California’s Formidable Cult Wines

January 2, 2014 by evebushman

I often receive emails asking what are some of my favorite California wines and why I don’t review more of our gems. For the record, I have a preference for Sonoma County, and a penchant for the Russian River Valley. You guessed correctly, I am passionate about Pinot Noir. I also feel my colleagues at Eve Wine 101, cover the local scene quite well. With this in mind, perhaps in the near future I will introduce our readers to some of my favorite selections from Mendocino, Trinity, and Lake counties. The latter being one of my favorites, and in my opinion, California’s best kept secret.

However, this week I’d like to share my thoughts on some of California wines that have risen to sheer cult-like status. We Californians are quick to assert that Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon is the best in the world. If price is used as the benchmark, certainly many of Bordeaux’s most well-received wines would pale in comparison. Point in fact, when comparing California cult Cabs with many classic Bordeaux selections, the French wines come across as relative bargains. Let’s take a look at some of California’s exceptional, lavish, and most expensive wines.

We begin with the formidable wines from Araujo Estate Vineyards. If terroir is everything, the wines produced in Araujo’s Eisele Vinyards best exemplify this school of thought. The northeastern part of Napa Valley excels in rich succulent grapes. Araujo produces primarily classic Bordeaux blends of immense concentration and power, yet with subtle tannins. If you enjoy a big Cab yet with just enough Syrah to complete the flavor palate, be prepared to pay a bottle price of$300-$1200 for an Abaujo Cabernet Sauvignon. Francoise Peschon is the master craftsman who has devoted his life in pursuit of producing the perfect Bordeaux blend.

The Bryant Family Vineyard also produces premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is located in Pritchard Hill, and the grapes are cooled by the gentle breezes off of Lake Hennessy. Expect to pay a bottle price $600 for one of these delectable wines. That is if you can find one, as there is a waiting list. Philip Melka is only too proud of the success of his wines.

Ghost Horse Vineyards, Todd Anderson’s small-scale project, only produces a mere 75 cases per year. Rest assured that the bottle price of $1000 for this highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon is feasible for the true aficionado. The wines boast incredible intensity, and long lasting fruit on the palate. Todd likes to refer to his wines as the “Occult Experience.”

The Grace Family Vineyards, initially one of California’s first boutique wineries, produces only the finest premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Grace Family wines are renown for their rich textured and immensely powerful wines. Only 400 cases of these exalted wines are released each year. If you are lucky enough to find a bottle, they range in price from $700-$800.

Bill Harlan’s original goal when he began Harlan Estate was to produce super-premium wines that would rival anything from Bordeaux. Together with winemaker Bob Levy, they have done just that. Producing only 2,000 cases of incredibly opulent, fruit driven reds which can be aged for decades, Harlan Estate wines are widely sought after. Anyone who is familiar with Bob Levy’s prowess as a winemaker will not shy away from the bottle price of $800.

Hundred Acre is an estate that I know quite well. Winemaker Jayson Woodbridge has been producing some of the most exciting Cabernet in all of Napa Valley. Since their inaugural release in 2,000, Hundred Acre has taken the wine stage by storm. Receiving only critical acclaim, the wines are a rich balance of fruit, oak, and minerality. These ambrosial wines are in short supply, so do not hesitate to take advantage of the bottle price of $450-$500.

I have saved the most recognizable for last. Screaming Eagle is by far the most famous estate in the Napa Valley. Leading the way for cult winemakers, its wines are renown throughout the world. To add to their exclusivity, Screaming Eagle only produces 500 cases of extremely powerful, dense, and opulent wines. The bottle price for these delectable gems is $1500 … Priceless.

The only thing better than selling two bottles of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon to a client from China, is when he informs you that that the second bottle is for us to enjoy. I thank the wine gods that I speak Mandarin …

“But that my friends, is another story …”

Perlis Picks: Raise Your Glass! Wine Tasting Returns to Cheers @ All Corked Up!

September 7, 2013 by evebushman

Anyone who knows me knows that, over the last few years, we’ve spent a lot of time at Cheers @ All Corked Up. While it has gone through a few name and ownership changes, the venue has always been known for its goal of providing its customers an outstanding experience, whether it be a delicious meal, fun weekend entertainment, or great wine.

When Terri Rivera and Al Robles took over the venue well over a year ago, their goal was to return the place to its former glory, and then some. They put their own spin on it by putting in high quality kitchen equipment and elevating the menu, both with classic dishes and with those inspired by their Latin American roots.

And they jumped right into the tradition of helping out by hosting the Pour Into Sandy wine tasting event to benefit the victims of last year’s hurricane, raising over $7,500 for the Red Cross.

Now, they are holding their first private wine tasting event. You can read about it below, but the important thing to remember is: Support this event, and there will be more! So, join us.

Taste a selection of international and domestic wines as you support the return of wine tasting to Cheers @ All Corked Up, the only fully-stocked wine bar and restaurant located in the Santa Clarita Valley’s east side and just 10 minutes from the center of town.

Al Robles and Terri Rivera, the owners of Cheers @ All Corked Up, the venue that supported both Pour Into Haiti and Pour Into Sandy wine tasting events, would like to invite local and non-local, wine beginners and aficionados, back for their first private wine tasting event.

According to Al Robles, the following wineries and distributors are confirmed so far for this event: Cantara Cellars, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Reyes Winery, Southern Wine & Spirits, Trinitas Cellars and Wine Warehouse. (Just added: Estrella Creek Wines)

“We’re very excited to be offering this event to the Santa Clarita Valley.” said Robles.

The event will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 15, from 3 PM to 5:30 PM. Wine paired appetizers are included, and unlimited tasting, for a $20 per person fee. Additionally, wines that you taste and enjoy can be purchased; some at a special rate.

Contact Cheers @ All Corked Up at 661-259-2000 to guarantee your spot. The address is 26340 Diamond Place Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 and is located between Soledad Canyon Road and Golden Valley Road just off of Centre Pointe Parkway. Landmarks include the Santa Clarita Sports Complex on one side and the WalMart SuperCenter. http://www.cheersatallcorkedup.com

Breaking in the Santa Clarita Valley Winery Crush Pad as a Fundraiser for the Unitarian Universalists of SCV

April 9, 2013 by evebushman

The new SCV Custom Crush Services will play wine tasting host and wine educator in a fast-approaching fundraiser on Sunday, May 19 from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. A large portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the work of the Unitarian Universalists of Santa Clarita. Just like in the UUofSCV church, all are welcome to attend.

Click the photo for website, then follow to bottom of page for PayPal link.

For a $25 fee guests will be able to tour Santa Clarita’s first licensed and bonded winemaking facility, learn about winemaking and taste through all of the wines currently available for purchase, and some still in the oak barrels, from our local Pulchella Winery. Small bites such as cheese and crackers, prepared by church members, will also be included in the ticket price.

Winemakers Nate Hasper and Steve Lemley, as well as assistant winemaker and tasting room manager, Jeff Prange, will lead the event. Lemley said, “Jeff and I will be explaining not only each wine as it relates to us and how we made it, but also to the variety itself and characteristics it generally carries. We basically start with sharing our winery’s history then we will discuss each of our wines, how we made them and what we are aiming for as winemakers. Jeff will share the general history and education for the grape varietals we use. We taste, discuss and then move to the next one. Along the way we cover everything from explaining dryness and Malolactic fermentation.”

Reserve your tickets by visiting http://uuofscv.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=175:wine-tasting-and-lesson&catid=21:upcoming-events&Itemid=21 which will route you to our PayPal link. A maximum of 70 guests can attend, so reserve your spot quickly. For more information on SCV Custom Crush Services see: http://www.scvwinery.com/

How Did the WiSH Education Foundation Get the Newhall Library for a Wine Event?

March 25, 2013 by evebushman

Well, we asked. But it didn’t just start from there. Yours truly loves wine events, has been to plenty of wine events, including almost every wine event in town. I was looking for a new venue, and this is the third one that is bouncing around my noggin, to entice wine people out of their comfort zone and dress up, get excited about a new non-profit and check out a jewel of a location.

Before the library opened, and I’m talking years ago, I attended a meeting at Hart Park to discuss a community wish list. People wanted a room for Santa Clarita archival material, art on the walls, teen areas…the list went on and on and I left that meeting thinking: What a bunch of dreamers.

Fast-forward and I saw the blueprints of the building, even later I saw the land leveled and the concrete slab going in (did I mention I live in Newhall?) and a fence erected around the property with large posters of what was to be built.

Opening week (yes I waited in line to get in) the first thing I thought was “wine event.” The glassed in staircase ascended to a glassed in walkway that overlooked Downtown Newhall on one side, the first story on the other and to the left and right, expansive rooms. And I thought, what a great place for a silent auction.

My wine-eye noted a secluded fireplace, two large rooms (The Heritage room would be the larger of the two and was already being fitted with archival materials) and four glassed-in private study rooms complete with large tables and seating. I thought, wow, a winemaker could totally hold court in there.

Marlee Lauffer, me, drinking wine in the library during our photo shoot!

When members of the WiSH board, Marlee Lauffer, Amy Daniels and Gail Pinsker, asked if I could help with a wine event I pitched my idea. The ladies set up a meeting with the city and several library employees to discuss the idea.

To get everyone credited, I went back to Amy Daniels to make sure that those that helped us with the approval were not forgotten. Amy said, “The library manager was Erin Christmas and of course, the person that we are working with to coordinate everything is Elena Galvez. She is our liaison with the city. There was never any established facilities request procedure for the library until we asked for it! I think you were the one to come up with the idea, Eve, so kudos to you for all you’ve done and for your creativity!”

Gail Pinkser, Public Relations Officer for the Hart School District, added, “The reason we got the library is the strong relationship that the City of Santa Clarita has with the Hart School District. The City is amazing in partnering with the District on a variety of programs for our students and this is an extension of that benefiting the WiSH Education Foundation. The City of Santa Clarita is a great place to live, work and play and they feel strongly on supporting programs that benefit our youth, the future of our community. We approached them and they were immediately excited about opening their new library up for this important benefit.”

Turned out that the library was very open to having events. A wine event, and possible spillage, was another matter – but that was quickly worked out. The carpeting is set in squares, something that can be replaced if necessary.

The head librarian, Ed Kieczykowski, walked us around the library just to give us a tour but as we looked around he came up with an idea: How about they replace the information on their two large monitors with our event art and a map of where each wine tasting would be? Holy moly I thought, like the directory at a mall? How cool is that? We also thought that maps, instead of guests having to carry one, could be placed outside of each of the private study rooms.

Fast forward one more time and Marlee Lauffer and I show up in the library, in our cocktail dresses, with wine and glasses to be photographed for the Magazine of Santa Clarita (Our event’s media sponsor). If you think people didn’t notice that – you’d be wrong. Link: http://www.santaclaritamagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17388:a-toast-and-a-wish-a-benefit-for-the-future-leaders-of-santa-clarita-inaugural-wine-tasting-event-is-first-for-old-town-newhall-library&catid=239:community&Itemid=59

Library pictures link: http://www.scvelitemagazine.com/articles-la-maison/821–for-the-love-of-books-old-town-newhall-public-library.html

Join us: When visiting a winery the experience of tasting with the winemaker or winery representative is not easily duplicated. However, the planners behind the inaugural WiSH Education Foundation – benefitting the students of the William S. Hart school district – have done just that.

With the approval from our city’s latest landmark – the Old Town Newhall Library – guests will be able to visit with winemakers in several private “study rooms,” taste additional donated wines served by local volunteers, sample special wine paired foods from innovative local chefs and bid on eclectic silent auction items while overlooking downtown Newhall’s latest incarnation: a twinkle-lit main street.

The number of ticket sales will be limited to guarantee each of our guests an exclusive experience. At the end of the evening all guests will receive a special gift bag with special offers from our special vendors. Ticket price is $75 and available now through http://www.WiSHscv.org. Adults over 21 only, please.

Now with many more private and winery donors now on board: A Toast and a WiSH, A Benefit for the Future Leaders of Santa Clarita Inaugural Wine Tasting Event is the First for Old Town Newhall Library

March 8, 2013 by evebushman

When visiting a winery the experience of tasting with the winemaker or winery representative is not easily duplicated. However, the planners behind the inaugural WiSH Education Foundation – benefiting our local Junior and Senior high schools – have done just that.

With the approval from our city’s latest landmark – the Old Town Newhall Library – guests will be able to visit with winemakers in several private “study rooms”, taste additional donated wines served by local volunteers, sample special wine paired foods from innovative local chefs and bid on eclectic silent auction items while overlooking downtown Newhall’s latest incarnation: a twinkle-lit main street.

WiSH board members Marlee Lauffer, Amy Daniels and Gail Pinsker, along with local wine writer Eve Bushman, host the inaugural event on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 7–10 p.m. Eve Wine 101 Consultant Michael Perlis and volunteer coordinator Claudia Sheridan are providing special assistance.

One hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction directly supports programs in all the Junior and High schools that make up the Hart School District.

Donors to date include TGIC Importers, Loring Wine Company, Fiddlehead Cellars, Ken Brown Wines, Iron Horse Vineyards, Salt Creek Grille, Wolf Creek Brewery, Stephen Hemmert Vineyards, Two Hearts Vineyard, Pulchella Winery, Ventura Limoncello, Del Dotto Winery, Papapietro Perry Winery, Wildflour Gourmet Baking Company, Robert Biale Vineyards, Bagrationi Sparkling wine from the Republic of Georgia, Regusci Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard, Gagnon Cellars, Gary Farrell Vineyards, Nuggucciet Cellars, Barrel 27, J Dusi Wines, The Oaks Grille, Alma Rosa Winery, Cambria Estate Winery , For Whiskey Lovers, Oil and Vinegar Valencia , Cheers@All Corked Up, and wine pairing from Leona Valley Vineyard’s Culinary Director, Dusti Patterson.

Auction items so far include a two-night stay in a Paso Robles private guest house, cooking classes at Culinary Wonders (formerly known as Kitchen Wizards), gift items from WineDogs.com, a Gagnon Cellars gift basket, wine tasting for four at Robert Biale Vineyards, wine tasting and tour for six from Gary Farrell Vineyards and Regusci Winery, a magnum of 08 Head Honcho Syrah from Barrel 27, a gift certificate for The Egg Plantation, a complimentary night at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort, wine from the private cellars of Marlee Lauffer, Laine Hedwell, Eddie and Eve Bushman, John Shaffery, Larry and Gloria Stahly, Michael and Karen Perlis, Louise Castaldo, Steve and Rose Chegwin, and Chris and Jeannie Carpenter.

We are proud to have The Magazine of Santa Clarita as our media sponsor.

Sponsorships are currently available; contact WiSH at 661-799-9474 or wish@hartdistrict.org for more information and to purchase event tickets.

If you would like to volunteer for this event contact Claudia Sheridan at claudia.sheridan@yahoo.com

The WiSH Education Foundation, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, was established with a group of local community leaders and public school advocates to raise additional funds for the Hart School District to maintain its high quality programs during this challenging time of state budget cuts.

Wine Blending 101: An Eve Wine 101 Sponsored Event

March 3, 2013 by evebushman

Under new ownership and new management Agua Dulce Winery is pleased to announce a new event, “Blending Basics – Winemaking 101”, on Saturday, March 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101.Guests begin as novice winemakers after learning a brief history on blending and then they are handed carafes of wine, test tubes for measuring and given free rein to experiment with classic blends. After two hours of ‘taste testing’ the graduating class of winemakers create their own label for their first vintage and can take their bottle home.

Bushman added, “All I know is after years of writing about wine events, this is the first blending class I’ve been to – so I’m inviting my Facebook friends, twitter pals and Wine 101 readers to join me!

It’s surely to be a fun, and messy time!”

The $59 per person charge includes the class, the tasting, a custom label, a take home bottle – and a light cheese platter. Advance reservations required, limited seating. To learn more about this event, read Genesis Moss’s coverage of a class she attended last year: http://www.genesismoss.com/blog/wine-class-agua-dulce-vineyards/

Call for reservations. 661-268-7402! http://www.aguadulcewinery.com

About Agua Dulce Winery

Agua Dulce Winery is a 90 acre, fully operational winery and vineyard, featuring daily wine tasting and tours, a gourmet gift shop, and wine sales. We are located just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles and have earned the honor of being Los Angeles County’s leading fine wine grower and producer. Wines from Agua Dulce Winery have won multiple medals in several national wine competitions.

Photo credits: Genesis Moss

After a three-year effort we are pleased to announce the formation of our wine-growing region, the Sierra Pelona Valley appellation. We are excited to include the appellation on our upcoming wine labels!

We invite you to come visit us and see the vineyard for yourself, taste the wines and enjoy the wonderful beauty of Agua Dulce Winery.

“A Toast and a WiSH: A Benefit for the Future Leaders of Santa Clarita” Inaugural Wine Tasting Event is First for Old Town Newhall Library

February 8, 2013 by evebushman

The event below is the work of several people, including yours truly: WiSH Education Foundation board members Marlee Laufer, Amy Daniels and Gail Pinkser, Volunteer Coordinator Claudia Sheridan and Eve Wine 101 Consultant Michael Perlis. We hope that you can join us for a very special evening:

Flier art by Alex Hafizi

Imagine entering the new jewel of Santa Clarita Valley landmarks – the two-story Old Town Newhall Library – after-hours to taste wines in private “study” rooms, being treated to wine paired foods from the best local chefs and perusing silent auction items while overlooking downtown Newhall’s twinkle-lit main street. That’s what guests will find Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 7–10 p.m.

One hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction directly supports programs in all the Junior and High schools that make up the Hart School District.

Some of the early bird donators include the leading importer of South American wines whose portfolio now includes other imported and domestic wines, TGIC; known for their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, Lompoc’s Loring Wine Company; making old world style Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, Fiddlehead Cellars; “Pioneering Santa Barbara winemaking since 1977”, Ken Brown Wines; Chardonnay and something special selected for our auction, Iron Horse Vineyards; Craft beers will be provided by Wolf Creek Brewery; and a special treat: locally made wine from Stephen Hemmert Vineyards and Kerry and Susie Clark’s Two Hearts Vineyard.

More donations of wine, spirits, food and auction items have generously been offered from our local Pulchella Winery, Ventura Limoncello, Del Dotto Winery, Papapietro Perry Winery, Wildflour Gourmet Baking Company, Robert Biale Vineyards, Bagrationi Sprakling wine from the Republic of Georgia, Culinary Wonders (formerly known as Kitchen Wizards), Regusci Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard, Gagnon Cellars and from Leona Valley Vineyard’s Culinary Director, Dusti Patterson.

Sponsorships are currently available; contact WiSH at 661-799-9474 or wish@hartdistrict.org for more information and to purchase event tickets.