Eve's Wine 101

Vintage Eve Circa 3/14: Minding My Mira

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It’s been awhile since I‘ve done one of my one-bottle posts. This time I was motivated as rating this wine tied into the new Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting venture I’ve created with my business partner Michael Perlis, and another winery, a new winery we happened to be working with.

This is when you ask, “Why? What’s the tie in between a wine review for one winery and another winery’s launch?”

Building Your Branding

At the same time that I received an email from Mira Winery (www.MiraNapa.com) offering me a bottle of their Napa Cab before its release so I could do a review – I was working with a winery client on getting their website and social networks all up to speed before their first wine is launched.

I forwarded Mira’s email to my winery client. I explained that here was a winery that wanted some reviews of their wine on the internet before the wine was released to the public. Why? Because when you Google the winery you will find reviews other places than the winery’s own website.

And, the public might find the reviews – especially if the writer also social networks them like we do – and so the branding is magically being built.

Lets see if the plan worked.

MIRA_13CSSW_Header-10Tasting Notes

Appearance

On outward observation alone the 2010 Napa Valley Mira Cabernet Sauvignon had one of those deep punts at the bottom that I like, a classy no-nonsense label and 14.5% alcohol. Once poured I noted that the color was dark purple and very opaque.

Aroma

From an inch away I could smell the robust plums, then I went in a little closer and got blackberry, Fig Newtons, black licorice, cracked black pepper, black olives, smoke and suede.

Flavor

Plum, black cherry, blackberry jam, dark chocolate, espresso beans, slightly minty and all with a nice tannin structure holding it together.

Conclusion, AKA Score

Very long finish. Thought this will go will with roasted meat, steaks, pasta, grilled sausages. It might be tough to have without food for people that prefer more berry fruit.

I happen to like tannic wines, with or without food. If I had to score this wine, and I’m against scoring but most peeps just want a number, I’d give it a 90.

From the Winery

We at Mira Winery are excited to soon be releasing our 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon to the public!  However, before we do we want to invite you to sample this luscious blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Syrah to see what you think and hopefully share your opinion!  Of course it’s 100% Napa Valley.

As with our entire portfolio of wines, our 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted by our Winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez who was the head red winemaker for Robert Mondavi before leaving to lead Mira.  Over a 20 year career he has worked with some of the most acclaimed winemakers around the world and is one of the few to produce 100 point rated wine.  You can learn more about Mira at www.miranapa.com.

The Journey Continues

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Long ago, even before I had developed an interest in wine, I graduated from CSUN and began my career as an accountant. Stints in public accounting and in private industry as a controller and CFO for various companies eventually led me to the decision in 1993 to start my own company, MCP Financial (A California Corporation).

bushman perlis standingMCP Financial provides controller services to businesses that do not have a full-time controller, enabling them to have the benefits this positon provides without a full-time addition to their payroll. What this means in practice is very situational, but the ultimate goal is that business owners have accurate and timely financial information to use to help them make appropriate decisions in running their companies.

Early on in my accounting career, I discovered the pleasure of wine and fortunately had a boss who was very much an oenophile. This interest even carried over to a brief period when my wife Karen and I lived in San Antonio, Texas, were we met a wine broker who kept us supplied with all sorts of goodies. When we ultimately moved back to California, I took advantage of that to expand my wine interests.

For a period of time, MCP Financial actually had a physical office, until I decided that I spent so much time out at clients that an office wasn’t necessary.

But the best part about having an office was that it led to me meeting Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101.

Wine deliveries would show up at my office periodically, but as I said, I was rarely there. So, the boxes would often get delivered to my neighbor’s office in the building. One day, she suggested that since I loved wine so much I should really become acquainted with her good friend, Eve Bushman. I had read Eve’s articles in The Signal newspaper, but had actually never met her. The rest, as they say, truly was history, and my first appearance on the Eve’s Wine 101 website appeared in May of 2009:

http://evewine101.com/2009/05/31/post-classic-post-new-correspondent-michael-checks-in-too/

Since then, we’ve reported on a lot of wineries, wines, and wine events. We also found that wineries, wine bars, restaurants and other wine oriented businesses and events could use help promoting (and in some cases operating) their endeavors. Demand soon overcame supply, and we found that we could only take on a limited number of charity events per year on a pro bono basis and would have to charge others for our services. Thus, Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting was born.

Eventually, it became evident the Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting was too limiting of a title, as our services are needed by a wide variety of businesses. While wine is always first in our hearts [and palates] we also want to assist other types of organizations with the same kind of skills we bring to the table for wine-oriented ones. And that includes all the marketing and operational skills that Eve has developed over the years along with the financial aspects that I bring from MCP Financial. Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting lives on in spirit, but Eve Bushman Consulting is for all types of businesses.

Note that this has had no effect on Eve’s Wine 101, which continues to report on wine, wineries and wine oriented events for our faithful readers. And that’s really what it is all about for me. Bringing wine information to you while at the same time increasing the exposure of wineries and businesses is a win for all concerned. That is a service we love to provide. And the transition to Eve Bushman Consulting just continues with that service mentality.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting Has Become Eve Bushman Consulting

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SANTA CLARITA, SOUTHERN CA – Business associates Eve Bushman and Michael Perlis have always given each other that necessary second set of eyes and ears to make sure their business plans for Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting adhered to their basic tenet: don’t take on clients that just want them to bring customers in.  No, these two want to make sure that whatever business they bring people to, they fix what may be wrong first.

unlock your business potential bannerHowever, the demand for their services quickly extended beyond wine-based businesses.  They have now worked with business owners in other fields, including dentists, orthodontists and audiologists.  Hence, the morphing of their business name to Eve Bushman Consulting.

Business owners ask yourself this: In a Google search what comes up?  A negative Yelp review?  An inactive Facebook or Twitter account?  Your website…at the bottom of page one?  Or nothing at all?  If customers can’t find you, or worse yet, came once and never returned, why keep doing the same thing?  Bushman and Perlis are here to help re-build your business, thereby unlocking your real potential.  This way when a new customer comes in, or an old one comes back, they are more likely to return again and again.  (Of course Eve Bushman Consulting can help brand new businesses as well, and have done so.)

The motto of Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting, and now Eve Bushman Consulting, remains:  “Bring them in and bring them back.” Why else spend the money on a consultant? It is to Bushman’s and Perlis’ benefit that your business is profitable.  They come to you, check things out, make suggestions for change, help you implement the changes, and then – bring them in and bring them back.

“We believe that every business has great potential,” Bushman and Perlis said.  “And we’re here to find the key to unlock yours and increase your profitability.”

Due to their 10+ collective years of experience Eve Bushman Consulting has extensive  networks and is well respected in the community.  Bushman and Perlis know the market today, and study what people will be looking for tomorrow.  And they guarantee one thing: They will help you to unlock your business potential and show you how to keep it unlocked.

Read more: http://evebushmanconsulting.com

Follow Eve Bushman Consulting on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BushmanConsult

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/eve-bushman/15/2b0/16

And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveBushmanConsulting

Contact: Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com or Michael@EveWine101Consulting.com

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Local Wine Writer Announces First Published E-Book Available on Amazon for 99 Cents “Wine Etiquette For Everyone”

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SANTA CLARITA, CA – 23 June 2014 – Santa Clarita Valley’s very own local wine writer for nearly a decade, Eve Bushman, has written a Kindle book for people new to wine, aficionados and those in the wine industry that just want to make sure they don’t make any faux pas while enjoying, or promoting the enjoyment of, wine.

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“In about 12 pages I cover The House Party, Winery Tasting Room, Events, Wine Gifts, How to Hold a Glass of Wine and How To Detect Basic Aromas and Flavors. For those in the wine industry topics include The Retail Store, Restaurants, Bars and a bonus article on Good Wine Writer Etiquette.”

If you don’t own a Kindle you can download the reader free from Amazon.  Follow this link to get your copy of “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” for 99 cents today:  http://goo.gl/MM9Lux

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years.  She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition.  You can email Eve at Eve@EveWine101.com.

UPDATE: Reviews are starting to come in!

Early Reviews for Wine Etiquette For Everyone

5.0 out of 5 stars Oops, She’s Done it Again! June 18, 2014

By Donald – Eve Bushman once again gives solid advice in a readable, down-to-earth style. She answers questions that wine-tasting novices are afraid to ask and her observations provide insight into the nuances of wine tasting, serving, and selection for those seeking validation for the practices they have acquired over the years. If this article is a “taste”, I am ready for a full glass!

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly conveys the basics yet even vinophiles will learn something new! June 18, 2014

By Lenore – Eve Bushman obviously put much time and thought into this short, easy to read little book. She discusses how to pleasantly attend House Parties, Wine Tasting Rooms, Wine Events and so much more. There is some excellent advice here- I’ll share a few that struck me personally but you’ll need to read the book to learn so much more. Eve discusses corking an open bottle and taking it home in the trunk of your car. I live in California (as does she) and that is the law here. Check your own state’s law on this subject before you do the same. She gives what to me as a vinophile superb advice as to whether to open a bottle of wine immediately when someone brings it to your home as a gift. I have been struggling with this for literally decades and I finally have some great advice on the subject so thank you and kudos Eve! Whether you are a complete novice who wants the basics of how to handle wine situations, someone who know somewhat or someone who has been doing it for decades, I promise that you will learn from this excellent little book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wine Etiquette June 19, 2014

By Pennisu – “Wine Etiquette For Everyone” is a gem of a book, and should be required reading for all novice wine tasters, whether they are planning a trip to a winery, enjoying some wine with friends at home, or in a restaurant. Eve Bushman also unabashedly appeals to those who serve wine at restaurants to follow wine etiquette in service. Eve clearly and methodically brings this sometimes-intimidating subject into focus in her short book. What topic will she tackle in her next book? Fantastic reading!

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice reference for the novice and more experienced wine drinkers as well June 18, 2014

By Ronald -Very well written short book on wine etiquette for all situations. A must read for those who want to know what to do and how to do it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Primer June 19, 2014

By Dave – This is a great primer that covers many of the basics in wine etiquette and knowledge. It should be required reading for anyone is attending a wine tasting event for the first time. Plenty of good dos and don’ts that will help you avoid embarrassment when ordering wine at a restaurant or giving it as a gift.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for wine lovers, June 19, 2014

By Laura – What a great book – there actually is a wine etiquette and sometimes it’s not obvious. This book covers it – I particularly liked the info on events – these winemakers are building their brand and I’ve learned so much by just listening to their passion. Wine is love, history and passion in a bottle – Eve respects.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference for newbie wine drinkers, June 19, 2014

By Susan – I personally know Eve Bushman, and she truly loves wine and wine education. This is a great reference for newbie wine drinkers. Great job Eve!

4.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Succinct Wine Primer, June 20,2014

By Joshua – If you are like many other newby vino enthusiasts, getting into wine can be daunting. There are all these terms, a million different varietals, snooty wine snobs. It can seem exclusive and intimidating, but tremble no more! Eve Bushman lays a clear, concise path to demystify your entry into the rich and fascinating world of wine. Download this booklet and begin your journey with confidence. Cheers!