Eve's Wine 101

Coppola‘s Domain de Broglie Bests All in 30th annual McMinnville Wine Competition

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McMinnville, OR. – The McMinnville Wine Classic Competition completed its 30th annual professional judging on Saturday 1/7/23. All eight out-of-state judges arrived unfettered and ready to help elevate the competition. The wine competition has not missed an event including through the peak Covid years, and is a dedicated fundraiser for McMinnville’s St. James School. It raises thousands of dollars for programs benefiting the school’s children. Organized by Rolland Toevs, Carl Giavanti and Jon Johnson and staffed by volunteers, the Mac Classic competition is one of the largest Oregon Only wine competitions in the state. Visit https://www.mcminnvillewinecompetition.com/

The competition draws professional judges from across the U.S. This year’s panel represents the full spectrum of the wine industry, including future MW Samantha Cole Johnson of Janice Robinson.com, Sommeliers like Fred Swan and Ellen Landis, Buyer Jusden Aumand from Tri-Vin Imports, and Wine Writers such as Clive Pursehouse the U.S. Editor for Decanter Magazine, Eric Degerman of Great Northwest Wine, Deborah Parker-Wong the U.S. Editor Slow Wine Guide, James Melendez aka James the Wine Guy, and Michael Apstein of Wine Review Online and Terroir Sense. See 2023 Judges Panel and bios on the website.

Wines were showing well, with distribution of Double Gold and Gold awards was across the state. Taking home top honors in 2023 was Domaine de Broglie, whose 2019 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir claimed Best of Show, Best Pinot Noir and Best Red Varietal, a first time ever for any winery in the state.

Cardwell Hill Cellars won Best Chardonnay again this year, a record fourth time, for their 2021 The Bard Chard, as well as Best White Varietal. Pike Road Winery won Best Dessert Wine for their Yamhill-Carlton AVA Route 47 Late Harvest white. Rounding out the awards was Durant Vineyards who gained the top spot in the Best Sparkling Wine category for their 2019 Brut sparkling wine. All Double Gold and Gold Medals are listed at the bottom of this page: https://www.mcminnvillewinecompetition.com/awards

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

List of 2023 Winery Awards: https://www.mcminnvillewinecompetition.com/awards

Photos: https://www.mcminnvillewinecompetition.com/gallery

Sponsors: https://www.mcminnvillewinecompetition.com/sponsors

Where it Began: Phifer Pavitt and Del Dotto Hospitality

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I’ve done retrospective articles before, and for those I often turn to Google searching my name and the subject so I can refresh my memory and share links. Today I feel reflective without Google and want to share some of my favorite memories, those that involve the first two Napa wineries that I covered as press over a dozen years ago. (If you’re looking for wine reviews for these two fine places, search this blog or Google!)

Del Dotto

In looking for a winery to write about I was immediately attracted to Del Dotto Vineyards as the tasting room looked so grand, and there was more than one location. I called the winery, told them I was a wine blogger and asked for a press – aka FREE – tasting. They asked me which location and I remember answering, “whichever you think might like press” as I really had no clue what I was doing.

My first tasting at Del Dotto – and every tasting after that over the years – was with their esteemed winemaker Gerard Zanzonico. Gerard had a fascinating story, coming from Chateau Montelena during the time of the Judgment of Paris, and winemaking for other Napa wineries while gaining a wealth of experience before his decades at Del Dotto. But what slayed me was his accessibility to this new blogger. He spent several hours with Eddie and me, using a wine thief to extract samples from probably 60 barrels – barrels made from oak all over the U.S. and Europe – as well as clay pots. Subsequent visits included time with Dave Del Dotto, visiting their other properties and of course, more sampling. The wine was as grand and memorable as were the experiences these fine gentlemen extended to us.

Gerard always teased me about my blog, asking questions about who would ever read it, with a sly smile, while admitting that he appreciated the press and critics  – and of course his high Robert Parker scores to name one. One other memory I’ll share involves Dave Del Dotto and when he sat with us as I took meticulous tasting notes. He nodded yes as he looked over my shoulder, he noted chocolate too…then I turned to query him as my WSET instructor queried me so long ago, “What kind of chocolate Dave? Dark, milk, chocolate covered cherry, brownie…?” To which Dave returned to the wine to further identify, and in my memory he laughed as well.

Fast forward to today. My visits have temporarily ended at the winery, as I wasn’t able to secure an appointment last year. No matter, as I’ve since followed Gerard and am now tasting his wines – albeit without him for the first time – that he now makes from his home in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, California. So far I’ve tried every vintage of his Syrah, Chardonnay and Nebbiolo. We plan to follow Gerard on social media and purchase his wines from LMA, a Baja distributor until I’m a wino no more.

https://www.lmawines.com/shop?Category=Vinos+Zanz%C3%B3nico

Phifer Pavitt

At the LA Wine Fest over a decade ago I met home winemaker Gary Warburton and his Chateau Pacific – bottled at his home in Manhattan Beach – wines. We struck up a conversation that day (he was a dentist and I worked part time for one at the time – now we’re both retired) that turned into a friendship. I went to his home in Manhattan Beach for bottling parties, and soon, would be introduced to his son Shane and daughter in law Suzanne’s Napa winery Phifer Pavitt at a private fundraising event.

After that, while planning my first trip as press to Napa, I reached out to Suzanne Phifer Pavitt for a tasting appointment. She also extended an invitation for us to stay in her guesthouse. (This would be on the same trip I first visited Del Dotto.) The wine at the time was Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon, they would later add more reds, a sparkling and a Sauvignon Blanc made by Gary.

Suzanne impressed us with her southern hospitality, warmth and charm. She was the type of vintner I had never encountered before, and never would again. One story she shared with us, after a few repeat visits, I will always remember this way: A fellow southerner came in late to the tasting room (with or without an appointment) and Suzanne gave him the same experience she gives all of her guests. After his lengthy stay she asked if he cared to purchase some wine and he replied, “one”. Oh boy, she may have thought, all this time and he only wants one bottle. Then he edited his response: he wanted one full pallet of her only wine at the time, Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon. Charm should always pay off this way.

For several years Gary and I would meet up locally, often over lunch with him toting his latest Phifer Pavitt Sauvignon Blanc for me to review. He eventually began to spend more time in Napa and less in Manhattan Beach so now I just order Phifer Pavitt wines when the winery calls me to talk about their newest releases. We have fond memories of the last dinner we had with Gary and his wife Terry at the restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, where Gary introduced me to one of their new wines, fried Kale chips and my first Espresso Martini. His wine and their company were the highlight.

https://www.phiferpavittwine.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Best Wine Destinations and Events in the Pacific Coast

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SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Where When Wine, the first woman-owned business to create an online directory and community dedicated to wine destinations and events launches thousands of listings featuring the best wineries, top tasting rooms, the most popular wine event venues, and the best places to stay and dine when wine tasting. The website also features fun and useful blogs on family-friendly wineries and dog-friendly vineyards, plus keeps wine aficionados informed on new wineries and winemakers to watch.

Napa has been world-renowned for producing the best cabernets and chardonnays for decades—but the Pacific Coast from the state of Washington all the way to the southern tip of California, has been producing some of the best wines in the world and some of the most scenic locations beyond the valleys of northern California.

“I built this online community for fun, for friends and families who wanted recommendations of my favorite wine destinations and wedding spaces along the west coast. Over the past year, it’s taken a life form of its own, since there is no website dedicated to all things wine for the vineyards of the Pacific Coast. So now we’ve launched it as an official online community for wine lovers who want to explore everything our west coast wine destinations have to offer,” remarked Where When Wine Founder, Christine Sternfels.

Walla Walla’s lush valleys in Washington State offers more than 120 wineries consisting of 2,900 acres of grapes. The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s leading wine region, has two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards and is home to more than 700 wineries. And Temecula Valley in Southern California is one to watch with nearly 50 wineries populating the region’s rolling hills and sprawling valleys producing a variety of wines, including award-winning and artisan Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

WhereWhenWine.com features these regions and so much more including onsite and nearby lodging such as the quintessential hotels to stay at and vineyards that allow overnight stays for recreational vehicles. Onsite bistros and nearby eateries from a hole in the wall to restaurants with Michelin star chefs. Amenities such as spas, golf destinations and family and pet-friendly wineries. Many bucket list items to check off.

In addition to exploring the best in #winelife, wine aficionados can become members of Where When Wine to join an annual road trip planned by the founder so its like-minded community can explore the same destinations and share their experience in real life #IRL and on social media. Wine enthusiasts can sign up here to become members for free or follow Where When Wine on Instagram. Wineries, vineyards, wine bars, wine shops, hotels, spas, and wine-related vendors can also apply to become members of the community here.

Reviewing the New Smith-Madrone 2018 Riesling

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Before tasting the latest Riesling from Smith-Madrone I was reminded of a time years ago when I attended a Riesling class and food pairing. The wines were from one winery in the Mosel region of Germany (grown on steep hillsides similar to Smith-Madrone) and I remember that only the last couple of wines we sampled could be described as sweet. It was eye-opening for me at the time as I had assumed all Rieslings to be sweet, prior to taking my first wine certification classes, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was wrong.

I was equally – and very pleasantly – surprised when I had my first Riesling wine from Smith-Madrone. The 2017 Smith-Madrone Riesling review of mine is here and here is the fact sheet for the 2018 that I’m tasting with you today. Below are my tasting notes and below that is information from the winery.


2018 Smith–Madrone Riesling Tasting Notes

13.3% alcohol, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley

The wine is the color of pale gold, and sparkly, making it very appealing. On the nose, which I detected from about three inches away, I was reminded of sweet Meyer lemons, ripe grapefruit, wet pebbles in a stream, a touch of pineapple, talcum powder and Golden Delicious apples. I was anxious to taste the wine and immediately noted its rich mouth-coating viscosity, a lot of that Golden Delicious apple I found on the nose, as well as more pineapple, less lemon, with a mild to medium acidity that held on for a nice long finish. It wasn’t bone dry or sweet; instead it had a nice sweet spot that I thought would pair well with a cheese board, pasta in a cream sauce, fried chicken or all by itself!

From The Winery

The wine is all estate Spring Mountain District fruit, 100% Riesling, grown at an elevation of 1,300-1,900 feet, with slopes angling up to 34%. The vineyard is partially dry-farmed and most of the Riesling was planted on its own rootstock…the same hands cleared, planted, tend and make the wine…for the last fifty years.

Only 1,611 cases made. SRP is $36.00.

Winemaker Charlie Smith describes the wine: The 2018 Riesling opens with abundant floral notes buttressed by underpinnings of lime, lemon and exotic oranges. This delicate, fetching aroma leads one to expect a wine on the lighter, more delicate side and, when tasted, this expectation is confirmed. On the palate the wine is stylish and elegant, demonstrating a brilliant acidity that is at once fine and lively, tasty and fun and not the least off putting. The acid feels just right; it’s very much like biting into a delicious, crunchy Riesling flavored apple. For a wine of this delicate construction, it still manages to retain a solid core of vibrant fruit. It’s svelte and elegant, it’s drinking beautifully now and shows great promise for the future.

Smith-Madrone was founded partly on the premise of making great Riesling (i.e., not to dis the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay!), given its mountain site and steep slopes. Stu Smith describes the effort to market Riesling as Sisyphean…and to that point beginning with the 1983 Riesling vintage Smith-Madrone went where no other American winery would go for the next 17 years – changing the label from Johannisberg Riesling to “just” Riesling, and essentially outlasting the BATF and prevailing with that name.

Smith-Madrone’s Riesling is one of perhaps less than ten Rieslings grown/made in the Napa Valley.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Eve Discovers: Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC Wines

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As part of the Simply Italian Great Wines Tour, and organized by I.E.E.M. International Event and Exhibition Management, a group of over 40 wine bloggers, sommeliers and buyers attended a Master Class at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas that was devoted to the Montepulciano wine grape that is used in D’Abruzzo DOC wines. Before tasting seven organic and 100% Montepulciano wines, we learned a few things about the DOC from Master of Wine Brandon Tebbe and Davide Acerra with the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo. (Consorzio President Alexander Nicodemi was also in attendance.)

What We Learned

For my wine 101ers, before I give you my notes from the class let me clarify for you that the Montepulciano grape grown in the Abruzzo region of east central Italy is not the same grape found in the town named Montepulciano, which makes a wine mostly from Sangiovese grapes. Now, some of what we learned in bullet points:

  • This was the first time these wines have been tasted in Las Vegas. All are looking for importers.
  • There are approximately 250 wineries in the DOC, 10,000 grape producers, and 35 wine cooperatives.
  • The area has mountains on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other. Lots of different terroirs. The current predominant area for vineyards is in Chieti that has gravel, sand and clay soil and is located near the sea.
  • Over 30% of the region is protected by four parks – three national and one regional. There are protected areas and nature reserves.
  • There are 1,000 square meters of grape growing area in total and its “rich in diversity” due to the big mountains on the west and the sea to the east.
  • Today we focused only on the red Montepulciano grape – 80% of the area produces this grape. The region also produces seven white grape varieties of wine.

What We Tasted

Tebbe talked us through a tasting of seven wines. He explained that they were very diverse in aromas and flavors. My husband Eddie also attended and some of the tasting notes below are his:

2021 Jasci and Marchesani AZ Agrobiologica: From a small family winery with sea-facing vineyards. Flavors were fruity, vanilla scented and quite dry. Eddie thought it was a great value at $20 a bottle, with red fruits, tannins and a medium finish.

2021 Santo Stefano by Cantine Mucci: Spent 6 months in 100% new American oak. A lot of bacon on the nose and mouth as well as black fruit and chocolate. An interesting wine. Eddie noted the ruby color, tobacco and oak on the nose, and a good balance.

2019 Rosarubra Vigne Lomanegra: This was my favorite wine in the tasting, and I had a chance to enjoy it again over lunch. A single vineyard wine, which had 24 months in barriques. It was quite juicy with black fruit, rose petals, vanilla, and just lovely to linger over. Eddie noted a lighter nose, with flavors of dark fruit, tannin and medium finish.

2019 Pasetti Tenutarossa: Grown at 1,650 foot elevation, and 12 months in bottle before release. The wine showed notes of mint, sour cherries, prunes and chocolate. Eddie got earth on the nose and dark fruit, tannins and acidity on the palate. He also thought it ageable and a good value wine at $15 to $22 a bottle.

2018 Talamonti SRL Tre Saggi: We were told that the words Tre Saggi translate to mean Three Wise Men. This wine was held for three years before release: one in 300-liter French barriques, the next in 300-liter French oak barrels and the last year was spent resting in the bottle. Both red and dark fruit, oak, and lots of tannins. On the nose Eddie got leather, a lushness, well-structured and ageable.

2018 Cantine Agriverde Plato: While the Three Wise Men took three years before release this wine was held for six: two years in stainless steel, two more in French oak barrels and the final two years resting in bottle. Lots of coffee, vanilla, cloves, cocoa adding up to a very dry and dark wine. Eddie found the wine earthy, balanced, structured and long lasting on the finish.  

2017 Cantina Frentana Costa Dei Trabocchi Vallevo: Our last wine was the oldest, proving that these wine could and should age. I found sour cherry notes in both the aroma and flavor, with the addition of spice and vanilla. This wine showed more fruit over tannin for Eddie, with a good balance and long finish.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

El Coto de Rioja Receives the “Winery for Climate Protection” Certificate

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OYON, Spain, /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of El Coto de Rioja’s policies of continuous improvement and commitment to the environment, El Coto de Rioja winery now holds the certificate of ‘Winery for Climate Protection’. The certification was created in 2011 and is the only regulation in the Spanish wine industry to recognize environmental sustainability.

The WFCP certification, promoted by the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV), focuses on actions taken by wineries toward improving their processes across four axes. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, efficient water management and reduction of the carbon footprint are at the forefront. El Coto has carried out various procedures, including the installation of solar panels, the use of lighter bottles, essential changes within their packaging in order to reduce the consumption of raw materials, and greater transport efficiency to achieve their environmental goals. The WFCP certification is based upon continuous improvement of each of these measures, all are reviewed annually by the Spanish Wine Federation, and wineries must demonstrate positive evolution in each area.

“This certification confirms El Coto de Rioja’s commitment to its environment,” says Victor Fuentes, newly named Director General of Grupo Baron de Ley. “We are very proud of what we have achieved in the last 50 years.” Fuentes continued to say, “the winery’s management system, which covers activities from the wine’s production to its delivery, is also certified by the globally recognized BRC (British Retail Consortium) and IFS (International Food Standard) standards, and El Coto has continually achieved the highest level of excellence, year after year.”

Group Baron de Ley, the parent company of El Coto de Rioja Winery, was founded in 1970. With over 2.000 ac of vineyards, Group Baron de Ley is the largest vineyard grower in the Rioja D.O.Ca. El Coto de Rioja is the leading Rioja brand in Spain in the categories of White, Rosé, Crianza and Reserva wines. The wines are imported by Opici Wines and distributed nationally.

Garagiste Wine Festival Returns to Santa Ynez Valley: February 10th and 11th

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PASO ROBLES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – America’s Best Wine Festival, The Garagiste Wine Festival, returns to Solvang in Santa Ynez Valley on February 10th – 11th, offering rare access to over 30 of the most exciting small-production winemakers from the Santa Barbara County area. Tickets are now on sale here. Following on the heels of another sold-out year of events, the festival also announced its line-up for 2023, which includes Sonoma, Los Angeles and Paso Robles.

Hosted in Solvang, one of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns, for the ninth time, ‘Southern Exposure’ will be held at the landmark Mission-style Veterans’ Memorial Hall on Solvang’s Mission Street, which was named one of the US’ Top Ten Best Looking Main Streets.

“This charming town has a special place in our hearts, not least because it is at the center of some of the best winemaking in the world, but also because it is a beautiful and walkable place to spend a weekend –all while tasting over 150 ultra-premium, handcrafted small-lot production wines, and meeting their winemakers, under one roof,” said Doug Minnick, Garagiste Festival Co-founder.

2023 ‘Southern Exposure’ includes Garagiste’s Friday night signature “Rare & Reserve” tasting with a traditional Santa Maria-style BBQ dinner buffet on February 10th and the Grand Tasting on Saturday February 11th, which includes a Silent Auction filled with first-rate wine packages that benefit The Garagiste Festival Scholarship Fund at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Weekend Pass holders have entry into both events, along with lunch and a special Valentine’s Day treat. Sunday, February 12th is the popular Garagiste Passport Day, during which several participating wineries – including some “Garagiste Graduate” wineries who have poured with Garagiste in past, but have grown larger in over the years – will be offering special treats and discounts for Garagiste Festival attendees.

“We love our Solvang event,” continued Minnick. “The Vet’s Hall is right in the heart of the village and makes for a fantastic casual weekend of walking the town, seeing the sights, and enjoying the many restaurants, shops, and all that Solvang has to offer. It’s a great way to get a jump on celebrating with your Valentine. And Sunday’s Passport Day is a perfect excuse to take an extra day and night in town. Call in sick if you have to – we always do!”

Southern Exposure starts the 2023 Garagiste Festival season which will bring hundreds of new wine discoveries from across California to wine lovers in Solvang, Paso Robles, Sonoma and Los Angeles. Of the nearly 200 wineries showcased by the festival in 2022, 45 were new to the festival. The 2023 line-up, in addition to Solvang, includes: Garagiste ‘Northern Exposure’ in Sonoma (April 29), Garagiste ‘Urban Exposure’ in Los Angeles (June 17) and the ‘OG’ Festival in Paso Robles (November 10-11).

The Garagiste Festival premiered in Paso Robles in 2011 and is the only wine festival that exclusively features high quality wines from commercial California ‘garagiste’ winemakers. Unlike other festivals, the wines are poured by the winemakers/owners themselves, offering a rare opportunity to interact with the creative forces behind the wines, while making brand new wine discoveries. The festival expanded to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2013 to highlight the wines of Santa Barbara County and surrounding AVAs, as well as small production wineries from across California.

The 30+ winemakers scheduled to pour at the Garagiste Festival Southern Exposure include: 
Camin’s 2 Dream, Costa Vinedo*, Cypher Winery, Diablo Paso, Dusty Nabor Wines, Entourage Wines, Fuil Wines*, Greyscale Wiines, Hayseed and Housdon, Herrmann York Wine*, Imagine Wines, Kendric Vineyards, Kimsey Vineyard, Lepiane Wines, LePoidevin Cellars, Lions Peak Winery, MCV Wines, Montagne Russe, Montemar Winery, Pine Moutain Vineyards, RF Fine Wines, Seven Oxen Estate, Silver Wines, Steinbeck Vineyards, Sycamore Ranch, Tercero Wines, Tomi Cellars, Trixon Wine Company.*

*New Wineries

For more information and full Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure schedule details, go to: http://www.garagistefestival.com/

Tickets are limited for Garagiste Festival Southern Exposure. Garagiste Festivals always sell out in advance. To buy tickets, go to: https://www.my805tix.com/e/garagiste-solvang

For breaking Garagiste Festival news and special discounts, sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt, at https://www.garagistefestival.com/garagiste-blog or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

Sponsors include: 
Bank of Marin, Digital Dogma, ETS Laboratories, Farm Credit West, Fortis Solutions Group, G3, Glenn Burdette, Laffort, mWEBB Communications, Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, TricorBraun winepak, Vinland Hotel & Lounge, WIVI.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival 
The Garagiste (pronounced garage-east)Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named “Best of the Fests” for 2019 by Fest Forums and the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ micro-wineries who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

In addition to being named the US’ Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste Festival was named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News, “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

Garagiste (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

Abadía Retuerta, ranked number 29 in the Top 50 destinations for wine tourism

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Sardón de Duero – Abadía Retuerta is a 5-star hotel and winery, and a leading destination of experiences at the heart of the Duero Valley, near Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). The resort has recently been ranked within the top thirty destinations for wine tourism, according to the World’s Best Vineyards 2022. In this new edition, Abadía Retuerta now features at number 29, three places higher than last year, on this prestigious list: it is ranked the third-highest winery in Spain, from a total of five Spanish destinations to feature in the Top 50.

The World’s Best Vineyards is an organisation comprising over 600 wine and travel experts from all over the world, who seek to identify the very best wine tourism experiences on leading vineyards. Each year they reveal their Top 50 viticultural experiences, i.e. the best destinations for enjoying wine, learning how vines are grown and seeing how the wine is produced. They also take into account various complementary factors, such as the guided tours of the estate, the quality of the available accommodation and the excellence of the gastronomy. This year, once again, they have voted Abadía Retuerta onto their list: it is now classed within the top 30 wine tourism destinations in the whole world.

For Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta: “Our mission is to spark moments of joy in our guests and visitors, by showcasing the natural and historic heritage that has been passed down to us. That’s why we are truly honoured to be ranked within the Top 50 vineyards in the world: it spurs us on to improve even further, and keep flying the flag for Spanish excellence on the international stage.”

2022 has been a particularly special year for Abadía Retuerta, because this May the estate received its own Protected Designation of Origin for its wines. This seal of quality, granted by the European Union, endorses their wine as a product of guaranteed origin, quality and tradition. Furthermore, it certifies the estate’s outstanding soils: Abadía Retuerta’s wine is an authentic expression of the terroir, i.e. the area’s specific climatic and geographical traits that give rise to vines and grapes with truly unique qualities, and wine full of local personality. “Yet again, our tenacity, determination and strength has been rewarded: we have successfully revived a historic winery, following a work philosophy based on ecological viticulture and a careful study of the climate”, adds Valero.

A unique haven of experiences

Abadía Retuerta is a leading 5-star hotel and winery in the Duero Valley, less than two hours from Madrid. It is located within the stunning estate of a 12th-century monastery, originally founded by the Premonstratensian Orden in Spain.

The project’s origins are in wine, but it has now become so much more, driven by an ongoing passion to create unique and memorable experiences. The estate spans 700 hectares of land (185 of which are vineyards), with over 8,000 m2 that include spaces full of history and thirty luxurious hotel rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), with full butler service available. It offers a wide range of experiences linked to wine, gastronomy — its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Michelin Green Star and two Repsol Suns — nature, art and wellbeing, the latter of which is focused around Santuario Wellness & Spa. All of this, and much more, is why Abadía Retuerta is now considered a leading resort for luxury experiences, and one of the most sustainable hotel destinations in the world, as proven by its Green Globe certification. Furthermore, the estate’s winery, one of the most innovative in Europe, has won various prestigious international accolades; for example Wine Spectator magazine has included Abadía Retuerta within its Top 100 Wines. Also, the estate has recently been granted its own Protected Designation of Origin status.

At Abadía Retuerta, time stands still and feelings run high. The estate brings together history, gastronomy, wine, wellbeing, art and sustainability, amid truly breathtaking surroundings.

Day Three in Chateauneuf du Pape: Domaine Andre Brunel and le Clos du Caillou

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Our next day in Chateauneuf du Pape was spent at Domaine Andre Brunel and le Clos du Caillou! At Andre Brunel we learned that the namesake had passed away in February and his son Fabrice, Andre’s longtime apprentice, then took over as winemaker. Some of the Grenache vineyards are 135 years old. One other interesting fact is that in a recent blind tasting of a 1959 Andre Brunel vintage the wine was thought to have been a Burgundy instead of a Rhone!

We tasted in the winery, during a day of noisy pressing, but it didn’t keep us from enjoying several wines. Along with their Chateauneuf du Pape label we also sampled blends from their Cotes du Rhone Villages. My favorite was a 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Cailloux that was a 60% Grenache blend with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. The wine had been aged in a Burgundy barrel.

Onto le Clos du Caillou where some of their wines are grown within the CDP boundaries and some are outside of it in Cotes du Rhone territory.

The Cailloux area, mentioned above in a wine from Andre Brunel, is just outside of CDP but has the same soil and terroir. Some of their vineyards have sandy soils and some are pebbly.

Their Grand Reserve wine is their most famous and comes from pure sandy soils, which for the winery means “elegance, fine tannins and aging potential.” Their new winery, Domaine de Panisse, began in 2020 and the wines are all sold out. In 2007 they went organic and were certified as so in 2010. They are also biodynamic but are not yet certified for that distinction. Grenache is their number one produced grape, followed by Syrah, Mourvedre and other Rhônes. They only work with used barrels.

We tasted seven wines and the most memorable one for me was the Les Quartz Rouge – Chateauneuf du Pape 2020 for its fresh red fruit, richness and smooth balance. The grapes used – 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah – came from the vineyard that just happened to be just outside of the Chateauneuf du Pape region.
Our host said the wine had a 20-year aging potential. The wine was priced at 55 Euros.

Instagram: @Domaine_AndreBrunel @ClosDuCaillou

Websites: https://domaine-andre-brunel.fr/

https://www.closducaillou.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Reviewing Two Wines From Mendocino

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Just received two new-to-me wines for review from new-to-me wineries. A white from Girasole and a red from Barra, both hailing from Mendocino County. And though Mendocino County wines are not new-to-me, I admit not to be totally familiar with the terroir or its wines. So this was a treat!

Girasole Vineyards 2021 Pinot Blanc, Mendocino County

13% alcohol, 100% Pinot Blanc

The tech sheet read that there are only about 425 acres of pinot blanc grown in the state of California, and their vineyards date back to the late 1970s when they began by selling the fruit to other wineries. The grapes are certified organic, hand-harvested and aged 85 days in stainless steel.

My notes: The sunflowers on the wine label, with colors ranging from yellow to orange, are an echo of the pale yellow color of the wine in my glass. The aromas reminded me of Meyer lemons, Golden Delicious apple slices, mown grass, hay and the ocean. On the mouth I got a nice viscosity, mild to medium acidity, more lemon on the front and back palate as well as fresh pear and pink grapefruit with a very nice balance. With a $15 suggested retail I would definitely buy this wine.

89 pts / Wine Enthusiast
Gold / Mendocino County Wine Competition
Gold / Sunset Magazine 

https://www.girasolevineyards.com/

Barra of Mendocino 2019 Estate Grown Petite Sirah

14.8% alcohol

According to the tech sheet the wine grapes are organic petite (89%) and zinfandel (11%), handpicked from their estate vineyard high above the Ukiah valley and aged 18 months in new French oak.

My notes: Very dark purple color, opaque. Plum, blackberry, prune, rich earthiness, bark, milk and dark chocolate on the nose. The taste was big, balanced and dry with lots of very dark fruit, jammy, a medium amount of spice with a medium finish. For a suggested retail price of $26, again I would buy this wine.

Double Gold 2021 Mendocino County Wine Competition

https://www.barraofmendocino.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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.