Preview of Paso Robles 2020

January 17, 2020 by evebushman

We are planning a trip to Paso Robles early this year – we try and do Paso and Napa every year – although in past years it wasn’t possible due to our work schedules. This year first we will visit D.C. and then Paso, Kentucky, Italy, Greece and Turkey. This will probably be the norm for us, lots of travel, now that Eddie has retired.

Cass winery pic from Facebook, I believe Ted is on the left wearing the hat and raising his glass.

So, getting back to Paso, I wanted to share information about some of the wineries we will be visiting. And because we do go wine tasting often, the last few years we have tried to go to wineries that we have not visited with too many times – or not at all – before. (There are so many now we all really should reach a little further IMO.) However, with that said, there are two below that we have visited before, but not for a few years. Which of these have you been to, which would you re-visit and which are new for you as well:

Thacher Winery

Hadn’t heard of Thacher until I was emailing Tony Quealy at a different winery and learned that he had moved over to Thacher. Did a little research on the winery, Google and social media, and liked what I saw. So instead of seeing Quealy at his old spot we would visit him at his new spot. They are described as a “boutique” winery, with an emphasis on two of my favorites: Rhone blends and Zinfandel.

https://www.thacherwinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thacher.winery/

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Sampled lots of Rhônes from Tablas Creek at wine events over the years. All I knew about them is that they make a lot. And they’re all good. Sent them an email about visiting and they were happy to oblige, with none other than Jason Haas, partner and GM, to show us around. From Facebook I learned, “Founded by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas of Vineyard Brands in the limestone hills of Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, it produces estate grown Châteauneuf du Pape-style blends and Rhone varietal wines from its certified organic and Biodynamic vineyards.”

https://tablascreek.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TablasCreek/

Steinbeck Wines

Cindy Steinbeck, one daughter of owners Howie and Bev Steinbeck, had offered one of their noted “CRASH COURSE tours through the family’s expansive vineyards giving (us) an opportunity to really know the family and experience wine from the vineyard.” From their website I learned that Steinbeck “is a boutique family owned and operated winery in the heart of California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles” and that their “family has been farming for seven-generations, since 1884. (Their) ancestors were pioneers in many aspects of farming in Paso Robles, including wine grapes and wine 135 years ago…” Howie himself is known as “a leader in viticulture in Paso Robles since 1970.”

http://www.steinbeckwines.com/

https://www.facebook.com/steinbeckwines/

Cass Wines

Been to more than one event, and dinner, where Cass co-owner Ted Plemons poured. Plemons is one of those memorable wine personalities that make the wine tasting experience a whole lot of fun. At a recent #SaugusStrong fundraiser at our local Wine 661 wine bar, I won a luncheon for four at the winery. Planned my trip around it. Hoping for a Plemons sighting, but happy at the prospect of having the lunch – heard a lot about the great lunches there – and tasting through their current line-up of Rhônes and Bordeaux blends.

https://www.casswines.com/

https://www.facebook.com/casswinery/

Eberle Winery

Ben Mayo was the winemaker at Eberle when I last visited, that was 2011 (Read about our “Underground Eberle Tour” here) and a person in my party voted for a re-visit. Fast forward to more local news, founder Gary Eberle being ousted from the winery, then regained ownership, and of course their long-standing respected wines. When Gary was copied on an email to me from the winery, I mentioned we’d love even just a “sighting” or “photo op” if he’s available. This wine-fan-girl does get a wee bit excited about meeting the people that have shaped our wine industry. Time will tell if it happens! Asked what I would like to focus on for the tasting I suggested Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they also offered a tasting of “something from the library.”

https://www.eberlewinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/eberlewinery/

Allegretto Wines and Vineyard Resort by Ayres

I knew the Allegretto name from visiting their grand hotel soon after it opened for a Cab Collective event weekend. This time I would be staying in one of the rooms, for two nights, so I knew I’d be getting a bigger and better insiders “feel” of the place. Additionally, I had met and tasted with Quin Cody, the Director of Wine Hospitality, at a recent STARS of Cab event put on by Ian Blackburn and WineLA.com – the wines were great, two Cabs and a Malbec, but I needed to taste more. During our visit we would have “an art tour followed by wine and charcuterie tasting in the Willow Creek tasting room.”

https://www.allegrettowines.com/

https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AllegrettoWines/

https://www.facebook.com/allegrettovr/

HammerSky Vineyards

A few years back we stayed in a lovely farmhouse on the HammerSky property. I was smitten the property, the wines and with owner Doug Hauck, and I think you can tell from my article that ran back in 2014, The Secret Weapons at HammerSky. I’ve been wanting to get back ever since as we tasted just a few wines then, and there are plenty more in the tasting room that we hadn’t visited. This is what we missed that we won’t miss this time, “Our ultra-modern tasting room offers award-winning Bordeaux wines, hospitality and comfort for all who visit. Tall windows and glass doors emit natural light, while allowing sweeping 180 degree views of our rolling vineyards that border the lawn with café-style seating on the patio. It has been referred to as the best picnic location in Paso Robles wine country.”

https://www.hammersky.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Hammerskyvineyards/

Oso Libre Winery

I had originally tasted Oso Libre wines in 2016, via the LA Wine Writers. In fact, I couldn’t attend the tasting with everyone else and the winery generously offered to send wines for my review. I re-posted the review last year, and the winery commented on the Facebook link that I needed a re-visit. This is the article link —> http://evewine101.com/2019/09/10/vintage-eve-circa-9-2016-a-trio-to-taste-from-pasos-oso-libre/ I decided I needed a real “live” visit, and now look forward to trying their current wines that may include a Dry Riesling, Rose of Mourvedre, Chardonnay, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Bordeaux blends and GSMs…

https://www.osolibre.com/

https://www.facebook.com/osovino/

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: My Favorite Wines and Cocktails from 2016

December 24, 2019 by evebushman

In writing wine and spirit reviews, which include comprehensive tasting notes on appearance, aroma, flavor and sometimes a score, it would be remiss for me not to explain that even when I’m not working on an article I will still employ some of these same methods when drinking wine for pleasure with friends or at a large commercial tasting event. Those wines, sans actual notes, are the ones I want to share today.

2016 Cocktails on the Roof.

Why? Because sometimes we make our buying choices dependent on numerical scores from critics. While that is fine, especially if you have found a critic that has a similar palate as yours (you agree with his scores) it also reduces the time spent trying wines on your own, and finding them not to be enjoyable, which can be costly.

Some pals have also reached out to me, believing they will like what I like, and have asked me to share my favorites. So this article is for them as well. (Please keep in mind these are wines and cocktails I enjoyed in 2016 alone.)

And now, without further adieu:

Remarkable vintage years I did note – so it will be easier if you want to duplicate the experience – I found via my Facebook photographs: 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Bual Madeira, 2003 Tramin Cerveny (Czech dessert wine), 2000 Don Melchor Puente Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Champagne, 2004 Robert Mondavi Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape, 2014 Turley from Howell Mountain, Pesenti Vineyard and Dogtown Vineyard, 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a 2006 Backus, 2015 Trombetta Chardonnay, 2015 J. Lohr White Riesling, 2005 Robert Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, 2007 Kosta Browne 4-Barrel Pinot Noir, 2013 Beekeeper Zinfandel Rockpile Appellation, 2005 Chateau Canon, 2013 Hearst Pergola Petite Sirah, 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, 2012 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel, 2012 Kynsi Pinot Noir, 2012 Colome Estate Malbec, 2012 Dilecta Unorthodox, 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, 2013 Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 and 2013 Cabernet Franc all from Crocker and Starr.

In general, wines that I enjoyed but didn’t note the various vintage years were from Backus, Insignia, Le Mistral, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (all from Joseph Phelps club membership), Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, every vintage of Phifer Pavitt DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon, various Del Dotto wines, all wines from Stolpman Vineyards, Silver Oak, Carlisle Mourvedre, Pure Cru wines by Mitch Cosentino, non vintage Champagne Jacquart, Pulchella Zinfandel, Stillman Petite Sirah, Regusci Patriarch, Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Larner Vineyard, Ferrari Trento, Derby Wine Estates, Oso Libre, Frick, Mystic Hills, Calcareous, Workman Ayer Defacto Red Rhone blend, Jaffurs, Epoch Estate, Whalebone, Casa Dumetz, Zaca Mesa, Tercero, Four Brix, Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, Cellardoor Winery Blueberry wine, wines that my local winemakers serve up every year at Sunset in the Vineyard…

Cocktails: Everything I could get my hands on at Cocktails on the Roof, which included these three award winners: Bourbon Bramble from Newhall Refinery, Trader Vics inspired Mai Tai at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and the Manhattan from Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. I also enjoyed: the Manhattan made by 12 Bottle Bar authors Lesley and David Solmonson, Frozen Margaritas, single barrel tequila and Horchata at solita, Bloody Mary at Egg Plantation, Perfect Rob Roy from The Social, Cucumber Soju Cocktail served up by Xevichez Sushi Bar, Black Manhattan at Bacari PDR, a Moscow Mule I made with Cherry Ginger Beer and a Negroni with St George Gin, Bowen’s Whiskey, Black Momma Vodka, whatever I get to taste with the L.A. Scotch Club and a 10 year old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon I nabbed from a pal.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), 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.

Two Bottle Post: 2000 Chateau Margaux Pavillon Rouge and 2007 Domaine Saint Prefert Chateauneuf Du Pape, Reserve Auguste Favier

November 9, 2018 by evebushman

On the heels of the first Feed SCV Chef Auction where I couldn’t contain my thrill of a wine class with me being purchased for $900 (photo next to these wines), I celebrated a great week with some old pals, and two wines from our cellar. So, though I do like my one bottle posts, this week I give you two.

I stole away into the kitchen to sample and review the two wines alone, as is my way so that I can be completely devoted to the task. Then, as my guests asked, I let them know my findings and suggested they sample each before deciding which to start with. For me I thought that the Bordeaux was lighter than the CDP (Chateauneuf Du Pape) in both style, fruit and spice. I enjoyed both, but the chocolate and beer chili I had made for dinner screamed out for the CDP that I presumed was predominately Syrah, followed by Grenache and Mourvedre grapes.

2000 Chateau Margaux

Very dark garnet in color, with aromas of aged red fruit, musty, tri-color peppercorns, earth, cigar, savory beef and pencil shavings. On the mouth I got that same red fruit – with a brighter flavor than expected, along with mild pepper, slightly medicinal, good mouthfeel and good tannin structure. 91 Eve pts.

This 2000 Bordeaux is one of the six 2000 vintages I knew I would be reviewing this year. I had pulled up the Wine Spectator ratings on each of these to compare with my review:

CHÂTEAU MARGAUX

Margaux Pavillon Rouge 2000

Score: 94

Release Price $65

Current Auction Price $196

Country France

Region Bordeaux

Issue Mar 31, 2003

Tasting Note

Glorious aromas of freshly picked raspberries, with tiny hints of cream and minerals. Full-bodied, with superfine tannins and a long, long finish of berries and cherries. Super second wine from Margaux. Best Pavillon Rouge I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. 20,525 cases made. –JS

2007 Domaine Saint Prefert Chateauneuf Du Pape, Reserve Auguste Favier

The color began as garnet with a golden brown edge, however 30 minutes in the glass and it became more purple. On the nose there was raspberry, blueberry, mushroom, stewed meats, rubber and earth. It was quite inviting. I was thrilled with what I found on the palate: a huge mouthfeel, just wow, clean and fresh, killer berry fruits and spice rack notes, as well as milk chocolate and a little bit of mint on the finish. 100 Eve pts.

Conclusion

Being a fan of both Bordeaux and Rhone blends I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to sample such stellar older vintages. My husband has the cellar keys, and though I do keep track of the wines in our cellar on a spreadsheet, I didn’t realize we had some older CDP as well as the 2000 Bordeaux I knew we had. Thinking I need to take another look at the spreadsheet, and our cellar, and soon.

Couldn’t Wait For: The Grenache Masterclass

March 9, 2018 by evebushman

Dealing with 9am traffic to Downtown LA is not my idea of fun. However the powers that be selected a venue, Redbird Restaurant, which had a very nice private room for a medium-sized group of sommeliers and other very interested people in the wine trade. Why? Check out the wine list below, now completed with my tasting notes, as well as some of the interesting things I learned about Grenache from Patrick Comiskey, Wine and Spirits Magazine and author of American Rhone, and Peter Fraser, winemaker for Yangarra Estates.

Tasting – aromas and flavors separated by;

2015 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale)

The vines for this wine date back to 1946, 14.5% alcohol, 100% Grenache and approx. $25 bottle. Fraser showed us photos of the grapes before and after sorting: very uniform in color and no stems. He said this wine shows a richer riper wine. All hit their “sweet spot” after 10 years of aging. Comiskey added that all Grenache are “gloriously aromatic” in the glass.

Dusty red cherries, raspberry jam and bark; bright red fruit, dry, long length.

2015 Domaine de Cristia Vieilles Vignes (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

100% Grenache, this was my first favorite of the tasting, and as our second to taste I was reminded of what Fraser said, the winemaking “should transcribe a sense of place.” This CDP definitely didn’t have the same aroma or flavor profile of the first Yangarra.

Darker red fruit, cigar, smoke, male sweat; rose petals and other florals showed in the mouth.

2015 Domaine de Marcoux Vieilles Vignes (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)

98% Grenache and 2% Cinsault and about $170 a bottle. Comiskey said that Rhônes from CDP are “unparalleled in the world.”

Bright red fruit, raspberry, green forest floor, earth; berry, stems, medium finish.

2014 Yangarra High Sands Grenache (McLaren Vale)

Fraser said this one was “more restrained”, 100% Grenache, 14.5% alcohol and about $90 a bottle. Fraser also said they do most of their Grenache as single varietals that allows for silky, tannic and perfumed structure.

Sweet black cherry, milk chocolate, and a hint of a wet forest and barnyard; red to blue fruits, dark, dusty and tannic.

2013 Espectacle (Montsant)

Alcohol at 15% and a price tag of about $155 a bottle.

Sweeter nose, floral, Port notes, bursting red fruit and dark cherry; noted the higher alcohol on the mouth, red fruit, tannic.

2013 Yangarra High Sands Grenache (McLaren Vale)

A year older than the first High Sands we tasted. With 14.8% alcohol, 100% Grenache and a $90 price tag.

Fruit felt darker, could definitely note that wee bit of longer age on this one; tart red fruit and tannic. My second favorite in the tasting so far.
2013 Torbreck Les Amis (Barossa Valley)

Although both Comiskey and Fraser seemed not to care for this wine it proved to be my favorite of the tasting. 100% Grenache, 16% alcohol and about $155 a bottle.

Much darker fruit, smoke, oak and forest floor; well-balanced fruit, pepper and a nice long finish.

2013 Sine Qua Non Female Grenache (California)

And here was our cult wine and one I really looked forward to tasting as our finish. With 15.7% alcohol, from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, $330 a bottle and the only GSM blend in the tasting: 78% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 3% Mourvedre. Comiskey had read a bit from his book on American Rhônes and I recalled that he wrote that Grenache is the “organizer” of every blend and has “unique varietal gifts.” The varietal may have been born as Garnacha in Spain “but is now grown wherever there is abundant sunshine.” Also a favorite but I still enjoyed the Torbreck best.

Perfumy, aromatic, great red to darker fruits, slightly sweet; huge red fruit in the mouth, spice and an incredible length.

From Yangarra: Australia is to take on France and the US…

The…educational masterclasses…are designed to draw attention to the quality of wine possible from this underrated grape, particular when sourced from very old vines in Australia’s McLaren Vale.

Among the wines on show (were) biodynamic wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Domaine de Cristia and Domaine de Marcoux as well as Female from Sine Qua Non, which is made with 78% Grenache by Manfred Krankl, a champion of Rhône grapes in the state. However, leading the line-up will be Grenache from Yangarra Estate in the McLaren Vale, including the producer’s flagship High Sands Grenache, which is created using biodynamically-farmed fruit from bush vines planted in 1946.

…Named Australian Winemaker of the Year for 2016 by eminent wine critic James Halliday, Fraser is a highly respected figure in the Australian wine industry, and one whose expertise centers on Rhône grapes, in particular Grenache, having made wine from the variety since 2000 at Yangarra Estate.

Fraser…agreed to compare his wines to the greatest varietal Grenaches from around the world, which included not only the rarest expressions from the aforementioned Domaine de Cristia and Domaine de Marcoux, but also Spain’s Espectacle, a pure Grenache from 120 year-old vines in Montsant, made by René Barbier, famous for Priorat’s Clos Mogador.

The award-winning McLaren Vale winemaker has also said he will show his wines alongside Australia’s celebrated varietal Grenache from the Barossa Valley: Torbreck’s Les Amis, which is made using grapes from vines planted in 1901.

This tasting will provide an educational look at Grenache using a selection of extremely rare wines made from one of the trade’s most underrated grapes.

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

Tasting Wines From the New Newhall Refinery Wine List

February 16, 2018 by evebushman

On January 31 I joined about 50 local wine friends – now calling ourselves the #WineInfluencers – to taste through some of the new wines added to the Newhall Refinery wine list. They had recently expanded their list quite a bit (read the story about that here) so I was anxious to sample their new offerings myself.

Within 15 minutes into the tasting the room, aptly called “The Cellar”, became electrified! As people entered they happily greeted pals they didn’t know would be there (the guest list wasn’t public), started tasting at one of the three tasting stations, took photos for social media, noshed on mushroom toast, cheese and charcuterie and – started sharing notes with each other of which wines not to miss at each table.

Guy Lelarge, formerly of Valencia Wine Company, was responsible for working with owners Simon and Shannon Mee, and the staff, before curating the wines at the best prices possible. He also added suggested pairings to the menu. When I had an exceptional Sauterne towards the end of the evening, and was on the hunt for the exquisite blue cheese they had provided to have with it, I told Guy he should pair that particular wine with a cheese plate for their dessert menu. He already had.

Of the wines we tasted below, and I didn’t sample everything, I bolded my favorites. Some I skipped as I’ve tasted before, the DAOU and Prisoner being two favorites that I would definitely order but didn’t need to taste again. And my pals like to tease me as I’m not a huge Pinot Noir fan, those were skipped as well, you know, (really) just to avoid palate fatigue.

My own quote for the evening was, “The energy in the room among wine lovers was palatable!” And last but in no way least, a big cheers to the Mees to now have such a broadly appealing wine list that really adds to their already uber-popular chef-inspired dishes.

What We Tasted

WHITE

Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio 2015 / Italy

Vidal-Fleury Viognier 2015 / France

Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2016 / New Zealand

Orogeny Chardonnay 2016 / Russian River, CA

Flowers Chardonnay 2013 / Sonoma, CA

RED

Diora Pinot Noir 2015 / Monterey, CA

Patz & Hall Pinot Noir 2014 / Sonoma, CA

Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2016 / Santa Barbara, CA

Pedroncelli Zinfandel 2015 / Sonoma County, CA

Château Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape/ France

Viña Magna Ribera Del Duero 2015 / Spain

Trefethen Merlot 2014 / Napa, CA

Consilience Syrah 2014 / Santa Barbara, CA

Stag’s Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2014 / Napa, CA

Prisoner Red Blend 2016 / Napa, CA

Drumheller Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / WA, USA

Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 / Paso Robles, CA

BUBBLES & DESSERT WINES

Riondo Prosecco 187ml / Italy

Nicolas Feuillate Brut Rosé Champagne 375ml

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne 750ml

Château Grand-Jauga Sauternes 2015 375ml / France

The Full New Wine List online.

Information on their popular Around the World Dinner Series.

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

Newhall Refinery Adds New Wine List For the New Year!

January 19, 2018 by evebushman

A New Destination for Wine Lovers in Downtown Newhall Includes Wines by the Bottle, Glass, Chef and Pastry Chef Pairings

Santa Clarita Valley, CA – Throughout 2017 Simon and Shannon Mee, owners of Newhall Refinery and the Egg Plantation, have been gathering feedback on their food, beer, cocktail and wine programs. There was only one area that they thought needed tweaking: creating a Wine List for Newhall Refinery that reflected the quality of what they stand for.

A few months ago, Guy Lelarge, formerly of Valencia Wine Company and with a long tenure as both a wine distributor and buyer, curated a new wine list for Newhall Refinery, replacing nearly every wine and adding a full third more. Wines from the best vineyards from Burgundy to the Rhone Valley in France, and from Sonoma to Napa Valley are standouts on the list, as well as fine representations from Germany, Argentina, Monterey and more.

The staff spent over two months learning about the new wines, the wine list will be in a dedicated folder, house wines will be rotated for a better selection and the dinner and dessert menus all now have suggested wine pairings. These are just some of the mouth-watering temptations now available:

Craft Burger: Havarti, bacon onion jam, arugula, confit garlic aioli, brioche, with fries or salad. Suggested wine pairing: Belleruche 2016–Cotes-Du-Rhone, France

Fish and Chips: beer battered cod, red cabbage slaw, garlic parsley fries, tartar sauce, malt vinegar, lemon. Suggested wine pairing: Vidal Fleury Viognier, France

Airline Chicken Breast: Mary’s organic chicken, crispy gratin potatoes, mushrooms, prunes, truffle purée, jus gras. Suggested wine pairing: Diora 2015 Pinot Noir, Monterey, CA

Apple Bourbon Cobbler: Granny Smith, Gala, bourbon raisins, oat crumble, bourbon sauce, brown butter ice cream. Suggested wine pairing: Orogeny Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County.

Blueberry Bread Pudding: sourdough, blueberries, orange zest, Grand Marnier crème anglaise. Suggested wine pairing: Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve, Champagne, France.

Churros & Horchata: cinnamon sugar churros, dulce de leche caramel sauce, Horchata ice cream. Suggested wine pairing: Chateau Grand-Jauga Sauternes, Bordeaux, France.

The restaurant hopes that their loyal customers will seek out these new wines to try, and the servers are happy to share their own favorites for a taste to help! Some of Simon’s picks include 2014 Southing Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, 2015 Ten Sea Smoke Pinot Noir, 2014 Opus One and the 2013 Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

For vinophiles interested in what the wine critic ratings are for some of the new wines: 2014 Redon Chateauneuf du Pape garnered 91pts from Wine Spectator, 2015 DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received 91pts from Robert Parker, 2013 Flowers Chardonnay 91pts Wine Enthusiast, Louis Roederer Brut Premium Non Vintage 92pts Wine Spectator, 2014 Stag’s Leap Petite Sirah 91pts Robert Parker, 2016 Matua Sauvignon Blanc 90pts Wine Spectator. (This Sauvignon Blanc is on the Spectator top 100 wines of the year list!)

Newhall Refinery will continue their popular bi-monthly Wine Around the World dinners; the next one is French themed and scheduled for March 8. Also upcoming and always-sold-out is their annual Valentine’s Day Dinner with several options on reservations times.

Newhall Refinery

24258 Main St. Newhall CA 91321

www.newhallrefinery.com

661-388-4477

https://www.facebook.com/newhallrefinery/

https://www.instagram.com/newhallrefinery/

https://twitter.com/NewhallRefinery

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

September 1, 2017 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grilled Shrimp with ginger and garlic sauce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting with Emilien Boutillat, Winemaker of Champagne Armand de Brignac and the “Best Blanc de Noirs in the World”

May 5, 2017 by evebushman

What a rare treat it was for me to sample the current releases from Champagne Armand de Brignac, aka “Ace of Spades”, that I had to admit I have never sampled before. This is how it went:

The Stage

The boardroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel was the perfect size for a small group of wine writers, wine store buyers, restauranteurs and sommeliers. The table was set with five engraved tasting glasses, courtesy Armand de Brignac. Winemaker Emilien Boutillat sat in the center. Five metallic bottles, each its own unique glistening color, sat icing in a golden bowl. The lighting was brought up so that we could examine our samples. French bottled water was poured to cleanse our palates. A brunch was set up on the side bar to enjoy after the tasting. Sparkling silver wine buckets would soon be – only slightly – filled with leftovers. But there weren’t many leftovers…

Tasting With Emilien Boutillat

Winemaker Emilien Boutillat grew up in Champagne and worked with some very prestigious wineries in Bordeaux, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, South Africa, New Zealand, Chile and California before settling back down in France. He works now with the lead winemaking team: Jean-Jacques and Alexandre Cattier.

Boutillat said that Armand de Brignac produces “just a drop” of Champagne compared to others; only producing about 100,000 cases of all of their cuvees combined per year. Everything, including the riddling, is done by hand. What matters most is the soil, climate, the right time for harvest, blending and – only using the first press of juice. They have purchased from the same growers – who are now friends – every year for many years. “There are no tricks,” Boutillat commented, “we let the fruit talk.” All of the cuvees are multi-vintages and blends.

Brut Gold

40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier

Multi-vintage: 2009, 2010 and 2012

The color of pale hay with aromas of green apple, pineapple, cheddar cheese and wet pebbles. On the mouth I got the same flavors, very bright fruit, with the additions of lemon and toast. 99 Eve pts.

Rosé

50% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay

Multi-vintage: 2009, 2010 and 2012

A beautiful color or rose gold with notes of strawberry, Luxardo cherry and a hint of licorice on the nose followed by flavors of strawberry, limeade, orange zest and a nice long finish. (This was made as a blend, not in the saignée method.) 99 Eve pts.

Blanc de Blancs

100% Chardonnay

Multi-vintage: 2009, 2010 and 2012

A very pale yellow in color, then a nose of ripe red delicious apple, roasted nuts, lemon-lime and white pepper. On the mouth I got pineapple, white peach, white tea and roasted nuts again. 100 Eve pts.

Blanc De Noirs Assemblage Two

100% Pinot Noir

Multi-vintage: 2008, 2009 and 2010

Pale gold in color and aromas of apricots, cream and yes…what everyone noted: peppermint. On the palate that same peppermint was apparent as well as apricot and peach. Also another incredibly long finish. Welcome to the U.S. my pretty friend! 100 Eve pts. (How could I disagree with Fine Champagne Magazine, and TastingBook.com, that named this the best Blanc De Noirs of the year in 2016?)

Demi Sec

40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier

Multi-vintage: 2009, 2010 and 2012

Straw in color, and a nose of fruit cocktail, cheese corn and Jasmine! In the mouth I was reminded of candied apple and cinnamon toast, and the fruit lingers for another long finish. 98 Eve pts.

About Armand de Brignac

“10th and 11th generation champagne growers, Jean-Jacques Cattier and his son, Alexandre, craft the prestige cuvées of Armand de Brignac. Their dream was to create a champagne of the most exceptional quality, that would represent the best of the best from the region, where their family have grown vines for more than 250 years. A group of just 14 highly skilled people touch a bottle of Champagne Armand de Brignac, from pressing the fruit, to the moment the bottles leave the cellars. Each step of the process is led by the human touch, from handpicking the grapes to polishing each bottle and hand-applying French pewter labels. Without the pressures of volume, the team behind Champagne Armand de Brignac focuses on each small detail, to ensure ultimate quality at every step.”

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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

Vintage Eve Circa April 2013: Wine Steward, or Bottle, Faulty?

April 18, 2017 by evebushman

This is a true story, and I need you to be the judge. At a recent dinner out – locally, reservations under my name and the owner knew when I was coming – I might have made a mistake trusting the wine steward with selecting a Chateauneuf du Pape that would go with the meals we were ordering.

Waitress Clearly Lost

After perusing the wine list, I mentioned to our waitress what we wanted to spend and what we were looking for. I asked her for a recommendation. She said, “Do you want me to get ——?” (He is not referred to as a wine steward or sommelier, I believe he is the manager.) Yes, I knew who she was talking about, as she presumed I did, he’d been at that restaurant for a decade or longer. I was a wee bit surprised that she couldn’t make a suggestion on her own as the restaurant was known for its wine list and I had never needed the wine steward before.

The Wine Steward

Instead of talking to us about what we were looking for, or offering us any options, he came to our table and presented a 1997 CDP vintage that he said was no longer available on the wine list. I should have asked why he suggested that wine and why not any others, but I didn’t.

He opened the wine and poured us both (my husband was with me) a taste. I commented on the brown color, indicating some age. The wine steward said it was an organic wine, and told us about organic wine practices…for some reason he thought this would interest us or explain the wine.

I asked what grapes were in the wine, and he proceeded to list all Rhone varietals; not actually answering my question.

After he left we noted quite a bit of sediment in our glass – again not necessarily indicative of anything but age. Trusting the wine steward we forged ahead. Then I noted an astringency I hoped would blow off and bloom into some nice fruit and tannins.

Sending Back Wine

We swirled the wine, we let it sit for a while, and we tried it alone and with food. Then we began to consider sending it back. I’ve never sent back wine because it didn’t age well. And since this wine wasn’t corked we decided against it. Were we right?

Our Conclusion

As we paid our bill my husband and I agreed – we hadn’t enjoyed our meal and it would be awhile before we would return. We felt that the wine steward should have offered us a selection and answered the questions we asked – and we should have insisted instead of being too trusting about it.

The wine steward failed us, and it left us wondering, how many others may have shared the same experience? If a restaurant’s wine steward doesn’t make a customer happy, but only tries to convince them that they should be happy, that’s a fail in my book.

Whether the wine steward thought we were clumsy wine people, with little or no knowledge of wine or not, the experience left us feeling, well, hoodwinked. A bottle no longer available on the wine list could have been because it was awesome; in this case it appeared, with all of the circumstances – to have been removed from the wine list.

When I got home and Googled the wine I learned that Wine-Searcher.com reviewed the exact one, and a chart showed that the wine had peaked in 2003. I felt better, justified that I was correct in assume the wine hadn’t aged well. Now all I could consider was perhaps the wine steward hadn’t aged well either.

SAVE THE DATE for the 33rd Annual Winesong event

March 5, 2017 by evebushman

Please SAVE THE DATE for the 33rd Annual Winesong event, which will take place this year from September 8 to 9 on the breathtaking Mendocino Coast. Produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, this weekend of award-winning wine, spectacular food, exquisite art and charitable giving will be held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect at this year’s Winesong event —

A Pinot Noir Celebration: Meet the Winemakers

Friday, September 8, 2017 | 1 to 4 p.m.

Presented by Winesong and hosted by Little River Inn, this illustrious event features Pinot Noir from renowned Anderson Valley and other award winning pinot regions, plus tastes of Little River Inn’s finest culinary offerings.

Wine & Food Grand Tasting in the Gardens

Saturday, September 9, 2017 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stroll through the lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens while enjoying vintages poured by world-class wineries from Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and beyond as well as beer, spirits, and food from 50 of Mendocino County’s finest food purveyors. The tasting is accented by various musical groups performing a variety of styles including jazz, classical, blues, calypso and folk rock.

Silent & Live Auctions

Saturday, September 9, 2016 | SILENT: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; LIVE: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The centerpiece of Winesong weekend is the Charity Auction, featuring both a silent and live auction. Nearly 200 lots will be on offer, featuring spectacular wines from the world’s most prestigious wine producers, rare vintages, large format bottles and special vertical and horizontal collections (including a Châteauneuf-du-Pape collection), as well as original art from acclaimed California artists and highly coveted international and domestic vacation packages.

Please visit www.winesong.org for details. Tickets to all events go on sale April 1, 2017.