Eve's Wine 101

Vintage Eve Circa 12/2017: Hot Toddy Or Cool Cocktail, What is Your Favorite Winter Drink?

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I met a consulting client of mine at 9am in the morning this past month, he had something milky looking in his large coffee mug and proceeded to goad me into trying it. Hot Eggnog and cognac. My how toasty it was, and how toasty it made me feel. He offered to have one made up for me, but lest I wanted my meeting to get detoured into the fun zone (we’re old pals too) I had to skip it.

From The Signal: Cocktails on the Roof 2018, how I miss these events!

Later that night I made up for it. Hubby had been scenting our home with apple cider cooking on the stove with mulling spices. I whipped out some Brandy, added a shot to each of our coffee mugs, and we thoroughly enjoyed our libations on the porch as the sun set.

All of this got me to thinking, what are your favorite holiday libations this time of year? So, as is my thing, I did a roundup on Facebook and asked my pals there. Here’s what you all are drinking this season, either at home or your fave bar:

Cari: We love mulled wine and Irish coffee (depending on the time of day) at our house!

Natasha: In the Caribbean we have Sorrel (hibiscus), hot or cold, only at this time of year, it’s a special holiday drink. I just brewed a gallon. (I asked if there wasn’t any alcohol in this and Natasha responded: Oh no hunny, we throw Caribbean rum in there.

Shirley: Hot Apple Pie – Traders Joes spiced cider warmed in the crock pot, add your favorite brand of dark rum. Ladle into your mug and top with whipped cream…yessirree!

Deb: Bonefish Grill ~ their Winter White Cosmopolitan – Look forward to it every year.

Reyka Vodka, Cointreau, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, white cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. Has floating cranberries in it too.

Celeste: My mother in law makes a hibiscus drink called Ponche. Like a hot punch/tea Typically with cut fruit and sugar can pieces inside…and a shot of tequila to really warm things up.

Cheryl: Disaronno on the rocks.  (Actually never had that one. Might have to try as I do like almond. Looked it up: Disaronno Originale is an amaretto-tasting liqueur with a characteristic almond taste made in Italy.)

Lewis: A spiced ganache dark hot chocolate with whip cream on top and hot fudge drizzled. Also a spiced Caramel hot cider with whip cream on top. Can you imagine what you can fix up with Jack Daniels fire, like… Hot apple cider?

Tim: Whisky… although to be honest I like it in the winter, summer, fall, and spring.

Cynthia: White Russian and anything with eggnog!

Jackie: I make egg nog martinis, just Egg nog and vodka with a dash of cinnamon on top, so delicious and amazing to sip in front of the fire!

Rene: Rompopo. (Which is a Honduran eggnog. Here is the recipe: https://hispanickitchen.com/recipes/rompopo-hondureno-honduran-style-eggnog/)

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.

U.S. supermarket wines are catching up with European counterparts

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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — U.S. supermarket wines, once considered to be poorly made and rarely worth drinking, scored a major success at the 2019 International Salute to Excellence awards for private label in Amsterdam, winning seven top honors in the category.

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The award-winning wines were:

From Costco: Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 (Bordeaux, $10), best quality; Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco NV (Italy, $10). best value.

From Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s organic Grower’s Reserve Merlot 2017 (California, $5), best quality; Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (Russian River Valley, $15), best quality.

From Aldi US: Evanta Malbec 2017 (Argentina, $4), best value; Scarlet Path Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi, $8), best quality; Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Paso Robles, $9), best quality.

This is the best performance ever recorded for wines sold exclusively by U.S. supermarkets, more than doubling the number of 2018 winners. The showing demonstrates that U.S. private label wines continue to get closer to their European counterparts in terms of value and quality – especially among wines costing less than $15. This matters because wines that are sold exclusively by European supermarkets have long been considered among the best wine in the world at combining those two things.

“Don’t overlook private label store wines,” said Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntrye, one of 18 international judges who participated in the 2019 wine awards program. “These were good value, high quality bottlings.
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Some stores are doing a great job sourcing really good juice.”

Wines were judged in 25 categories by varietal, style, and appellation, and each category was judged for best quality and best value. The 18 men and women who judged the competition came from around the world, and included Masters of Wines, sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, wine educators, and retailers. They judged 350 wines from 40 retailers in 11 countries.

To see all results for the 2019 judging, visit www.plmasalute.com/wine-awards. The international Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are a competition sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, with offices in New York and Amsterdam. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 4,000 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products in foods and beverages, as well as home and health products. PLMA sponsors two trade shows annually in Chicago and Amsterdam.

Vintage Beacon Circa 10/2010: Sip, Stroll and Savoring 2010

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Last weekend the Soroptimists of Greater Santa Clarita Valley took the greater – and by far the best – part of our weekend with their third annual “Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds…The Wine Affair.”

The VIP Reception

A VIP reception was held exclusively for sponsors on Friday, October 15th at the home of G. Marshall and Shelley Hann. This kickoff event featured a “battle” to name the “Top Chef of SCV”. Participating Chefs were: Hyatt Valencia Executive Chef Rolf Rothen, Robinson Ranch Executive Chef Efren Gonzalez, Celebrity Chef David Lawrence, Barcelona Executive Chef and Owner Dominic Lahmidi and TPC Executive Chef Daniel Otto.

Their creations were paired with wine from the Private Cellars of Robert Schwartz, John Geraci, Chip Sterndahl, TGIC Importers Inc. and Stellar Imports. The elegant evening also included treats from Babe’s Dessert Bar and Cakery, along with savory faire from one of my favorites: The Poached Pear.

Eve Ate and Drank: I kind of bee-lined it to Robert Schwartz as I had news for him. I had heard that the SCV Wine Classic was kaput. I figured this news would shock him into giving up more of his cellared wine to me now, since he couldn’t do it there anymore. I tasted Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 03 and 04, Whitehall Lane Winery 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colgin 2000 (This is where Robert wanted to explain to me what a Cult wine is and I disappointed him by knowing…a wine that you have to be on a long waiting list to get and not inexpensive by any means) and then…a flight of William Selyem Pinot Noirs.

With all of the other guests headed my way I only had time to note: 03 had Port aromas and flavors, 04 was perfectly balanced, 05 was a perfect example of ripe Pinot Noir and the 06 was full of bright red fruit. I could have had more of any of them…but I had plenty to keep me busy as Chef Daniel Otto, from TPC’s Oaks Grille and the winner of the Chef Battle that night, handed me a Colorado Lamb Chop with Grape reduction that took my breath away.

From the private cellar of Chip Sterndahl I tried an 06 Miner Benedetto and an 06 Anomaly Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were outstanding. An a 06 Frank Family Reserve Zinfandel was later paired with Chef David Lawrence’s Chocolate Ganache Fleur de sel (with salt) that was served on a plate with chocolate dipped grapes. One guest called it, “Sex on a plate.”

I had an interesting Castillo De Monseran Old Vine Granacha from Spain that I really liked and a Montes Alpha Cabernet from Chile that was as tasty as I remembered it, both from my pal Chris Risdon from TGIC Importers. His wines were paired with food from Barcelona that included another lamb chop and empanadas filled with Brie and a grape sauce. Later, paired with an RL Buller Fine Muscat from Australia, was a dessert that I could only describe as possibly being a frothy crème fraiche over a graham cracker that was aptly called a “Dream Cake”.

John Geraci shared an 02 Aida Vineyard 29 red wine from his cellar while Efren Gonzales, of Robinson Ranch, had me pair it with his Proscuitto wrap of Mascarpone, golden raisins and roasted almonds. My mouth was having a little party…

I drank with Kris Hough, Annie Schwartz, Dora Zavala, Jo Ann Vindigni, Tora Brown, Billie Hubbard, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Jeff and Tamra Levine, Patrick and Laurie McIlrath, Jamie Alba, Greg Amsler, Michele Buttleman, John and Sheryl Geraci, Don and Cheri Fleming, Moe and Linda Hafizi, Terry Bucknall, Emily Chetner, Dustin Burkeybile, Scott and Pam Capistrano, Michael Marsalisi, Ed Masterson, Scott and Vanessa Wilk, Paul de la Cerda and Andrea Nelson, Robert and Darlene Gandara, Jeff Shapiro, Morris Thomas, Bob and Margo Hudson.

The Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds Event

Twelve venues featured wine tasting, food and live musical entertainment: La Via Bella, White House Black Market, Ro’Ma Jewelers, Salt Creek Grille, Valencia Wine Company, Glen Ivy Spa, South Point Grill, Carlton Hair International, Lee’s Wine Bistro, The Vines Restaurant, Pottery Barn and Sisley.

Vino 100 Valencia, Malibu Family Wines, Leona Valley Winery, Classic Wines, DiMaggio Washington (and me!) all poured at designated locations. Mojito Cuban Cuisine, Paseo Club, Wolf Creek, Trader Joe’s and Sprouts provided dining choices.

Featured music: Lee Yoon played records on his turntable at Lee’s Wine Bistro, the sultry sounds of Lindsay Hough, Stupid Pony, the Latin sounds of Ino Alvarez, Blue Sky, Jim Shrier, Fahr.west, Nicki Bente, Monkey Bump, Blue Baron Band, and Christine Day.

Eve Spilled:

Megan Gonzalez, one of the two owners of the Poached Pair catering company (that also donated their savory scones to Friday night’s event and to me once for a glowing review), and Lauren Lefkowitz Greber, local realtor extraordinaire, volunteered with me at Valencia Wine Company.

l-r Marlee Lauffer, Eve Bushman, working the Wine Affair.

l-r Marlee Lauffer, Eve Bushman, working the Wine Affair.

You Found Waldo/Me (A little game I played with Eve Wine 101 peeps.) marking off your cards for each of the three allotted tastes. Once, when the wine ran out of wine I was allowed to pour.

I had so hoped that would be my opportunity to thank people again, on behalf of the Soroptimists, for supporting women’s health in Santa Clarita. But, he left me with two half bottles of wine and a line that stretched from the bar to the door.

My newly attained Level Two Wine & Spirits Education did not prepare me for that. Some guests wanted all three ounces at once, some wanted wine I didn’t have, some wanted to chat with me (which was the worst as I had no time) and I ended up going 30 minutes past my shift. (Until Soroptimist Vanessa Wilk rescued me and found my relief.)

Love to write, love to chat with peeps, but pour? I left that to the professionals. Kevin Osborne, the manager at Valencia Wine Company, stepped in and pulled a great Pinotage, and then a second, off the shelf and at once calmed the crowd.

Other volunteers I wanted to say hi to at the different stations but didn’t have time (Some stopped by mine for whine!) were Dora Zavala, John and Sheryl Geraci, Julie Sturgeon, Madison Schwartz, Marcy Gonzales, Marjanne Priest, Marlee Lauffer, Pam Ingram, Rose Chegwin, Tamra Levine, Tom Lukas and Tora Brown. 

Support and Thanks

A portion of the proceeds from the Wine Affair will benefit organizations that support Women’s Health in the Santa Clarita Valley. October is breast cancer awareness month and this fundraiser fit in with the Soroptimist International of the Americas, Camino Real Region “Color Me Pink and Purple Campaign”.  A portion of the day’s proceeds benefited the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center on the campus of the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital to help women who are unable to afford detection services.  In the past years of the event the Soroptimists have donated $5,000 and $10,000 respectively.

The Title Sponsor was Robert Gandara of Secure Horizons; Vintner Sponsors Jeff and Kim Greiner; Barrel Club Sponsors: SCV Bank, Status Not Quo, Old Republic Title, Scott Wilk for College Board and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation. Media Sponsors: The Signal, The Magazine of Santa Clarita and KHTS AM1220.

Jo Ann Vindigni, co-chaired the event along with Tamra Levine, Sheryl Geraci, Dora Zavala, Darlene Gandara, Shelley Hann, Tora Brown and Pam Capistrano. For more information, and a full list of sponsors, visit www.thewineaffair.org

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years.  She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition.  You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Vintage Beacon: Santa Clarita Valley Liquor Laws

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A few years back Ed and I were stopped right in front of Backwoods Inn by the SCV sheriffs in one of those mandatory drunk-driving checks.  I was scared, not because we had drunk too much, but because police in general make me nervous.  (Another thing to blame on my mom—the very first hippie of her generation.) 

scvbeacon logo squareIt was cold.  Being stopped by the police was not in the plan of a romantic evening.  Was there liquor in my Petit Filet Mignon?  I had a video I wanted to watch and didn’t want to be up past 10 PM.  Eddie, fire captain/cousin to law enforcement personnel, shrugged the whole thing off, thrilled with the pen or pencil or paper clip gift that read, “I passed.”

 

Knowing where the checkpoints are reminds me to get home before 9 PM to avoid them as well as potential drunk drivers.  But, reader, I’ve strayed far from my original idea for this column.  The only tie in is the alcohol. 

 

I was at Trader Joe’s purchasing necessary Bushman sundries such as shelled “edamame” soybeans, Promax power bars, soymilk, soy protein powder, fruit leather, yogurt cheese, Pirate’s Booty cheese puffs, humus and the enormous shrimp Sam and I had sampled at the end of one of the aisles.  And of course there was the item that I was sent there for by my resident husband/chef (Always referred to in hyphen format to describe his overflowing character traits!): Balvenie, double sherry oak cask, single malt Scotch.

 

When I entered the checkout line the first thing I had to do was trouble the busy checker, for a plastic bag to contain the ripped apart, half-eaten bag of Pirate’s Booty I had bribed my kid with to stay in the seat of the cart.  (Honestly, she asked to sit there.  And I know she’s a little old, she’s six, to fit in there, but I was just keeping our new car seat laws uppermost in my mind.  Right.)

 

Anyway, our cheery checker not only bagged our booty she also did something really strange that I had never seen anyone, in all my shopping history, do before.  She gently pried the top lid open of the scotch canister to confirm that not only did it enclose the exact scotch we assumed it had but that it was not opened.

 

I was shocked.  She went on to explain that some people exchange the bottles to pay less, or even drink from the bottle and return to the canister half-empty.  It had also been done using a beer or soda can in exchange too.  She wanted to save me from any embarrassment, she went on to say, if we were not checking it at home and giving the Scotch as a gift.

 

Having survived her goodwill without a sarcastic retort I preceded to run my ATM card through her machine.  She said she was sorry but that it didn’t go through.  I told her I thought it had.  She asked me to please try it again and the transaction appeared successful.  The receipt printed out, both copies.  She asked for my phone number and wrote it on her copy.  Then she promised to call me if the transaction had indeed run twice and required deletion.

 

Fast forward (Is it too late?) to the next day.  Trader Joe’s called, one of the managers I believe as it was a man, to assure us that the transaction had only appeared once and all was fine.  As I only expected a call if there was an error my mouth had nothing else to do but gape open.  Luckily my hands took over to pen this column.

 

Now, try as I might to find a tie in to my beginning paragraphs, the best I can come up with is that I’ve got to learn to trust the kindness of supermarket checkers and SCV sheriffs alike.  They are just trying to do their job.  But with a difference: They want to do it right!

Michael Perlis’ Take on Wine Bargains

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My esteemed editor Eve has recently written a couple of columns reviewing books about bargain wines – A Toast to Bargain Wines by George M. Taber and Unquenchable by Natalie MacLean.

Some time ago, I wrote a column about finding deals on wine, and with the economy still showing little sign of improving, the timing seems right to revisit this topic.

Staff Writer Michael Perlis

Now, I am in no way “dissing” the approach of trying any of the wines recommended in the above books. Lord knows I spent many hours [and dollars] in the past scouring the shelves of Trader Joe’s and Cost Plus World Market for new wines to try [and I still think that Bogle Vineyards makes some of the best $10 wine out there]. And these inexpensive wines provide a great opportunity to taste as many wine varieties as possible.

But ultimately, in order to experience high-quality wines, one has to “pay up”. Granted, some wines are exorbitantly priced, and the cost to produce some of them is not all that goes into the pricing model, but good wine is expensive to produce: the cost of the grapes, barrels, winemaking equipment, bottles, the winemaker and assistants, etc. go into the mix, as well as the cost of operating the winery as a business. And, like any product, the laws of supply and demand come into play.

Still, there are ways to get some of these wines at reduced prices.

One of the best ways that come to mind would be to visit the many websites that offer close-out deals. Wines offered on these sites are often highly rated, but are discounted to make way for new vintages or just to get the wine more exposure to the public. My favorite sites are:
Winewoot.com
Cellarthief.com
Winestillsoldout.com

Other sites that I know of but have not tried:
Lot18.com
Cinderellawine.com
Invino.com
Thewinespies.com

Retailers often offer great deals on closeouts as well. I tend to skip the chain operations and deal with independents. Sign up for their email newsletters to be notified of their offerings. I highly recommend Wine Exchange [winex.com] in Orange County, but other well known ones are:
Duke of Bourbon [dukeofbourbon.com]
Woodland Hills Wine Company [whwc.com]
Wade Wines [wadewines.com]

And don’t forget your local wine shop. They need your business as well, and may be willing to offer you discounts for quantity purchases as well as moving prior vintages.

Similarly, wineries often offer their customers special deals who buy direct from them, again especially if you’re willing to buy multiple bottles or they need to close out the previous year’s releases. Get on the email list for your favorite wineries and see what they offer.

As in all transactions, caveat emptor. Be sure the supplier is reputable and that the discount offered is valid.  [30% off “suggested retail” may not be a great deal compared to what other stores may offer the wine at].  And if reviews and/or scores are posted, try to verify the accuracy.

But it is definitely possible to get great deals on great wine without having to drink the cheap stuff.

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.