Vintage Eve Circa 8/2017: Where Was Your Favorite Winery Experience? (Part Two)

May 12, 2020 by evebushman

Last week I asked Facebook pals to share their favorite winery experience, something that made them lifelong fans. I had a few of my own, they had many more, so this is the second group of answers. Feel free to email me if you also have a memorable winery experience to share: Eve@EveWine101.com

Your Favorite Winery Experiences

Denise C. – Well, you know we love Paso Robles……I won’t say how many wine clubs we belong to there. But, like another comment on here we had to buy a big wine fridge and it still doesn’t hold all of it. Lol. But, one of our favorites is Pear Valley! Their wine is good and not too expensive and the views are amazing!

Annette S. – Palmaz Vineyard in Napa. Unbelievable winery and phenomenal wine.

Larry M. – Merry Edwards. Wonderful Pinot Noir up in the Russian River Valley. We were brought into a private room where our own dedicated sommelier taught us about the terroir that makes the Russian River Valley unique. He then guided us through tastings of all of their current offerings. Everything was laid out beautifully with a new glass for each wine. Totally classy.

David P. – Being a Napa boy (born and raised), I have a few. My #1 would have to be getting married at V. Sattui in St. Helena back in 1993. The wedding ceremony was out on the lawn and the reception was in the cellar.

Buttonwood Farm and Winery.

Beverly A. – When my husband and I went to Rosenthal winery tour with Ian Blackburn years ago, absolutely beautiful. Then again on the Wine101 with Ian to Karen Steinwachs/ Buttonwood Farm Winery had BBQ lunch, to name a few.

Kathie W. – My two favorites in Los Olivos – Carhartt Wine Tasting Room and Saarloos and Sons. Fabulous wine, and they both make you feel like family. Been members for years and always look forward to sharing the experience!

Mike B. – Del Dotto. My fav Napa winery. It’s the dark and musty cave experience. Cool atmosphere. Pourers are informative, entertaining, and funny. All tastings out of the barrel. Just very, very special. It’s a must-go-to every time I’m in Napa. His other tasting experience, what I call the “Italian” one,” is nice, but it’s the dark and musty I keep returning to. Would love to meet Del Dotto. I remember his infomercials from the 80s.

Michael and Lori F. – We cannot put to writing how special our tour of Robert Foley was… Lets just say his passion for music is just as strong as his passion for wine!

And I stopped into the tasting room at Quady up in Madera… Out in the Middle of nowhere (so it seemed). I can no longer remember the name of the assistant winemakers who led my tour and tasting of one, but we spent 4 hours tasting EVERY wine and port in their current release portfolio; barrel tasting dessert and port wines still aging and not yet ready to be released; and opening a half dozen bottles of the winery’s library collection of vintage port wines.

As an added bonus they had just finished their first release of “unaged” Brandy distilled from their Orange Muscat Wine…. They would not call it Grappa because it was distilled from the wine and did not include the “pressings” in the distillation… If you like Grappa this was fantastic in its lack of rough edges and smoothness.

I left the winery with about a case of wine and Brandy I purchased… He also gave me the opened library wines and some of the current release wines to take home telling me that there is not enough foot traffic for those bottles to last till the next visitor arrives!

That was a fantastic memory indeed!

Justin G. – I grabbed 2 of the last 1975 vintage Colheita from Kopke while in Porto. My birth year.

Vicki H. – Mallow Run Winery in Indianapolis, is a fun place to enjoy music and wine. Especially when it is Beach Boys or Beatle day.

Terri S. – Broken Earth Winery in Paso Robles. Award-winning wines (they darn near swept the Central Coast Wine Competition), friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent pricing, Thirsty Thursday wine specials and a great picnic spot on the way into town on Highway 46 East!

Michael D. – Many years ago we took the Amtrak Coast Starlight to Seattle. They did a wine tasting on board and one of the wines we really liked was from a winery that we had never heard of – Del Dotto. A year or two later I had a business trip up at the Silverado Resort in Napa and on our way to the hotel we passed Del Dotto. Taking the tour of the caves and tasting the same grape in different types of oak was one of our favorite memories from that trip. We ordered several bottles from the actual casks that we tasted and still have some cellared to this day!

Tom H. – Frank Family in Napa the day after I proposed to Carole they treated us great…lots of good wine!

John M. – Jean-Pierre Gaussen in the Bandol area of Southern France. It was a cold day in December 2002 and my then Fiancé and I were exploring the area and stumbled on to this tiny vineyard of gnarled Mourvèdre vines. When we arrived at the Cave no one was there. Finally a a gentleman still in his pajamas peered down at us from a second story balcony and told us to come back in an hour because it was his lunch hour. We came back an hour later and the same man still in his pajamas opened the cellar and poured his wines for us to taste. It turned out the man was Monsieur Gaussen himself. We spent the next 4 hours talking and drinking wine with him with subjects ranging from the history of the Mourvèdre grape to French politics all in broken English and broken French. In a few days my wife and I along with our 10 and 8 year old kids will be visiting this tiny vineyard again. For us wine lovers a special wine is a time capsule, a message in a bottle, the very notion of terroir itself.

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

Bordeaux En Primeurs Week Canceled but Château Malescasse Maintains Efforts to Achieve High Standards

May 10, 2020 by evebushman

BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Despite the cumulation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancelation of the En Primeurs Week, Château Malescasse is continuing to focus on producing wine that earned the estate a “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” classification, propelling the domaine at the forefront of the Médoc’s most highly regarded properties.

The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc appellation announced a new three-tier classification system earlier this year and among 249 châteaux classified Crus Bourgeois, “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” has only been awarded to 14 selected properties. The “Exceptionnel ” level of the new classification requires quality standards and sustainable practices and the following of strict guidelines with technical procedures applied to the vineyard, the harvest method, bottling and quality assurance. Furthermore, the promotion of the wines is evaluated; from the presentation of the site and tourism offerings to distribution and international activities.

Over the past seven years, Château Malescasse has undergone a revolution; with changes to processes in the vineyard, winemaking practices as well as marketing efforts which contributed to earning this elite classification.

“We couldn’t be more proud of this distinction, it is the result of many years of dedicated work and a strong team effort. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top properties in the Médoc,” said Alban Cacaret, Managing Director of Château Malescasse.

The vineyards were restructured in terms of soil, rootstock, clone and planting density, to operate in the same vein as the neighbouring Grands Crus Classés. The sustainable farming practices now center around preserving the existing biodiversity, the overall natural state of the vineyard environment and optimizing energy usage. Yields have been reduced and a rigorous grape selection process has been implemented, with only 50% used in the blend of the premier wine, compared to 80% in previous years.

All of the winemaking practices are focused on preserving the pureness of the fruit and are overseen by wine consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. A new wine cellar was created with small volume oak barrels and concrete vessels enabling harvests of single vineyard plots.

As part of the continuous efforts to create a better experience for visitors on the estate, Château Malescasse has been fully restored: the winery and the charterhouse have been fully revamped to form a living, welcoming experience, inspired by the history of the estate and the neoclassical style of the finest houses of the Médoc. The property organizes public and private events and has become a dynamic and unmissable spot on the Bordeaux wine trail. It attracts visitors from around the world, looking to experience refinement and the French art of living.

About Château Malescasse: Owned by Vignobles Austruy since 2012, Château Malescasse has been crafting its signature Bordeaux wines in the Haut-Médoc between Margaux and Saint-Julien since the early 19th century. It acquired and maintained the Cru Bourgeois status since 2003 before obtaining the Exceptionnel distinction earlier this year. The château and gardens cover over 1.5 acres surrounded by 100 acres of vineyards.

About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc:
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantees consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.

Support Local Restaurants and Wineries – That Have Supported the Local Community

May 8, 2020 by evebushman

People that know me for the events I’ve worked on know that I have a couple of pet peeves that I make pretty clear to organizers before I’ll consider getting involved. The first is the pay-to-play event where the restaurant or winery is not only asked to donate food/wine and their personnel, they are also asked to pay for the privilege. Really? I don’t work on those.

Shannon Mee, Eve, Simon Mee. The Mees own Egg Plantation and Newhall Refinery.

The second pet peeve are the non-profit events where the organizers (and/or volunteers working for them) recruit wineries and restaurants and yet don’t “return the favor” by buying wine from the wineries, or dining in said restaurants.

I think both practices are pretty shameful. Today I’ll tackle how to rectify the latter issue, and how we can support our local community by dining out and buying wine now.

In this time of the Coronavirus I’ve made lists of all of the restaurants that have remained open that have donated to any of the events I’ve worked on or promoted. It was always appropriate to pay them back before, and to me, even more so now. So below you will find several lists of Santa Clarita businesses that have given their food or wine away to our non-profits for free.

At press time, this is a list of the restaurants on the FeedSCV website offering Drive-Thru/take Out. From this list I’ve selected the ones (and some I’ve added) that have supported the SCV by way of an event or other means (food for students) and if my memory serves me correctly they include:

Double Trouble Wine Room, Egg Plantation, Newhall Refinery, Gyu-Kaku, Honu Coffee, Jill’s Cake Creations, Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Marston’s Restaurant, Nealie’s Skillet, Newhall Press Room, Old Town Junction, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, Route 66 Classic Grill, Salt Creek Grille, The Local Pub and Grill, The Social, Wolf Creek Brewery, Wolf Creek Restaurant, Alchemy, Solita Tacos and Margaritas.

Other restaurants that I’m not sure (again at press time) if they are open, but we may be able to buy gift cards from to support them now, and/or dine in them once the re-open. These include Greater Pacific in the Hyatt, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Smokehouse on Main, Claim Jumper, Red Lobster, Brewery Draconum, DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses (offers classes), Clarice’s Cake and Candy Supplies and Jersey Mike’s.

Local wineries (again some may be open for curbside service so check with them first) that have participated in non-profit events include Pulchella Winery, Parhelion Cellars, Entourage by Two Papas, Due Nasi, Pagter Brothers, Hoi Polloi Winery (Pagter and Hoi Polloi share the Double Trouble Wine Room on Main Street in downtown Newhall), Golden Star Vineyards, Alonso Family Vineyards (at Le Chene), Stephen Hemmert Wines, Reyes Winery and Agua Dulce Winery.

For me, to date, I’ve purchased from Newhall Press Room (dinner and groceries), Salt Creek Grille (dinner and wine), Egg Plantation (lunch and groceries), Route 66 Classic Grill (dinner and cocktails to go), The Social (dinner and cocktails to go), Olive Terrace Bar and Grill (dinner and wine to go), Wolf Creek Restaurant (dinner and wine to go), Parhelion Cellars (free no-touch delivery and discounted wine) and Pulchella Winery (club wine delivered). I have many more to go. (Note: When I’ve shared photos on social media there is usually one or more comments regarding other restaurants people want me to visit. Nothing against those, we all have our reasons to support different local businesses, but I have my way and you may have yours. Doesn’t make either wrong! Support local is good any way that you do it, just do it.)

The events that come to mind when I made these lists are food and wine centric. These include my own Cocktails on the Roof and Wine on the Roof as well as other big non-profit events like our Taste of the Town, Vine 2 Wine, The Wine Affair, Sunset in the Vineyard and the SCV Charity Chili Cook Off – and I’m sure there are others I haven’t thought of.

So if you have attended a food or wine event in this town, please take a moment to think of the wines and dishes you’ve enjoyed, and make your own list. Those in the service industry need our support now more than ever. And if you happen to be reading this in another community, I challenge you to seek out and patronize the restaurants and wineries that have supported your town as well. And then keep up the habit!

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.

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

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.

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

April 28, 2020 by evebushman

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

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

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

Tasting

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

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

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

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

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

From the Winery

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

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

Kind regards,

Mike Officer

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

http://www.carlislewinery.com/

Zoom Tasting: 2012 Phifer Pavitt DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon

April 24, 2020 by evebushman

Did my first online Zoom wine tasting with a winery I’ve known for 10+ years: Phifer Pavitt. We happened to have the wine of choice, their 2012 vintage of Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon in our cellar so we were good to go. This is an excerpt from their invitation:

Good afternoon Eve,

We are so excited to be launching our first official Virtual Tasting …This wine is coming out of the library and has been singing as of late! We will discuss the vintage, the wine, and answer all your questions. If you do not have the 2012 Phifer Pavitt DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon, do not fret! Open whatever Phifer Pavitt you have close or that is your favorite…

Cheers,

Luke Speer

Director of Hospitality

Zooming in on DATE NIGHT

Always nice to see and chat with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, we’ve also tasted with Luke Speer at the winery too. (Just google the winery name on EveWine101.com to see how often we’ve made a stop at their winery over the years!) So tasting one of their older bottles, with Suzanne, Luke and other Phifer Pavitt lovers, sounded like fun to me. Here’s what happened:

Nearly 40 people zoomed in at 4pm with wine in their glass and smiles on their faces. Many from California but many from other states. Suzanne greeted each and then talked a bit about the wine. We learned:

Currently in Napa Valley it was 65 degrees, bud break had yet to take place. They are Napa Green Certified and organically farmed. They are “16 years in” and believe that their wines can age 20-25 years. Every Christmas they taste all of the vintages and “no apex” has been seen yet.

This wine is from the Temple Family Vineyard. They have a wild yeast fermentation and their approach is all hands off. Gary Warburton, their white winemaker taking part in the Zoom meeting, chimed in to say that there were three to four different yeasts – from different molecules that combine for decades – and each contributes to the ageability of their wines.

Before we were finished I made my own notes on the wine: Dark purple color and opaque; on the nose were notes of black dusty fruit, multi-colored peppercorn, hard cherry candy, earth, tobacco, toasted oak, cedar chips and mint chocolate. Suzanne also noted worn leather and clove. On the mouth I got huge dark fruit and spice, very big and very balanced. Luke added that it was a round wine, very voluptuous. 15.1% alcohol, 97.5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5 % Petit Verdot. 95 Eve pts.

My takeaway from a Zoom tasting: Zoom is really perfect for having communal time – especially now – and comraderie with like-minded wine lovers. Not only for a sense of community, the Zoom format allows for wine education (we are muted until asked a question and we raise our hands to speak) and having both Suzanne and Luke there made me feel like we were visiting in the winery.

From the website: DATE NIGHT is the ‘proof’ of Shane and Suzanne Pavitt’s dedicated commitment to a weekly date night.

Tasting Notes: A rich, wild and densely layered wine that seems to evolve endlessly in the glass. Aromas of melted chocolate, licorice, and garden roses, with hints of fire roasted meats, crushed rocks, and savory brown butter. This wine wows the palate, wasting no time as flavors come through fast, focused and silky. A plush wave of velvety mouth-coating tannins frames the black fruits, cocoa, tar, tobacco, caramel, and butterscotch. Each successively decadent note circling and swirling in harmony. Drink now or cellar through 2035.

Winemaking Details: Extended cold-soak maceration period prior to “wild” yeast fermentation. Wine spent 4 weeks on skins before draining and pressing straight to barrel where it underwent “wild” malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked only once during its 18 months in barrel. In short, our philosophy is one of minimal intervention in pursuit of the most natural and harmonious winemaking style possible.

APPELLATION/GROWING REGION: Napa County – Pope Valley VINEYARD: Arthur Spencer for his family’s Temple Family Vineyards AGE OF VINES: 23 years old
FARMED: Organically

VARIETAL CONTENT: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot
HARVEST DATE: October 19 and 20, 2012
HARVEST PROCEDURE: Hand picked in the cold midnight, then destemmed, sending the whole, unbroken berries straight to the fermenter for five days of extended cold soak.
FERMENT: Mix of temperature controlled stainless steel, and open top fermenters
YEAST: Indigenous
TIME IN OAK / TYPE OF OAK: 18 months in 75% new 225 Liter French Oak barrels BOTTLED: June 2014
ALCOHOL: 15.1%; TA: .59; pH: 3.85
BRIX AT HARVEST: 25.9
FINING: none
CASES PRODUCED: 980 cases
PROPRIETORS: Suzanne Phifer Pavitt & Shane Pavitt
WINEMAKER: Ted Osborne

www.PhiferPavittWine.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Perlis Picks: 91 Harvests

April 18, 2020 by Michael Perlis

On March 19, 2020, members of the J Dusi Winery wine CLuB (including me) received the following email regarding the film “91 Harvests”:

Initially set to premiere this week at the SLO Film Festival, because of the Coronavirus situation the Film Festival has been cancelled.

This short movie has a very special place in our hearts, not only because we can talk about family, but it is beyond precious to us because our Uncle Beni is in it, as well as Dante Dusi’s wife Dottie, whom have both passed away in the last seven months. This is a personal look into the lives of the people we have loved and learned from. We have memories of time together, and conversations that we cherish.

THANKS TO THE WINE HISTORY PROJECT OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, WE ARE THRILLED TO SHARE AN ONLINE VIEWING EXPERIENCE WITH YOU.

[From the website of the Wine History Project https://winehistoryproject.org/:

“The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County collects and presents two centuries of local viticulture history. Through research, interviews, films, exhibitions, publications and presentations, we work with local vintners and growers to bring to life the wine history of San Luis Obispo County.”

The website is a treasure trove of information on the area’s wine industry and you should definitely spend some time enjoying it. I definitely plan to.]

The email included a Vimeo link and a passcode that was good for that weekend only. I shared the information on Facebook, including to our Eve’s Wine 101 group page. Did you see it? If not, hopefully you will get another chance.

Karen and I really enjoyed watching this film. Janell Dusi and her family have held a special place in our hearts for a long time. We first met Janell and tasted the inaugural commercial vintage of J Dusi Wines at a Paso Robles traveling road show held at a Santa Monica hotel several years ago. We were immediately hooked.

Since then, we’ve visited many times, first at the family house at the Dante Dusi Vineyard just south of Paso Robles and then later when Janell acquired the property on Highway 46 West for her winery and tasting room. We’ve loved hanging out with her and her family and seeing the progression of the winery with new and creative bottlings and now with the new Paper Street vineyard and label.

But the film was not just about the J Dusi Winery, of course. As the title of the film tells you, the tale of the Dusi family is integral to the story of the Paso Robles Wine Country – 91 harvests is a long time! Learning more about this rich history that started with the emigration from Italy of Janell’s great-grandparents Sylvester and Caterina Dusi gives the viewer a greater appreciation of all that has been accomplished. And Janell only uses about 10% of the Dante Dusi Vineyard harvest for the J Dusi wines, so there is plenty left for certain select other wineries (like Turley and Ridge) to carry on the tradition as well.

Admittedly, our favorite parts of “91 Harvests” were the scenes with Janell and her mother Joni. We really miss these two wonderful women and are looking forward to being able to visit them again.

J Dusi Wines

https://www.jdusiwines.com/

1401 CA-46, Paso Robles, CA 93446

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

Santa Clara Valley Association News: Wineries Coping in Trying Times

April 6, 2020 by evebushman

Due to COVID-19 and the shutdown of winery tasting rooms, the thirty-three winery members of the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Association are trying to cope with the unknown, as closures may continue longer than expected. Vineyard operations and winery production, as well as essential business operations continue with enhanced measures following CDC guidelines for a safe working environment.

Wineries are ramping up their virtual and digital marketing and have devised three solutions to bring Santa Clara Valley wine country into local homes. Santa Clara Valley wine can be delivered to doorsteps, picked up curbside or shipped – in most cases the same day. The wineries are also offering generous discounts to promote and increase sales.

We are working closely with our members trying our best to accommodate our wineries and their customers during this time and will move forward with marketing promotions to encourage enjoyment of wine at home and take out of local restaurants.

To learn more about delivery, curbside pick up or shipping of Santa Clara Valley wine, visit www.santaclarawines.com.

About the Wineries of Santa Clara Valley An association representing 33 member wineries that grow and produce wines in one of the oldest wine producing regions of California. With the first plantings at the Santa Clara Mission in 1798, the region of Santa Clara Valley represents one of the oldest growing traditions in the country. The Santa Clara Valley is home to 100 year-old wineries to long-established family operations and those that are in relatively smaller tasting rooms. On March 28, 1989, the Santa Clara Valley received AVA status; prior to this the region’s wines were typically labeled ‘Central Coast’ or ‘Santa Clara County’.

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/

Pebble Beach Company Announces 2020 Pebble Beach Food & Wine, April 16-19

March 28, 2020 by evebushman

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. – Pebble Beach Company announced today that it will host Pebble Beach Food & Wine from April 16 to 19, 2020. The 13^th annual festival will feature more than 100 top chefs as well as more than 250 wineries from around the world.

Pebble Beach Food & Wine launched in 2008 and quickly established itself on the festival calendar as a can’t-miss culinary event. Each April, it brings together the pinnacle of talent in the world of food and wine, including numerous Michelin starred-chefs, James Beard Award winners and up and coming best new chefs as christened by Food & Wine Magazine, all for four days of cooking demos, wine tastings, and exclusive dining experiences at Pebble Beach Resorts.

Top industry names headed to Pebble Beach Resorts in April include Alinea Group’s Grant Achatz, Andrew Zimmern, Joshua Skenes, Nancy Silverton, Jeremiah Tower, Fabio Trabocchi, Stephanie Izard, Michelle Bernstein, Carlo Mirarchi, Nancy Oakes, Lorena Garcia, Floyd Cardoz, and Roland Passot. The long-weekend line-up includes fresh event programming – including a Gran Fundo cycle ride – and is available online. Highlights include:

Lexus Grand Tasting Tent: Held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, it will feature 30 chefs each day and more than 300 wines from top-notch producers around the world, making each day a unique epicurean experience.

Celebrity Chef & Winemaker Golf Tournament Presented by Chase Private Client: Held at Pebble Beach Golf Links and priced at $1,000 per ticket, this bucket list experience will pair magnificent golf with exceptional food and drink by way of stations set along the course.

Gran Fundo – Velo, Vino & Flavorful Feast with Chef Mike Fagnoni: An inaugural Gran Fundo cycle ride presented by the California Avocado Commission and Pebble Beach Food & Wine invites all skill levels to join the route along the scenic California coastline that surrounds Pebble Beach Resorts. Attendees will be treated to premium California Avocado-themed meals, including a Fuel Up Breakfast and Finish Line Feast provided by Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Hawks Provisions and Public House, Mike Fagnoni.

Barilla 9^th Annual Pasta World Championship USA Qualifying Event: The World Pasta Championship Qualifier returns to Pebble Beach Food & Wine’s opening night reception, giving guests an opportunity to taste pasta dishes from eight rising star chefs alongside Food & Wine Magazine Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis and celebrity Chef Elizabeth Faulkner.

Alinea Family BBQ: The Alinea family of restaurants – including Alinea, Roister and Aviary – will lead an old-fashioned, oceanside barbecue at a private residence featuring the restaurants’ three-star Michelin Chef Grant Achatz. Guests can expect anything but the expected on the evening’s menu.

The Skenes Ranch Experience with Chef Joshua Skenes: Pebble Beach Food & Wine guests can get a glimpse into the heart and mind of brilliant three-star Michelin Chef Joshua Skenes, whose passion for hunting, fishing and open flame cooking led to his newest endeavor, Skenes Ranch in Sonoma, Calif.

The Grand Finale Celebration of La Folie – In Honor of Chef Roland Passot: Honoring the magic of San Francisco’s French legend La Folie, which soon marks its final dinner service, this only-at-Pebble Beach Food & Wine celebration will bring together a collection of legendary talents who are Chef Roland Passot’s colleagues, proteges and friends, led by Chefs Nancy Oakes of Boulevard and Richard Reddington, formerly of REDD and REDWOOD.

Heitz Cellars Martha’s Vineyard Retrospective: This epic event features five decades of one of the world’s most legendary wines. Led by Heitz Cellars CEO and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sample vintages dating back decades.

Steakhouse Feels: Big Cabs & Big Slabs: Making its return to Pebble Beach Food & Wine is the festival’s big steak event, which will pair the world’s best masters of the grill and BBQ with a martini bar, whiskey on the rocks, big red wines, and a caviar station.

The Exclusive Mastercard Presale is available through March 6. Mastercard Presale cardholders receive a 10% discount on tickets and packages.

Package Deals

Epicureans can find their perfect festival weekend recipe via three package options.

The Magnum is a great value for those looking to enjoy all daytime and afternoon events at Pebble Beach Food & Wine along with the Opening Night Reception. Package holders save more than $600 and gain VIP access, including to the Lexus Grand Tasting, and discounts on Jeroboam and Imperial level wine seminars.

The Jeroboam covers premium day and night events over the full weekend. Package holders save more than $1,000 on a $2,950 ticket and gain VIP access.

The Imperial gives package holders carte blanche for the full weekend—the highest level of access available and exceptional perks—and is available only to a select few due to space limitations on the rare wine seminars. Package holders save as much as $2,400 and enjoy VIP access and preferred seating at all wine seminars and cooking demos, complimentary access to the Chauffeured Lexus Luxury Vehicles for travel between events, and access to the Chef, Winemaker and VIP after-hours party each night.

Event Sponsors

The 13^th annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Lexus, Mastercard, Food & Wine magazine, Chase Private Client banking, FedEx, Barilla pasta and many more.

Ticket Information and Reservations

For tickets, packages and more information, visit pbfw.com. For more information on Pebble Beach Resorts and overnight reservations, visit pebblebeach.com or call 888-251-9790.

About Pebble Beach Company

Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, Calif., owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts®, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach™, The Inn at Spanish Bay™, and Casa Palmero®. The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links®, Spyglass Hill® Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay™, and Del Monte™ Golf Course. Its other famed properties include scenic 17-Mile Drive®, The Spa at Pebble Beach™, Pebble Beach Golf Academy™, and Pebble Beach® Equestrian Center. It annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational presented by Dell Technologies, Pebble Beach® Food & Wine, and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. Future site of the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and 2027 U.S. Open Championships, Pebble Beach Golf Links® has hosted six U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments. For reservations or more information, please call 800-654-9300 or visit pebblebeach.com.