full bar of handcrafted artisan spirits complements Les Marchands’ extensive wine program with classic stirred cocktails made in the old-school traditional way. These include such favorites as The Vesper, Hanky Panky or the Bijou just to name a few. Chef Weston’s bistro menu showcases seasonally inspired food for supper nightly from 5 pm, weekend brunch from 10am-2 pm and an extensive selection of cheese and charcuterie every afternoon from 2 pm-5 pm.

About Emily Johnston
Emily Johnston’s early training includes interning at Brander Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley followed by wine sales for a small Italian wine import company in Santa Barbara. Thoroughly inspired, Johnston left for Italy to study as a sommelier at ALMA Scuola Internazionale di Cucina’s Wine Academy where she received the highest academic honors in her class and achievement in Italian fluency. She became a Certified Sommelier with the Associazione Italiana Sommeliers (AIS) in 2011 while working alongside AIS Master Sommelier, Roberto Jacquemod Pane. Johnston became a Certified Advanced Level Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2016. Before arriving at Les Marchands as General Manager in 2017, Johnston served as Wine Director/Sommelier for the Toscana Restaurant Group overseeing the wine programs at four operations – Toscana, Bar Toscana, S.Y. Kitchen and Nerano for four years. At Les Marchands, she oversees the wine bar’s ever-changing menu of selections, educational programs and retail offerings. In 2015, she was awarded Zagat’s “30 Under 30” award for young talent to be watched in the hospitality industry.

About Jeremy Bohrer
Jeremy Bohrer is a veteran wine and spirits professional with over seventeen years working the vast wine world, including wholesale, retail, restaurant and production endeavors. His early experience as a wine rep for Constantine Wines, led him to California in 2000. He worked as a manager at Bacchus, a small family owned wine shop in Manhattan Beach and was a manager at Trader Joe’s where Bohrer was in charge of overseeing the wine sections of multiple locations and developed “Wine 101,” a course that was used to train company employees throughout California. His other roles include eight years with K&L Wine Merchants as the Burgundy Department liaison. In 2014, Bohrer opened his own small business, Still, a retail space devoted to the art of cocktail craftsmanship. Still sold all things cocktail related, from mixers and bitters, to shakers and vintage barware. The following year Bohrer also opened his own wine bar, Five & ¼, which focused solely on Old World wines France, Spain, Italy, and more unfamiliar regions like Croatia, Slovenia, Georgia and Hungary. As Retail Wine Manager for Les Marchands, Jeremy Bohrer brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for all things wine to the operation.

For further information on Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant visit:
www.lesmarchandswine.com
Become a fan of Les Marchands on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LesMarchandsWine
Follow Les Marchands on Twitter: @lesmarchandssb

Vintage Eve Circa March 2013: A Special Meeting with Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Napa Valley Producers

March 28, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago I received a special invite, from LearnAboutWine.com founder Ian Blackburn: “Tastemakers, Sommelier and Press, please accept my invitation to a special press gathering for the STARS of California Wine.” And that was enough for me to send off my rsvp right away.

I knew from a previous luncheon that the meeting – very intimate with a little over a dozen of us in attendance – would be stellar, the restaurant would be remarkable and the wine, presented by a winery representative or owner, chosen with care.

This time we met at a penthouse private room in the TAKAMI Restaurant, in downtown Los Angeles. Our wine representatives included Larry Schaffer, winemaker and owner of Tercero Wines; Timothy Carl, the managing director of Knights Bridge Winery; and Michael Young, the sales and marketing director of L’Aventure Wine.

I had just visited Larry at his Los Olivos Tasting room last month. The two wines he presented at our luncheon, 2011 Viognier and 2009 Grenache, I covered in my notes, as well as information on Tercero. You can read that here: http://westranchbeacon.com/2013/03/eves-wine-101-tasting-with-winemakers-in-the-santa-barbara/

On this occasion, however, I enjoyed Larry’s wines with three Robatas: Angus New York, Chicken Negima, Chilean Sea Bass; and then a selection of sushi rolls. For me, I prefer to make tasting notes sans food. But, in real life, this is how we do it – and it was very enjoyable to sit back and just enjoy as my tasting notes had already been done. The rest of the guests, some new to Larry’s wines, remarked that they really enjoyed them and what he has accomplished with Rhone varietals.

When Timothy Carl introduced Knights Bridge he explained that his family has ten generations of grape growing experience. They only produce Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in their vineyards about five miles Northwest of Calistoga.

Almost everyone immediately became a fan of the Knights Bridge Sauvignon Blanc. My notes mention balanced acidity and minerality. Carl remarked that they “squeeze the fruit to get the right Ph” and by doing that you “may lose some juice potential…but you get the aromatics, mouth feel and fruit components like orange blossom.”

The stand out wine for me was Carl’s 2008 Knights Bridge Pont Chevalier Cabernet Sauvignon filled with blackberry, lavender, cassis, and minerality in perfect balance.

Then Michael Young introduced his L’Aventure “meat and potato” wines to pair with a Grilled Angus drenched in a Black Truffle Sauce…and potatoes. The 2010 Optimus was 55% Syrah, 27% Cab and 18% Petit Verdot. I thought it was a fruit bomb with plenty of spice on the back palate, bold and tannic, a great wine. Young followed it up with the 2010 Estate Cuvee that was a blend of 42% Syrah, 42% Cab and 16% Petit Verdot. Only slightly softer than the Optimus, another fabulous wine.

As we chatted it up, huge dessert platters arrived, bottles were offered to “revisit”, business cards were passed around…and then our hosts had to rush off for their second appointment of the day because after the luncheon was a press tasting event, to be followed later in the evening with a public tasting. I had to skedaddle as well, but this was the wine list others were to enjoy all evening on the rooftop:

2013 Participants:

D’Anbino – Paso Robles

Knights Bridge – Sonoma

Hammersky – Paso Robles

Beekeeper – Sonoma

Chateau Margene – Paso Robles

Tudor – Santa Lucia

Hope Family – Paso Robles

Zaca Mesa – Santa Barbara

Adelaida – Paso Robles

Tercero – Santa Barbara

L’Aventure – Paso Robles

Stanger – Paso Robles

Dubost – Paso Robles

Robert Murray – Paso Robles

Pipestone – Paso Robles

Kiamie – Paso Robles

Edmond August – Paso Robles

Levigne – Paso Robles

Sculpterra – Paso Robles

Frank Family – Napa Valley

Calcareous – Paso Robles

Hoyt Family – Paso Robles & Malibu

Shai – Santa Barbara

Eden Canyon – Paso Robles

Rocca – Napa Valley

Cakebread – Napa Valley

Turiya – Santa Barbara
Snowden – Napa Valley

Peju – Napa Valley

and many more to come….

Round Up: Favorite Wine or Cocktail Events

March 17, 2017 by evebushman 2 Comments

It’s no secret that Eve’s Wine 101 co-hosts Cocktails on the Roof (save the date: 8/25/17!) and is currently recruiting wineries – and guests – to Wine in the Pines. (That date is set for 6/10/17).

This got me to thinking…what are the best wine or cocktail events our readers/followers have enjoyed and would recommend? So I got some answers from Facebook friends, hyperlinked the event websites for you and added my own notes in italics if it’s an event I’ve attended before:

Robin B: The ones we used to have in SCV which were lots of fun. (The Santa Clarita Wine Fest is the one that Robin B is referring to. The same people that run the LA Wine Fest run it, and I’ve been talking with them as they might bring it back for 2018! So stay tuned! It was/is our only large wine festival held in the Santa Clarita Valley.)

Kathie W: Cocktail event – obviously Cocktails on the Roof. (Clearly, a winner to me! If you Google our event you will see lots of pre and post event coverage for our 2015 and 2016 events. All of the money goes straight to the WiSH Education Foundation that serves all of the students in the Hart District = our middle schools and high schools.)

Jeannie C: The Assistance League Santa Clarita 10th Annual Sunset in the Vineyard is scheduled for the 1st Sunday in November at Compa Vineyard, November 5, 2017. Our inaugural was 2008! From 7 vintners, food made by the ladies from AL, music from an iPod (the event has now has grown) to 20 vintners, 2 craft breweries, the Culinary iCUE chefs and students, Dole/Humphries and friends, Valet parking, not to forget amazing community partners, a live and silent auction – and all the proceeds benefit Operation School Bell and those in need in the SCV! We’ve come a long way baby! (We’ve supported this event since the start. Don’t have much to add to Jeannie’s words, except to say that this is the singular SCV event that showcases local winemakers, some commercial and some not, so it would be tough to find some of these wines anywhere else! Or the opportunity to talk to home winemakers about their craft.)

Terri S: Any of the Rhone Rangers events…the walk around Grand Tastings are superb. (We have been covering the RR events for years. Best way to learn about domestic red and white Rhone grapes being grown here, and the awesome Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blend, aka the GSM, that is a favorite to many. Rhone Rangers LA is 3/25.)

Russ B: Passport to Dry Creek Valley. They have a theme at each winery such as circus, beach, pirate, the movie Caddyshack, the Kentucky Derby and a Masquerade. They also have food at every winery. Great event. (4/29-30.)

Marleen R: Gosh so many. I loved Pinot Days (6/3), Celebration of Harvest Santa Barbara (10/6-9), and Ventura Winter Wine Walk (12/2). California Wine Festival (held this past Jan 2017) and of course Wine in the Pines are good one too. I look at the participating wineries and what they have to offer, besides location and value price. (The only event here that I still attend is Wine in the Pines. Look for upcoming press on that one, but I will share that this is my ultimate favorite outdoor venue for wine tasting. Why? It is wide open, you are surrounded by nature and PINE TREES.)

Lisa D: This year is SITV 10th Anniversary. Great local event.

Scott K: The Park City Food and Wine Classic is a mind-blower. (For those that want to travel, this event in Utah will be July 6-9.)

Lauren G: Inexpensive but tasty! (Lauren has volunteered for us in our Pour Into events. We raised money for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and the Hurricane Sandy. Our minimum donation was $25 for the tasting event, with local cellar owners and winemakers donating all the wines. The venue, All Corked Up, is sadly no longer available but we would love another local venue to step up the next time we feel the urge to help others via a wine event.)

Me: Masters of Taste is a richly designed event held on the field of the Rose Bowl with wine, spirits, cocktails and food samples from the best restaurants in LA will be held on 5/7, Lucky Rice LA on 7/28 works with Bombay Sapphire Gin and serves up both Asian inspired cuisine and more, and LA Weekly’s The Essentials held on 3/26 is another event with a heck of a lot of food to sample, wine and spirits, and exceptionally large!

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

Vintage Eve Circa March 2013: The Great Los Olivos, Solvang and Santa Ynez FOOD shout out!

March 14, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Getting ready to hit the road for a weekend in Santa Ynez and Lompoc wine country I did what I always do: I asked Facebook friends where to eat. Once on my weekend, with plans for a picnic with one winemaker and at least one dinner at Hitching Post II I was looking for more breakfast and lunch places.

Below is what they offered up…and below that is where I ended up!

Facebook Choices

Denise L: Succulent.

Tanya G: Route 246 in Solvang. Best pork chop I’ve ever had IN MY LIFE! No joke!

Myron H: Ellen’s Danish pancake house in Buellton! Also the golf course in Solvang has a good lunch.

Marlee L: Ellen’s for breakfast!!!

Todd W: It’s kind of a tradition for me to go to The Little Mermaid in Solvang for Æbleskivers, but I heard they closed, so I dunno what else to recommend.

Myron H: The ebilskivers that are in the town of Solvang are also good do not know that restaurant name.

Eve B: Could it be Solvang Restaurant – Home of Arne’s Aebleskiver www.solvangrestaurant.com

Todd W: Thx! If you’re looking for a light lunch, I might suggest Panino. Love their sandwiches.

Sonya R: The Restaurant at the Ballard Inn is well reviewed in Yelp.

Hola O: I can’t vouch for it myself, but my friend went there and really liked it, but not full on restaurant, cheese plate, wine bar type food, olives, chocolate etc. http://www.thegoodlifecellar.com/about-the-good-life-solvang/

Todd W: I’ve eaten at Ballard Inn for dinner (took my wife there for a Valentine’s weekend getaway in 2010) and it was an incredible meal. We stayed at the Inn as well. Lovely place. Nicely located between Solvang and Los Olivos. Don’t know that I’d suggest it for lunch.

Lee T: Succulent is the best. Really, really good, it’s also worth taking time to go to Los Alamos to Quackenbush as well.

Patrick B: You can grab breakfast there, but you have to be staying there. To many bakeries in Solvang to count. Look for the place with a line. There aren’t too many breakfast options in Los Olivos either.

Diane G: We eat at Ellen’s a lot when we are up there. Haven’t heard about Succulent – is it newer? The menu looks great!

Eve B: I can’t wait to try them out! How about Los Olivos? Any breakfast or lunch spots there you guys like?

Patrick B: Try the Los Olivos Cafe

Julia V: Los Olivos Cafe’s curried chicken salad is my absolute fav! I may be there tomorrow for an early lunch … visiting my 94-year-old aunt and 93-year-old uncle who live in Solvang. Hope they’re up to it! There is also The Vineyard House and Ballard Inn.

Andrew F: Paula’s pancake house!

Alex H: Long horn coffee shop and bakery soooo good!!!

Julia V: Olsen’s Danish Bakery – ITEM – 103 Olsen’s 7 Sisters Butter Ring Coffee Cake. A delightful Danish coffee cake filled with the goodness of almond and custard. A coffee cake for any occasion. FABULOUS!

Barry L: If you go, I want an almond butter ring from Olsen’s bakery. Just read Julia’s post. It is the best thing ever.

Jannis S: Sides Hardware & Shoes in Los Olivos!

Diane G: Don’t forget about “Pea Soup Anderson’s” if you are into pea soup… not a great place for anything else, though.

Larry M: Toss up between Sides for Eggs Benedict and Paula’s for Danish Pancakes.

Our Choices

Well. Things took a turn once we arrived in wine country…we still dined at The Hitching Post II, but we also had tasty offerings in the Stolpman Vineyard, Corner House Coffee, Stafford’s Famous Chocolates, the private home of Steve and Cathy Pepe and finally, at Sides Hardware and Shoes.

Starting out at Stafford’s in Los Olivos, a candy shop located in a former windmill, we were completely surrounded by chocolate. Laced with Lavender, infused with red wine, bars and pops – we were in red wine pairing heaven. We sampled many of the items and planned on ordering more. I suggest spending time there in between tasting rooms!

Located right next store to Stafford’s was the rustic Corner House Coffee. We got our coffee fix in as well as almond croissants and toasted bagels. It was an important spot for us as some of the tasting rooms didn’t have restroom facilities, but the coffee shop did – for its guests.

Our lunch that first day was provided by Peter Stolpman in the Stolpman Vineyards located in the Ballard Canyon section of Santa Ynez Valley. A grand picnic of sandwiches, salads and pickled vegetables that went very well with their white blend L’Avion Roussanne, Syrahs and Sangiovese. (The tour and tasting will run in a separate story.) Even though the day was cold, and had grown windy enough to knock empty wine glasses from our picnic table – we loved it. We just had to keep our glasses full to prevent any mishaps – not a problem. You can book your own picnic and vineyard tour too via this link: http://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/Tasting-Room/index.php?p=31&title=Vineyard-Tours

Much later that evening we had dinner at The Hitching Post II. I hadn’t been there since the film Sideways came out. It was crowded, as expected, but the service was prompt. We had the fresh lobster, filet mignon, prime flat iron, Angus rib chop and rack of lamb. And when I mentioned my sister-in-law’s birthday as we were ordering dessert, hers arrived with a lit candle and a song.

I felt silly after asking everyone for a breakfast spot as the one breakfast we had ended up being provided for us…

After driving through the gates of Clos Pepe Vineyards to reach the home of Steve and Cathy Pepe where we were to spend the night, we quickly saw winemaker Wes Hagen playing Frisbee Gold, aka Disc Golf, amongst the dormant vines. We had an appointment for a wine class and tasting the next day and told Wes we’d see him then. He told us he would be up for breakfast first.

How pleasant, just as it had been with Peter Stolpman, to mingle and chit chat with Wes Hagen over granola, Cheerios, bananas, toast and bagels.

Our final meal was one of the suggested places: Sides Hardware and Shoes, a Brothers Restaurant. When Wes overheard our plans he suggested we try anything they had with bacon in it as they cure their own. Sold. We had a fresh cobb salad, with bacon, bacon burger, fried chicken salad and a “Triple Pork Burger with bacon, pork shoulder and house made chorizo, served with fried onions, jalapeños and roasted poblano aioli.” And though it sounded really rich to me, those that ordered it were the first ones done!

Écluse Wines Take Home Three Double Gold Medals in 2017 SF Chronicle Wine Competition

February 27, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Écluse Wines, a boutique, family owned winery located on Kiler Canyon Road on the Westside of Paso Robles was awarded three Double Gold medals and four Gold Medals in the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The competition is the largest in the United States, attracting more than 7,000 entries from 28 states this year.

Results announced earlier this week gave the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon a Double Gold medal – the only Cabernet to earn this distinction in its class in the $39-$42.99 suggested retail price (SRP) category. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon showcases enticing bright cherry aromas leading to dark fruit, currants and a hint of espresso on the palate for an elegant and luscious finish.

“The 2014 wines are complex and showcase layers of flavors unique to our vineyard,” said Pam Lock, proprietor. “We are honored that nearly 67 judges from across the United States feel the same as our customers, and that our wines continue to earn high scores across the board.”

Écluse Wines also received a Double Gold medal for their 2014 Petite Sirah, which begins with black plums, blackberry and caramel with a velvety richness and spice on the mid-palate and a long, lingering finish. The other Double Gold winner was the 2014 Zinfandel, which begins with aromas of bright red fruit and hints of oak and vanilla. These flavors continue on the palate with notes of cassis and blackberry, a full mouthfeel and an incredibly smooth finish.

The winery also took home four Gold medals for the following: the 2014 Ensemble, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec; the 2014 Improv, a blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah; the 2014 Insider, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; and the 2014 Rendition, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Écluse also scooped up two Silver awards, one for their Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvee and the other for their 2014 Lock Vineyard Syrah.

“Since we began entering the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in 2008 our results have been consistent, every wine we have entered has medaled. In 2011 our 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon won the sweepstakes award for Best Red. It’s great exposure and an honor for our small brand,” Lock concluded.

Écluse Wines are crafted from their 30-acre Lock Vineyard. Known for producing some of Paso Robles most sought-after grapes and terroir driven wines, proprietors Pam and Steve Lock are dedicated to making small, limited production award-winning wines. Wine enthusiasts interested in tasting these award-winning wines may visit the Écluse tasting room Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 4 pm or order online at www.eclusewines.com.

Tastings This Week: Red Blends from New Zealand, Napa and South Africa!

February 24, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

This week I got to taste three different expressions of red Bordeaux grape blends – none from Bordeaux, France. One, from Napa, is a pretty known source for Bordeaux blends, the other two, from New Zealand and South Africa, not so known. It was interesting to taste through them to not only remark on the aromas and flavors, but also to note differences that would be due to location, weather and winemaking choices. These are my tasting notes, and the winery notes are below.

Eve’s Tasting Notes

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Trinity Hill The Trinity 2014

Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah

The color of black cherries stretching out to a dark purple edge, clear and clean. From a few inches away those black cherries extended to the aroma and called me in, where I also found stewed mushroom, plum, milk chocolate, a bit o’ mint, bark and smoke. In the mouth it was all very drying: dried dark fruit, blackest of blackberries, cigar, some tartness, some brightness, but relatively big and dark with forceful tannins. Not unappealing in any way. Wanted a nice charred steak with it. 90 Eve pts.

Napa, California, U.S.

2013 Leviathan

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah

Very dark purple as well, with a slight brown tinge to the edge, opaque. Pungent plum, blueberry, blackberry, spice, forest floor/earthy, oak and more – all on the nose. Tasting the wine I discovered bold fruit, fresh and big, great mouth-coating viscosity, and with the same fruit I found on the nose: fresh blueberry up front and then blackberry, followed by welcoming tannin. This wine would be fine now, or in 10 years in my opinion. Enjoy with pizza through to chocolate. 91 Eve pts.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound

Bordeaux Blend

Deep plum to brown in color, opaque. On the nose I got whiffs of suede, red clay, plump raisins, brick and stewed dark fruits. I couldn’t wait to taste this. I got the gamut of flavors there: chewy chocolate, spice, bright red fruit to dusty dark fruit with a very firm tannin backbone. Definitely wanted ribs, pasta or any robust dish. If you like interesting wines, you want to look for this one. 92 Eve pts.

Winery Tasting Notes

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Trinity Hill The Trinity 2014 (SRP $17) This intriguing proprietary blend of Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah combines aromas of plum and leather with lingering flavors of cassis and redcurrant. Soft, rich and ripe tannins make this an eminently drinkable wine. Made to be enjoyed while still quite young with barbecued meats.

Napa, California, U.S.

2013 Leviathan (SRP $48) A beastly red blend with dense berry fruits, licorice and bittersweet chocolate notes, with hints of coffee and peppery spice. This red is balanced with bright acidity and prominent oak. Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah from vineyards in and around Napa, this wine is never blended the same way twice. You can ensure a unique wine year to year that truly reflects the unique soils and terroir of California.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound (SRP $25) This bold Bordeaux blend brims with dark fruit notes of mulled boysenberry, cassis and black cherry, all streaked with spicy accents of menthol and black tea leaves. The wine is definitely New World in style with its creamy mouthfeel and medium acidity level. Notes of licorice stick, espresso and roasted cocoa nibs linger through the long close.