How To Learn: Family Winemakers of California

March 30, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

“Excuse me, are you Eve Bushman from the Wine Down show? (Over 15k views so far of my episode Wine Immersion for Beginners!) I’m at this event because of you, and how you said the best way to learn about wine is to attend tastings like Family Winemakers…” Yes, apparently I do have a fan! Made my day! Now, where was I learning about wine:

Our first tasting was held on November 12, 1991, in the Sheraton Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Family Winemakers had 71 member wineries back then, and 47 of them poured that night for about 350 members of the wine trade. We’ve grown. We have over 375 members today and many of them pour at one or all of our tastings: Bay Area, Del Mar and Pasadena. We’ve grown, and so have our tastings, but some things haven’t changed. The wineries are just as dedicated as they were in 1991 to producing the finest wines they can, the winemakers are just as passionate about the right soil, the right grape, the right microclimate. And Family Winemakers is just as committed to presenting our member wineries and their wines at tastings that showcase the breadth and depth of winemaking in our state. Family Winemakers … Great Wine a Family Tradition!

Tasting

Thanks to my editor Michael Perlis I first learned about this event quite a few years ago. Every time they do have the tasting in Pasadena I make an effort to cover it. This year we both did so look for his coverage on this website too – just use our handy search button.

At the event I was in the mood for Rhônes, Zinfandel and Bordeaux varietals so if I have bolded a winery below, and didn’t note the specific wine I liked, it would definitely be in one of those categories! (The multi-page program included a handy “varietal map” for those that also were in the mood for a certain type of wine.)

As is the case in a walk around tasting, it’s not always convenient to make a lot of notes without a crowd building up behind you at the tasting table. (Some tables I missed due to crowds too.) I did however, try to note every wine, vintage year and varietal of most:

Wineries

Amizetta Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Angwin Estate Vineyards with a deep and dark Cabernet Sauvignon

Ascension Cellars all good especially the “Soul Searcher” blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

AvinoDos Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a Zinfandel.

Blair Estate

Blue Farm

Bokisch Vineyards

Brecon Estate

Brutocao/Bliss Family Vineyards

G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery

Cass Winery

Collier Falls

De Novo Wines

Dewitt Family Wines 2014 and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Donum Estate

DRNK Malbec (DRNK are the initials of the four owners, all family members.)

Fiftyrow/Smokescreen

Frisson Wines

Fritz Winery

Frogs Tooth Vineyards Barbera

Frostwatch Vineyard and Winery

Gordenker 2013 and 2012 Moon Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Cabernet Franc.

Greyscale Wines 2015 Merlot.

Hagafen Cellars

Hawk and Horse Vineyards

Hearst Ranch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2015 Petite Sirah.

Heritage Oak Winery

Hook & Ladder Winery

Howell Mountain Vineyards

Huge Bear Wines this was probably my pick of the day: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, their current vintage.

Inspiration Vineyards & Winery

Rickards Winery

Keenan Winery

Kieu Hoang Winery

Meeker Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and “Frozin” dessert wine.

Murder Ridge Winery 2015 Zinfandel and 2015 Red Blend.

Navarro Vineyards

Oak Farm Vineyards

Oakville Cross Wines 2007 (thank you!) and 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Opolo Vineyards

Parmeson Wines

Pech Merle Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2014 Zinfandel.

Petree Cellars

Petrified Forest Vineyards

Pierce Ranch Vineyards

Pine and Brown Winery

Pride Mountain Vineyards everything they poured: 2016 Chardonnay, 2015 Merlot and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Petit Verdot and Merlot.

Quady Winery

Rack & Riddle Winery

Robert John Vineyards 2010 to 2014 vertical tasting of their Cabernet Sauvignon.

Saddleback Cellars

Scotto Cellars

Shadow Ranch Vineyard

Silkwood Wines

Sobon Estate/Shenandoah Vineyards

Sojourn Cellars

Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery had a huge lineup and a sign mentioning many of their 90+ scores from Wine Enthusiast. I enjoyed the Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cinsault.

Tablas Creek Vineyard both of their white and red Rhône blends.

The Farm Winery 2013 Cardinal Cabernet Sauvignon and “Touchy Feely” Grenache.

Treasure Island Wines 2010 Big Game.

Trione Vineyards & Winery

Uncorqed

Velvet Bee LLC

Vineyard {511} 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vino Noceto Zinfandel.

WesMar Winery

Windrun Vintners

Woodenhead

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards

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

Drinking Epiphanies

March 23, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I just wanted to know what your drinking epiphanies were in 2014! After learning what our Eve Wine 101 Facebook pals experienced, I’d have to say I have some new boozy goals for 2015.

The statement above was from a Facebook roundup I did in January of 2015. Thought, heck, it’s been a few years, I wonder if anyone has some new discoveries since then to share. So I asked.

Anonymous: …in Vegas at an unnamed hotel I convinced people I was the owner’s son and got drinks for free and comps for days.

Caren: Tasting Jonathan Cross’s “When Figs Fly” signature cocktail at Cocktails On the Roof. (Cross is the bar manager at Olive Terrace Bar and Grill.)

Vicki: Although it was not last year my first taste of Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noir with a great friend.

Michael: Graham’s 1970 Vintage Port with Rupert Symington, and 1975 BV Georges de LaTour. I’ll toss in a 40 YO Ukrainian brandy as well.

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Mas Martinet DOQ Priorat Facebook page

Scott: Tasting wine at Mas Martinet in the mountaintop vineyard where the grapes are grown. Priorat Spain. Priorat is a must see. It is one if only 2 DOQ’s in Spain. The other is Rioja. To me Priorat seems more inventive, and willing to take chances, than stodgy old Rioja.

Kathy: My visit to Gibbston Valley Winery in New Zealand was one of my most favorite wine experiences last year! The 2013 Noble changed my life! I believe they ship to US for very reasonable prices!

Danny: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rum Barrel aged Gin…it’s completely different (from Genever) the botanicals are complimented nicely rum adds spice, chard adds richness and pinot adds floral(s), amazeballs. #brokenheartgin #reidandreidgin #sacredspringgin (#’s are brands to try)

Lee: Just enjoying it with good food, great friends and plenty of laughter.

Jenny: Great question! #1 was the private wine tasting from Leoness that I set up for a bachelorette. We did it by the pool at the house we were renting. Amazing….except that I was pregnant… So #2 was the first glass of wine I had after having my baby. Pulchella and it was heavenly!

From me: …for me in wines it was tasting Hourglass Wine for the first time, in their caves. Then tasting Armand De Brignac and Dom Perignon, well out of my price range. For spirits it had to be two whisky events: the Universal Whisky Experience and the Peatin’ Meetin’.

Ornellaia Celebrates 30th Anniversary of First Vintage (1985) and 10th Anniversary of Vendemmia d’Artista

March 15, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – To commemorate the 30th vintage of iconic Italian wine Ornellaia and the 10th edition of the Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista project, the iconic Bolgheri estate invited world-renowned artist William Kentridge to create special-edition labels centered on the theme of “carisma,” or “charisma.” The art, created to represent the character of the vintage itself, will adorn a limited number of Ornellaia 2015 wine bottles. Continuing its partnership with Sotheby’s, Ornellaia will donate 9 rare lots to be auctioned off during a gala evening at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and all proceeds will be used to support the arts and art education at the V&A.

For this year’s edition of Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista – a project launched in 2009 to showcase the unique relationship between fine wine and contemporary art – South African artist William Kentridge developed a site-specific art installation, designed a limited series of 111 large-format bottles, and created a limited-edition label that will appear on one of the six bottles in each case of Ornellaia. As explained by William Kentridge, the images on the labels depict the work of winemaking, specifically the unique combination of craft and processes involved in the vendemmia, or the wine harvest.

“The secateurs come from a memory of the one occasion I took part in a Tuscan vendemmia… when I spent six months in San Casciano outside of Florence…” Kentridge recounts. “The aspects of wine-making that combine both manual craft and mechanical processes suggested the transformation of people into machines and machines into workers…. The drawings are done on pages from various old Italian cash books found in flea markets and second-hand shops in the Tuscan area.”

The theme “Il Carisma,” or “charisma,” was selected for the 2015 vintage, as it perfectly captures the stunning spirit and energy of this wine. Its rich, deep color suggests a wine of great texture and intensity, while the fruit-rich nose shows both ripeness and freshness, with hints of classic balsamic and spice. On the palate, it is rich, dense, and full-bodied, with an exceptionally tannic texture that is simultaneously dense and velvety along the palate. The lengthy finish concludes with an impression of firmness and delicate hints of spice.

The classic flavor profile and exceptional character of this particular vintage can be attributed to the fact that 2015 was a particularly well-balanced harvest season, with relatively normal, almost textbook-like weather patterns. Winemaker and Estate Director Axel Heinz explains, “Like people of great ‘carisma’ (charisma), wines of great vintages know how to impose themselves naturally, without force, their balance allowing them to shine without having to flaunt themselves.”

On May 23, the spotlight will shift to the celebratory event, a benefit auction featuring 9 rare lots, which will include the special bottles created by William Kentridge for the Ornellaia 2015 Il Carisma. Stephen Mould, Sotheby’s Senior Director and Head of the European Wine Department, will preside over the gala dinner and auction, and all funds raised will be donated in their entirety to the host sponsoring the event, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London.

V&A Director Tristram Hunt states, “The V&A is thrilled to host Ornellaia, Sotheby’s, and the renowned artist William Kentridge, as they present the 10th edition of Vendemmia d’Artista. We are honored that Ornellaia have chosen the V&A for this spectacular event and we are hugely grateful for its generous support.”

Stephen Mould continues, “I admire how William Kentridge interprets Ornellaia 2015 “Il Carisma” through his allegorical language – the artworks he has created for the bottles and the estate transform the spirit of Ornellaia through visual art and make concrete his interpretation of Ornellaia 2015’s character. This vintage, born during an optimal harvest season, is set to be one of Ornellaia’s greatest.” Jamie Ritchie, Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Wine, further elaborates, “Sotheby’s Wine is proud to participate in our tenth collaboration with Ornellaia’s superb Vendemmia d’Artista art program… These unique large-format bottles will find homes in new cellars and will always remind their new owners of the joys of bringing wine, food, art and friendship together.”

Ornellaia CEO Giovanni Geddes da Filicaja concludes, “Today, as Vendemmia d’Artista marks its 10th year, it continues to attract funds for the restoration of artworks belonging to our universal heritage. In just first nine editions we have succeeded in donating almost two million euros across the globe; just a small drop perhaps, but there is much more to come.”

About Vendemmia d’Artista
Vendemmia d’Artista celebrates the unique character of each new vintage of Ornellaia. Every year since the release of Ornellaia 2006 in May 2009, a contemporary artist creates a site-specific work of art and a series of limited edition labels, drawing inspiration from the word chosen by the Winemaker to describe the character of the new vintage. The Vendemmia d’Artista project includes a label created by the Artist for a single bottle in each wooden case of Ornellaia (containing six 750ml bottles). As in previous years, the project provides for a limited edition of 111 large-size bottles (100 Double Magnums (3L), 10 Imperials (6L) and 1 Salmanazar (9L) each individually numbered and personally signed by the artist.

About the Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. It was established to make works of art available to all and to inspire British designers and manufacturers. Today, the V&A’s collections – which span over 5,000 years of human creativity in virtually every medium – continue to intrigue, inspire and inform. The Museum holds many of the UK’s national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewelry, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance.

Brännland Cider: The 2018 ice cider extraction has started

March 5, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The 2018 extraction of the 2017 harvest has started. In the last week outside temperatures have gone down into the 25-30 degrees below centigrade range. This is an unusual spike downwards for this time of year and it makes our job easier and harder.

Easier in that concentrations will remain high for longer when extracting. Harder because it’s cold and the cold further underlines the stickiness and the hard work involved. Each tank is tapped and tapped again for the naturally sweet apple juice and the temperatures makes for numb fingers.

2018 is also unusual because for the first year in our short history I’m not the guy with the main responsibility for getting this crucial part of the process done, Dave is.

David Biun came to us from the US (together with his wife Tegan) in September 2017 to assume the full time responsibility as cidery manager and cider maker and he’s now in charge of every step in the production process.

I keep fretting about whether my less than hands on involvement will be good or bad for the cider that comes out the other end. In my mind, the blood sweat and tears I and others have invested since the start is also an important part of the soul of the cider.

However, I know this to be superstition. A personal myth if you will. And my bad conscience is probably more down to my ego than real concern. Micro management is good when implemented at the right steps, to the right details. Me worrying, obsessing about potential problems though is likely not very constructive.

Sure, I’m out here checking on the work, keeping Dave company and discussing the over arching goals, but frankly, for the actual work right now he doesn’t need me here. And that probably plays into it as well. The feeling of not being as needed, not being as crucial (as I’ve previously have seen myself) takes some getting used to. Again, a fair bit of ego.

No, David working together with Markus, our consulting wine maker, will make the odds that we’ll produce an outstanding vintage much better simply because they both know the job much better than I can ever hope to.

Their combined experience and knowledge of the hands on cellar work and the processes that make a great wine or cider is something I, having learned the basics later in life, can never hope to achieve. I’m proud of having learned, but for the cider to reach new levels of balance, clarity and quality, I need to leave it to the professionals.

In 2016 and 2017 we worked with only three apple varieties, closely linked to Swedish history, and the 2016 turned out fine. Austere with high acidity in relation to residual sugar which presents a drier ice cider than previous years.

This year we decided to add back a few apples back into the mix like Cox Orange and Mutsu to give the ice cider some of the body and texture of those varieties.

2017 was the worst year in five decades for apple growing in Sweden, one of the main problems being a very cold and unpredictable spring with heavy frost and hail in the southern parts of the country. We were worried that the weird weather and strange season with a severely diminished harvest would show in the quality of the apples, the levels of sugar, the all round taste.

But no. From the juice coming out of the press in December now being concentrated you couldn’t tell. The acidity is high but so is the sugar and the balance is fresh and full with strong nose and body.

This year we’re also doubling up on production and when we say that to people their first question is whether that will adversely effect the quality of the cider. We see it the other way around. Producing higher volumes won’t make us more industrial in relation to our craft. It’s still all hands and fairly primitive machines and looking at what we’re producing in total this year and comparing it to even small boutique wineries and cideries in the world our volumes are still tiny.

Rather increasing volumes will improve quality. We get more fermentations to learn from and more material to choose from when blending the final cider. The 2017 vintage will likely up the ante for us, enabling us to pick only the best cider for our ice cider as well as increasing the body and quality of the Pernilla Perle.

And so, the start of the extraction heralds positive anticipation and a more focused view on how to achieve the best possible ice cider, each member of our team being able to concentrate on what he or she does best. And the cold weather also brings its upsides. The high pressure that allows for the cold also means clear skies and sunny days. The start of 2018 is looking good.

/Andreas Sundgren Graniti, Brännland Cider

Georgos Nu-Greek Wines Paired at Cafe Del Rey

February 23, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

During a wonderfully paired four-course luncheon at Cafe Del Rey in Marina Del Rey, with wines from Georgos Nu-Greek Wines, we sampled the wines listed below. But before we got started we (the “we” being the #LaWineWriters group run by fellow writer Cori Solomon) reviewed the tech sheets in front of us.

About Georgos Nu-Greek Wines

Georgós (Zanganas) believes that the wines represent not only super-premium quality and flavor profiles at a value, but also a healthful choice in wine, which he calls “nu.”… wines are blended, finished and bottled at Deerfield Ranch Winery in Kenwood, Sonoma Valley…And for Georgós, the “nu” extends across the winemaking process. He explains: “We hand-pick and triple hand-sort all of our grapes to remove anything foreign—bad grapes, stems, foreign objects—’everything but the grapes.’ In the end, we only have the best quality grapes…

Robert Rex, the winemaker for Deerfield in Sonoma, is in partnership with Georgos to make the wines in Sonoma, some with 100% juice from Greece, and some blended with Sonoma grown varietals.

I had figured that it would be nearly impossible to graft the Greek varietals to our vines successfully as our terroir is completely different, for one in Greece the vineyards are completely dry farmed. I have had plenty of wines made from imported juice as well, and most if not all have been very good, so with that said, I was looking forward to the tasting.

The Wines and Menu (my tasting notes, starting with EB, follow theirs)

The wines combine “unforgettable names of the Greek island with mythology.”

Santorini, “Sophia’s Smile”: a 2016 Assyrtiko similar to a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc that has citrus aromas with a rich, earthy mineral character, and the acidity to stand up to meat and seafood with notes of lemon and apple. Unoaked. EB: Pale gold to hay in color, aromas of lemon-lime, pear, white peach and wet stones. On the mouth there was that lemon again, pear, mild acidity and a nice light finish. This was served with a Caesar Flat Bread that refreshed the palate and did something amazing to the wine.

Ios, “Aphrodite’s Kiss”: a 2016 Dry Rosé of Agiorgitiko (until recently the most commonly cultivated grape in Greece) that has all of the flavor of a Pinot Noir with the crispness of a Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented with skins on for 16 hours, it contains hints of apple and peach. Unoaked. EB: The color of a dark peach with aromas of rose petal and earth, followed by flavors of pink grapefruit, tart peaches, lemon and ash. This was our aperitif wine! Worked well!

Mykonos, “Wine of Hercules”: a 2013 vintage Agiorgitiko in the Pinot Noir style that is both light and delicate yet flavor-forward in a Burgundy tradition, with a nose of strawberry patch, a touch of allspice, pepper and sandalwood. Earthy flavors include maitake with a pleasant and multi-layered finish offering faint notes of licorice. EB: Very dark red with a brown edge, indicative of a heavier style wine other than a Pinot, and/or an aged wine. This means nothing compared to aroma and flavor, just an observation. But, then again, maybe it did matter as I got aromas of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, dust and earth. But what fun I had when I tasted it and got that tart red cherry, raisin and a very dry finish. So the aromas spelled something else to me, but the taste was more Pinot Noir-like. We had this with an amazing dish of Seared Scallop, with tomato aguadulce, and butternut squash!

Ithaka, “Penelope’s Spell”: a 2014 blend of California Cabernet and Old World grapes that is dry and big, yet gentle for a Cabernet. It’s perfectly balanced and delicious. The nose is a true Cabernet, offering bits of leather, currants, and blackberries. EB: The label reads Cab and nothing else so that tells me it’s at least 75% Cab. The color was a deep red, aromas of crushed blueberry, stems, chocolate covered cherries and a bit of mushroom. On the palate I noted big red to black fruit, firm tannins and a long finish. This was served alongside lovely NZ Lamb Lollies with polenta, Brussels sprouts and coffee currant sauce.

Corfu, “Siren’s Lure”: Georgós third vintage, 2014 Cabernet blend aged a year in the barrel, where Cabernet Sauvignon forms the base, Cabernet Franc gives lift, Malbec adds allure, and Merlot adds enchantment. EB: This would prove to be my favorite wine of the tasting. The label didn’t give the percentage of Greek juice in this wine. A deep purple in color, and a nose of a Bordeaux blend with notes of blueberry, blackberry, violets and bark. It had a nice mouth coating viscosity, with that same blue and black fruit, medium acid and extremely well balanced. The prices for these wines were $18 to $35 I guessed this one to be the $35 bottle, if not, it should be. With the pairing, mouthwatering Kobe Bolognese with tomato, onion and penne, a sweetness to the wine came forward.

WineLA presents LODI in Los Angeles

February 11, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Marina del Rey, Calif. – WineLA and Marina City Club join together to host Lodi in Los Angeles on February 21, 2018. With approximately 20 wineries set to participate in the festivities, WineLA & Marina City Club will expect to welcome hundreds of wine enthusiasts in a celebration of Lodi Wine Country.

LODI_wineLA+Banner Did you know that Lodi has been producing wine for more than 150 years? Its growers are the most prolific producers of Chard, Cab, Merlot, Zinfandel and Viognier. Ian Blackburn says, “Wine quality is at all-time high, and no one delivers more quality at a reasonable price-point than Lodi.” Come and see for yourself just why Lodi is gaining so many wine fans!

Among the elite list of wineries showcasing their most popular pours are Viaggio, Scotto’s Wine & Cider, Van Ruiten, Heritage Oak, M2, Prie, Riaza, Ironstone, Klinker Brick, Langetwins, Bokisch, Uvaggio, Michael David, OF Oak Farm, Oakridge, Paskett, St. Amant, and more. In addition to the wineries confirmed to attend, tickets will include a wide variety of wines to taste and a large assortment of food pairings.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP hour including a dinner buffet and older-vintage wines. Vip ticket prices are $95 with advanced purchase and $125 at the door. Regular admission begins at 7 p.m, tickets are $59 with advance purchase and $79 at the door but sell out is anticipated. Event includes a chance to meet with all the producers, heavy appetizers, music, unlimited wine tasting, and a wonderful audience! Come alone or come with your tasting group… WineLA welcomes wine fans of all wine experience levels.

For more information about Lodi – visit http://www.lodiwine.com/ .
For event information or to purchase tickets – visit http://www.winela.com/lodiinla or call 310-451-7600. Marina City Club is located at 4333 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292]. This event ends at 9pm.

About Lodi Wine Country

Located between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lodi Wine Country, a region quickly emerging as one of California’s most exciting wine destinations. Over the past decade, 4th- and 5th-generation winegrowers dedicated to the soils and vines have brought creative winemaking and cutting-edge technology to the region, catapulting Lodi into the spotlight.

About wineLA

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. We are a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place, and the passion. WineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is phase two of what we started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.

www.WineLA.com

Tasting Dom Pérignon’s Finest with the North American Sommelier Association (NASA) Part Two

January 12, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Last week I gave you a little lesson on Dom Perignon courtesy of NASA president and US Brand Ambassador Diego Meraviglia. Today I’m sharing…what we tasted.

From NASA

AS A TOAST TO THE ENDING 2017 VINTAGE, JOIN US FOR AN IN DEPTH GUIDED TASTING & SEMINAR ON DOM PERIGNON’s NEW VINTAGES AND OLDER RESERVE GEMS, STILL AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET. THE PRESENTATION & TASTING WILL INCLUDE RARITIES RARELY PULLED…(including the) ‘PLENITUDES’:

Dom Pérignon Blanc vintage 2009, Dom Pérignon Rose’ Vintage 2005, Dom Pérignon P2 vintage 2000, Dom Pérignon Rose’ P2 vintage 1995, + a surprise old vintage…

TASTING PRESENTED AND LED BY DOM PERIGNON US BRAND AMBASSADOR & NASA PRESIDENT, DIEGO MERAVIGLIA.

MY TASTING TAKEAWAYS (all quotes – except where I’ve mentioned Wine Spectator – are Diego’s)

P2 stands for Plentitudes and, according to Wine Spectator’s most recent tasting report on Champagne, “highlights the evolution of the house’s Champagnes after extended maturation on the lees.”

We tasted blind as the “bias is consistent” and you can never get a “complete objective” on how the wine tastes – I agree.

We tasted “the rare of the rare of the rare.”

The P1 Blanc revealed was a 2009 and described as a “voluptuous” wine with “minerality, curry, magnolia, brine, chalk, salt, toast, almonds, pineapple, mango, licorice” and a “mouthfeel” that is the hallmark of Dom Perignon.

The next wine, a 2005 P1 Rose, “was just released and could go another 40 years”…“emulates a red wine…with more weight (indicative) of a warm and wet vintage.” I got the notes of dried cherry and stem on this as I would on a Pinot Noir. It’s even possible that I would have thought it was a Pinot if the glass itself was hidden.

The third wine to taste, a Blanc P2 turned out to be the just released 2000. The extra years on the lees gives the wine “more pairing options” with notes of “forest floor, Brie, brine, spice, licorice, anise…(and would pair well with) “soft cheese and white meat like veal and pheasant.”

Our fourth wine was a 1996 P2 Rose with more strawberry color that could pair well with “beef, steak, duck…fruit tarts (and other) pastry (for its) fresh Burgundian flavors. This may have been my favorite and I joined the other somms and retailers in the room and drained my glass.

Our final wine, a surprise for all, turned out to be a 1995 P3 Blanc vintage that was released in 2015 that I found the color had honeyed with age, with notes of almond, fruit cocktail, pears in syrup as well as “toffee and mocha.” Had to agree that this wine was extremely vibrant and a pleasure to taste. As they all were.

Historic Families to Ring in the New Year with Amarone Tasting Events in New York City

January 7, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Historic Families (Le Famiglie Storiche), the organization that represents thirteen quintessential producers of Amarone della Valpolicella, the Italian noble red that hails from Italy’s Veneto region, will be coming to the United States in January 2018 to host two tasting events in New York City. Historic Families aims to educate trade and consumers about the traditions, quality, and nuances of Amarone della Valpoicella, which is celebrated as one of Italy’s finest wines.

Amarone FAMILIES from Wineworld blog

The tastings will take place on January 31 at Del Posto, the famed Italian restaurant in Chelsea owned by the Batali & Bastianich (B&B) Hospitality Group. They will give trade and press the opportunity to meet the producers and taste fine vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella.

Jeff Porter, Beverage Director of the B&B Hospitality Group, will host a guided vertical tasting of the 2009, 2010, and 2011 vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella. During the seminar, Porter and the producers will explain and explore the many nuances in the wines that result from the terroir of the Valpolicella area as they demonstrate that Amarone is as much about terroir as it is about technique.

Following the seminar, there will be a walkaround tasting showcasing select Amarone bottles of each of the thirteen producers. Both events are reserved exclusively for trade and press.

“The wineries of Historic Families are rooted in traditional values and craftsmanship,” says Sabrina Tedeschi, owner of Tedeschi Winery and President of Historic Families. “We combine generations of know-how with modern innovation to produce one of Italy’s greatest red wines. Amarone has always been well-received in the United States, and we’re eager to showcase three excellent vintages from wineries whose standards guarantee high quality and honor the long history of Valpolicella.”

The entry of new producer members into Historic Families has strengthened the interest and prestige of the association over time, making it the recognized and influential institution that it is today, increasingly active in decisions in favor of high quality Amarone.

About Le Famiglie Storiche/Historic Families: The group was founded in June 2009 (previously Le Famiglie dell’Amarone d’Arte/Amarone Families) by ten historic Valpolicella companies. Today, it boasts 13 partners, prestigious wineries that have sustained and promoted the Valpolicella wine territory in the Veneto region of Italy territory for centuries: Allegrini, Begali, Brigaldara, Guerrieri Rizzardi, Masi, Musella, Speri, Tedeschi, Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Tommasi, Torre D’Orti, Venturini, and Zenato. Together, the wineries bring a heritage of knowledge consolidated from an unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation as testimony to this great wine.

BEYOND THE STARS: Learning About Dom Pérignon with the North American Sommelier Association (NASA) Part One

January 5, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

In paying my annual dues to NASA there are many opportunities offered for continued education and tastings. And now that NASA President Diego Meraviglia is the US Brand Ambassador for Dom Perignon, it was just a matter of time before I could get in on the most rare opportunity!

Photo credit: SIMONA MAFFEI

From NASA

“Brothers come quickly ! I’m drinking stars !” was the exclamation uttered by father Dom Pérignon as he discovered bubbles in wine. A fluke, a coincidence of nature dictated by the extreme Northern location of the Champagne region causing stuck fermentations due to cold. He spent the rest of his life, 47 years, battling, studying, exploring, analyzing and comprehending this phenomenon.

In 1668 Dom Pierre Pérignon, a monk, is nominated curator of the abbey of Hautvillers. He was in charge of managing the supplies of this holy place and set out to improve and renovate the vineyards and wine the abbey produced. As a Benedictine monk, he followed the rule of St.Benedict…the strive for perfection and discipline; he left nothing to chance. He set out to make “the best wine in the world” and single handedly set the base for what Champagne and any ‘classical method’ sparkling wine is today. He invented techniques, methodologies and concepts that revolutionized wine forever.

The original prestige cuvée was indeed Moët & Chandon’s ‘Dom Pérignon’, launched in 1936 with the 1921 vintage. Until then, Champagne houses produced different cuvées of varying quality, but a top-of-the-range wine produced to the highest standards (and priced accordingly) was a new idea. In the last three decades of the 20th century, most Champagne houses followed these with their own prestige cuvées, often named after notable people with a link to that producer and presented in non standard bottle shapes (following Dom Pérignon’s lead with its 18th century revival design). These are indeed…the BEST SPARKLING WINES IN THE WORLD.

SEMINAR PRESENTED AND LED BY DOM PERIGNON US BRAND AMBASSADOR & NASA PRESIDENT, DIEGO MERAVIGLIA.

MY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE LESSON:

Dom Perignon is known for being the first to: put a brand name (his own) on a label (instead of just the name of the region), creating the bottle shape, making white wine from red grapes, blending and sorting (and at Dom Perignon every berry is sorted by hand).

Ruinart is known for being the first commercial winery in Champagne. Veuve Cliquot is known for being the first to filter.

Dom Perignon came to the abbey in 1668, at the age of 32, and was given the job of curator. He dedicated 47 years of his life to perfecting wine.

Wine in Champagne, France first appeared between the first and fourth centuries AD, when the Romans ruled the area. After that, during the Barbarian rule, there was no wine produced until 987 AD.

Champagne is the most northern region of France. There is less sunlight and thereby less warmth in the vineyard. Every year, to this day, it is a struggle for the grapes to ripen. There is spring frost and winter hail, so the “struggle is real” in producing Champagne, and also accounts for the cost.

Belgium is a bordering country but they’re not known for producing any wine at all, they make beer.

In the early days exorcists were brought in to deal with the “demon in the cellar” that was causing the wines to explode. Now that demon name has translated to what happens when you enjoy Champagne…

Dom Perignon only uses a strict 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The chalky fossil-rich soil in Champagne, due to originally being under the sea, gives the wines their minerality.

1921 was the first vintage champagne from Don Perignon. It was all non-vintage prior to this. To this day they don’t make a vintage champagne every year, only the years that the fruit is the best.

Stay tuned to this column next week where I will share some of the wonderful and rare wines we tasted after our lesson!

More From Napa: Phifer Pavitt, Tank Garage Winery, Larkmead, Joseph Phelps and Switchback Ridge

December 29, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

This is the last article in my series on the Napa Valley for 2017. Today we will have a virtual taste from Phifer Pavitt, Tank Garage Winery, Larkmead and Joseph Phelps.

Phifer Pavitt

We met with Luke Speer, the Director of Hospitality, for our tasting. Phifer Pavitt is known (written up in Wine Spectator 13 times so far) for their “Date Night” Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. New for them: the XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon. A sparkling has recently been added but, woe is me, none was available for tasting during our visit.

We began with the 2016 Phifer Pavitt Sauvignon Blanc – fresh, crisp, lemon-lime, fleshy peach with low acid and a long finish. I’m partial to this wine as I’ve known the winemaker before he made commercial wine and have been a longtime fan: Gary Warburton. Next we tried the 2013 Date Night – It was big, dry and tannic with exceptional plump blue to black fruit, fig, smoke, aromatic and perfumy. Their red winemaker Ted Osborne always does a great job. Now onto the 2014 Date Night – I got a bit brighter fruit than I did from the 2013, but with the same plumpness. Very well done. The 2014 XRoads Cab had great fruit from the valley floor: red fruit, dried blueberry, black cherry, and very balanced with the tannins. Destined to be a hit.

www.phiferpavittwine.com

Tank Garage Winery: Completely Out of the Tasting Room Box

Can’t recall exactly where I heard about the Tank Garage Winery, but it was either via a wine trade or marketing magazine. I had read it was a unique space with a unique brand. What I discovered is that this is a must stop for those looking for a different experience, or those new to wine looking for some fun.

Several out-of-the-box ideas flew at me:

Turned a 1930s era filling station into a tasting room and…a cozy Speakeasy in the back for members only.

The wines are all one and done. Each release is an all new blend, name and package.

The official motto is actually “Never Dream Alone” and they’ve “found a ton of amazing people to dream” with them.

All of their wines are in fact small batch. At one point, they were all under 125 cases, but as they’ve grown, some are as large as 500 cases, like their brand new Chrome Dreams.

They have four wines that are distributed at larger production including a Rosé, Chardonnay, Cab and Red Blend called All or Nothing, which is primarily Zin, Cab and Petite Sirah.

The Wine Club has three levels, 3-Bottle, 6-Bottle and 12-Bottle. The Half-Tank and Full-Tank options are just for purchases in the tasting room.

The wines we quickly tasted through (I didn’t make an appointment and had another coming up) included a 2016 “California Stroke” White Wine, California, 92% Vermentino with 8% Verdelho, skin fermented; 2015 “Nothing Gold Can Stay” 100% Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 40% new oak and 60% neutral; 2015 “Like You Stole It” Red Wine, Contra Costa County, blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignane; 2015 “Take It Easy” Red Wine, Sonoma County, a blend of 96% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Carignane; 2014 “The Heavy” Red Wine, Napa Valley – the only label that stays with each vintage – and a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Larkmead Vineyards

Jeff Smith from Hourglass suggested we make a reservation to taste at Larkmead. Beautiful tasting areas both inside and out, we snagged a couch and settled in for a few tastes. We did learn that the vineyards were established back in the 1800s and the first vintage came in 1930s! Look up Lillie Hitchcock Coit (yes, of Coit Tower fame) to sleuth around more. Lillie had a wild life before she died in 1929. She was the first female volunteer firefighter and sold grapes to churches during prohibition – among other things.

The wines are “heavily allocated” to loyal members. Though all from the valley floor the vineyards have a diversity of soils and gravel. One vineyard, the Dr. Olmo, is named after the famed UC Davis Dr. Olmo that is credited for fighting Phylloxera. We tasted three wines: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon was all mature developed fruit, velvety soft, pepper and nicely balanced black currant, black plum and black currant with crushed black pepper and spice. The 2014 Dr. Olmos started with that barnyard nose with the addition of dark chocolate and blackberry while the taste was dry with layered black fruit and tasted oak. The final wine, the 2014 Solari Cab had that barnyard funk, prune, ripe berries, dusty, mint and tannin. The lingering length on this one made it our favorite.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

The benefits of membership: calling to make an appointment as you park the car in their lot! We had just received our allocation but my hubby wanted to taste the new Insignia before we put it away for a few years. We got to try more than that, and as I wasn’t “covering” the winery I just wanted to at least give their wines a shout out, sans tasting notes, as I’ve never ever been disappointed with Joseph Phelps: 2014 Pinot Noir, Pastorale Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; 2014 Pinot Noir, Quarter Moon Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; 2012 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley (I did note this one as “perfect”); 2014 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley; and a 2015 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley, barrel sample.

Switchback Ridge

Last but not least we had the opportunity to try another winery new to us: Switchback Ridge. Their 2014 Switchback Ridge Merlot gave off that interesting funky barnyard nose, saddle leather at first. Some of that blew off and I got good dark fruit while the 2014 Switchback Ridge Cabernet had pungent thick fruit that softened in the glass, a bit of mint and licorice on the nose as well. In the mouth I tasted layers of blackberry, black cherry, cigar, oak and tannin. Bob Foley makes these two wines.