Eve's Wine 101

Perlises Pick: Jeff Cohn Cellars

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We’ve tasted wines from Jeff Cohn Cellars many times, but always at events, where the wines were poured by Jeff or his wife, Alexandra. We had never had an opportunity to sit down and taste through the lineup with Jeff and hear the full story.

We finally were able meet with Jeff at their recently opened tasting room in Healdsburg. You can read all about Jeff Cohn Cellars on the website here www.jeffcohncellars.com/about-our-story but ultimately, it turns out that their story is a multi-faceted love story.

First and foremost, the love story of Jeff Cohn Cellars is about Alexandra and Jeff and their family. They met while they were both working at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Virginia – Jeff was F&B Cost Controller and Alexandra was an accounting trainee. Coincidentally, they had both also attended Florida International University. Alexandra’s career path took her back to Florida and Jeff joined her there, working on cruise ships for two years. But being in the hospitality industry often means being bitten by the wine bug and eventually, they moved to California. Jeff had already worked as an intern at Boordy Vineyards in Maryland but during the process of obtaining his Master’s in Agricultural Chemistry at Cal State Fresno, he discovered French techniques as well as the wines of the Northern and Southern Rhone plus Zinfandel. The rest was history.

It is also apparent the love that Jeff has for his colleagues and mentors, both former and current, most notably the late Kent Rosenblum. Jeff went to work for Kent at Rosenblum Cellars after graduating from CSUF, moving up the line to eventually become winemaker and then vice president of winemaking and production. He left in 2006 to focus on Jeff Cohn Cellars [then called JC Cellars] which he had founded in 1996, but not before making his permanent mark on the wine world by having Rosenblum’s 2003 Rockpile Road Zinfandel hit #3 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list.

Finally, and certainly not least, is Jeff’s love of wine grapes, particularly, as mentioned above, Rhones and Zins.

So yes, we are finally getting to what we tasted –

2017 Iris Sparkling Brut Rose – named after Jeff’s beloved mother, this delicious bubbly is a blend of 60% Grenache (Rossi Ranch), 20% Syrah (Rockpile) and 20% Mourvedre (Rossi Ranch). Modeled after the wines from the France’s Tavel region, Karen picked up notes of Persimmon.

2018 Rossi Ranch GSM – a classic blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, this wine had a long finish, with sausage spices notes.

2018 Maggie’s Vineyard – 100% Zinfandel from vines that are over 120 years old         . Many textures and layers on this wine that Jeff dedicated to his friend Kent [see above].

2017 Sweetwater Springs – 100% Petite Sirah. Dark, ruby red, purple in color, big and balanced.

2017 Domain Des Chirats -100% Rockpile Syrah – A joint project with Yves Cuilleron, Northern Rhone winemaker from Chavanay, France (half of this wine’s production is exported to France). Big luscious berry notes; one of the finest Syrahs we’ve tasted.

2016 Stagecoach Marsanne – 85% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne. The last wine we tasted was a white. We asked Jeff why other wineries pour their whites first and he said “because they are doing it wrong.” Seriously though, white wines poured at the beginning of a tasting are often forgotten by the end. We wouldn’t have forgotten this one though no matter where in the tasting it was poured. A wonderful palate brightener with delicious tropical fruits to wake up the taste buds. Crisp citrus notes and a big mouth feel. This Napa Valley vineyard was bought by Gallo a few years ago so we are not sure what the future holds for these varietals there.

Jeff Cohn makes more wines in addition to the ones we tasted.  He has many more Rhones and single vineyard Zins sourced from Sonoma, Napa and the central coast. They are definitely worth a stop when you are in Healdsburg or in the Santa Rosa area or interested in making an online purchase.

We expect you’ll love them as much as we did.

Jeff Cohn Cellars

34 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448

www.jeffcohncellars.com

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Discovering the White Wine Winery Acquiesce, a Lodi Treasure

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In planning a recent Napa trip one of my friends suggested we spend a day in Lodi. The last time I visited Lodi was virtually, when several winemakers came to LA to present a seminar and tasting. It was so long ago, possibly ten years, that all I recall was tasting old vine Zinfandels, a wine the area was known for.

We visited four wineries that day. All had at least one or more wines that I enjoyed from whites to old vine Zinfandels. One winery stood out. First because they only make white Rhone varietals (some which were new to me) and one rose, but as I tasted through their lineup, and made my notations, it turned out that every single wine I tried I wanted to buy.

Fast forward to planning this trip. I went to the LA Wine Writers group on Facebook and asked my associates who I should visit. Then I reached out to Lodi.com to help me plan the trip. As I only had one day I wanted to focus on the wines alone, there would be no time for winery or vineyard tours. We also invited Steve and Vashti Roebuck (wine bloggers, collectors and admins of the popular Wine in the Glass Facebook group) to join us.

Acquiesce Winery

This is an excerpt from my upcoming article in SCV Elite Magazine, “The first on my list to try was a winery recommended to me by more than one wine loving pal: Acquiesce Winery. We were awestruck by all of the gorgeous white wines, and one Rose, during our “Elevated Tasting Experience” there. Many are award winners from respected competitions: 2020 Ingenue, 2021 Grenache Rose, 2020 Bourboulenc, 2020 Clairette Blanche, 2021 Picpoul Blanc, 2021 Viognier, 2020 and 2021 Grenache Blanc. Don’t miss these Chateauneuf du Pape inspired Rhônes by winemaker Susan Tipton.” Here is the link to the social media post that also includes notes and photos from Acquiesce and other Lodi wineries we visited that day.

To expand, the Elevated Tasting Experience, seen here in the photo by Steve Roebuck, was a great pairing! (Not every food and wine pairing is spot on but theirs was.) And for Steve Roebuck and me, as it’s our practice to sample wines without food, it was difficult not to sample those small bites. But the wine…oh how I wish I could have lingered there all day. Also of note: most of these wines were less than $30 each.

The Pairing

We began with the 2021 Picpoul Blanc paired with Italian salsa, Spenker Goat Ricotta Tartine. Next was their 2021 Grenache Rose alongside Radish Tartine with Butter (butter is always a good choice!) and Cracked Pepper. Our third was the 2020 Grenache Blanc with Asparagus (a hard vegetable to pair), Ricotta, Preserved Lemons on Pumpernickel and then our final pairing with the 2020 Clairette Blanche with a Dijon Tarragon Tuna, Tomato, Tartine on Rye. All pretty simple and simply delish. (Note: this was their April Pairing Menu, titled “We Love Tartines” and their May pairing was geared toward the recent Cinco de Mayo holiday. So know that you will most likely have a different menu when you visit – don’t forget to make reservations – but I would make a bet that it would be just as yum-worthy. And when I last checked their website for the price it was only $20!)

Tasting Notes Courtesy Steve Roebuck:

2021 Picpoul Blanc

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Picpoul Blanc

Wafting from my glass was an elegant bouquet of fresh cut apples, pears, lemon curd, crushed seashells, wet river rocks and a touch of lemon grass. The wine had nice acidity with a crisp palate giving way to hints of green apple, pears, melon, citrus oil, lemon grass, crushed minerals, and a soft note of dill on the finish with a splash of lemon. The wine is beautifully balanced with fresh orchard fruits and crisp minerals that seamlessly intertwine together. 

2021 Grenache Rose

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Grenache Noir

This light salmon colored wine had a lovely bouquet of strawberries, melon, raspberries, Jolly Roger candy and dried hay bale. The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought balance to a palate painted with strawberries, watermelon, cherry, lemon zest and crushed gravel. The wine was refreshingly crisp with a beautiful layering of fruits and bright terroir notes. This wine is reminiscent of a French Provence rose wine; thus, an elegant and sophisticated style. 

2020 Grenache Blanc

Score:  93 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend:  100% Grenache Blanc

The wine had an expressive bouquet of cut apples, white peach, cut almonds, wet river rocks, chalky minerals and a note of marzipan. The wine is full bodied with a nice level of acidity, giving way to hints of green apple, white peach, wet slate, chalky minerals and a finish with softly brined apricots. This vivacious wine had lovely layers of fruit that harmoniously blended with the wonderful terroir notes. 

2020 Clairette Blanche

Score:  93 Points

Location:  Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Clairette Blanche

This rare beauty had an eloquent bouquet of poached pears, apricots, white tea, ginger cookie, marzipan, dried herbs, grapefruit and soft hints of yellow beeswax.  The wine is full-bodied with bright acidity that gives way to a palate painted with mixed orchard fruits, crisp minerals, light spice, fresh herbs and a touch of white fig on the finish. There is beauty here with a tapestry of fruit, exotic spice, and lovely terroir notes. 

2020 Ingenue

Score: 94 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Ingenue

The wine had a floral bouquet of white flowers, poached pears, apple pie crust, kiwi, orange blossoms, cut almonds, dried herbs, lemon and crushed minerals. The wine was medium-bodied with lovely acidity that brightened the palate with hints of fresh apple, honeydew melon, vanilla, soft citrus oil, crushed gravel and a drop of honey on the finish. The wine is complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that harmonize wonderfully together. 

2020 Bourboulenc

Score: 91 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Bourboulenc

This wine had a lovely bouquet of green apples, pears, white peach, lemon grass, chamomile tea and a splash of brine. The wine had nice acidity that gave way to hints of white peach, sliced apple, lime, beeswax, and white pepper. The wine is refreshing and crisp on the palate with soft notes of spice and orchard fruits. 

2021 Viognier

Score: 95 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Viognier

The wine had an alluring bouquet of white flowers, lavender, jasmine, pears, peaches, honeysuckle, white pepper, crushed stone and a touch of pineapple. The wine is medium ++ in body with a beautiful level of acidity that gives way to hints of tropical and orchard fruits, honeysuckle, exotic spice, soft brine, river rocks, and a kiss of citrus. The wine is complex with harmonizing layers of fruit and earth that play beautifully together. The wine is reminiscent of a French Rhone, as it is showing in an old-world style. 

More

The winemaker and owner, Susan Tipton, led our tasting. She told us that they started ten years ago, after she fell in love with white Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Her vineyards are all estate-owned and are dedicated to white wine grapes alone. None are oaked. The area has a Mediterranean climate, warm days, cool nights and a Delta breeze.

We purchased a case of wine each, the Roebucks and us, and I’ve since been looking over the club membership: six bottles delivered twice a year, in April and October, 20% off any purchases, complimentary tastings at the winery and invitations to release parties and pick up events.

Read this to see how well their wines did at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. (Short answer: They won four Best of Class Awards – and over 5,800 wines were judged.)

From the Winery

Do you love white wines? Located in the Lodi Appellation we offer estate grown, award-winning premium white and rosé wines lovingly created in small batches. We carefully craft these unique wines: Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Belle Blanc and Ingénue (white blends) and a Grenache Rosé. Join us by appointment, Thursday – Sunday 11-5 for our Elevated Tasting Experience

Elevated Tasting Experience reservations à https://www.exploretock.com/acquiescewinery

Homepage
https://www.facebook.com/AcquiesceWinery
https://www.instagram.com/acquiescewinery/

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.

Where We Started: Drinking Wine and Spirits

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I recently wrote about how I got started with writing about and studying wine. Made me think about how I got started with drinking both wine and spirits. Had a chat with my husband Eddie, and a boozy trip down memory lane, and this is where it started and led me:

Spirits And Wine

Eve at Del Dotto, into caves with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico, circa March 2012.

When I was in high school and underage drinking was at every party, I have seriously no recollection of imbibing but I’m sure I did – and God knows what. My earliest memories of booze include Bartles and Jaymes Wine Coolers, wine spritzers, as well as Mateus and Blue Nun wines. Not a fan of beer but I did enjoy Mickey’s Big Mouth malt liquor at least once.

Fast forward to my early 20s and I enjoyed Myer’s Dark rum with orange juice, Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitans, Tequila Sunrise and Kahlua with milk, cream and/or vodka. So yea, I wanted sweet cocktails, preferably ones that hid the flavor of the base spirit.

When I met Eddie his mother introduced me to Vodka Tonics. Later came single spirits, for Eddie it was Chivas Regal blended Scotch whisky, for me my tastes evolved much later, into single malt, as there’s what Eddie became more interested in. I was covering cocktail events, which we both loved, and then whisky events. In both I was learning more and more about the spirits, and how to make cocktails with them. While I prefer gin cocktails like a Negroni or a Martini, Eddie prefers whisky. So added to my home-bartending recipes are the Sazerac, Old Fashioned and Manhattan.

Only Wine

I never drank White Zinfandel. When that was introduced I was enjoying red Zinfandel. I can remember being at Sutter Home in Napa and everyone ordering White Zinfandel, it was the moment I had to start saying “red” before the word Zinfandel to get what I wanted. Thank God that craze is over.

After we got married my sister-in-law and her husband invited us to a vertical wine tasting at Concannon. I didn’t know what that was at the time but quickly learned that we were to taste the same wine from the same winery over several years. It was U.S. my a ha moment as we carefully studied the difference in each vintage. A few years later, during our first trip to France, I wanted to visit Willi’s Wine Bar that I had read about in Wine Spectator. I’ve written about Willi’s several times over the years, suffice it to say that being introduced to the perfect Chateau Lynch Bages Bordeaux with owner Mark Williamson was a turning point for me.

Around the same time my first wine classes were via The Wine House in West Los Angeles: starting with sparkling wine and junk food, Chardonnay Fests, Cab Fests, and a few weeks worth of classes just on France. It would be decades later, after already obtaining my WSET Level Two that I would return there for classes held there by the North American Sommelier Association and my Level One Sake Certification.

Now, how did you get started?

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.

Tasting Monteru French Brandy with the Southern California Whiskey Club, aka a Masterclass of Single Grape Varietals

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Never heard of Monteru French Brandy before Ries Michael of the So Cal Whiskey Club invited me to this particular class and I did some research on them ahead of time. They’ve won their fair share of medals in worldwide spirits competitions, received high ratings from respected critics, besides the styles listed in our tasting below they also have a brandy in Japanese Mizunura and other rare casks, then they double distil, triple toast and double cask…see their website for all of the details!

Photo credit: Stephen Roebuck.

For this tasting I asked Vashti and Steve Roebuck, of the popular Facebook group “Friends Who Like Wine In The Glass” to join me. Our notes are a combination from Steve (SR) and me (EB).

From the Southern California Whiskey Club:

This is a convergence of the world of wine meeting the world of whiskey in an informative tasting of single grape varietals, all aged in oak. If you are a wine connoisseur who is curious about amplified wine or a whiskey drinker who wants to learn the subtle nuances of grapes this is meant for you. We will taste five grape varietals, a sherry cask, and then a bourbon drinkers’ brandy for an in-depth and unique tasting.

Tasting Notes:

  1. Single Grape Brandy, Riesling, 40% ABV

SR and EB: Pineapple, salted vanilla, lemon, floral, mango, light acidity, dill/herb, dried peach, some salinity.

 

  1. Single Grape Brandy, Merlot, 40% ABV

SR and EB: Milk chocolate, almonds, Marzipan, white chocolate on palate, cream, char, oak, smoke, yellow corn, corn syrup. Vashti really liked this one, as did I.

 

  1. Single Grape Brandy, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014/2016, CS002-16, 41.3% ABV

SR and EB: Caramel, dark chocolate dust, some almond, creamy soft palate, hints of caramel, maple syrup, super long finish. One of my favorites.

 

  1. Single Grape Brandy, Chardonnay, 2014/2016, Batch CH002-16, 41.3% ABV

SR and EB: Chocolate, caramel, orange blossom, pine sap, brine, orange chocolate candy, honey, candied ginger, pine needles, maple, honey, jasmine tea, ginger, dried botanicals, sweet finish. Another favorite for Vashti and me.

 

  1. Single Grape Brandy, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014/2016, Batch SB002-16, 41.3% ABV

SR and EB: Light lemon, ginger, salted caramel, savory honey notes, oak on the palate, an herbal quality, sandalwood incense, counting mouthfeel of clover honey yet savory, the sweetest and lightest in color from the tasting. This was another one I wanted again.

 

  1. Rare Cask Finish, French Oak, Finished in Sherry Oak, 2012/2016, Batch 001, 41.7% ABV

SR and EB: Caramel, orange blossom, vanilla, honey, brine, salt on palate that overtook some aromas for Steve, while I noted the whisky-like aroma and salted nuts.

 

  1. Double Wood Triple Toast, 2012/2016, Batch 003, 42.7% ABV

SR and EB: Sweet corn, caramel, brine, maple, dill/herb, almonds, vanilla, oak notes, honey, mango, freshly husked corn, simple syrup.

 

Want to get your hands on some Monteru of your own? Email Davidd@MissionLiquor.com

About the brand:

The origins of Monteru date back to the late 1700’s and has remained closely tied to the tradition of brown spirits distillation and has become a leading innovator by combining authenticity and tradition to create a product somewhere between traditional brandy and single malt whisky. Maison Monteru produces small batches with intricate differences that are aged in a stone cellar on the Atlantic coast where the temperature and the humidity levels remain stable. Another significant characteristic of their process is to age the brandies in different types of oak casks: French first, imparting delicate nut flavors, then American oak which conveys subtle spice and brioche aromas.

https://www.monteru.fr/home

https://www.facebook.com/MaisonMonteru

https://www.southerncaliforniawhiskeyclub.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/149146278567212

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.

IL Tornabuoni, Florence’s Newest Five-Star Luxury Hotel from AG Hotels, Opening 2021

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ROME, ITALY, : IL Tornabuoni, a new five-star independent luxury hotel will open in 2021 in Florence, Italy. Located along Via Tornabuoni in the historic 12th century Palazzo Minerbetti, the elegant property proposes 62 stylishly designed rooms and suites in the heart of Renaissance Florence.
Owned by AG Group, IL Tornabuoni is part of the AG Hotels collection, a portfolio which includes eleven 5-star and 4-star boutique hotels in Florence and Rome. AG Group is Italy’s first Italian-owned and operated hospitality and tourism group, founded by President, Andrea Girolami, in June 2019. The formation of the AG Group brand, which takes its name from its founder’s initials (AG), was a merger between incoming tourism companies which Girolami had previously created and directed since 2000. Girolami brings over twenty years of experience in tourism and hospitality to AG Group whose capabilities include all aspects of in-house tourism demand with boutique hotels, DMC/ tour operator & event management, hotel consultancy, culinary outlets and retirement homes.
“I believe in Italy. This country is what I care about most. Since I was young, I have had a strong bond with hospitality and after graduating with a degree in economics, I launched myself in promoting our country abroad by traveling continuously. My mantra is – look to the future without ever forgetting history” says Andrea Girolami, Founder and CEO of AG Group. “Given the experience of this past year, we must rethink the future and find inspiration in a new Italian renaissance, a period in which tourism makes a difference. We inspire to bolster our team and our country through our devotion to beauty with IL Tornabuoni.”
Steps from the historic Ponte Vecchio and Arno River, IL Tornabuoni’s interiors were designed by Milan-based architect Andrea Auletta who has collaborated with Girolami on AG Hotels’ ten other properties in Rome. Each of IL Tornabuoni’s four floors were designed as an ode to the Renaissance period, embodying the city’s rich history and artistic magnificence by incorporating distinct regal and bold gem colors including vibrant teals, deep blues, sunny yellows, energetic vermillion and soft greys. Most rooms and suites offer two double beds for guests, a rarity found in much of Italy and Europe, along with grandiose bathrooms which recall the lavishness of ancient spas. The restored Minerbetti Palazzo has retained much of its heritage with state-of-the-art avant-garde interiors and the property’s opulent look and feel perfectly blends historic prestige with modern day beauty.
Guests of IL Tornabuoni are invited to enjoy three dining establishments located throughout the property. IL Magnifico Restaurant & Bistrot, situated on the ground floor, is a tribute to Tuscan gastronomic traditions with Executive Chef Massimiliano Mandozzi at the helm. Chef Mandozzi and his team will focus on local and seasonal ingredients for IL Magnifico’s ever-evolving menus, with a strong emphasis on vegetables including the famous cavolo nero (Tuscan black kale), legumes such as native cannellini beans, and local meats including as Sienese maialino (pork) and the famous Chianina (Tuscan cow). The restaurant’s Pietra Serena floors lend to the rich Florentine atmosphere while leather chairs in a harmony of grey and beige add warmth. IL Magnifico enjoys the soft play of natural light during the day and also boasts an intimate outdoor seating environment.
IL Tornabuoni’s Lucie Gourmet rooftop restaurant opens up onto the elegant Butterfly terrace overlooking Santa Maria Novella, San Frediano, the Ognissanti Church and the many other beauties in Florence’s Renaissance skyline. Designed in graceful pink and bold peacock, the indoor and outdoor spaces offer breathtaking views and a sophisticated setting to enjoy a convivial lunch or aperitivo with signature cocktails and refined dishes. IL Magnifico Café & Champagne Bar, located on the main floor, serves bubbles from only the most sought after Italian and French maison.
IL Tornabuoni invites guests to enjoy signature experiences including Champagne Afternoon Tea, Seven PM Sabrage ritual, L’A Friday Aperitivo, IL Magnifico Saturday Brunch, and delightful sweets at The Temptation Room at IL Magnifico. Additionally, IL Tornabuoni may organize unforgettable celebrations in the Cave wine cellar. A unique, private and intimate atmosphere tucked away in the heart of Florence, the Cave’s attentive staff can curate a special menu of wines and Champagne along with guided wine tastings for guests and small groups.
AG Group’s plans for the future include the addition of more luxury hotels to expand the AG Hotels portfolio. “Our development strategy for AG Group begins with Italy’s main cities of art including Florence with IL TORNABUONI hotel and then Milan, Venice and Rome for the lifestyle and luxury segments. We also feel Sicily, Puglia and Tuscany are important in the short term for new developments. We aim to offer our guests an even more attentive, professional service that is from the heart, as well as advanced technology especially for emerging markets,” notes AG Group’s CEO Andrea Girolami. “AG Hotels, our newest addition which was born two years ago as a rebranding of a group founded several years ago, is our priority and the values we strive for are those of excellence, performance, innovation, authenticity and craftsmanship to name a few.”
For more information on Il Tornabuoni, please visit https://www.iltornabuonihotel.it/ and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion and GIFTS too!

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My history with DAOU is a long one, so I was thrilled to receive the 2017 Soul of a Lion to review, as well as some gift ideas that I’ve shared below my tasting notes. Let me start with some of my previous notes:

I covered the first few annual Cab Collective events, a multi-day educational retreat for press and sommeliers that was started by Daniel Daou and other Cab-minded Paso vintners. This article ran in January 2017 in Elite Magazine, all about the event (but don’t blame me for this title, it should read the well-rated not underrated) https://scvelitemagazine.com/2017/01/underrated-wines-paso-robles-cabs-distinction-grand-tasting-2016/

At another tasting event this is what I thought of just one vintage: DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2013 – Who isn’t a fan of DAOU? This reserve Cab was all tobacco, dark and dry and good to go.

An excerpt from another Cab Collective, and also getting my first taste of Soul of a Lion, this is what I’ll share: Daou told the crowd, “We don’t get a bad vintage often…it’s our trademark” as “our region achieves ripeness year after year” delivering wines of “perfect balance.”

From a 2013 report from Robert Parker I also shared: Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC) members were awarded dozens of scores well above 90 points for their red Bordeaux-style wines including 98 points and 96 points for DAOU Vineyards and Winery’s 2013 Patrimony and 2013 Soul of a Lion, respectively.

And back in 2010 I wrote: Daou spoke of how he co-founded DAOU with his brother Georges and how Paso Robles has the “most French-like terroir we could find in California.”

2010 Soul of a Lion: Daou said they produced 550 cases of this wine, which saw “new French oak aging for 24 months, still needs some time.” It sold out in five weeks in tasting room. EB: Mint, full/round, plump dark fruit, milk chocolate; Tannic, dusty dark fruit, pepper, long finish.  Good to go now or cellar, very nice.

TODAY AND TASTING THE 2017 SOUL OF A LION

A pretty black cherry in color, opaque. Onward, we are greeted with aromas reminding me of sweet fruit leather: blackberry, blueberry and plums; then cherry cola, milk chocolate, white pepper, medium toasted oak and a hint of rich caramel. Next comes a very rich mouthfeel of flavors. Layered fruit and spice: dark, dark fruit and tamed spice; with a juicy, long finish. Can imagine this 2017 getting even more interesting with more age.

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Now, some very cool gift ideas from DAOU:

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY ($129)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com 

Smooth yet robust, DAOU’s cabernet boasts flavors of dark cherry and cassis with subtle mocha and truffle nuances. A firm but smooth texture of pure blackberry fruit and coffee makes for a well-rounded wine that’s ideal to put on your table for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners alongside meat or seafood dishes.

Gift set includes:

  • 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2019 Estate Olive Oil
  • DAOU Wine Opener
  • Reserve Linen Box

 

SOUL OF A LION COLLECTOR’S SET ($450)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

Soul of a Lion is the crown jewel of DAOU, named after Joseph Daou, the father of Georges and Daniel Daou. This wine displays richness, elegance and balance.

Gift set includes:

  • Three 2017 Estate Soul of a Lion
  • 3 Bottle Estate Wooden Box
  • Lionhead Pourer

 

Merry and Bright!

MERRY & BRIGHT ($135)

Available to purchase: www.daouvineyards.com

For the fans of whites and rosés, this set includes a bottle of Chemin de Fleurs, an elegant and sophisticated white wine, and Reserve Rosé, inspired by the refreshingly dry rosés that are a winemaking staple in southern France.

Gift set includes:

  • 2019 Reserve Chemin de Fleurs
  • 2019 Reserve Rosé
  • 2019 Estate Olive Oil
  • DAOU Wine Opener
  • Reserve Linen Box

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.

Tasting 2018 Provence Rose Estates with Winemaker Alexis Cornu

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It was a lovely day to taste Rose…that was and still is my opening as it sounds so good. But on the day of this particular tasting the skies had opened up as they have recently in LA and tried to ruin my day with about two inches of rain. The event, set for the Peninsula Hotel’s Roof Garden Terrace was moved to a private suite. Turned out to be much more intimate.

L to R: fellow writers Cori Solomon, Andy Harris and winemaker Alexis Cornu

We were to taste the latest 2018 vintages from two of the most popular Provence rosé estates in France, my tasting notes are in italics following notes from the winery:

Inspiration Rosé is produced at the storied Château de Berne and authentically captures the Provençal spirit with its classic profile and referential square bottle shape. 70% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. I got notes of peach, hard candy and flowers on the nose and also sea minerality and low acid in the mouth.
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Romance Rosé launches this year as the newest addition to the Berne portfolio with a more affordable price point for those looking to explore the category. Previously name Emotion, the new Romance has aromas of rose petal, jasmine flower and saline, with the addition of white peach and a low acidity on the palate.

Chateau de Berne Estates is much more than just a rose. This is a hand crafted wine created from grapes specially selected by our winemaker from a unique vineyard block in the heart of the Berne estate, which is home to some of its oldest vines. Predominantly Grenache, the wine had a lovely balance with steeliness, peach, green kiwi and a gentle mouthfeel. A note on the square bottle shape: Cornu said that they had to redesign the bottling line to manage the unique shape.

UP Rosé, from the newly renovated Ultimate Provence estate, represents the bold, innovative nature of the region with its spicy blend and statement bottle. The UP stands for Ultimate Provence label, not Berne but 30 minutes away, and about 20 minutes from St. Tropez. Cornu explained that this area had more sandstone instead of limestone. I got that same floral notes as well as a more perfumy aroma with a bit of the sea. Cornu added that he enjoyed the wine with sushi and sashimi. 

Chateau des Bertrands is located in the French commune of Cannet-des-Maures, at the heart of the Plaine des Maures nature reserve. Historically the crown jewel of Cotes de Provence, it offers exceptional wines thanks to an original geology and patient human effort. With more Cinsault than the previous mostly Grenache wines this one had what Cornu called “light, elegant and fine.” I noted a lovely pear in sweetened juice on the nose as well as minerality (wet pebbles) and saline.  

Meeting with the winemaker for the estates, Alexis Cornu, proved to be an additional benefit. From Cornu I learned:

  • Breezy and surrounded by pines, Château de Berne is the number one destination winery in Provence, France.
  • Some of the names of the wines are different in France.
  • Cornu thinks about how the grapes may grow; whether it be under late ripening, sunny, warm or windy conditions, he finds that these conditions allow for “more finesse and freshness.”
  • Berne is one of four estates Cornu makes wine for. He feels that his wines in Provence are “always fresh with a nice texture on the palate.”
  • Berne thinks that like Champagne, in the next 20 years wine drinkers will notice a sense of place when drinking their “fresh and dry” Rose wines.
  • Harvest can occur at night, when workers will have had no sleep.
  • The old vines region produces a dry Rose not common to some wine drinkers. Especially those expecting sweetness in a pink wine.
  • The vineyards are working towards being 100% organic, they started the process in 2018. The wines already use less sulfites than before.
  • Four wines per estate recently obtained Gold Medals from a prestigious French competition: the Le Concours General Agricole.

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