One Bottle Post: 2015 Joseph Phelps Syrah, Napa Valley

July 3, 2020 by evebushman

We are wine club members with Joseph Phelps and receive about four shipments a year. Of that my husband cellars all of the Insignia and Backus Cabernet Sauvignon blends we receive, I always keep out the Syrah for me and Pinot Noir for that one friend that LOVES Pinot. (We all have one! LOL, it’s a running joke at my house, we have many Burgundy and Pinot loving friends.) Anyway, this 2015 Syrah was quite nice, and deserved a One Bottle Post.

2015 Joseph Phelps *Syrah

Napa Valley

Estate Grown

14% alcohol

Notes on the Grapes

*Grapes used in the wine are not listed on back label, so that means it could be up to 25% something other than Syrah. I recently learned (at Denner in Paso Robles) that a little bit of a white Rhône might be added in to maintain the color. So I thought this could be one additional grape. But due to the smoothness and dark quality I also guessed maybe some Mourvedre. Hubby was thinking they moved over to a Bordeaux grape or maybe a Petite Sirah. After all this contemplation I googled the wine and went straight to the Joseph Phelps website. Learned that I was right on one part, there was a white Rhône in the mix, “95% Syrah from the Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard in Carneros and 5% Viognier from the St. Helena Home Ranch.” And I was woefully off base thinking there was any other red in the mix! Still so much fun to guess, I highly recommend you do this with your own tastings.

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark purple, deeper purple on the edge, opaque.

Aroma: Nutrient rich earth, well-worn suede, sweet blackberries, creamy chocolate milk and mellowed spices.

Flavor: There’s the spice I was looking for, front and center on the palate! That same blackberry as well as black cherry, and a little espresso followed it on the finish.

Fifteen minutes later: The aroma held the same tempting earth, fruit, chocolate, spice and now a little tobacco and black licorice. On the palate, and maybe this was because I had been sipping for a few minutes, it seemed rounder. The spices and fruit were in a nicer harmony, and my palate was happy for dark velvetiness.

Pairing: We had already planned on Mexican for dinner: pork and chicken tamales, refried beans and Mexican rice. Figured the spice in the wine would hold up just fine against our mild salsa, and the fruit would soften any heat in the tamales. I was correct, except that the wine eclipsed the food many times over, and I saved a final glass for after dinner sipping. (And in case you are wondering, yes, I’m the type of person that would love to bring wine into a Mexican restaurant, why not? Because hubby has to have his usual Cadillac Maggie.)

Conclusion: 94 Eve pts.

I always feel justified in supporting a winery I like by purchasing their wine or joining their wine club. Sometimes we personally know the owner or winemaker, or just had a great experience. With Phelps, it’s always been the experience. The Tasting Room overlooks a nice slice of the Napa valley – and their vineyards – it’s a breathtaking view to take in while tasting their long-exalted wines.

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.

V. Sattui Winery named “Domestic Winery of the Year”

June 27, 2020 by evebushman

V. Sattui was named 2020 “Domestic Winery of the Year” after earning a remarkable 26 medals, including 10 that were awarded Platinum and 12 awarded Gold at the 38^th annual San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge. The Napa Valley winery, specializing in vineyard-designate bottlings, produced a tie for “Wine of the Year” with their 2016 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon ($92) and 2016 Vangone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($140), each dazzled with a score of 98 points out of 100. V. Sattui’s Bordeaux-style blend, the 2016 Paradiso ($95), narrowly missed a three-way tie with a score of 97 points.

Seven more V. Sattui wines scored Platinum, including their 2017 Napa Valley Malbec ($46) with 95 points and 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($52) with 96 points. Their Estate Vittorio’s Vineyard produced two more Platinum winners: 2017 Petit Verdot ($47) and Cabernet Sauvignon ($78), both earning 94 points. Additional 94 point wines included V. Sattui’s 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($48), 2018 Los Carneros Pinot Noir ($39), and 2017 Napa Valley Syrah ($42) – further displaying the winery’s broad range of quality wine varietals.

The venerable San Diego International is one of the oldest and most revered competitions in the United States. Founded by award-winning wine columnist Dan Berger and Bob Foster and wine rep Dick Colangelo in 1982, the competition has been under the guidance of nationally syndicated wine columnist Robert Whitley for the past 17 years.

Whitley has assembled a remarkable team of dedicated wine enthusiasts, including Director Rich Cook and Chief Judges Michael Franz (Wine) and Maurice DiMarino (Spirits), to oversee planning and production of this important annual deep dive into wine & spirits evaluation. The San Diego International chooses its judges carefully, always with an eye toward giving each wine and spirit entered a fair shot on a level playing field. This year’s panel of judges included a prestigious list of winemakers, wine writers, and sommeliers.

“American and foreign wine competitions can be, and often are, unpredictable. It’s not unusual for an unknown to show up and claim a top award. But some things never change. One of those would be the inevitability of V. Sattui Winery, one of Napa Valley’s finest,” stated Whitley. Speaking to V. Sattui’s richly flavored 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, “Notes of black cherry, ripe strawberry, fall spice and gentle oak toast entice on the nose and please on the palate, with a supple texture and a long, fully integrated finish keep you coming back for more. Wines like this are why Pinot Noir is so popular.” he added.

“I am very proud and happy for our vineyard and winemaking teams; they work so hard and deserve all the credit for this amazing recognition of our wines. To be Voted Best Winery and tie with ourselves for Best Wine of the competition is a tremendous feat,” says Winery President, Tom Davies.

Two Bottle Post: Entourage by Two Papas 2019 Grenache Blanc and 2018 Syrah

June 26, 2020 by evebushman

Honestly can’t remember when I first met winemaker Rick Pratt, it could’ve been at Sunset in the Vineyard, benefitting the work of our Assistance League, or one of many events he has poured wine at over the years. Rick has donated wines to many non-profits and some that I’ve been involved with, besides Sunset in the Vineyard, include Garagiste Festival, Wine on the Roof and most recently he was extremely generous with Circle of Hope for Vine 2 Wine, To Go.

After this recent Vine 2 Wine event Rick sent me home with two of his latest wines. I waited less than a week after the event to wrap my palate around these two:

2019 Grenache Blanc

Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 12.9% alcohol

Picked September 2019, in stainless six months.

Pratt said this wine drinks more like a Sauvignon Blanc and I could definitely see that. I got aromas of lemon and lime peel, white peach, Mandarin orange and a slight powdery creaminess. In the mouth I got that same bursting citrus fruit, homemade lemonade, fresh green apple, a medium acidity that carried over to a medium finish. We enjoyed this wine before dinner, and due to the Sauv Blanc qualities – the bright citrus and mild acidity – it was a great aperitif.

2018 Syrah

Thompson Vineyard, Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

14.2% alcohol

Rick had advised me to decant the wine for two hours before drinking, and I might’ve gone closer to three. From the nose there was sweet black cherry, plums, blueberry, milk chocolate, white pepper, earth, dried leaves and caramel while the taste delivered a lovely balance of spice, dark fruit, tannin and another medium finish. I did my tasting notes just after I cleansed my palate with a sample of our Bolognese spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. We had the wine just before sitting down to dinner, with dinner and after dinner.

We would definitely like to have both of these wines again. Rick gets great fruit and makes great wine with it. My biggest takeaway is that these wines worked well with and without food, making them accessible to all palates whenever the mood strikes.

I also checked in with Rick during the tasting, and asked him to share his thoughts on the Thompson Vineyard, which he happily supplied, as well as more info on his new Syrah:

Thompson Vineyard sits deep within Alisos Cyn. in northern Santa Barbara County. The canyon runs West to East allowing cool ocean air to flow in over the Solomon Hills, keeping the daytime temperatures mild. As a result, hang times on the fruit are 2-4 weeks longer than your normal SB Rhône Vineyard, fruit is picked no earlier than mid October and often going as long as November 1st. This long hang time, when handled properly, results in wines with big fruit, great balance and neutral acidity. Thompson, along with their neighbor, Sine Qua Non, are among the most sought after grapes in the state. Thompson produces Grenache Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah and their only non-Rhône, Chardonnay. With the heavy rains this year, the soils received a good cleansing and the 2020 harvest looks again to be a great one. According to Vineyard manager, Jason Grupp, the crop is looking outstanding!

A little info on the Syrah. The Syrah vines were originally smuggled into the country in 1974 from the Hermitage region of France. In 1988 David Thompson purchased cuttings from the original ‘smuggler’. He took those cuttings and just shoved them into the ground. A very risky move, leaving the cuttings susceptible to disease and insects. Luckily the cuttings survived. As a result of this process you get the purest form of expression from the Estrella clone of Syrah.

Meet The Winemaker (From website)

Rick and Teresa

Rick’s interest in wine-making began in the 70’s but it wasn’t until over twelve years ago that his hands-on education began. Thanks to a high-school classmate who was making wine in his garage, a life-long dream would one day be realized. His journey to becoming a garagiste taught him the skills he would one day need to be able to create wines for all to enjoy.

“Along the road I have had the good fortune to experience mentoring from two of the best. I am most grateful to Wes Hagen and Greg Brewer for their support and insight. The fact that our wines have been so well received is due in large part to their guidance.”

Today we are finally able to share our wines with you. A lot of love went into crafting each one and in creating each label. May you enjoy them as much as we did making them!

https://twopapaswines.com

How Would You Like to Get Comfortable at Grapestake Cottage and Vineyards in Paso? (Promo code below!)

June 20, 2020 by evebushman

We have some news from Grapestake Cottage and Vineyards in Paso Robles to share:

Grapestake Cottage is open and we miss our wonderful guests. We are waiting for you with a bottle of our 2018 Grapestake Zinfandel (or choose Grenache) and Owen’s hand curated olives. The vines are full and rich with flowers…roses are in bloom and the sun is shining! We have ultra sanitized everything (actually we always did) and we assure you that your home away from home will be sparkling clean! Most restaurants have reopened and wineries are gradually opening.

We are offering a special code to entice guests to visit us. Please use: Wine101 in the promotion code box at checkout to enjoy 15% off your 2 night minimum stay. This promotion code will expire July 31^st for any future travel date.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly. Please stay safe and healthy and hope to see you soon!

Regards from the Vineyard!

Nancy

805-888-5225

https://www.grapestakecottage.com/

And here, as a reminder, is my story from my own visit there in 2018:

Oh dear me, what kind of karma do I have? Apparently the best. I’m sitting at a dining table, in a one bedroom cottage, set apart from a large estate, perusing an antique piano turned into a display case, a couch and two armchairs – that all recline – a beautiful modern kitchen area with everything you could possibly need for a welcome stay – from coffee maker to teapot, corkscrew to sweet and salty snacks and a large fireplace, television, another seating area…and that’s just in the front room. (Ed’s taking a nap in the bedroom so we may get there later.)

I am just starting this article and it’s slow going as I find my eyes drifting to one of many windows where the sun has begun to set behind the patio, garden and vineyards. If this isn’t my heaven then I don’t know what is.

The sun has now set, but before it grows too dark I see little bitty lights in the tree on our patio. I’m itching to go out and sit at the table and open a bottle of wine. But we’re in Paso Robles. And since Grapestake Cottage is so inviting, I forget for a minute that I have winery appointments. I made a quick evaluation of our calendar and decide that on at least one of our nights, Sunday, we will be bringing in a pizza, opening one of the many wines we’ve purchased to enjoy on the patio, watch that sunset again, and then retreat inside when it gets cold to flip on the fireplace, take our shoes off, don one of the provided terry robes, put some popcorn in the microwave, put our feet up and get cozy.

We also made sure to set some time to get to know Nancy and Owen Belletto, our hosts, a wee bit better. “It all started with a tractor” was the joke Owen made when we first met, and that tractor – and everything that came after – was the turning point that soon meant building a cottage, an incredible garden and…vineyards.

The name Grapestake has a meaning as well. I learned that Owen used 40-year-old wooden grapestakes – now grapestakes are all made of metal – to repurpose them as fencing for the cottage just as he had seen in some homes in Carmel. After meeting Owen, and seeing the amazing property, I could easily visualize him as he “spent countless hours cutting, sanding and measuring” just for the beauty it would provide for guests…

As we were told to “please feel free to wander the vineyard and grounds” we did. But as I didn’t want to run into any gophers, I waited until our set interview time with Owen and Nancy to learn more about the Bellettos and their home. I learned that when they chose the property that the estate home was already built, which had formerly been a B and B and required no more work, a stipulation Nancy required before moving in.

That requirement was really more of a model, as within a short time the gravel parking area become the base of the cottage, the grounds now included olive trees, and the same designer that had built the home was called upon to build Grapestake Cottage – however in the original plans the cottage was only built to house Owen’s tractor. But Owen needed a bathroom near the tractor…but why just have a bathroom without a bedroom…and Grapestake Cottage began to really take shape, literally.

All in all there are 8 acres on the property under vine, 7.5 of those acres are Syrah – they are estate growers for Justin, and were named the grower of the year in 2016 – and the remaining .5 acres are for Grenache and is reserved for Owen’s winemaking alone. Owen has a background in agriculture – the pair met while in studies at UC Davis – where they were starving students for a short time, enjoying wine tasting in nearby Napa valley back in the days when it was free to taste.

Fast forward to present day in Paso. They have met welcoming and charming people in the Paso wine industry. Any local winemakers, they feel, are very free with answering any wine question put to them without a nuance of elitism.

“Paso Robles is where Napa was 30 years ago,” Owen began. “insofar as how people are treated.” And a good way to explain why so many wine people may prefer tasting and touring in Paso over Napa. It’s not just the difference in the cost of wines, but also in how Paso treats its guests.

As far as how they treat their own guests, and circling back to how we felt our accommodations were far and above the standard, Nancy explained, “I’ve traveled with Owen on many trips and have often been irritated by asking to pay for items like water bottles and snacks. So we put a lot of thought into what a guest would like that we would also appreciate.”

Come check then out for yourself, and remember to use code wine101 before July 31: https://www.grapestakecottage.com/

https://www.instagram.com/grapestakecottage/

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 15k 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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Irreverent Wine Launches Great Tasting Wine in a Recyclable Pouch

June 17, 2020 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA, WASH. (PRWEB) – Earth-loving, social, and health conscious wine lovers can now reach for the pouch vs. the bottle with Irreverent Wine (http://www.irreverentwine.com), a new monthly “Farm to Glass” sustainable wine subscription service. The new approach ships wine in a recyclable pouch to reduce the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent, keeps great-tasting wine fresh longer once opened, and surprises wine drinkers monthly with high quality handcrafted blends from sustainable vineyards.

Photo from Irreverent Wine’s Facebook page.

Irreverent takes environmental impact seriously, while also obsessing to surprise members with exclusive wines that are crafted without added sugars and are gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto and paleo-friendly. Subscribers are offered everything from Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio to interesting International-inspired blends. Members never get the same wine twice, so there’s always an element of delight and wonder, but without the waste generated with traditional bottles.

“Every year 70 percent of wine bottles (3 billion bottles) end up in landfills because they are hard to recycle and there’s not enough demand for recycled glass,” said Chris Dukelow, former Seattle technology executive turned chief winemaker and founder at Irreverent Wine. “Bottles don’t make wine taste better, so why are we using them other than those purchased for aging? By eliminating wine bottle production and partnering directly with sustainable vineyards, we can reduce wine’s environmental impact while also keeping wine natural and delicious for consumers.”

The Best Sustainable Monthly Wine Subscription
With so many wine clubs and wine delivery services, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers to consider. Irreverent distinguishes itself from the wine club landscape by first making high quality wine, and second, by uncorking the bias and prejudices against wine in a bag or pouch. The company partners with the very best independent vineyards committed to Earth-friendly farming practices in renowned Washington and Oregon wine regions to make, source, and blend world-class wines with no unnecessary sugars, chemical additives, or manipulations.

The wine is then shipped in recyclable pouches that keep oxygen sealed out and freshness sealed in for up to four weeks after opening. The pouches are self-standing, can be kept on the counter or in the refrigerator, and are more durable, lighter, and friendlier to the planet than glass. An easy-to-use spigot allows members to enjoy the convenience of a smaller portion of wine at their leisure and never worry about finishing a bottle before it goes bad. The pouches are also perfect for social gatherings, camping, or other outdoor events.

How Membership Works
First, members sign up by selecting the types of wine they would like to receive monthly. Members can opt-in to receiving reds, whites, or blends, and order 1.5 liter (two bottle equivalent) or 3-liter pouches (four bottle equivalent). Wine quality is similar to what you would get in a $30 bottle of wine, but delivered monthly at a 20-30 percent discount for an exceptional value. Members pay between $41-$49 monthly for 1.5 liter subscriptions (two bottle equivalent) and $59-$65 for 3.0 liter subscriptions (four bottle equivalent). Additional pouches can also be added easily to monthly deliveries that start at $39. Members have flexibility to purchase additional pouches or customize recurring monthly shipments for special occasions, including pouch size.

About Us
Born in the heart of the Walla Walla valley, Irreverent Wine is an eco-friendly monthly wine subscription service that delivers better wine, for a better world. Founded by 30-year technology industry veteran Chris Dukelow, Irreverent Wine is on a mission to change the way wine is packaged, shipped, sold, and enjoyed one-glass-at-a-time. In the U.S. alone, over 4 billion wine bottles are purchased annually, and the manufacturing and transport of these bottles emits approximately 10 billion pounds of CO2-equivalent emissions. By partnering with independent and sustainable vineyards, putting great-tasting, low carb, gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto, and paleo- friendly wines in recyclable pouches, the company offers a unique “Farm to Glass” model that reduces the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent. For every pouch delivered, Irreverent will donate $2 to EcoTrust, which has a mission to create economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. For more information, visit http://www.irreverentwine.com.

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2017: Workman Ayer Does it Again X Three

June 2, 2020 by evebushman

I’d love to give you an opening, but suffice to say, a page and a half of tasting notes? OMG, let’s let Workman Ayer wines speak for itself:

Tasting

de facto red wine 2014, Santa Barbara County

90% Syrah, 10% Grenache

(Notes from the winemaker regarding this vintage and tasting notes can all be read on the website.)

Admittedly this one sounded familiar, so being a tad anal I googled myself and lo and behold I had tasted it but didn’t write it up in a full review: “The SCV Beacon – Eve’s Wine 101: Escaping to Wine in the Pines 2017 – Just Some Favorites” Michel Ayer, winemaker for namesake winery Workman Ayer, had a new red Rhône blend that served a year of time in the bottle and was released just in time for the event: the 2014 “de facto” Santa Barbara County red wine of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. It was outstanding. Under 100 cases produced. His Viognier was getting quite a bit of attention too.”

Lovely aromas of blackberry, blueberry, hard grape candy, milk chocolate, toasted oak…and an unexpected smoothness for a predominately Syrah wine. On the mouth the first thing I thought was Great Balance and then steady flavors of that same blue to black fruit, with just enough oak and tannins to slightly dry the palate. Hard to believe this was a 2014 as the balance made it appear older and the lack of heat make it appear like a French Rhône. Made me wonder where in Santa Barbara County the grapes were sourced. Ballard Canyon perhaps? One of the Stolpman Vineyards maybe?

Paired the wine with what was planned for dinner: tri tip, Caesar salad and King’s Hawaiian bread. Clearly, the wine took center stage. Now I remembered why I sent everyone to Michel’s table at Wine in the Pines this past year. 94 Eve pts.

ipso facto white wine 2016, Central Coast

100% Viognier

I’ve had this wine before, so I was looking forward to trying the latest release. On the nose I got aromas of freshly sliced cantaloupe melon, Golden Delicious apple, grapefruit, lemon-lime soda and wet stones. Diving in for my taste there were distinct notes of that same apple, lemon, lime and a bit of rain-washed concrete. A nice viscosity allowed the wine to linger in my mouth.

As it was an ultra-hot day when I sampled this wine I could easily imagine taking it with to the closest beach, with a picnic basket filled with cold fruit salad, hard cheeses, prosciutto, salami, crusty French bread, nuts and dried fruits. 91 Eve pts.

abroachment white wine 2015, Lodi

100% Viognier

(Notes from the winemaker regarding this vintage and tasting notes can all be read on the website.)

Anxious to try the new abroachment Viognier made with Lodi fruit, I gave the wine a nice ice bath* for 20 minutes before popping the cork. (*Put your wine into an ice bucket, then surround with ice, fill with water.)

Whiffs of ripened pineapple, pear, white peach, maybe some tropical fruit, lemon zest and whipping cream – aromas that promised equally stimulating flavors. I got a little more anxious now to taste: Oh yes, there was that pineapple, peach and pear that I wanted, and quickly following came zesty citrus fruits, cream, and a slight acidity on the back palate that only served to lengthen the finish. I enjoyed this alone but I could see it pairing nicely with a cheese plate, crusty French bread with Brie, cold seafood salad, and a great refresher between bites of Indian food…which I really want right now. 92 Eve pts.

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.

Circle Of Hope Announces Online Auction Open To All This Saturday, May 23

May 21, 2020 by evebushman

Cult Wines, Library Wines, Themed Baskets, Gift Cards, Dream Vacations for the Future and More – All Will Be Available Beginning May 23

SANTA CLARITA, CA – With Vine2Wine, To Go poised to start on May 30 with wine, food and a goodie bag for ticket holders there is one thing non-ticket holders can get their hands on to enjoy the fun as well: Circle of Hope has announced their first online auction to start Saturday, May 23 and will close a day after the main event, on May 31.

In keeping with their out-of-the-box idea for the “To Go” event Circle of Hope has created another unique idea, changing their traditional in person silent auction to an online auction, substantial in the wine department, for both guests and non-guests to partake in and enjoy.

Circle of Hope Auction Chair Debra Ragonig commented, “We wanted to get the auction rolling early, and get interested parties that want to support Circle of Hope, and get their hands on some very cool auction items as soon as possible, so we have our online auction starting a full week before our big Vine2Wine, To Go party. Getting our interested bidders online now and registered will help us get the ball rolling.”

Co-chair Eve Bushman added, “Many good friends have really outdone themselves with their incredible generosity diving deep into their own private cellars, including Vine 2 Wine’s long time Wine Chair Jeff Jacobson who also recruited his two adult children and their spouses: Julie and Chris Hovden and Jeremy and Michelle Jacobson. In addition he recruited longtime Vine 2 Wine supporters and friends Russ and Leslie Bretall. Jeff and I both recruited our mutual friends Steve and Amy Elzer. Rounding off our donors included my pals Marlee Lauffer, Karen and Michael Perlis, Rose and Steve Chegwin, and my husband Eddie Bushman.”

How it works: This Saturday, May 23 go to the Circle of Hope website, https://circleofhopeinc.org/vine2wine/ , and look for a button for the online auction or go directly to the auction link here. There is no fee to sign up and participate. Register there and start bidding. If you really want something and don’t want to come back to see how the bidding is going we encourage you to look for the “buy it now” price and the item will be yours. Wines and other auction items will be available for pick up in Santa Clarita on June first.

A preview of the auction items include: gift cards to local restaurants such as Salt Creek Grille and Wolf Creek Restaurant; gift baskets with loads of items like a “Sephora Extravaganza” and “It’s Time to BBQ!”; jewelry, candles and fashion Items; liquor; trips that can be taken in 2022; retro basket with popcorn maker, snow cone machine and tons of 80’s retro candy; Father’s Day baskets like “MEGA Poker Night” or “Liquid Gold (aka Jack Daniels)” and more.

“Some of the library wines featured include Sine Qua Non Rosé, Joseph Phelps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc, Justin Isosceles and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tobin James Bordeaux Blend and Reserve Syrah, 1993 Silver Oak Cabernet, 1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet, 1996 French Cab Franc, 1999 Whitcraft Lagrein, 1997 Vintage Port, 1998 German Riesling, Australian Grenache, Brunello di Montalcino and more wines from McPrice Myers, Robert Biale, Shane Wines, Regusci, Booker, Denner, Clavo, Veraison and Linne Calodo” Bushman said.

For information on Vine2Wine, To Go, Circle of Hope services and programs or to receive sponsorship information, please contact Circle of Hope at info@circleofhopeinc.org or at 661 254-5218. Donations and ticket purchases can be made through the Circle of Hope website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. For more information on Circle of Hope and the services they provide, please visit their website at www.circleofhopeinc.org or call 661 254-5218. The Circle of Hope office and Wellness Center is located at 23033 Lyons Ave., Ste 3, Newhall, Ca. 91321

Vintage Eve July 2017: Memorable Stolpman Encounters

May 19, 2020 by evebushman

There are usually more than one reason we become fans of a particular winery: an outstanding line-up of varietals, a feeling of connectivity with the people that work with the winery, a tasting experience that lingers in your memory and maybe a chance meeting…I had all of these things happen when I encountered Stolpman Vineyards.

Tom Stolpman says, “I don’t always drink wine but when I do it’s La Cuadrilla” from, you guessed it, Stolpman Vineyards!

A few years back I was planning a group trip to Los Olivos/Ballard Canyon/Solvang wineries. Stolpman Vineyards came up because I liked the Rhone varietals they were making – well before they obtained a separate AVA distinction for their Ballard Canyon Syrahs.

I wrote about that first tasting in the article title “Eve and Peter Stolpman: Stolpman Vineyards Ballard Canyon Tour, Picnic and Tasting” in 2013 and still count it as one of my most memorable. The way that Peter, partner and vintner, took care of us: tasting the wines in the vineyard – while driving to a picnic spot and learning some of their vineyard practices. Peter was tall, good looking and charming on his own, but with those tasty Stolpman wines and the surroundings to match – my group was completely enamored.

I would see Peter off an on over the next few years, along with his lovely bride Jessica, at trade tastings.

Fast forward to…well you can see it in every article footer since this happened: when I “served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru…” in August 2015. There I was in a room filled with wine judges – with so much to learn from – and I also took note of a very tall slender man with a cowboy hat come in, shake a few hands, and then disappear.

Something nagged at me about that tall man. Later that evening at a dinner hosted for the judges and all those involved with the Long Beach Grand Cru I saw him again, “It was then that a tall gentleman wearing a cowboy slipped a bottle of wine from Stolpman Vineyards onto the tasting table. It took me about a nanosecond to figure out who that was. Tom Stolpman is also on the Board of Directors. A second after that I learned that he met fellow board member, James McAdams, in law school in the 70s and the two practiced in the same Long Beach firm.”

I wrote about that experience in “Judging 101: The Long Beach Grand Cru AND THE WINNING WINE LIST” in July 2015 and later “Tasting Not Spitting: Attending the Long Beach Grand Cru, Post Judging.”

During the 2016 Long Beach Grand Cru Tasting I got to meander the grounds along with Tom, in particular tasting and commenting on wines from other wineries that were made from his vineyards. It was another memory for me to file away in my brain under “Stolpman Encounters” that I call up often. We had become Stolpman wine club members by then.

Again, fast forward to this current year where we met Peter again when our very own Salt Creek Grille hosted a wine pairing dinner with Executive Chef Ignacio Munoz. I brought three of the original six guests that Peter had hosted for that tour, tasting and picnic now four years earlier – and maybe because we rushed him en masse he easily remembered us. So nice. We bought a case of wine that night that will last me through the summer, 2015 Roussanne and 2014 Syrah.

Good memories indeed.

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.

Being An Armchair Wine Writer Again, and Focusing on Local Wineries to Support

May 1, 2020 by evebushman

I think it was the book Accidental Tourist where I first I heard the phrase “armchair writer” to describe the main character who was a travel writer that wrote from home. For me the phrase was apropos because when my daughter was under 18 I really didn’t want to leave her with a sitter to go out to a wine event, let alone a weekend or longer. Now with the COVID-19 and zero events to cover and zero travel plans, it’s time to dust off the chair and write about wine like I used to – more about supporting the wine industry itself and not about the events that drive it.

For my first, in what I hope will be a minimal series of armchair articles, I will focus on local wineries and what we can do to support them at this time. I sent emails to some of the wineries near me (which are also near to local readers) to ask how we can support them at this time, their current varietals available (and how we can get them) and any specials. Also, look for most of these wineries at the upcoming Vine 2 Wine 2 GO benefitting Circle of Hope set for May 30.

Photo from “Romancing The Vine” article in SCV Elite Magazine. Me and Eddie, maybe just short of 10 years ago.

Pulchella Winery

The winery is currently offering bottle sales for pick-up via the tasting room in Newhall, Fridays from 4pm-7pm and Saturdays from 1pm-4pm (call ahead, email orders, or walk ups welcome). Bottles can also be purchased via the website for shipment directly to your home.

They are happy to announce a few “stimulus packages” during this current “stay-at-home” time, which include: 20% off 6+ bottles (30% for members), 30% off 12+ bottles (40% for members), plus cases of 2014 Distinguished red blend are $150+ tax. They are also offering 50% off shipping costs via the website for all orders being shipped within CA.

Email customerservice@pulchellawinery.com for questions or orders, go to the website, or call the tasting room at 661-799-9463 to place an order. Feel free to leave a message with your order if you’re not calling during the limited hours above.

Golden Star Vineyards

Golden Star Vineyards is an Estate Vineyard and Winery in Los Angeles County with Estate bottled Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec; and locally sourced Viognier, Chardonnay, Syrah and Purple Haze. They are currently open Sat/Sun 12-5 pm for VINO2GO at the winery in Littlerock, CA with contactless curbside pickup, as well as free delivery within the greater Antelope Valley area (3 bottle minimum). Wine Club members get 20% off all wines and non-Wine Club get 15% off 3 bottle minimum. They are also offering 50% Off shipping in CA with a 3 bottle minimum. Please go to their wine store of current releases at:

https://goldenstarvineyards.orderport.net/wines/CurrentReleases or call 661-713-6660.

Hoi Polloi and Pagter Brothers, of the Double Trouble Wine Room

The Double Trouble Wine Room, featuring the wines of the Pagter Brothers and Hoi Polloi Wineries, is open for bottle sales Thursday and Friday 4 to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday 2 – 5 pm. They sanitize every bottle before delivering. Guests can pick wines up inside at a socially approved distance or they’ll deliver curbside to your car. They will also deliver to your home (in the SCV area) with the purchase of 6 bottles or more. For case sales they will extend an additional 10% off on top of their usual discount. “If you are in need of a last minute bottle when we’re not usually open just email us and we can zip over and meet you.” They are also working on a Zoom concert and a Zoom tasting, “Not tasting Zoom, but tasting our wines with the winemakers giving tasting notes, more to follow. If you’re not receiving our emails, please send your email to Scott@PagterBros.com or DKMinnick@mac.com”

Parhelion Cellars

Parhelion Cellars is a small family owned winery in Santa Clarita. They have been dedicated to making outstanding wine since 2017, and carry a wide variety of wines: a Cabernet from the Mount Veeder region of Napa, a Zinfandel from Paso Robles, and a single vineyard Sparkling rosé from Clement Hills in northern California. These are just three of the outstanding wines they offer.

Please visit their website at parhelioncellars.com, where they are currently offering a 30% off discount by using coupon code F&F on all our products. They also always offer FREE non-contact delivery to LA County. After you’ve selected the wines that you would like, choose “in person pick up” and make sure you share your phone number. The winery will then contact you and schedule a date and time that is perfect for your delivery. You can also reach them by phone: 661-644-9478.

Entourage Two Papas Wine

Entourage Two Papas Wine is a boutique winery based in Valencia, specializing in Rhône varietals. Each wine is produced with meticulous care while allowing the grapes to fully express their full flavor potential. Their grapes are sourced from the two top Rhône varietal vineyards in Santa Barbara County, Thompson and Saarloos Vineyards.The current inventory includes: 2017 Saarloos Grenache ( $20- 90 pt WS), 2018 Saarloos Grenache ($30), 2017 Thompson Grenache ($35- 90 pt WS), 2018 Thompson Grenache ($37), 2017 Thompson Syrah ($35- 90 pt WS), 2018 Thompson Syrah ($37)
2018 Thompson GSM ($37), 2018 Thompson Grenache Blanc ($27) and 2019 Thompson Stainless Steel Chardonnay.

“Until July 1st we are offering discounts of 10% off our normal prices while ordering 3 or more bottles. Order a mixed case and the discount will go to 15%. Current and new members will receive a discount of 20%. As always, all orders within 30 miles will be delivered to your front porch, much like the milkman of the 60’s. Check us out at Entourage Two Papas Wine or call me (winemaker Rick Pratt) direct at (323) 974-7021.”

Coruce Vineyards and Winery Tasting Room

Located at 1055 West Columbia Way (Avenue M) in Lancaster, Coruce proudly features award winning wines of the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles County. They offer a variety of white and red blends as well as several vintages of single varietals like Zins, Viogniers, Chardonnays and “some lip smackin’ Syrahs.” They currently have a “screaming deal on some delicious clearance wines.” For the immediate future all purchases at their website (www.corucevineyardsandwinery.com) will be shipped for a flat $10 fee. They are open for purchases through pick up or delivery of bottles or cases. Hours are 1 PM to 7PM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 1PM to 6PM on Sunday. Call ahead at 661-494-8877 and “we’ll have everything ready for you to minimize contact time and number of people present at any one time.”

Byron Blatty

Byron Blatty Wines, which features locally grown, Los Angeles wines, is currently offering free, contactless delivery on all orders in the Los Angeles area, and are running several “Stay at Home Specials” which include 3 bottle packs of select wines for $99 + tax. (30% off). “We are also holding weekly tastings on Zoom every Friday, which are free to attend.” https://purchase.byronblatty.com/stay-at-home

Vintage Eve 6/2017: Ten To Try With Eve and the Wine-y Women, the Santa Clara Valley Wines

March 31, 2020 by evebushman

Did you know that a thriving wine country exists in Silicon Valley’s backyard? Santa Clara Valley is home to over two-dozen wineries, of every size and shape, from long established (since the 18^th century) family operations to relatively small newcomers working out of their garages…Each of the wineries has a fascinating story. What makes the wines of Santa Clara Valley truly unique are the characters who have come to create these wines. Upon visiting the wineries, it is highly likely you’ll find yourself sitting across the table tasting wine and sharing stories with the winemaker or owner. The experience is truly unique.

None of us, the Wine-y Women or myself, were familiar with wines from the Santa Clara Valley. We inspected the bottles and learned that most were produced and bottled in Gilroy, California. And though our collective experience with Gilroy was knowledge of their annual Garlic Festival (before you ask, no, no garlic flavor was imparted into our wines), that was about it.

Gilroy is a little south of San Jose and you may have driven through it on your way to San Francisco. If you kept your eyes peeled you may have noticed a winery on the side of the road. And now, after having the tasting, learning that most of these wineries do tastings, you have a reason to stop on your next road trip.

Tasting with The Wine-y Women Again

Collective Aromas and Flavors separated by ;

1. Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open the 1st & 3rd weekends of every month: Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, or by appointment. 645 West San Martin Ave., San Martin, CA 95046. (408) 713-8501

*2014 Viognier

The color of pale straw with aromas that included honeysuckle, white peach, apricot and oak; the flavors were bright and crisp, lots of lemon, a “summery” feel and a long finish.

2. Sarah’s Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: Open Daily 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.sarahsvineyard.com 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 847-1947

2014 Pinot Noir

The nose was filled with plum, blackberry, red to black cherries, caramel, vanilla, rose petals, white pepper and toasted oak; on the palate we got some of the same notes as on the nose as well as body, lightness and tanginess with a medium finish.

3. Medeiros Family Wines

Hours Of Operation: Sat & Sun 12-5pm, www.medeirosfamilywines.com, 3200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408-779-8826

2014 Saudade (Bordeaux Blend)

Very opaque in color and then we noted aromas of Luxardo cherry, blueberry, blackberry, leather, coffee and dark chocolate; the same fruit carried through to the palate with the addition of pepper, tartness and a firm tannin structure that provided a long finish.

4. Morgan Hill Cellars

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.MorganHillCellars.com 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037. (408) 779-7389

2013 Merlot

Lovely plum, blackberry, black pepper and wet bark on the nose; followed by a palate that was all black fruit, dry, peppery, tannic, big and robust.

5. Seeker Vineyard

Hours Of Operation: 12:00 to 5:00 on every Saturday and by appointment. www.seekervineyard.com www.facebook.com/seekervineyard 11755 Turlock Ave, San Martin, CA 95046. (949) 370-1040

*2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

“Yummy” was the first comment on the nose, followed by anise, raspberry, clove, fig, violet; on the mouth there were flavors of dried plums, tart, dry and a short finish.

6. Fortino Winery

Hours Of Operation: Open Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.fortinowinery.com 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 842-3305

*2013 Charbono

Aromas of sweet berries, dried plums, vanilla, cream, milk chocolate; red berries, pine nuts, dry, low tannin and a short finish.

7. La Vie Dansante Wines

Hours Of Operation: Open every weekend noon to 5pm and other times by appointment. www.laviedansantewines.com 3200-A Dryden Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408.852.0779

Rehearsal (65% Syrah and 35% Carignane)

Strawberry, plum, coffee, cedar, oak and tobacco on the nose; with black cherry as well as tart strawberry, tannins, good balance with a medium finish in the mouth.

8. Jason-Stephens Winery

Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM- 6PM . www.jstephens.com 6500 Brem Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 846-VINE

2012 Syrah

Port-like to some of the guests, smoky and floral notes reminiscent of rose petals; then on the mouth we got both red and black fruit, dry and mineral qualities.

9. Stefania Wine

Hours Of Operation: Third weekend of each Month Saturday 11-4 Sunday 12-4 and by appointment. www.stefaniawine.com 1800 Day Road, Gilroy, CA 95020. 408 242 8598

*2014 Syrah

Aromas of fresh blueberry, blackberry, cinnamon, coffee; followed by blue to black fruit, peppery, jammy and nicely balanced.

10. Aver Family Vineyards

Hours Of Operation: Open every Friday – Saturday – Sunday Noon – 5 pm. www.averfamilyvineyards.com 2900 Soma Way, Gilroy, CA 95020. (408) 203-8575

*2013 Blessings (Petite Sirah)

Crushed black cherries stuck our collective noses, and then dark chocolate, tobacco, pepper; on the mouth we got bold black cherry, dark chocolate, tannins and a lingering finish.

*Our favorites of the tasting were the Lion Ranch 2014 Viognier, Seeker 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Fortino 2013 Charbono, Aver Family 2013 Petite Sirah and Stefania 2014 Syrah.

http://www.santaclarawines.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.