Toscana Restaurant Presents an Exclusive Winemaker Dinner with Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro

September 20, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

TOSCANA welcomes Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the iconic luxury fashion designer and proprietor of the family’s wine estate, for the Il Borro Wine Dinner on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Ferragamo and his wife Christine will be present to introduce his wines from the exceptional estate in Tuscany, Italy. The five-course menu by Executive Chef Hugo Vasquez will be matched with a variety of wines from Il Borro, consisting of Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah grapes. The wines are chosen to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Il Borro portfolio and will offer something for everyone and every occasion.

The evening reception will begin with Stuzzichini – Crostino Di Fegatini – a Traditional Tuscan Pâté of Chicken Liver, Served on Crostini paired with a sparkling Bolle di Borro NV Rosé of Sangiovese. Antipasti follows with a Crudo Di Ricciola with Yellowtail, Caperberry, Microgreens and Citrus Vinaigrette paired with Lamelle, IGT Toscana Bianco Chardonnay, 2016. Next is Risotto con Funghi Bianchi e Tartufo – Risotto with Foraged Mushrooms and Norcia Black Truffle paired with Polissena, IGT Toscana Sangiovese, 2013. For the main course, guests will savor the Filetto di Cervo con Riduzione di Vino Rosso – Venison Filet with Red Wine Reduction and Rapini paired with Il Borro, IGT Toscana Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2013. The dinner will finish with a Dolci of Tortino di Cioccolato paired with Santa Vittorio Vin Santo, 2004.

Pricing for Toscana’s Ferragamo Wine Dinner with Il Borro is $225 per person inclusive of menu, wines, tax and gratuity. Dinner will begin in the wine room promptly at 7:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required; seating availability is limited for this event. Reservations may be made by calling Toscana at 310.820.2448 or email Samantha@neranobh.com.

The Il Borro Estate in the Tuscan Countryside | photo courtesy of Il Borro

ABOUT IL BORRO:

The Ferragamo family began restoration of Il Borro shortly after acquiring the medieval Tuscan estate in 1993. Since then, Salvatore Ferragamo has restored Il Borro’s historic detail and brought the estate back to life in a new era. In 1996, the vineyards were replanted by Salvatore and Ferruccio Ferragamo and today, a tour of the Il Borro Cellars is a journey to the heart of Tuscan wine-making tradition. Il Borro boasts one of the oldest cellars in Italy where the first ever Chianti wine was produced and the magic of winemaking continues with passion and commitment.

FERRAGAMO WINE DINNER

Executive Chef Hugo Vasquez

Sommelier Samantha Johnston

October 3rd, 2017, 7:00 p.m.

Stuzzichini

Crostino di Fegatini

traditional tuscan pâté of chicken liver, served on crostini

Sparkling Bolle di Borro NV Rosé of Sangiovese

Antipasti

Crudo di Ricciola

yellowtail, caperberry, microgreens, citrus vinaigrette

Lamelle, IGT Toscana Bianco Chardonnay, 2016

Risotto

Risotto con Funghi e Tartufo

risotto with foraged mushrooms, norcia black truffle

Polissena, IGT Toscana Sangiovese, 2013

Secondi

Filetto di Cervo con Riduzione di Vino Rosso

venison filet, red wine reduction, rapini

Il Borro, IGT Toscana Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2013

Dolci

Tortino di Cioccolato

chocolate souffle

Santa Vittorio Vin Santo, 2004

$225 per person

all inclusive

ONE NIGHT ONLY

FERRAGAMO/IL BORRO WINE DINNER

Tuesday, October 3, 2017, 7:00 p.m.

$225 per guest, inclusive of menu & wines, exclusive of tax and gratuity; seating is limited. Proprietor Salvatore Ferragamo will be present to meet guests and discuss the wines.Reservations may be made by calling Toscana at 310.820.2448 or email Samantha@neranobh.com

TOSCANA

11633 San Vicente Boulevard, #100

Los Angeles, CA 90049

310.820.2448

ABOUT TOSCANA:

TOSCANA quietly opened in February 1989 by first-time restaurateurs, Kathie and Mike Gordon who dreamed of creating an Italian trattoria in their neighborhood where friends and family could come together to eat simple, delicious food just like they found in Italy. Amidst the cozy environment celebs, locals and tourists alike are treated like family while being served by the infamously friendly staff. TOSCANA’s success has exceeded all expectations for over 28 years.

Become a Fan of TOSCANA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/toscanabrentwood

Keep up with TOSCANA on Instagram: @toscanabrentwood

Follow TOSCANA on Twitter: @TOSCANA1989

www.toscanabrentwood.com

Halter Ranch’s Lucas Pope: The First Vineyard Manager Named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40

September 18, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, Calif. – Halter Ranch Vineyard in Paso Robles, is proud to announce that its Vineyard Manager, Lucas Pope, has been named to Wine Enthusiast’s coveted 40 Under 40 List in the upcoming October 2017 issue. Pope is first vineyard manager to ever make the list.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that the work — that our entire team at Halter has quietly been doing for years — is being recognized by the editors at Wine Enthusiast,” says Pope, 35.

The 40 Under 40 list is normally made up of winemakers, sommeliers, and wine media influencers. Pope was named to the list for his, and Winemaker Kevin Sass’s groundbreaking and innovative work in helping Halter Ranch beat back Red Blotch, a slow-progressing disease that over time can destroy grapevines, which is running rampant in Calfornia. Not only has Pope helped lead Halter’s efforts, he has been proactive in consulting and sharing his best practices with other wineries throughout California, notes Wine Enthusiast.

“Not only has Lucas and Kevin (Sass) helped guard our vineyards, we’ve also managed to keep improving markedly Halter’s wine quality, with every vintage, while doing it,” says Skylar Stuck, Halter Ranch’s general manager. “It all begins in the vineyard, and this award honors the creative work we’ve been doing there.”

About Halter Ranch Vineyard
Halter Ranch Vineyard, a historic property on the west side of Paso Robles, draws on both innovation and rich tradition in crafting world-class wines. Located in the heart of California’s Central Coast, the winery specializes in estate-grown Bordeaux and Rhône Valley varietals and blends. It has earned California’s prestigious SIP certification (Sustainability in Practice) for its environmentally responsible viticulture and winemaking practices. Their primary wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, CDP (a Rhône style blend), Grenache Blanc, Rosé and the Estate Reserve, Ancestor (Bordeaux-style blend). To learn more about the winery and vineyard, please visit www.halterranch.com.

Perlis Picks – Stillman Wines

September 2, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but most of the time it seems that vintage doesn’t matter with California wines. Yes, there are slight variations but the overall high quality grapes and good winemaking tend to result in great wine every year.

The deal goes down with Stillman in the La Quinta parking lot — photo by Mike Ortiz

2011 has seemed to be an exception. As I work my way through the wines we have from this vintage, I’ve found fewer wines than usual to get excited about. Not that they aren’t there, but it was the kind of year that separated the good from the great and resulted in my canceling some club memberships that I was borderline about.

That being said, there are still some wonderful wines from 2011. The 2011 J Dusi Zinfandel, which I originally had concerns over, has turned into a wonderful wine. And the wines from faves like Bedrock, Carlisle and Turley definitely met my expectations.

But the wine of the vintage for me was the 2011 Colossus Syrah from Stillman Wines. Fortunately, I happened to buy several bottles of this wine, and it continues to amaze everyone I share it with. No one believes the 16.5% alcohol on the bottle or that it comes from Paso Robles. The wine is just gulp-ably delicious. Sadly, I think we finally finished our last bottle of this wine.

I’m not sure what I can write about Stillman Brown [or Swilly Idle as he is sometimes known]. He makes great wines, most of them for other people. Those relationships, while not huge secrets, are also really not widely publicized and I will respect that.

So, when Karen and I met with Stillman at [REDACTED] winery and tasted through some barrel samples, I’ll tell you they were excellent but that’s about all I can tell you.

You’re in luck though. The wines Stillman makes for others he also makes for his own label [and others too], with a stylistic tweak here and there. The best way to get your hands [lips] on those is to sign up for his email list. You’ll get some entertaining emails and an opportunity to buy some delicious well-priced wines.

Here are some excerpts from some of his emails…

“Friends, family, fans and stalkers, this ZEPPELIN ATTACK WARNING is not from the Royal Flying Corps – which rather sounds like Elvis after he popped too many pills – but is instead notification of the imminent launch of one of the most unique, intense, and succulent wines we’ve made. (Succulent is not usually applied to the dominant variety here, but Tannat’s reputation for biting tannins is largely a product of the idiosyncratic fermentation regimes of its homeland in southwestern France and its often slavish mimicry in the New World, as well the similarity of the words themselves.)…”

Here’s another…

“Behold the multitasking mystery here: the title of the painting [referencing the wine label with the title The Effect Of Wine On The Human Spirit] is also the name of the wine, and the multivintage declaration doubles as the alcohol approximation. As complex as an intoxicated argument between Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein: lightly roasted ripe Nantucket cranberry and Cohabitation Canyon (Fruita, UT) cherry and mulberry, and spicy pink peppercorn and spearmint…”

And just one more…

“Ladies, gentlemen and fruit flies, I know that releasing a white wine in the icy dead of winter may seem odd, but it is not: by the time warmer weather comes there might not be any left to ship; it’s popular around here. The 2016 Red Zeppelin Vermentino sports an awesome new label, but there are no other changes excepting the addition of 9% Viognier from the same block; it’s much more like the ’15 than the ’14. The acidity is relatively high, the alcohol a mere 13.4%, but it’s not a ‘light’ wine: it has all the characteristic spice of the variety, but far more flavor and mouthfeel due to the low yields at the Hill of Graceland.”

Some wines are the Stillman Wines label, others are Zeppelin Wines. Regardless, Stillman’s wines are worth seeking out.

Send him an email at stillmanb@aol.com.

Stillman is much more than a pretty face in a gold suit and perfect pedicure. He’s been my go-to for technical questions, parking lot purchases and visits to wineries-under-construction. I want to find out more of his bio but he’s already told me if I reveal too much he’d have to ki….

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.

Eve visits: Hidden Chateau and Gardens for a French wine tasting (circa Sept 2009)

September 1, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

If you know me you know I don’t leave my own little valley too often, except, for wine. Later this month I will brave the LA County Fair to experience two wine classes. I’m pressing my husband Eddie for an October Paso trip. And my friend Nick Morello is ready for me to descend on Terravant Wine Company in Buellton.

But drive? Myself? On a weeknight? It would have to be something pretty cool. And my new best friend, Katie Mahanes, had just the right invite to get me off Facebook and into…a former stable?

So this was the deal: Katie invited me to a French wine pairing dinner at the Hidden Chateau & Gardens in West Hills. (http://www.hiddenchateau.com) I’d never heard of the chef, the wines, the venue…I started to realize that I would never put down my wine 101 glass for the proper one if I didn’t check this out:

Constructed in 1934 – 1936 by silent movie actor, Francis Lederer and his wife, Marion, it was originally built as a horse stable housing Mrs. Lederer’s horse, Gypsy. In 1967, Mrs. Lederer along with Mary and Obdulio Galeana opened the Canoga Mission Gallery, featuring folk art and artifacts from Mexico. The building was named a Historical Cultural Monument #135 on December 4, 1974 by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. The stone and adobe building replicates the style of the original California missions. With 1.5 acres of exquisite shaded grounds and gently meandering stone paths, the monument has a Spanish-style roof and was built of stone quarried on their ranch located across the street.

Now occupied by The Hidden Chateau & Gardens, it is a popular site for parties, weddings, teas, and corporate events. While brick and stone architecture lend a rustic appeal, a colonnade of graceful archways lead into an elegant garden with a gazebo.

Wine List:
Macon-fuisse Bourgogne 2004: Chardonnay
Robert Karcher Vin D’Alsace 2004: Sylvaner
Cotes du Rhone Saint Esprit 2007: Syrah/Grenache
Chateau des Matards Cotes de Blaye 2005: Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

Menu:
Appetizer
Warm French Baguette with Red Pepper and tomatoes salad, Tapenade and Pesto.

Cena Signature Salad of Candied pecans, sliced red onions, cranberries and Gorgonzola cheese tossed with homemade Dijon vinaigrette dressing.

Assiette de Charcuterie – Terrine de Campagne, Salami, and Prosciutto

Grilled Shrimp with ginger and garlic sauce

Chicken Basquaise – Pan Seared Chicken Breast, Grilled red pepper, zucchini, eggplant and tomato sauce

So there I am, almost out of my element as I really could have seen myself as alone…had it not been for Katie. She expertly turned her latest Facebook friend -into a fan.

The pairing by Chef Charlie didn’t lack for anything. His elegant and delicate fare was paired not only with elegantly styled wines but was framed by waterfalls & fountains, music and lush foliage.

The appetizer trio that I enjoyed included both an olive tapenade and a pesto tickling my tongue, was accompanied by an Alsace wine by Rober Karcher that Chef Charlie said was 50% Pinot Gris and 50% Pinot Blanc. “This is the only way the winemaker does it – as it makes the wine less sweet and palatable with salads and appetizers.” The salad, a Gargonzola and candied pecan salad garnished with cranberry jelly, lemon, extra virgin olive oil and Dijon mustard, was delightful with the wine.

“Being in Fallbrook mall, Ceno, my restaurant and wine store, competed with Trader Joe’s on one end and Woodland Hills Wine Co. on the other. At first I stuck to about 95% French, Spanish and Italian wines that I know so well. But my customers broadened my awareness of Napa and Paso and now I love the Grenache, Pinot Noirs and Zinfandel wines too.”

The homemade charcuterie that came next had my mouth watering moments before fork met palate. Chef Charlie talked of the hours each required to reach their required flavor while I simmered on the Cote du Rhone now being poured. With 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah this Chateuneuf du Pape styled wine accompanied not only the charcuterie but excellently paired with the grilled shrimp.

What appeared next to be a simple chicken dish was, in truth, described by Chef Charlie as a pretty remarkable feat: each vegetable had been grilled separately then added together only at the end with garlic and olive oil. Paired with our final wine of the evening, a Bordeaux with 75% Cab and 25% Merlot, that was the bottle I knew I would drive back for.

When the trio of desserts arrived, I could name without any help but was stunned by just the same. (Crème brûlée, Lemon tart, Crème fraîche) I wished it as appropriate for a wine blogger to get a doggie bag, a bottle, and still make it home in time to Facebook about my evening. I always make abrupt exits. It’s my signature. Like Cinderella leaving the ball before the prince finds out…she ate or drank too much.

Kissing Katie goodbye was hard. But nowhere near as hard, sorry Katie, as leaving the Hidden Chateau and Gardens.

Perlis Picks: ONX

August 26, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

The last time Karen and I visited ONX it was at the winery/vineyard in Templeton, just a short distance from Turley Wine Cellars. I took away a few cool things from that visit.

The vineyard tour is cool. You think you might be in a residential area, and suddenly there’s a vineyard – Templeton is funny that way. Riding around on a four-wheel mule with various stops along the way, with wine included at each stop, is pretty cool too.

Associate Winemaker Jeffrey Strekas is also cool. One half of the “gun show” winemaking team along with Winemaker Brian Brown, Jeffrey’s winemaking skills along with his wry sense of humor add up to a great wine tasting experience.

Finally, ONX’s wines are very cool. Known for their “untraditional” blends, they taste familiar and unfamiliar to me at the same time — always high quality and deliciously fruit forward.

Now that the winery has moved to Tin City and has opened a real tasting room, one might be tempted not to check out the vineyard tour. I urge you not to pass that up, as it is a lot of fun and very informative.

That being said, our last visit to ONX was to visit Jeffrey Strekas at the new winery and tasting room, which is as stylish as the wines.

In talking with Jeffrey, we learned that the new winery had enabled them to increase their capacity to about 3,500 cases annually, which is really helpful to them since not only are their own wines very popular but they also now make wine for other wineries. [I’m not sure I’m allowed to name any.]

A case in point is their 2016 Indie, a crazy good rose of Tempranillo that is also a crazy steal at just $19 per bottle. It is no wonder they sell all they make of this wine and production of this alone was 852 cases.

Another really delicious wine is their 2015 L’autre Femme, an unusual [of course] blend of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc is readily apparent on the nose with the richness of the Viognier smoothing out the acidity.

I also really liked the 2016 Field Day blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Grenache Blanc.

This is where things got a little hazy.

Jeffrey ominously muttered “When you come to ONX, there has to be a reckoning.”

My notes are incomplete, but I did buy…

2013 Crux [Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Alicante Bouschet]

2014 Black Orchid [100% Petite Sirah – one of the few single varietals made by ONX]

2014 Caliber [Cabernet Sauvigon, Malbec]

2014 Level 22 [Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache]

2014 Mad Crush [Grenache, Tempranillo, Malbec, Mourvedre, Zinfandel]

Oh, now I get it. Jeffrey said “When you come to ONX, there has to be a Reckoning.”

For me, Reckoning has always been ONX’s flagship wine. Jeffrey poured us a taste of the not-yet-released 2014 – a blend of Syrah, Malbec, Grenache and Petite Sirah. I highly recommend this wine as a one-bottle showcase of what Paso Robles can do. I did have a fairly technical tasting note on this one, which is unusual for me. I did the usual smell, swirl, smell again and then taste. Unbidden from my lips came forth perhaps the most profound comment I have ever made about a wine…

“Holy crap!”

Enough said.

ONX

tin city tasting room
open daily 10:00am – 4:00pm
vineyard tours available by appointment
friday + saturday 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, + 3:00pm
tour requests for thursday + sunday + monday accommodated when possible.

Vintage Eve Circa 1/14: High Desert Cellars Tasting with Chavez Cellars

August 22, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

After I tasted wines from the California High Desert AVA with Wine of the Month Club’s president Paul Kalemkiarian via YouTube, I got an email a few weeks later from another winery in the high desert, High Desert Cellars Chavez Vineyards. They wanted me to taste their award winning wines (see “From the Winery” below) and write up some tasting notes for you, our Dear Wine Friends.

Not one to turn down a bottle, err, I mean an opportunity to try a new bottle of wine, I readily agreed to the tasting. (If you want to try them they have a tasting room open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.: 3045 90^th Street West, Rosamond, CA, 93560, 661-256-6203.)

Tasting

2010 Tempranillo, 13.9% alcohol

Stewed mushroom, green bell peppers cooking in fajita seasonings, black pepper, leather, blackberry; lovely dark peppery fruit, juicy blackberry, black pepper again, good tannins. Pair with grilled steak or any meat-based dish in my humble opinion. Drink now.

2010 Zinfandel, 13.9% alcohol

Floral rose petals, plum, dark chocolate, leaves, wet earth and leather; red fruit, tannic, black pepper, smoke, bark. I could steadily sip this wine alone – and I did – or enjoy with food. Drink now or up to 5 years of down time. I liked the alcohol content and didn’t get any of the heat accompanied with high alcohol percentages. With that said, for a Zinfandel, it was fairly easy drinking with only a mild amount of pepper and spice.

2010 California Syrah, 15.6% alcohol

The color of seedless blackberry jam; dark fruit, plum, plump raisins, tobacco, milk chocolate, leather, mint; dried black fruits, juicy yet palate-drying on the finish, smoke, and firm tannins. Very pleasant, may be strong without food for some but not for me. Drink now or up to 5 to 7 years of down time. (Note from my Contributing Editor Michael Perlis: High Desert Cellars’ Syrah is from the same vineyard that was used for Golden Star’s.)

From the Winery

Three of our wines have won medals from the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition! Our 2010 Syrah won GOLD. Our 2010 Merlot won SILVER. And our Zinfandel won BRONZE. We are thrilled to receive this honor!

The 2014 SFCWC had a record number of 5,825 entries from over 1,500 wineries from 25 states in America – the largest competition of wines in America. The Public Tasting Event will be held at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco on Saturday, February 15, beginning at 1:30PM, and we are making plans to attend and pour our wonderful wines.

Efren Chavez is the proud owner of High Desert Cellars – Chavez Vineyards and he has been in the grape growing business since 1978, starting in Sonoma County in the Russian River Appellation, Alexander Valley. In 1999 Efren started Chavez Vineyards on 20 acres located in east Palmdale, in the Antelope Valley of the California High Desert. Producing wine from grapes of uncompromised quality, including red varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Malbec, Barbera, Alicante Bouchet, and white varietals of Chardonnay, Semillon, Viognier, Muscato, as well as rose wines of Merlot and Syrah. The first bottles of wine under the Chavez Cellars label were bottled in 2009.

Efren’s ambition of opening a tasting room for his wines became reality in June 2011 – High Desert Cellars Winery and Tasting Room held its grand opening. The beautiful tasting room offers fines wines for tasting, as well as beer, soda, water, snacks and unique gifts. Our wines can also be enjoyed in the outdoor garden area, along with a picnic lunch if desired.

Perlis Picks: Clavo Cellars

August 19, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Full disclosure – Karen and I consider Neil Roberts a good friend and a visit to Paso Robles isn’t complete without spending some time with Neil in his Clavo Cellars tasting room in Templeton. Neil isn’t always around, as he does have his vineyard management company to run, but when he is, it is always a treat.

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Photo from Clavo Cellars Facebook page

Clavo Cellars [Neil named the winery after the nickname he was given by the vineyard workers – Clavo means “nail” in Spanish] wines are not your typical Paso Robles style wines. Neil is able to cherry-pick [I guess “grape-pick” would be a better term] his grapes from the vineyards he manages and makes wines that are somewhat old-world in style. He also releases them a little later than most wineries in the area, ensuring they are ready to drink at their peak.

Having made his wines for a long time at Midnight Cellars [where we once had a memorable barrel tasting with Neil], Clavo Cellars will soon be moving its winemaking operations to its own dedicated winery. The tasting room, long a fixture on Main Street in Templeton, will remain.

Clavo Cellars often has events at the tasting room, generally tied to what is going on in the community. For example…

We happened to visit during Girl Scout Cookie season and wouldn’t you know that Neil was offering cookie pairings with the wine tasting, complete with tasting notes…

Shortbread [delicate-tasting shortbread that is delightfully simple and satisfying] paired with “Corazon” Sparkling Grenache Blanc [fresh aromas of honeysuckle, eucalyptus leaves, dried stone fruit and lavender; along with crushed rock and herbs de province on the nose. Leading into a long minerality finish].

S’mores [a crispy graham cookie double dipped in yummy crème icing and finished with a scrumptious chocolatey coating] paired with “Voluptuous” Vermentino [a lively fragrant blend of pineapple, ripe banana and pear aromas. The inviting tropical fruit flavors draw you into this well-balanced wine. A creamy richness and harmonious texture end with lingering acidity.].

Peanut Butter Patties [a layer of peanut butter with a rich chocolatey coating] paired with 2011 “Desperado” Zinfandel [a diverse selection of red fruits, strawberries, red currents, and hints of bing cherries. The oak showcases the affinity this grape has for added structure.]

Thin mints [round, mint-flavored cookies with a delicious chocolatey coating] paired with 2011 “Reckless Moment” Syrah […blackberries and raspberries dominate the nose. There is a slight suggestion of fresh purple lilac buds and cloves. The palate is coated with crushed black peppers and chocolate shavings.].

Carmel deLights [caramel and toasted coconut-covered cookies] paired with 2011 “Dreamer” Petite Sirah [aroma of dark chocolate and black currants. Hints of ripe blackberries and blueberries are noted. The soft open tannins help create a round texture that is enhanced by the bright acidity.]

When hanging out with Neil, what’s on the tasting list is never enough.

We tasted a couple of wines from the II Moons label he collaborates on with John Gleason:

2012 “Elan” Chenin Blanc

2012 “Angst” blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah

And then hit a “few” other wines, including some library wines…

2011 “Fedora” Malbec

2007 “Enigma” blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 “Reckless Moment” Syrah

2008 “Desperado” Zinfandel

2009 Pinot Noir

As I mentioned, the Clavo Cellars wines are more of an old-world style than is stereotypically Paso, definitely lower alcohol. No risk of alcohol heat coming out on these wines, especially as they age and show off more nuances.

It’s always a lot of fun going to Clavo Cellars. If Neil isn’t there when you visit, no worries; he always hires great people. But, it can’t hurt to see if he can come out to play. If you see him, tell him Hi from Karen and Michael.

Clavo Cellars

315 S. Main Street, Templeton, CA

Perlis Picks – Paso Robles Wine Country Grand Tasting Tour: Part Two

August 12, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Last week, I shared with you about the seminar provided for trade and media to kick off the Paso Robles Wine Country Grand Tasting Tour held at the Newport Beach Marriott.

This week, I’ll tell you our favorites of the wines we tasted at the Grant Tasting…

Alta Colina Vineyard

2016 Grenache Blanc [95% Grenache Blanc, 5% Roussanne]

2013 Old 900 Syrah [97% Syrah, 3% Viognier]

Ancient Peaks Winery

2015 Renegade [55% Syrah, 27% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot]

2013 Oyster Ridge [75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Malbec, 5% Petite Sirah]

Barr Estate Winery

2014 Albarino

2013 Dane Head [51% Malbec, 18% Petite Sirah, 18% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon]

Calcareous Vineyard

2013 Tres Violet [37% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 28% Mourvedre]

2013 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon [91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc]

Caliza Winery

2016 Pink [Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah]

2013 Sympatico [76% Tempranillo, 24% Grenache]

Cass Winery

2015 Viognier

2015 Mourvedre

2014 Vintage Ted [70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Mourvedre, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot]

Daou Vineyards

2015 Pessimist [37% Syrah, 31% Petite Sirah, 27% Zinfandel, 5% Tannat]

2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon [75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot]

Gray Wolf Cellars & Barton Family Wines

2015 Jackal [100% Zinfandel]

2015 Big Bad [90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah]

MCV Wines

2016 Pink [Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Tannat]

2014 1105 [60% Petite Sirah, 21% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Tannat, 1% Viognier]

Niner Wine Estates

2014 Malbec [91% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc]

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon [85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 2% Carmenere]

ONX Wines

2016 Indie [Rose of Tempranillo]

2016 Indie Noir [Red Blend]

2014 Level 22 [45% Petite Sirah, 33% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache]

A few comments…

We didn’t taste at every table. These were are our favorites of the ones we tasted.

We didn’t taste everything at MCV or ONX. We probably would have more of their wines on this list if we had. But, we just reported on our visit to MCV and our article on ONX is coming up soon.

Minor rant…really minor…

We started going to Paso Robles about 20 years ago. At that time, Zinfandel was king. Don’t get me wrong, we love the Rhones coming out of Paso, and Cab is definitely making a name for itself. Wineries like Turley, Tobin James, J Dusi and others still carry on the Zin tradition, but sometimes I think it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

So, for this reason and also because the wines were totally kick-ass, my wines of the day were the two Gray Wolf & Barton Family Wines Zinfandels – Jackal and Big Bad.

From the Gray Wolf & Barton Family Wines website:

Joe and Shirlene Barton established Grey Wolf Cellars in August 1994. Since then, the Bartons have made their winery a family-run business. Joe Senior had a vision and a dream to create great wine and do so with his family. He put on his wine labels, “A family is a circle of caring, strong and eternal.” He succeeded because he always put 100% into everything he did. Joe Senior left our pack in the Winter of 1998, but his dream and passion lives on through his family and the spirit of Grey Wolf.

I actually met Joe Junior soon after his father had passed, when the tasting room was still on Paso’s east side, at what is now Penman Springs. Joe has done amazing things with the winery and you should definitely pay them a visit.

Paso Robles has certainly made its mark on the world wine stage. I can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come.

E-16 Opens New Tasting Room in the Sierra Foothills

August 10, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Somerset, CA (PRWEB) – After years of careful planning and construction, E-16 winery will be opening the doors of their new winery to the public in El Dorado County California. With tones of modern luxury and wine country chic, the personality of owner Robert Jones is felt from beginning to end, much like the way it feels to experience his wines.

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Photo: E16 Winery Facebook page

Description

Carved into the mountainside that sits alongside a babbling brook, the tasting room has two specific personalities that are perfectly designed in the vernacular of the region it represents.

The front room is filled with natural lighting brought about by enormous bay windows and two sets of twelve foot doors, that invite the light to illuminate the polished concrete floor and urban zen style wooden bar. A waterfall with LED lighting gives the appearance of an indoor firefall. The back room, reserved for members, takes wine lovers into a 65 foot long cave decorated with vintage style chic chandeliers for lighting, rustic oversized leather couches, and an impressive three piece wooden bar that covers the entire back wall from side to side and floor to ceiling.

When the weather is right, the patio offers a third location for guests to relax in the sunshine alongside a babbling stream that runs down the side of the property.

Location

El Dorado County sits at the north end of California’s famed Mother Lode, the 120-mile gold vein discovered in the late 1840’s which became the site of the Gold Rush. Today, the region is better known for its visitor attractions, agriculture, and old-vine Zinfandel. The definition of “off the beaten path” wine tasting, El Dorado gives wine lovers the chance to experience a digital detox while sipping on the supple nectar of the grapes.

“I want to help everyone who interacts with E-16 to make lasting memories. We are more than thrilled to bring a tasting room like this to life in an area so dear to my heart. We want to recreate expectations when wine tasting in this area. We want people to enjoy an environment, wine, and a service level they have never seen before. A customized yet relaxed approach to comfort and approachable luxury,” said owner, Robert Jones.

Visitor’s Experience

The Tasting Room will initially offer five wines that showcase the awarded elegance of E-16 and their label FireFall, all created from the renowned hands of Winemaker Daniel Moore. E-16 will showcase their sought after Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs. FireFall will focus on more obscure varietals such as Syrah, Grenache Blanc and Barbera. So, whether you are a novice or an expert, E-16 will be the perfect spot to visit for wine travellers with all levels of wine knowledge.

The purpose of the Tasting Room will be to share E-16 wines and educate visitors about the wine, history and diversity of El Dorado County and the Fire Play AVA. The Tasting Room is open to the Public from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday– Sunday. Hours vary seasonally so visitors should call ahead to (530) 620-6200 or check the website at http://www.e16wines.com

OVERVIEW of E-16’s New Wine Tasting Room

Who – E-16 Winery – Owner Robert Jones – Winemaker – Daniel Moore
What – New wine tasting room in Somerset, California
When – The tasting room will be open to the public as of July 26, 2017
Where – 8085 Perry Creek Rd., Somerset, CA 95684

Reservations – can be made by visiting e16wines.com or calling (530) 620-6200 or emailing robin(at)e16wines.com

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E-16 Winery

E16 Wines composes single-vineyard pinot noir and chardonnay from California vineyards graced with the optimum confluence of soil, climate and human curation. The new label FireFall is an inspired take on obscure varietals that thrill the senses.

The E16 winemaking team partners with grape growers who share a commitment to sustainable viticulture and a devotion to the fruit’s inherent varietal expression. This camaraderie is woven with a passion for excellence and respect for the fundamentals of thoughtful farming to produce noble wines having a true sense of place.

ENJOY THE BEST OF NEW ZEALAND FOOD AND WINE WITH A NEW CURATED ITINERARY FROM NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH

August 6, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Auckland, New Zealand – New Zealand travel experts New Zealand In Depth announce a wine-centric travel program which recognizes winners of the Air New Zealand 2016 Wine Awards with a “pairing” of gourmet, local food experiences. The personalized 13-day New Zealand Food and Wine Tour visits New Zealand’s three main wine regions, Hawkes Bay on the North Island with its award-winning Chardonnay and full-bodied Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot; Marlborough on the top of the South Island, acclaimed for Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic whites; and the Central Otago, the world’s most southerly wine-growing region and home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir.

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Photo: New Zealand in depth Facebook page

Accommodations include lodges and inns, selected for their personalized service, outstanding location, and gourmet offerings. Travel is by ferry, plane and car, starting in Auckland on the North Island and ending in Queenstown on the South Island. Additional activities such as hiking, cycling, and gourmet sailing excursions are available. The program is fully customizable to reflect travelers’ activity, wine and dining preferences. To help you decide, New Zealand In Depth offers a quick overview of the country’s wines here. Travel can be arranged from September 2017 to June 2018.

Among the wines to be sampled are many of New Zealand In Depth’s “insider” favorites: Bordeaux-style Stonyridge Vineyard Larose on Waiheke Island; Endeavour Chardonnay at Clearview Estate Winery in Hawke’s Bay; barrel-aged Sur Lie Sauvignon Blanc from Hans Herzog and Alsace-style Gewurztraminer at Johanneshof Cellars in Marlborough. In Central Otago, oaked Fume Blanc at Amisfield Winery in Arrowtown and single-vineyard Cornish Point Pinot Noir are showcased. Paul Carberry, founder of New Zealand In Depth and a passionate wine lover notes, “There is nothing better than hopping from one winery to another across New Zealand to sample some of the best award-winning vintages. Whether you are an expert, or a passionate enthusiast of good food and wine like me, this new itinerary is a celebration of the best New Zealand has to offer.”

The itinerary visits Auckland, Waiheke Island, Napier and Hawke’s Bay on the North Island with opportunities for beach activities and city sightseeing; and South Island’s Blenheim, Marlborough region, and Queenstown with possibilities for hiking along the Queen Charlotte Track, cycling to the vineyards, adventure sports and boat trips. http://www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk/experiences/food-and-wine-itinerary/

For more information, program detail, and advice on travel to New Zealand in general, visit http://www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk, call +44 1298 74040 or email explore@newzealand-indepth.co.uk.

ABOUT NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH

Now entering its 14^th year, New Zealand In Depth is a team of travel experts who are passionate about creating personalized luxury experiences for clients looking for a distinctive and exclusive vacation in the land of the Kiwis. With nearly 50 years of collective experience, the New Zealand IN Depth team develops programs that reflect a commitment to understanding client needs on a one-on-one basis. The company are advocates of responsible tourism in New Zealand and work with people on the ground who genuinely care for their local environment and actively take steps to protect local habitats and native flora and fauna. Personalized programs reflect the long-term relationships held with local providers of activities, superior and unusual accommodations, and off-the-beaten-track experiences, allowing New Zealand In Depth to create itineraries with experiences that are often not available through other tour operators while being mindful of their impact on the environment. http://www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk/, +44 1298 74040 Twitter: @NZInDepth Facebook: NewZealandInDepth.