Eve's Wine 101

Vintage Eve Circa 11/2018 – How Was the Stars of Cabernet 2018? Two Words: New Discoveries

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From WineLA.com: A Cabernet showcase, bringing the best producers to Los Angeles…meet the owners, winemakers, and executives and taste over 100 top quality cabernet wines…held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, a 5-star and 5-Diamond property.

Eve and WineLA.com founder Ian Blackburn in 2016.

This is the 10th anniversary of the Stars of Cabernet grand tasting event expertly orchestrated by Wine LA’s founder Ian Blackburn. I don’t think I’ve attended every event, but I’ve certainly covered a large number of them. With that said, I believe that this year held a lot of new discoveries for me as well as others, as the crowd was also very pleased with what they found.

The pour list is below, and as is my habit in a large public tasting, my notes are limited as to which wines captured my interest due to excellent aroma, flavor and a wholly pleasant tasting experience. I also was unable to visit every table and every wine, but I think I covered plenty of new ground. The wines I found most preferable, and that I will seek out to try to visit and purchase, are noted below in italics. (If you just want to see photos go here.)

STARS OF CABERNET WINE LIST

ADDENDUM WINES
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Skellenger Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2015 Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak

ALLEGRETTO VINEYARDS
2014 Malbec, Paso Robles
2015 Tannat, Paso Robles
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek

ALMAVIVA WINERY
2009 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
2014 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
2015 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile

ANDERSON CONN VALLEY 
2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 “Eloge” Prop Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 “Right Bank” Prop Red Blend, Napa Valley
2015 “Signature” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

BERNARDUS – I have visited this winery in Carmel Valley in the past and was pleased to taste this vertical presentation, the 2010 being my overall favorite.
2010 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2011 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2012 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2013 Marinus Signature Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley

CAMI
2014 Red Wine Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Red Wine Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

CHATEAU POTELLE VGS
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
2016 FOURMEAUX, Red Blend, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
2016 Zinfandel, Alta Vista Vineyard, Moon Mountain, Sonoma County
2016 Potelle Two, Red Blend, Napa Valley

CHATEAU BOSWELL
2015 “At Anchor,” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

CLOS DU VAL
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

DUCKHORN WINE COMPANY – The opportunity to taste the 2006 Estate Cab was a mindblower. Hope you have some in your cellar. Also enjoyed the 2015 as well.
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet
2016 Decoy Sonoma County Cabernet
2006 Duckhorn Estate “Patzimaro Vineyard” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS – The 2014 was my favorite, however I enjoyed the older 2013 almost as much.
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Winston Hill Red, Rutherford
2016 Chardonnay, Carneros, Sonoma County

HAWK & HORSE VINEYARDS –A favorite at every STARS of Cab event I think, the Hawk and Horse 2009 Cab blew my socks off. Noticing a trend of liking some of these older Cabs…
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County
2012 Latigo Cabernet Sauvignon Dessert Wine, Red Hills Lake County

HERB LAMB VINEYARDS – HL Vineyards was a new one for me. I noted that I enjoyed the 2014 best.
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

HERTELENDY VINEYARDS – Another new winery discovery for me, I enjoyed both reds that were poured: the 2014 Cab and 2015 blend. This is a winery to  watch.

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2015 Signature Mountain Blend, Napa Valley

HESTAN VINEYARDS
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stephanie, Napa Valley
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley
2015 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

JACK WINERY
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2016 Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

JONATA
2006 El Desafio De Jonata “the Defiance” Cabernet Sauvignon, Ballard
Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley
2015 The Hilt “Estate” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2014 Jonata Todos Red Wine Vineyard Blend Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley

LADERA VINEYARDS – Another new discovery from Napa Valley. Meeting and tasting with managing partner Kacey Stotesbery – and I was completely charmed by the reds. I took her card with the idea of visiting soon.
2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain

LAUREL GLEN VINEYARDS 
2015 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Sonoma Mountain

MAISON D’AMIS – Enjoyed the 2014 Red Wine Napa Valley for its percentage of Cabernet Franc.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Red Wine Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2016 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

MARCIANO ESTATE WINERY – Only one wine to taste here? No problem. It was pretty good.
2015 Marciano Estate M Proprietary Red Wine

MERRY VALE VINEYARDS – 2014 and 2015 were both quite grand. I hadn’t had a Merry Vale wine in awhile, glad I revisited.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Profile Red Wine, Napa Valley

MORAGA BEL AIR –This private vineyard in Bel Air, that sells to wine clubs and some local restaurants, was a treat to taste. The 2009 was stellar. Hope to get to try more in the future.
2009 Moraga Red, Los Angeles County
2014 Moraga Red, Los Angeles County
2014 Moraga White, Los Angeles County
2016 Moraga White,  Los Angeles County

NELLCÔTE WINERY – Liked both of these Cabs extremely well.
2015 ‘Rallye 76’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 ‘500 Chevaux’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

PALAZZO WINE 
2013 ‘Right Bank’ Reserve Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 ‘Left Bank’ Red Cuvee / Master Blend Series, Napa Valley

RELIC WINE CELLARS – I passed over the Pinot Noir as my taste buds were set to Cab, but the Rhone Blend, Grenache and Cab bottlings were all excellent.
2015 Ritual Rhone Blend, Napa Valley
2015 Paras Grenache, Napa Valley
2015 Putnam Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
2014 Artefact Cabernet, Napa Valley

RIBOLI FAMILY WINES
2014 Stormwatch Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles
2013 Riboli Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2014 San Antonio “Centennial Blend”, Paso Robles
2014 Artefact Cabernet, Napa Valley

ROY ESTATE
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley

S.R. TONELLA CELLARS – There was also a 2010 Cab that I enjoyed at this table, as well as the 2015. And yes, another new one for me to discover.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Estate
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Estate
2017 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Rutherford/Oakville

TRUJILLO WINES
2015 Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Madelynne Red Blend, Napa Valley

TUCK BECKSTOFFER ESTATE
2014 Amulet, Napa Valley
2014 Mockingbird Red Label, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
2014 Mockingbird Blue Label, Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Helena
2015 Dancing Hares, Red Wine, Saint Helena

VINEYARD 29
2016 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Aida Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena
2015 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena

THE UNFILTERED COLLECTION
2014 AXR Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Debate, Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon, Dr. Crane, Missouri Hopper
2014 Clark-Claudon Vineyards ‘Eternity’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2011 Michel Rolland “MR”, Napa Valley

CHÂTEAU GABY – The 2014 Cuvee stole the show for me at this table. And it was another new wine for me.
2014 Cuvee, Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac, France
2012 Chateau Gaby Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac, France
2014 Chateau Du Parc, St. Emillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France
2014 Chateau Moya, Cotes de Bordeaux, France

THE UNFILTERED COLLECTION – Tickled to find some Bordeaux from South Africa being offered. I really enjoyed the 2014 Finlayson Cabernet Franc, hoping to find that one again! And the last one that was new for me!
2016 Delaire Graff Botmaskop, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2015 De Toren Fusion V, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2012 Glenelly ‘Lady May’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Finlayson Family Vineyards Edgebaston GS Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Finlayson Family Wines David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Simonsig Tiara, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Overgaauw Tria Corda, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2015 Thelema Mountain Vineyards ‘Thelema’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Zevenwacht Z Reserve, Stellenbosch, South Africa

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 15k 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.

This Passover Enjoy a Round-The-World Wine Adventure without leaving home

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The question posed annually at the Passover Seder – “Why is this night different from all other nights” – takes on a special meaning again this year. No doubt, this year’s Seder will be unusual, but the trying circumstances can also be an opportunity to relate to aspects of Passover in a different manner than in the past. Central to the Seder is the commandment to drink four cups of wine. Should it be just any wine? Or should this year’s four cups be filled with the finest?

Bayonne, NJ – This Passover, spend your holiday in Israel, Italy, or France — without ever having to leave your Seder table. NJ-based Royal Wine, the world’s largest purveyor of kosher wines and spirits, offers exceptional Passover selections from around the globe – including a label from NBA All-Star Amaré Stoudemire — in a wide range of tastes and prices.

Kosher wines have experienced a renaissance over the past two decades. Believe it or not, the best-selling imported Moscato in the U.S. happens to be kosher! Experience outstanding kosher options at any price point. New varieties from wineries around the world make kosher wines a great choice for everyone. Whether for the Passover Seder or at a simple dinner with friends, these top-quality wines are sure to satisfy on all occasions.

Stoudemire Origins 2018 and Stoudemire Clarity Rosé 2020 – After establishing a line of kosher wines produced in the Upper Galilee (imported and distributed by the Royal Wine Corp.), Amare expands his offerings to California in collaboration with Herzog Wine Cellars (USA). SRP: $24.99.

Herzog Lineage Rosé 2020– This casual rosé’s flavors include pomegranate, raspberry, and tart cherry (USA). SRP 19.99

Château Roubine Rosé 2020 (Côtes de Provence, France) – The rosé wines of this top-ranking classed growth Provence Château are now imported exclusively by Royal Wine Corp. and are kosher for Passover, as well. SRP: 19.99-59.99

Herzog Generation IX Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley 2018 – Herzog’s new flagship wine from the prized Stags Leap district, famous for putting California on the world wine map in 1976 (USA). SRP: $249.99

Bartenura Prosecco Rosé – Top quality pink sparkling wine from Italy, great for the Passover seder and all year round for small family gatherings and celebrations (Italy). SRP: 19.99

Château Meyney Saint-Estèphe 2018 – This famed Bordeaux Estate joins Royal’s family of high-end Bordeaux Châteaux producing kosher varieties (France). SPR: $79.99

Sforno –  A new line of high value, affordable quality kosher wines produced by the celebrated Riglos winery, and retailing between $10-15 (Argentina).

Can’t get enough of these stellar releases? Here are some more offerings from around the world:

Israel:

  • Gush Etzion, a great boutique winery in the Judean Hills returns to America with an impressive array of high-quality wines. SRP: $22.99 – $59.99
  • Barkan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a practically unmatched wine in quality and price ($19.99).

France

  • Champagne Barons De Rothschild, an elegant and classic champagne from this famed family of wines ($79.99)
  • Chateau Lascombes 2018, A Grand Cru from Margaux; SRP: $159.99

Italy

  • Bartenura, Rosato Cans, after the successful launch of Bartenura Moscato Cans, here comes the Rose version! SRP: $14.99/four-pack

Chile

  • Alfasi Reserve Carmenere, top QPR Carmenere from this booming New World region SRP: $10.99

Argentina

  • Flechas de Los Andes Gran Malbec, Malbec from part of the Rothchild wine estates SPR: $29.99

Kosher For Passover Vodka: LVOV Vodka distilled from beets; SRP: $20

 

What Makes Kosher Wine Kosher? – Ten Things to Know About Kosher Wine

“People may be surprised to learn that most kosher wines are certified for year-round use, as well as for Passover,” says Jay Buchsbaum, VP Marketing & Wine Education, Royal Wine Corp. Here are more facts to help you understand what makes wine kosher: 10 Things to Know about Kosher Wine;   www.TheKFWE.com  (Virtual Wine Fest, FEB 21) Passover 2021 begins sundown MARCH 27

 About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, Argentina and more.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine Corp at: @royalwinecorp; https://www.facebook.com/RoyalWineCorp

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2018: What Wines Would You Stock if You Owned a Wine Bar?

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Recently a pal that used to live in Santa Clarita had called me as he was opening a wine bar where he lives now in Texas. He didn’t want advice on anything other than what wine I would want if I were to visit his bar.

Since he had moved to Texas a few years ago he had been working in real estate, spent some time working in a large wine store, met more ex-pats (people that had come from California too) and ran a large wine tasting group. I didn’t offer any advice on how to open his bar as he had it covered. But I took to Facebook to ask my local pals what they would want stocked in the shelves if they owned a wine bar. They had some really great ideas! These are some of their comments:

THE WINE LIST

This is a compilation of just some of the wines my pals would stock their wine bar with:

Jonata, Potek, Scar of the Sea, True Believer, Andremily, Mail Road, Stolpman, Kimsey, Roark, The Paring, The Hilt, Spear (all Santa Barbara).

So many – Crémant, Melon d’ Bourgogne, Cru Beaujolais, Cahors, Brunello, Valtellina, Vin Santo, Madeira to name a few.

There is never enough Syrah anywhere. Still gets short shrift in the marketplace, which is a shame.

I am a sucker for Roussanne and other Rhone varietals. I love Grenache and Viognier too. Zaca Mesa and Stolpman make fabulous Roussanne.

I would like to see some Gruet Brut Rose or some blends that you can’t buy at a grocery store.

Belle Glos and Domaine Carneros Pinots, plus some Australian, Spanish and Chilean cabs.

Quintarelli, Casanova, Pine Ridge, Ridge, Tolo, Foxen…

On a wine list I look for value since they have to mark it up so much. Burgundy and Barolo would be nice but I’d go to the off the beaten path wines – Cru Beaujolais (France), Ripasso, Valpolicella, Sicilian wines. For those who like big jammy wines – Shiraz! Whites – I like to see Rose from France, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre (France). If there is a Somm I give them a price range and let them know what I like. Never have been disappointed.

Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Frogs Leap Cab, Rombi Cabernet, Bookenoogen Pinot and Heller Merlot.

Under $100: Cade Cabernet Sauvignon, Campesino Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, Shafer One Point Five, Grgich Hills, Turley Zins, Prisoner, Orin Swift, Patz & Hall pinots, Flowers, Mantanzas Creek Chards, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Tablas Creek and Justin.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is hands down one of the best Pinots out there.

Lone Star Wine Cellars and Landon Winery are two wineries in McKinney Texas. I haven’t been there in a few years. But, remember the wines were pretty good. They have tasting rooms in historic downtown McKinney TX.

Also would love to have more orange wines on menus. I’m glad it’s becoming a trend.

Would love to see more wines from Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez area. Roblar in Los Olivos is one of my favorite wineries and reasonably priced in my opinion. There are so many smaller vineyards in both of these areas to explore. Tired of seeing Kendall Jackson and the like in many of the restaurants/wine bars. Pretty much I would love to taste wines that I would not be able to find at Bev Mo, not that they have bad wines, but just not interesting ones…

Le Vigne Vineyards has some wonderful wines, Justin cabs of course, Clos Solene, L’Aventure and RN Estate are some of my favorites. All from Paso.

Justin makes a great Malbec I have been enjoying! I’m typically a Cab girl myself.

For whites: Dry Rieslings (German or Alsatian), Sancerre, South African Sauvignon Blanc, and Austrian Gruner Veltliner (as opposed to Hungarian). For reds: I love the less stereotypical Italian reds such as Nero D’Avola and pretty much any red from the Piedmont region.

I’m always excited to see Barbera and GSM’s when I visit a place that I am planning to drink wine at. I also enjoy having a good port or cream sherry available if I am visiting the wine bar after dinner and I want to end the night with a dessert-like treat.

Where wines started … Italy!

I have a rather long list, but most are red wines from the Paso Robles region, Lompoc and Santa Ynez regions as well: Longoria Wines, Tercero Wines, Eberle Winery, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Amalie Vineyards in Oregon, Ascension, Bass Note Sangria, Sanford, Sculpterra, Castlerock, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Joel Gott, Cass, Hoi Polloi Winery, San Antonio Winery (official), Michael David…I love all reds, depending on winery, but my go tos are usually Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cab, Beaujolais, and red blends. I love our California wines!

Something interesting and different. Also some local TX wines.

From me: This is ONE of my own picks, because I voted for it as our Best of Show at the Global Wine Awards, from Martellotto Winery: https://martellotto.com/products/martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

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.

My Fave Wines From 2020: The Year When Drinking Wine Became Everyone’s Favorite Pastime

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Lots pop into our heads when we think of 2020, and of course we aren’t out of the woods yet, or even close, so far for 2021. For me it was a windfall of wines sent for review, often accompanied by a Zoom tasting led by the winemaker. I (virtually) traveled to Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy and more in those meetings and via my own cellar. And before Covid shut things down I did have quick trips to Los Olivos, Paso Robles and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Below is a collection of some of my favorite wines from 2020. If any of this sounds good to you, go find these wines!

It turns out that I had about 50 wine tastings, if not more, in 2020. These shout-outs are from EveWine101 website articles: the 2020 Gambero Rosso Master Class, 2017 Bordeaux presented by the Union des Grand Crus, Vega Sicilia collectors dinner with Pablo Alvarez, Fontanafredda Barolo, wine from New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay, Folded Hills Winery with winemaker Angela Osborne, California Wine STARS 2020, LA County Wines (Byron Blatty, Acri Wine Company, Angeleno Wine Company and Cavaletti Vineyards), Zoom tasting with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt and their 2012 Date Night Cabernet, Camins 2 Dreams, Gary Farrell single vineyard Pinots with winemaker Theresa Heredia, revisiting Montemar, catching up with winemaker Mark Cargasacchi and Jalama wines, also visiting Ampelos and Zotovich in Lompoc, Switchback Ridge via the Grand Reserves Reward Master Card, tasting from family-owned wineries with Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, great wines that stole my palate but not my wallet from Guarachi Wine Partners, reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion, Tenuta Montemagno sparkling Barbera, Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei, Paul Kornell Sparkling…

In SCV Elite Magazine this year I got to write about wine tasting in Paso Robles just before the shutdown. Had exceptional experiences at Thacher Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Derby Wine Estates, Steinbeck Wines, Cass Wines, Eberle Winery, Oso Libre Winery, HammerSky vineyards and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

January started out great with my first, and last, visit and dinner at Marstons with my VP/BFF Michael Perlis, our wonderful spouses, all over lots of wine ($10 corkage!) including 2013 Audacious Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend by Law Estate, 2013 Comstock Rockpile/Sonoma County Zinfandel, 2009 Regusci Zinfandel Napa Valley…

At Wine 661: Lucas And Lewellen tasting where we sampled five of their Santa Barbara County wines, including a Rose of Pinot and a Bordeaux blend. Had a couple of wines off of the Happy Hour menu. This was not the last time I went to Wine 661 in 2020…

Now some single bottle shout outs:

Vinos Zanzonico 2017 Syrah Reserva: 100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol, from the Valle de la Grulla area of Baja. With a regal dark purple color, I was drawn in to fantastic aromas of sweet black cherry, plum, tri-color peppercorns, layers of rich bark, milk chocolate…all very welcoming. I went in for a taste and was rewarded with a very rich and layered mouthfeel, with dark and dry blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, peppery spicy goodness and tannins that held my back palate at attention for a length that just would…not…quit. 99 Eve points.

2014 Old Vine Zichichi Family Vineyard Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley: The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate at all to a hot wine on the palate, instead it delivered incredible substance. It started with a nose full of sweet dark plums, pipe tobacco, black licorice, toasted oak, black pepper and popcorn kernel. Going in for a taste my mouth was filled with delicious dried blueberry and blackberry, that same black pepper, tannins that held firm, and a great balance of the dark fruit and tannins to keep it lingering a long time on the palate. This was a new Zin discovery for me, will definitely be looking for it again!

Entourage by Two Papas Wine barrel fermented (1) and stainless steel (2) 2019 Chardonnay, Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County: 1. Barrel: Designated by a gold wax top (the stainless has a silver wax top) I was amazed that this was a young 2019 vintage! It had lovely notes of creamy butter, pineapple, golden delicious apple and popcorn kernel that morphed into caramel apple on the palate, mild acidity, with a long, balanced and lush finish. 2. No barrel: Our stainless sibling gave off nicely scented whiffs of Meyer lemon, both cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and a little unsalted butter. When I tasted the wine I got homemade fruit cocktail, wet pebbles, low acidity and a medium finish.

2018 Kindred Rose of Pinot Noir: The color of rose gold, complete with sparkles! Then on the nose I found pink grapefruit, lemon pith, French Toast, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin orange = all very inviting! In for a taste next, there is a very round mouthfeel, and the same citrus fruits I found on the nose – grapefruit, lemon and orange – with a medium acidity. Enjoy now, with or without food IMO! 

2015 Phifer Pavitt XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon: Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you go back in for another sip…and another.

2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red: aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate.

2001 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, a Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont…I  looked for the roses, tar, licorice and red berries (notes from a professional critic) and also found tart berries, spice and tannins after decanting for 7 hours. So interesting.

Have you tried Guentota, aka the “Soul of Cuyo”, a “100-YR-OLD-VINE PREMIUM 2016 MALBEC” from Mendoza, Argentina? It’s from Belasco De Baqueano and was awarded 91 points from James Suckling. And I was far too busy lapping it up to make any tasting notes. But find it at Newhall Press Room. (Truth be told I had a LOT of wine from Newhall Press in 2020!)

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, I have no notes as I was also too busy drinking to take any. A stellar wine as it’s been proven vintage after vintage.

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo: The nose and taste had really changed and mellowed over the 7 hours, with aromas of dried dark fruit, grilled mushroom, balsamic, dust and oak; on the palate I got both bright and dark fruit in a very fine balance.

From my local Pulchella Winery we had: Suspect sparkling wine, 2019 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend, 2017 Mercenary Zinfandel blend, 2018 Witness Grenache…among others!

A note on Los Olivos: this was a non-press trip so no notes were taken. With that in mind we loved: Barbieri and Kempe are “Boutique wines made by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri” along with his wife Erin Kempe = bought a case! The second, Bella Cavailli Farms and Vineyard, produces some amazing wines against a backdrop of a working horse ranch, as well as some fun distilled spirits from Dorwood Distillery. Jeff Lockwood is the winemaker and his brother Jay the head distiller. We left there with both wine and spirts to enjoy at home.

A note from Wine on the Porch: During the summer months we enjoyed Hanzell Chardonnay, Saintsbury Chardonnay, Parhelion Cellars Light Pillar Chardonnay, St Supery Virtu Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, Pagter Brothers 2018 Viognier, and from Hoi Polloi I snatched up their 2018 Rose of Grenache and Double-Gold Best-Of-Class 2018 Chardonnay!

A note about spirits: Yea, I wrote a lot about spirits this year too, stay tuned for a roundup of those next!

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

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2018: A Trio of 2016 Carmenere

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I became a fan of Carmenere wines when first introduced to them, most likely via Alex Guarachi of Guarachi Wine Partners when his distribution company was formerly known as TGIC – Thank God it’s Chilean – a decade or more ago. The grape is one of the noble Bordeaux grape varieties and made especially well in the Chilean terroir, in my humble opinion. Today I share my tasting notes of three from the recent 2016 vintage.

Photo of Carmenere grapes from Wine.com

Marques de Casa Concha 2016:  SRP $25

Color: Dark purple opaque in color.

Aromas: boysenberry, sweet plums, blackberry, blueberry, stems, mild spice, cigar, coffee grounds, rich.

Taste: big and jammy, spicy, blue to black fruit, tobacco, oak, dark chocolate, espresso.

90 Eve pts.

 

Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2016:  SRP $11

Color: Deep purple.

Aromas: blueberry, blackberry, milk chocolate, coffee, black pepper, balanced.

Taste: tart, bright red fruit but dark fruit and tannins on the back palate that delivered a nice medium length finish.

87 Eve pts.

 

Serie Riberas Gran Reserva 2016:  SRP $17

Color: Purple, dark edge

Aromas: red, blue and black fruit, cloves, mint, black tea, pepper.

Taste: dark and tannic, predominant black fruit, dusty and spicy.

89 Eve pts.

 

Carmenere Over The Years (Abbreviated facts from Distributor)

Ancient grape variety from Médoc region of France, where it rarely played more than a walk-on role in the pre-Phylloxera (i.e. pre-1867) Bordeaux blend. Possibly a clone of Cabernet Sauvignon (debatable). Prone to coulure (prevents vine buds from flowering) in Bordeaux’s damp, old spring climate; hence, Bordeaux growers opted not to replant in the post-Phylloxera era.

Rediscovered in Chile in 1994 by visiting French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot who, noting the unusual length of time certain portions of Chilean Merlot took to mature, deduced that those vines were in fact Carmenere. It’s thought that Carmenere cuttings from Bordeaux were introduced in Chile in the 1900s and quickly confused with Merlot.

Chile’s long, dry growing season has proven far more conducive to quality, stand-alone Carmenere than Bordeaux’s Médoc, with its damp, chilly spring and early-autumn rains. South of Santiago, Chile’s Cachapoal region and the Peumo area in particular produce the country’s finest Carmenere — a super-finicky grape when it comes to terroir. Carmenere requires a long growing season: in Chile, Merlot is harvested in early March; Cabernet Sauvignon in mid-April; Carmenere, however, is best left on the vine until mid-May.

As its name suggests, Carmenere has a high natural color index, resulting in a crimson-red wine, but it’s equally likely the name refers to the carmine-red foliage of Carmenere vines in the fall.

At its best, a Carmenere is silky, dense, juicy even, with barely perceptible tannins, which is why it was and still often is used to counterbalance other varieties with harder tannins.

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.

Chilean Wine Sales Are Up, Reversing 10-Year Trend

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On Friday, September 18, Chile celebrated its national Independence Day. The country’s wine exporters can also raise a glass to a recent sales turnaround: Reversing a ten-year downward trend, Chilean wines sales are up in the U.S. According to the latest import data, Chile is the seventh largest source of imported wine in the U.S., and the only one of the top seven to experience an increase in U.S. sales during the first quarter of 2020.

Wines of Chile, Year to Date

  • In a comparison of year-to-year sales, Chile saw a 40.68% increase in volume, translating into a 36.57% uptick in dollars in the 12-month period concluding June 30, 2020. While bulk wines account for roughly two-thirds of that volume, bottle sales have risen by 2% in volume, and 13% in value.
  • Red wines continue to drive Chilean wine sales, led by red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Chile is riding high on three “on-trend” categories: rosés, bag-in-box, and Mediterranean wines here in the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020
    • The country’s rosé sales have more than doubled — up 114%
    • Bag-in-box exports have grown by over 19% in volume
    • Mediterranean varieties like País and Carignan are not only catching the attraction of the trade and wine experts, including off-premise channels such as supermarkets
  • The leading driver for Chile’s wine sales in the U.S. continues to be the country’s larger, well-established players with broad nationwide U.S. distribution, who are benefitting from consumer reliance on “tried-and-trusted,” familiar and reliable brands during the pandemic.

–      The current pricing sweet spot for Chile in the U.S. is $10-$20, with the biggest growth in the $11-$15 category. According to Alonso “This is where Chile excels and demonstrates outstanding value-to-quality performance.” The Chilean category has also been able to absorb with relative ease the average 1% pricing decrease affecting domestic and imported wines in the first semester of this year.

Also of Note

–      Eighty percent of Chilean wines exported are sustainable and verified as such. Notes Alonso: “Chile is a world leader in sustainability from vineyard to table and Wines of Chile has been instrumental in settings standards in this area.” The Wines of Chile Responsibility Code covers: (1) sustainable technical management of vineyards, (2) winery and bottling practices, (3) safety and social responsibility covering workers, nearby communities and even customers, and (4) Sustainable Wine Tourism, a recently launched initiative.

–      70% of Chilean wines exported to the U.S. are sold in off-premise accounts.

–      In a new Wine Opinions survey, 48% of consumers who regularly spend over $20 a bottle reported an increase in their average weekly wine consumption. With great values at the $20-plus end of the spectrum, Chile looks to attract new converts.

–      During COVID-19, the data also shows that the largest consumers of wine have been millennials. While millennials drink less wine than the previous generation, when they do, they are more adventurous, and willing to try new varieties such as País.

About Wines of Chile: The mission of Wines of Chile is to promote the quality and image of Chilean wines throughout the world. With offices in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Chile, the organization, working closely with ProChile, develops and offers promotional and educational programs. Its members represent over 75% percent of Chile’s bottled wine exports.

ANNOUNCING THE 20TH ANNUAL WORLD OF PINOT NOIR

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The event – March 5-7, 2020 in Santa Barbara – will include Grand Tastings featuring more than 250 wineries from around the globe, Pinot Noir and Champagne parties, pairing dinners and expert-led seminars.

October 14, 2019 (Santa Barbara, Calif.) – The World of Pinot Noir (WOPN), the wine industry’s foremost organization dedicated to the education and celebration of Pinot Noir, is now selling tickets for its marquee event, taking place March 5-7, 2020 at the seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara in sunny Santa Barbara.

More than 3,000 wine lovers are expected to attend the 20th Annual World of Pinot Noir, which includes an opening night party followed by two full days of pairing dinners prepared by renown chefs, parties, two Grand Tastings featuring more than 250 premier Pinot Noir wineries from around the globe, and expert-led educational tasting seminars.

To mark this momentous anniversary, special seminars, dinners and new events have been added to the weekend-long program. The What’s New List includes:

  • The annual Burgundy Seminar will explore Grand and Premier Crus. This year’s featured winery is Bouchard Pére et Fils.
  • Bollinger Champagne joins the 20thAnniversary celebration offering a vertical seminar, and an exclusive Bollinger Champagne La Grand Annee release dinner.
  • Award-winning Chef Santos MacDonal, of Il Cortile and La Cosecha restaurants in Paso Robles, is crafting a menu to pair with the Pinot Noirs from Italy’s Alto Adige, as well as wines from Argentina and Chile, among others.
  • A special Founders Dinner, featuring many of the winemakers (and their coveted wines) who helped launch the World of Pinot Event 20 years ago includes: Talley Vineyards, Foxen, Patz & Hall, Adelsheim Vineyard and Stephen Ross Wine Cellars.
  • A seminar and luncheon hosted by Santa Barbara’s Wine Cask restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara, kicks off the weekend with a deep dive into the amazing wines of Italy’s Alto Adige.

Also new this year are exclusive opportunities for Weekend Passport holders. The Weekend Passport is the World of Pinot Noir’s all-inclusive, fully customizable VIP ticket for the entire weekend. In addition to having a concierge help guests navigate the options, those who purchase their Weekend Passport prior to Nov. 30, 2019, will secure tickets to the Bollinger Champagne tasting seminar and have priority access to the event’s most exclusive dinners: the Vintage Burgundy Dinner hosted by the SommFoundation, and the first-ever Bollinger Champagne Le Grand Dinner.

To view the full lineup of events, and to purchase tickets, including the Weekend Passport, please visit WorldofPinotNoir.com.

About The World of Pinot Noir

WOPN, a non-profit trade organization, was established in 2001 by a small, dedicated group of winemakers from California’s Central Coast. The group’s mission is to bring together the world’s foremost Pinot Noir producers, and in a gorgeous setting, celebrate the delicious wine grape. Wineries, potential sponsors and wine enthusiasts interested in learning more, please visit worldofpinotnoir.com, or contact info@wopn.com. Follow and tag us on Facebook,Twitterand Instagram. #wopn #wopn20

Wine House’s Monica Marin, DipWSET, Nominated as WSET Educator of the Year

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WEST LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The Wine House, named one of the world’s best wine shops by Food & Wine, is proud to announce that Monica Marin, Director of Education, is one of ten educators worldwide that have been nominated by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) as an Educator of the Year for 2019.

Monica Marin, center, flanked by her WSET students. Photo: Facebook.

“We are thrilled that the WSET is recognizing what we have known all along – that Monica Marin is a phenomenal and passionate wine educator,” said Bill Knight, Wine House President. “We have been fortunate to have Monica leading Wine House WSET programs of all levels here since 2012, and our customers have benefited greatly from her knowledge and enthusiasm.”

The Educator of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contribution of an individual or company within WSET’s network of Approved Programme Providers. The recipient will have demonstrated a significant contribution to the development of WSET, promoting its values and vision while achieving noteworthy success in their own region. The award is proudly sponsored by Riedel.

Marin started out teaching Levels 2 & 3 Award in Wines & Spirits, and she now also teaches Level 4 Diploma in Wines as well as WSET Level 1 in Wines and Level 1 in Sake courses. The Wine House teaches over 500 WSET students a year and has recently opened two satellites in the wine-growing areas of Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. Marin is also a ‘Flying Wine Educator,’ teaching several times a year in Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Panama and Mexico.

Originally from Spain, Marin teaches in English and Spanish and enjoys experiencing the different cultures as she shares her love of teaching and her students enjoy learning about wine!

“It is an incredible honor to be considered for such an award by the WSET, and I am grateful to be nominated along with other top wine educators from around the world,” said Marin.

In January 2020, The Wine House will offer WSET Level 1 in Wines, WSET Level 2 in Wines, WSET Level 3 in Wines and WSET Level 1 in Sake. More courses, including a new intake of WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, will be offered throughout the year.

About The Wine House:

The Wine House is a family-owned independent retailer that has been serving customers from around the world for over 40 years and was named as one of the Ten Best Wine Stores in the World by Food & Wine. Our 25,000 square foot facility in West Los Angeles, CA has a vast selection of over 6,000 domestic and imported wines, spirits and beers that is one of the largest and well-curated collections in the country. With helpful and knowledgeable staff to help customers make their selection and a wide variety of events such as seminars, tastings, wine and food pairings – from casual, in-store tastings, to sit down dinners with winemakers from all over the world as well as in-depth seminars that lead to certifications – we provide a unique, exciting shopping environment for clients ranging in wine experience from the complete novice to the connoisseur. We are honored to be the First Call for customers seeking products or assistance with any of our wide variety of products.

About the Wine & Spirit Education Trust:

Set up in 1969 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, WSET is the largest global provider of qualifications in the field of wines and spirits.
WSET offers qualifications across four levels, from one-day beginner courses through to an expert level diploma. Courses are available in more than 15 languages and over 70 countries and are open both to industry professionals and interested enthusiasts.
WSET is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, the English regulator of qualifications and examinations. All WSET qualifications have a strong reputation worldwide as the industry standard for knowledge.
In the last academic year (2018/19) over 100,000 candidates sat for a WSET qualification and, since 1969, WSET has awarded nearly one million individuals a WSET qualification.

For more information about WSET, please visit WSETglobal.com.

Crittenden Estate of Australia Wins Top Honors in 2020 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in partnership with FIVS, a global public policy federation serving the wine, spirits, and beer sectors, are pleased to announce the winners of their 2020 International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition. Topping this year’s competition is Crittenden Estate of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, based on the winery’s on-going programs addressing the three elements of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – as well as its wine’s flavor.

Founded in 1982 by Garry Crittenden, Crittenden Estate farms 27 acres in Dromana and is proud of its multi-generational family farm commitment to preserving the land while producing high-quality wine.

Among Crittenden’s many sustainable accolades are abandoning the use of chemicals in the vineyard for an innovative program of inter-row cover crops and soil cultivation; a twelve-month composting program to maintain soil health; introducing bees to the property to fertilize desirable fruit trees and supporting a diverse agricultural population of plants and insects while combating wasp species; reducing energy costs by sixty percent cost with the installation of solar panels; and reclaiming and reusing water through Crittenden’s water treatment plant.

The awarded wine was Crittenden Estate’s Cri De Coeur 2017 Pinot Noir, a new, premium wine that showcases Crittenden’s viticulture and winemaking efforts.

“The Crittenden family has taken great pride in working their land for two generations and in that time their wines have won the accolades of Australia’s food and wine critics,” said Dr. Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “The combination of sustainable programs with the family’s love of the land has produced a wine that’s truly outstanding.”

“To win such a prestigious international award, particularly given the caliber of our fellow entrants is very humbling for us,” said Rollo Crittenden, second generation winemaker at Crittenden Estate. “We’re passionate about our sustainability and regenerative programmes and delighted that they have been recognised in this way by BRIT/FIVS. There is no doubt these efforts contribute directly to an increase in the quality of wine we produce, and we will continue to strive further on both our land care and wine advances over the generations to come.”

Additional BRIT/FIVS sustainable awards went to:

Gold Medals

  • Vina Cono Sur, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Cono Sur Organic Red Blend.
  • C. A. Henschke & Co., Keyneton, South Australia. Submitted Henschke Mount Edelstone 2015.

Silver Medals

  • Herdade dos Grous, Albernoa, Portugal. Submitted Herdade dos Grous Red.
  • Valdivieso, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Valdivieso Eclat Vigno 2010.

Bronze Medals

Platinum Multi-brand Award

“A big round of applause goes to all of our 2020 winners,” says Greg Hodson, President, FIVS. “From their sustainable programs in the field to their progressive workforce and community programs, to being good leaders and stewards within the global wine industry, we congratulate their achievements.”

When entering the competition, wineries provide a self-assessment of their organization’s accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and ecopreneurial/social responsibility practices. They describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the field and in their operations; how they have sought to minimize waste, how water is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers and communities. They also are asked to submit a wine sample that best represents their sustainable efforts for a tasting by the judging committee.

Because the BRIT/FIVS award is the only international award of its kind, it is of primary interest to wineries who are taking a leading role in their community/region/country by embracing sustainable practices. Sustainable winegrowing programs are by nature ongoing, so a key component of each program involves its continual improvement process.

Presentation of the BRIT/FIVS glass sculpture award to Crittenden Wines will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, during BRIT’s Vine to Table award dinner and fundraising event.

The 2021 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition begins in the summer of 2020. Details of the 2021 competition will be posted on the BRIT web site, http://www.BRIT.org/wineaward and on the FIVS web site, https://www.fivs.org.

Visionary Chilean Winery VIK Awarded 2019 Wine Star

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SANTIAGO, Chile /PRNewswire/ — Wine Enthusiast Magazine revealed their 20th Annual Wine Star Awards this past month, naming VIK, in Millahue Chile, the inaugural Wine Star for ‘Best Winery Experience.’ The award celebrates wineries offering more than just superb wines in a beautiful setting, but those that provide an unforgettable immersion in wine lifestyle.

Photo from VIK’s Facebook page.

VIK is the first winery to be awarded this accolade. Wine Enthusiast Founder and Publisher Adam Strum extolled the achievement, saying, “From world-class pours and exceptional food to stunning architecture, boutique accommodations, cultural activities and more, VIK goes above and beyond offering one-of-a-kind, wine-centric wine tourism experiences.” Wine Star Award winners reflect the industry’s highest standards. Winners will be featured in the magazine’s December 31st Best-of-Year issue, and at January gala.

VIK is meticulously curated and designed to delight. Guests visiting for the day or staying at one of three spectacular on-site accommodations, Vik Chile, Puro Vik, or the Vik Cabin can explore the vineyard on horseback, taste a flight of exquisite wines at the altar to VIK, and learn culinary techniques from VIK’s exceptional and inspired Chef. “VIK redefines what a luxury winery experience can be,” said the winery Co-Founder Carrie Vik. “Awards like the Wine Star show how close we are to achieving our goal of joining the pantheon of the world’s great wines.” Visionary entrepreneurs Alexander and Carrie Vik trail-blazed Chile’s Millahue Valley, planting the first commercial vines in 2006, opening the Vik Chile retreat in 2014 and releasing the first VIK vintage to the public in 2015.

To visit the winery and reserve a tasting or book accommodations at Vik Chile, visit www.vik.cl.

About VIK
VIK is changing the world of fine wine. A pioneer of Chile’s Millahue Valley, located within the Cachapoal Valley, VIK is one of the most highly-awarded new vineyards in the world. Guided by holism and the stewardship of nature, the winery and vineyard employ exclusively sustainable practices. VIK wines are available internationally both through the winery website and through valued trade partners. First planted in 2006, VIK wines have been recognized with critical acclaim and are featured on leading Top 100 lists. To learn more, visit www.vik.cl

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