Vintage Eve Circa Feb. 2018: Tasting the 2015 Vintage From Union Des Grands Crus de Bordeaux

September 22, 2020 by evebushman

The Beverly Hills Hotel was a perfect backdrop for a tasting of the latest Bordeaux, the release of the 2015 vintage. The chandelier that hung over the center of the room was dimmed only by the stellar wines served below it. Grateful to have a chance to taste through so many wines I quickly took up the task. These are my takeaways:

Reasonably Priced for All

While most Grand Crus Bordeaux can easily warrant a triple digit price tag, there were several that had very reasonable price points, making Bordeaux accessible to everyone. I ran into local winemaker Roman Weiser and then later, million-dollar-palate owner Mark Newman, who both commented on the fact. So if you are holding back on getting some Bordeaux – stop.

Bordeaux We Liked – And We Couldn’t Taste Them All

I have four grids of photos below showing at least 30+ wines that I found remarkable, but there were many more that we didn’t have the time to taste in our generous three-hour window allocated for press before the evening’s public tasting. Some of the standouts for me included:

Chateau Leoville Poyferre poured by Anne Cuvelier once again, Chateau Langoa Barton, Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Chateau de Chantegrive, Chateau LaGrange, Chateau Gruad Larose, Domaine de Chevalier, Chateau Pichon Baron, Chateau Smith Havt Lafitte, Chateau de France, Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion, Chateau Pape Clement, Chateau Latour-Martillac, Chateau Pichon Longueville, Chateau Lynch Bages, Chateau Gazin, Chateau Coufran, Chateau Brane-Cantenac and Chateau Dauzac.

White Bordeaux we enjoyed were from Chateau de France, Chateau Smith Havt Lafitte, Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion, Chateau Pape Clement, Chateau Malartic-Largraviere, Chateau Brane-Cantenac, Chateau Dauzac and Chateau Latour-Martillac. My takeaway on the White Bordeaux, most made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, was that these seemed so much fresher and less acidic than our version of Sauvignon Blanc. (I commented on this to Weiser and he told me that even if we were to add Semillon to our Sauvignon Blanc stateside we still lacked the terroir to make it the way the French have mastered it.)

Every Sauterne poured may have made our list: Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Chateau De Fargues, Chateau Guiraud, Chateau Clos Haut-Peyraguey and Chateau Coutet. My takeaway: The Sauternes stole the show again. Look for these in splits and enjoy liked we did: with a large hunk of sharp blue cheese.

About Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux

Established in 1973, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux is a group of 135 top Châteaux in the most prized appellations in the Gironde, Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Barsac, Saint Émilion and Pomerol.

MEMBERS OF THE UNION DES GRANDS CRUS DE BORDEAUX

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.

Tasting Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir With Winemaker Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell Wines

August 21, 2020 by evebushman

Tickled to have an opportunity to taste wines with a winemaker – via Zoom – after such a long dry Covid-induced period! And it would be a favorite winery of many pals – Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery – whose website says they’re “A Grand Cru of the Russian River Valley for more than three decades, (producing) wines of balance, elegance and pure varietal expression.” Well, I would be putting the varietal expression to test with seven of their single vineyard Pinot Noirs.

Introduction

I’d like to invite you to a special tasting we are organizing with Gary Farrell winemaker Theresa Heredia, via Zoom, that explores the depth and breadth of Gary Farrell Pinot Noir for a small group of media. She will lead a tasting of her single-vineyard Pinot Noirs that includes bottlings from long-time Gary Farrell growers such as Hallberg and Toboni and more recent vineyard additions such as Gap’s Crown, Martaella and Fort Ross. The tasting will be 7 wines total, which we would send you in advance. She will provide background on each vineyard and will discuss her approach to making each wine, which is tailored to the vineyard and focuses on achieving bright, vibrant aromas, intense yet supple flavors, and the winery’s signature balance and purity of varietal expression. And, of course, she will welcome questions and discussion.

What We Learned

Did a little advance googling to learn a bit about the winery and Heredia in advance of the zoom presentation. I learned that the majority of the newly released 2017s are for members only and that they have an “Inspiration” series that offers a one-time released wine to members only as well. Most of their wine is available at the winery and online, some may be found in restaurants and a few retail outlets.

They were named one of the top 100 wineries in the October 2019 issue of Wine and Spirits Magazine, one of the Top 50 producers in Wine Spectator’s June 2020 issue and their recent 2017 Fort Ross Pinot was awarded 95 points by Wine Spectator. Prince of Pinot named them the 2016 Vineyard of the Year.

Heredia began her tenure with Gary Farrell in May 2012, after working as the winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyard’s Freestone label. The San Francisco Chronicle named her the 2012 Winemaker to Watch.

From Heredia we learned that most of her wines are made with whole clusters, they have less alcohol, she likes skins on, ferments all separately, and a light toast to her barrels – that is her influence showing. What is Heredia most proud of: Her 2017 vintage, including two more vineyards she picked up in Lompoc. What is her favorite Pinot vineyard: Fort Ross, it reminds her of Burgundy, as does the Martaella vineyard.

The winery makes 12 to 14 Pinots, and though they also make a Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and others, their focus is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Wines (Tasting notes were provided and discussed. I put the ones I agreed with in bold.)

2016 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Heredia called this wine a “sexy spice box” and I agreed with finding pomegranate, dried stems and anise. WE 95, WS 89, $70 https://shop.garyfarrellwinery.com/product/2016-PINOT-NOIR-BIEN-NACIDO

2016 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir, Fort Ross-Seaview

Heredia used more whole cluster grapes in this wine and the area is known for being foggy and cooler, which produces a darker wine. One pal noted it as “bright and cheerful” and I did find the wine earthy, savory, with tea, blackberry and strong tannins. $75, 94 WE

https://shop.garyfarrellwinery.com/product/2016-PINOT-NOIR-FORT-ROSS

2016 Hallberg Dijon Clones Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (Green Valley)

Savory again, lots of black tea, and noted a beautiful color. 94 Pinot File, $60, https://shop.garyfarrellwinery.com/product/2016-PINOT-NOIR-HALLBERG-DIJON

2016 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (Green Valley)

Clones in this wine included 667, 772 and 828. It had aromas reminiscent of dark cherries, cola and dried mushrooms. wine.com 54.99, RP 92, WS 92

2016 Martaella Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

These last three wines Heredia said showed more concentration and are structure-driven. Lots of red to black fruit, sweet cedar and plenty of tannins. 94 WE, $65 https://shop.garyfarrellwinery.com/product/2016-PINOT-NOIR-MARTAELLA

2016 Toboni Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Clones 115, 667 and 777 were used in the wine. Lots of vanilla bean, with the expected cherry, in this one. Ed’s favorite. 93 WS, $55 https://shop.garyfarrellwinery.com/product/2016-PINOT-NOIR-TOBONI

2016 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap

A crowd pleaser, this one went well with a Pork Wellington Eddie made for dinner. We loved the nose of cherries, cola and that nice savory quality we kept finding in the wines. Heredia said it could age five or more years. 94 WE, $80 https://shop.garyfarrellwinery.com/product/2016-PINOT-NOIR-GAP-S-CROWN

Contact information and links

https://www.garyfarrellwinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Gary.Farrell.Winery/

707-473-2909 Concierge@GaryFarrellWinery.com

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.

Bordeaux En Primeurs Week Canceled but Château Malescasse Maintains Efforts to Achieve High Standards

May 10, 2020 by evebushman

BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Despite the cumulation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancelation of the En Primeurs Week, Château Malescasse is continuing to focus on producing wine that earned the estate a “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” classification, propelling the domaine at the forefront of the Médoc’s most highly regarded properties.

The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc appellation announced a new three-tier classification system earlier this year and among 249 châteaux classified Crus Bourgeois, “Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel” has only been awarded to 14 selected properties. The “Exceptionnel ” level of the new classification requires quality standards and sustainable practices and the following of strict guidelines with technical procedures applied to the vineyard, the harvest method, bottling and quality assurance. Furthermore, the promotion of the wines is evaluated; from the presentation of the site and tourism offerings to distribution and international activities.

Over the past seven years, Château Malescasse has undergone a revolution; with changes to processes in the vineyard, winemaking practices as well as marketing efforts which contributed to earning this elite classification.

“We couldn’t be more proud of this distinction, it is the result of many years of dedicated work and a strong team effort. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the top properties in the Médoc,” said Alban Cacaret, Managing Director of Château Malescasse.

The vineyards were restructured in terms of soil, rootstock, clone and planting density, to operate in the same vein as the neighbouring Grands Crus Classés. The sustainable farming practices now center around preserving the existing biodiversity, the overall natural state of the vineyard environment and optimizing energy usage. Yields have been reduced and a rigorous grape selection process has been implemented, with only 50% used in the blend of the premier wine, compared to 80% in previous years.

All of the winemaking practices are focused on preserving the pureness of the fruit and are overseen by wine consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. A new wine cellar was created with small volume oak barrels and concrete vessels enabling harvests of single vineyard plots.

As part of the continuous efforts to create a better experience for visitors on the estate, Château Malescasse has been fully restored: the winery and the charterhouse have been fully revamped to form a living, welcoming experience, inspired by the history of the estate and the neoclassical style of the finest houses of the Médoc. The property organizes public and private events and has become a dynamic and unmissable spot on the Bordeaux wine trail. It attracts visitors from around the world, looking to experience refinement and the French art of living.

About Château Malescasse: Owned by Vignobles Austruy since 2012, Château Malescasse has been crafting its signature Bordeaux wines in the Haut-Médoc between Margaux and Saint-Julien since the early 19th century. It acquired and maintained the Cru Bourgeois status since 2003 before obtaining the Exceptionnel distinction earlier this year. The château and gardens cover over 1.5 acres surrounded by 100 acres of vineyards.

About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc:
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantees consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.

Louis Roederer Carries on its American Journey in Napa Valley

April 9, 2020 by evebushman

OAKLAND, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The story of Maison Louis Roederer’s passion for unique terroirs of Cabernet Sauvignon dates back to the early 1990s with the purchase of Château de Pez in 1995 in the renowned Bordeaux appellation of Saint-Estèphe. 2007 marked the entry of the family into the select group of 1855 Classified Grands Crus wines with the purchase of the iconic Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

Photo from Diamond Creek’s Facebook page.

“The acquisition of Diamond Creek is the continuation of our journey into the greatest appellations in the world and our relentless quest to produce great wines with strong identity. Reflective of their pioneering characters, Al and Boots Brounstein built Diamond Creek from the ground up, producing some of the most celebrated and singular wines of the region. I am delighted that, once again, we have the opportunity to carry on the opus of an iconic family and embody its values and savoir-faire,” states Frédéric Rouzaud, President & CEO of Maison Louis Roederer.

“Most important to my Mom, myself and the family was finding the right partner who would respect the legacy that she and Al built over the last 50 years, and who could even elevate that legacy. Frédéric and his family are the perfect fit,” says Phil Ross, Boots Brounstein’ son and Managing Partner.

The mutual respect and admiration between Roederer and Diamond Creek run deep — in 1997, Al and Boots Brounstein were among a small group of wine luminaries invited to Paris by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, Frédéric’s father, to celebrate the 30 greatest wines in the world on his 30-year anniversary at the helm of Louis Roederer. Their friendly relationship endured until Al’s passing and Jean-Claude’s retirement in 2006; it was carried on by Frédéric and Boots who were exploring ways to partner until she passed in July 2019 at age 92.

Phil Ross has agreed to stay at the winery for a period of time. Winemaker Phil Steinschriber, who has been with Diamond Creek since 1991, has also agreed to stay. The majority of the employees, many of whom have worked at Diamond Creek for decades, will also continue there.

Maison Louis Roederer
Originally founded in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer continues as one of the very rare Champagne houses to remain firmly in the hands of the same family, since 1832. For three centuries, seven successive generations have been responsible for building a reputation for unparalleled quality and continuity. Its focus on meticulous viticulture, best demonstrated with an ongoing conversion to organic and biodynamic vineyards, as well as precise winemaking, account for the House’s enduring excellence and success.

Since 1990, Maison Louis Roederer has strategically acquired esteemed family-owned wineries with an approach centered around identical core values, long-term vision and continuity.

Ramos Pinto (1990), Champagne Deutz and Delas Frères (1993), Château de Pez (1995), Domaines Ott (2004), Scharffenberger Cellars (2004), Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (2007) and Merry Edwards (2019).

Roederer has also established new ventures: Roederer Estate (1982) and Domaine Anderson (2012) and owns Descaves, an historic wine merchant on the Place de Bordeaux.

Diamond Creek
Founded in 1968, Diamond Creek is California’s first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard. Visionary pioneer Al Brounstein assisted by his wife Boots defied modern conventions and planted Bordeaux varietals on secluded Diamond Mountain. The four vineyards — Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill, Gravelly Meadow and Lake — produce a small amount of long-lived wines that are elegant with great depth and richness, honored and cherished by connoisseurs the world over.

One Bottle Post: 2005 Chateau De Candale

January 3, 2020 by evebushman

We did a cellar clean out a month or so ago, a few older wines came out and some newer ones went in. We try and hold all Bordeaux for a minimum of ten years. This one, the 2005 Chateau De Candale, had been languishing for 13 years just waiting for us. It was time.

2005 Chateau De Candale

Saint Émilion Grand Cru

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

14% alcohol

20-24 months in new French oak barrels.

Notes on the Grapes

While a Merlot-based wine may be lighter and have more fruit-forward notes over a Cabernet Sauvignon, the addition of Cabernet Franc gave this Merlot a nice darker quality, in my opinion. (And it was good to see that the percentage of the grapes used in the wine were given on the back label as it’s always a crapshoot with a Bordeaux as to exactly what you may be getting.) Also, with the alcohol content at 14% the wine presented bigger than Bordeaux at 13%.

Another fun fact: the price sticker was still on the bottle, we had purchased the wine at Valencia Wine Company for $42.99. Knowing this was a wine bar and retail prices can be high, I was curious as to the worth of the wine now and did a Google search of it: it was $55 in 2009 according to a WE article and $35 on release according to WS.

Tasting Notes

Color: Blackberry, some brown on the edge (again that’s indicative of age) and opaque.

Aroma: A very welcoming blend of both fruit and spice at that first whiff. Going back in I noted blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, stems, forest floor complete with wet leaves and mulch, milk chocolate, cinnamon, cedar chips.

Flavor: Layers of spice, the same dark fruit I found in the aroma, rich mouthfeel, firm tannins, coffee grounds and a lingering finish of both the spice and fruit.

Fifteen minutes later: Got a little bit of jam and tobacco on the palate in the second tasting. Also some toasted oak and bell pepper on the nose. Nothing at all unpleasant, just an observation.

Pairing: We were having ham bone soup, second day so bound to be rich and hearty. The back wine label recommended a pairing or either poultry, lamb or grilled beef. Have to say that the wine took center stage with the rather average soup.

Conclusion: 93 Eve pts. WE gave it 91 points in 2009 and WS gave it 89 points in 2008. I think the wine benefitted from more aging, though one pal had the exact same wine and vintage a month ago and said it had hit its peak. Lucky us. Was also feeling nostalgic as we were regulars at Valencia Wine Company their first ten years or so, miss them and the tasting events they threw.

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.

Alsace Rocks Now and Stay Tuned For the Main Event May 2020!

November 29, 2019 by evebushman

Have you heard of Alsace Rocks? But first, have you tried wines from Alsace, France? Alsatian wineries are currently experimenting with Syrah, produce little of one red, Pinot Noir, as well as beautiful whites such as dry Riesling, sweet Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer.

So what is Alsace Rocks? It’s a month-long celebration of Alsatian wines with events, at restaurants, wines bars and retail shops – many attended by their Grand Cru producers. The event will hit Los Angeles May 2020, after running through both New York one year and Chicago another.

Why attend? Well, in my opinion: Because the wines are stellar. This is what I wrote in a social media post regarding an event I just attended:

In a tasting of all Alsatian wines (easier to pronounce than Al-zass) I enjoyed all that we sampled, happy to learn about the charming area of France that borders Switzerland and Germany, their traditional use of the long-necked bottles that I was taught shows off their aromatics, how to pair these wines with food and that LA dwellers will soon have a full month of their own to discover all of the same things – and more.

The month-long event, Alsace Rocks, has had great success in both New York and Chicago, and is now coming to Los Angeles May 2020 to offer plenty of tasting experiences for everyone. Stay tuned to their website for details as they emerge. I will be too.

Wine we loved included Charles Baur sparkling rose of Pinot Noir, Julien Schaal Dry Riesling, Trimbach Riesling, Hugel Pinot Gris and Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer.

More

The social media post above was just one small part of what I learned during the tasting. I noted the champenoise method used to make the NV Domaine Charles Baur Crémant d’Alsace sparkling rose of 100% Pinot Noir, aged for nine months as opposed to the 12 months decreed by law in Champagne, they only make one batch a year, about $22 a bottle, and it was my favorite in the tasting.

The Julien Schaal Rangen de Thann dry Riesling is a Grand Cru and one of 15 wines to be imported regularly to the U.S. The grapes are grown in volcanic soil and in very steep terrain. I noted a medium acid and Meyer lemon, another wine I would definitely like to sample again.

Our third wine, from well-known wine brand Trimbach that was established in 1626, was an aged 100% Riesling, a 2010 Cuvee Federic Emile (named after one of their ancestors). I noted a fine balance to this one.

The 2016 Hugel Pinot Gris Classic had a striking “Corkscrew Man” logo designed by Fear and Loathing illustrator, Ralph Steadman. The wine is made from the same Pinot Grigio grape, with zero skin contact, has some residual sugar, with notes of anise on the nose as well as smoky, earthy qualities in a rich mouthfeel.

Our final wine was a 2017 Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer. The grapes had no irrigation and were hand-harvested mid-October. Lots of yellow apple and fruit cocktail, as well as the most incredible blooming rose petal aromas in this lovely gold-tinged wine.

Find most of the wines at K and L or Total Wine.

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 2/2015: Union des Grands Crus Bordeaux Tasting 2012 Vintage

April 17, 2018 by evebushman

Luckily for everyone at the Union des Grands Crus Bordeaux tasting of the 2012 vintage there already was a buzz going. It may have accounted for the long winding line, that moved really fast once the doors to the venue, the Museum of Flying at Santa Monica Airport, were thrown open.

Chad the Wino!

Guests also knew they would, “Meet the world’s greatest winemakers and Chateau owners, be among the first to taste over 100 wines from the excellent new 2012 vintage (and be tasting in) the single largest private Bordeaux wine tasting in Los Angeles” according to our hosts, Wally’s Wine and Spirits.

We were to have “An opportunity to taste the 2012 vintage from top producers from Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, St Estèphe, Listrac, Moulis, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Barsac (and) all proceeds benefitting Food on Foot.”

For me I had seen this quote from wine writer and judge Wilfred Wong that got me revved up, “One of the great tastings for anyone who really wants to understand wine is the UGC Bordeaux Event. This year the organization was presenting the 2012 Bordeaux. As I tasted through 91 wines, my palate reinforced the notion that this a good, pretty solid vintage…Overall the classifieds made very good wines. Pomerol seemed to be the best, St. Emilion was pretty good. Margaux and Pessac quite good and the northern Medoc, a shade lighter…I look forward to enjoying many of these wines over the next 6-15 years. The classifieds are amongst the most solid wine producers in the world.”

“Chad the Wino” whose real name is still unknown to me but had garnered followers by the thousands on Facebook before deserting us, said, “UGCB R-O-C-K-E-D! 75 tastes, 1 dump, no spits.”

Once there I noted several wines in the Blanc category that proved to cleanse my palate with their round fruit flavors and acidity. Most of these were made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, some also had Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle.

The Rouge category was, as is the usual case for red Bordeaux, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, some also with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, and Petit Verdot.

Our sweet Sauternes were from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, some added in Muscadelle.

In general, I found the 2012s palatable now as well as age worthy; with great balance, fruit and spice, in that order. Of my three-page tasting sheet I made several notes, but mostly just to note which I’d tasted, which I liked and which I wanted to buy. See the list below, if it’s in bold it’s one I hope to have more of! (And I certainly didn’t try everything, so use this only as a short guide.)

Facebook album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10204862697154639.1073741896.1455706632&type=1&l=77a21067f1

About The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (aka UGC)

In Bordeaux, man has learnt to extract the very essence of an exceptional terroir and an exceptional climate. Moving beyond this mastery – born of a constant concern to improve the quality of their wines – the chateaux owners experienced very early the desire to share their passion with wine lovers the world over.

It was this desire to bring to the attention of the world the best of Gironde’s production that lay at the heart, in the 1970s, of a totally innovative approach to communication.

At that time, the initiatives that the viticulturists attempted abroad were the act of rare official bodies that brought together vintages drawn from the same geographical origin: in many cases the A.O.C. (Read more here)

The Wine List

Château d’ Armailhac
Château Beaumont
Château Beauregard
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
Château Beychevelle
Château Le Bon Pasteur
Château Bouscaut
Château Branaire-Ducru
Château La Cabanne
Château de Camensac
Château Canon-La-Gaffelière
Château Cantemerle
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Château de Chantegrive
Château Chasse-Spleen
Domaine de Chevalier
Château Citran
Château Clarke
Château Clerc Milon
Château Climens
Château Clinet
Château Coufran
Château La Couspaude
Château Coutet
Château Croizet-Bages
Château Doisy Daëne
Château La Dominique
Château de Fieuzal (Blanc)

Château Fourcas Hosten
Clos Fourtet
Château Franc Mayne
Château La Gaffelière
Château Gazin
Château Giscours
Château Gloria
Château Grand-Puy Ducasse
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
Château Gruaud Larose
Château Haut-Bailly
Château Kirwan
Château Labégorce
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Château Lagrange
Château La Lagune

Château La Tour Blanche

Château La Tour Figeac

Château Langoa Barton
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion (Blanc and Rouge)
Château Lascombes
Château Latour-Martillac (Blanc and Rouge)
Château Léoville Barton
Château Léoville Poyferré
Château La Louvière (Blanc and Rouge)
Château Lynch-Bages
Château Lynch-Moussas
Château Malartic-Lagravière
Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry
Château Marquis de Terme

Château Ormes De Pez
Château Pape Clément (Blanc and Rouge)
Château de Pez
Château Phélan Ségur
Château Pichon-Longueville
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Château La Pointe
Château Poujeaux
Château Prieuré-Lichine
Château Rauzan-Gassies
Château de Rayne Vigneau
Château Saint-Pierre
Château Siran
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Château Talbot
Château du Tertre
Château La Tour Blanche
Château La Tour Carnet
Château La Tour de By
Château La Tour Figeac
Château Troplong Mondot
Château Trottevieille
Château Villemaurine

Clos Fourtet

Château Ormes De Pez
Château Pape Clément
Château de Pez
Château Phélan Ségur
Château Pichon-Longueville
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Château La Pointe
Château Poujeaux
Château Prieuré-Lichine
Château Rauzan-Gassies
Château de Rayne Vigneau
Château Saint-Pierre
Château Siran
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Château Talbot
Château du Tertre
Château La Tour Blanche
Château La Tour Carnet
Château La Tour de By
Château La Tour Figeac
Château Troplong Mondot
Château Trottevieille
Château Villemaurine

33rd Annual Winesong Event on Mendocino Coast Raises $700,000 for Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation

October 16, 2017 by evebushman

FORT BRAGG, CA – After a spectacular weekend of award-winning wine, fabulous food, fine art, music, merriment, and charitable giving, this year’s 33^rd annual Winesong was declared a resounding success, with increased auction sales and more guests than ever participating in the auctions. Held on the Mendocino Coast on September 8^th and 9^th, highlights included A Pinot Noir Celebration, the Grand Tasting event and a Live and Silent auction. Winesong is the main fundraising event benefiting the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. Produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, all proceeds go towards supporting the local Hospital that serves the entire Mendocino Coast, plus rural inland areas covering nearly half the distance to Highway 101.

Winesong 2017 kicked off on Friday, September 8th with a sold-out insider’s view of spectacular Pinot Noirs at ‘A Pinot Noir Celebration’ hosted by the Little River Inn. Guests enjoyed Pinot Noir tastings and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, along with a chance to “talk shop” with the winemakers from Mendocino County, Napa and Sonoma Counties. On Saturday, September 9^th, attendees to the Grand Tasting strolled the enchanting Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens while enjoying vintages poured by world-class wineries from Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and beyond, and bites from nearly 50 fine food purveyors. The celebration continued in the Auction Tents with the always-entertaining main attraction, the Live and Silent Auctions, where nearly 150 lots were on offer – including spectacular wines from a selection of prestigious wine producers, rare and hard-to-find vintages, special vertical and horizontal collections, original paintings and art from highly acclaimed artists, and domestic and international vacation packages.

Bidders at the Live Auction under the big tent helped raise significant funds, with a projected gross of more than $700,000 coming in from the two-day event. After covering production expenses, the Winesong net return will be used to assist the Mendocino Coast District Hospital purchase needed equipment. Some of the most coveted items were the big international trips and spectacular wine auction lots. Leading the way for bidding was a 10-day trip to South Africa, which was doubled at $21,000 per trip! Trips to Italy and Amsterdam each garnered $18,000. An unparalleled 20-bottle collection of Chateau Gruaud Larose Grand Cru went for $16,000 and a rare wine lot featuring companion vineyards from Chateau Pichon Longueville went for $17,000. Another highlight was the “Fund-A-Need” to help provide comfort and care to patients by way of upgraded beds and patient room improvements. The goal was $200,000, which was surpassed by a combination of day of bidders and pre-event gifts to raise $205,000, with 100% of these donations going directly to the Hospital.

“This year’s Winesong had a different layout than in the past, and one of the main purposes was to encourage general admission ticketholders to register for bidder paddles and join the fun,” says Jamie Peters, Event Director for Winesong. “And I’m happy to say that it worked! We had more new bidders than ever and are encouraged ourselves to continue to make it easy and convenient for all guests to participate in the auctions as well as the beautiful tasting.”

Other highlights from the live and silent auction include:

Lot 12: Artist of the Year art piece – “Barn Song” – a 30” x 30” Bas Relief – $14,000
Lot 16A: A surprise lot courtesy of Ann & Dick Grace that includes dinner for 4 at The French Laundry and large format wines from Grace Family Vineyards – $12,000
Lot 22: “Sweethearts in Paradise” – a trip for two couples to Barbados – $13,000
Lot 24: 45” x 60” giclee on canvas by the late Lowell Herrero – $15,000

“We were thrilled with the results of Winesong 2017,” states Michelle Roberts, Executive Director of the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation. “The live auction tent was filled with energy as generous donors responded to the call to action to help us fund vital equipment at Mendocino Coast District Hospital. We thank everyone who helped make the day a success. The generosity around this event is truly awe-inspiring.”

About Winesong & the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation

Winesong is produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. Its mission is to help the small rural Hospital provide the best possible medical care to residents as well as the many visitors to the Mendocino Coast. Winesong proceeds have enabled the Hospital to purchase chemotherapy equipment, portable ultrasound machines for the Emergency Room as well as a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Center, Cardiology Equipment, a Bedside Medicine Verification System and a Patient Bedside Monitoring & Alert system.

For further information, please visit http://winesong.org or call (707) 961-4688.

LES MARCHANDS ANNOUNCES THE NEW OUTLIERS WINE CLUB

October 4, 2017 by evebushman

Retail Manager Jeremy Bohrer and Private Cellar Manager Ned Creed Curate the Outliers Wine Club, Daily Drinkers Club, Santa Barbara County Club, Les Marchands Club, and the Grand Cru Club

As Santa Barbara’s premier wine merchant, Les Marchands offers a complete wine experience that includes wine pairing knowledge, dining, extensive retail selections for fulfilling personal and business gift lists, sommelier-selected wines for entertaining, exceptional wine education classes, special events and now – an expanded level of wine club membership options. This fall, Jeremy Bohrer and Ned Creed curate five Les Marchands Wine Clubs: Outliers Wine Club; Daily Drinkers Club; Santa Barbara County (SBC) Club; Les Marchands Club; and Grand Cru Club. Each club is meticulously created to introduce novel wine experiences to clients, designed to enhance personal enjoyment, education, entertaining, holiday gift-giving and beyond.

As a bonus thank-you to club members, Les Marchands kicks off their monthly allocations with a Wine Pick-Up Party. Wine club members can opt to have their allotments shipped or can stop by Les Marchands each month to share a complimentary tasting with the team. Les Marchands Wine Pick-Up Parties are scheduled towards the end of the month.

OUTLIERS WINE CLUB:

The new Outliers Club is an unusual and amazingly tasty selection. Les Marchands’ Retail Wine Manager, Jeremy Bohrer, is known for crafting a wine list featuring boundary-pushing wines from “new” Old World regions like Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Lebanon and Georgia. This limited membership allows for an eclectic, interesting, funky wine experience such as a Georgian red that spent eight years in a clay pot (qvevri) buried in the ground, or a Slovenian white that spent six months on its skins. The Outliers Club explores all 72 of the world’s wine producing countries, not just the handful of countries that most often get top billing. The Outliers Club is for those who want to push themselves and their taste buds beyond the norm.

Membership is Limited. Pricing is $39-$59 per month (Includes 2 bottles of red, white, rosé, orange, or sparkling – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

DAILY DRINKERS CLUB:

This is the club for those who drink wine daily without a sacrifice to quality. Les Marchands has the knowledge to provide club members with qualified producers making top caliber wines representing a range of regions, varieties, and vintages – all with value in mind. Wine selections are sourced from local Santa Barbara producers, across the pond or the southern hemisphere. This club exercises blatant and intentional discrimination based on quality and drinkability.

Pricing is $49 per month (Includes 2 – 3 bottles of red, white, rosé or sparkling – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (SBC) CLUB:

Santa Barbara County has the raw potential to sit right alongside the top winegrowing regions in the world. SBC Club highlights these producers who make that potential a reality. Santa Barbara County’s cool coastal influences to the west and warmer plots with expansive diurnal temperature variations in the east provide an extensive canvas for numerous varieties, resulting in wine experts claims of Santa Barbara County as the wine region that will gain the most global prominence over the next ten years. The SBC Wine Club is a mix of hard-to-find gems, recognizable names, and highly discoverable young producers. The same consideration is given to a multitude of grapes, regardless of color, thickness of skin, or regional claim within Santa Barbara County.

Pricing is $79 per month (Includes 2 – 3 bottles of red, white or rosé – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

LES MARCHANDS CLUB:

Les Marchands Club is a personal club of favorites curated by our staff. They select three wines of the season from around the globe that show a traditional representation of the varietal from the region. Expect a French-focused fetish to help learn a great deal about the classic regions. Also showcased are established producers and under-the-radar vintners from Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain and Santa Barbara County, in addition to wines from discerning producers in more obscure locations. The Les Marchands Wine Club is aimed towards classic and/or traditional vignerons, long-standing family histories, a mindset of natural production and hands-off winemaking practices.

Pricing is $99 per month (Includes 3 bottles of red, white, rosé or sparkling – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

GRAND CRU CLUB:

Les Marchands takes the guesswork out of Burgundy. For those bitten by the Burgundy bug, the team explores this blessed rabbit hole, and as those who have gone before can attest, few descents are more thrilling. The Les Marchands network of importers eliminate the challenge of finding producers with history and exceptional pedigree.

Pricing is $249 per month (Includes 2 – 3 bottles of Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir – no substitutions). Shipments and billing will continue monthly until subscriber cancellation.

ABOUT ALL CLUBS:

Each delivery includes wine descriptions, tasting notes, food pairing suggestions and producer highlights.
Club payment is applied monthly; applicable tax and shipping charges apply.
Shipments commence on or around the 3rd Monday of each month or schedule pick-up at Les Marchands.

Membership also includes a monthly Wine Pick-Up Party.

For further information, contact Les Marchands at 805.284.0380 or email info@lesmarchandswine.com

Wine Club Memberships are available now; requests must be secured by emailing info@lesmarchandswine.com or calling Les Marchands at 805.284.0380.

Pick-Up Parties are scheduled towards the end of every month; wine club orders are also available for monthly shipment.

WHERE:

Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant

131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101

At the Corner of Yanonali and Anacapa

For further information and to make reservations contact: 805.284.0380 or email inquiries@lesmarchandswine.com

About Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant

Awarded the “Wine Bar of the Year” by Imbibe, and one of the 21 Best Wine Bars in the country by Thrillist, Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant is led by a world-class team of certified sommeliers and wine professionals with more than 100 combined years of experience in the wine and hospitality industries. Hailing from some of the most prestigious restaurants and wine retailers from around the country, the Les Marchands team enthusiastically brings their love for and deep knowledge of wine to confidently guide each guest through an outstanding wine experience matching every palate and budget with wines to enjoy in the wine bar or to take home. Product knowledge and personalized service is lived out daily at Les Marchands and is incorporated into every phase of the business from private cellar consultation to custom tasting events to the wildly popular Les Marchands Wine Club. The wines curated by the sommeliers represent quality-conscious producers – imports are Eurocentric, from the most relevant producers in France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and beyond. On the domestic side, the focus relies heavily on local Santa Barbara County producers who are shaping and redefining the region. A full bar of handcrafted artisan spirits complements Les Marchands’ extensive wine program with classic stirred cocktails made in the old-school traditional way. These include such favorites as The Vesper, Hanky Panky or the Bijou just to name a few. Chef Weston’s bistro menu showcases seasonally inspired food for supper nightly from 5 pm, weekend brunch from 11am-3 pm and an extensive selection of cheese and charcuterie every afternoon from 3 pm-5 pm.

About Jeremy Bohrer

Jeremy Bohrer is a veteran wine and spirits professional with over seventeen years working the vast wine world, including wholesale, retail, restaurant and production endeavors. His early experience as a wine rep for Constantine Wines led him to California in 2000. He worked as a manager at Bacchus, a small family owned wine shop in Manhattan Beach and was a manager at Trader Joe’s where Bohrer was in charge of overseeing the wine sections of multiple locations and developed “Wine 101,” a course that was used to train company employees throughout California. His other roles include eight years with K&L Wine Merchants as the Burgundy Department liaison. By 2014, Bohrer opened own small business, Still, – a retail space devoted to the art of cocktail craftsmanship. Still sold all things cocktail related, from mixers and bitters to shakers and vintage barware. The following year Bohrer also opened his own wine bar, Five & ¼ which focused solely on Old World wines from France, Spain, Italy and more unfamiliar regions like Croatia, Slovenia, Georgia and Hungary. As Retail Wine Manager for Les Marchands, Jeremy Bohrer brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for all things wine to the operation.

About Ned Creed

A Marin County native, Ned grew up a stone’s throw from wine country, providing him exposure to numerous producers at an early age. He embarked on a professional career with Benchmark Wine Group in 2005, focusing on import logistics, sourcing wines throughout Europe, private collection appraisals and acquisitions. Over the course of eight years, Benchmark grew from five employees to a global operation, handling cellars for a preferred core of rare wine collectors. Ned’s business travels include the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and numerous cities throughout the United States. Moving to Les Marchands in January 2013 brought Ned a welcome shift – reconnecting with producers in the most prominent wine regions and providing personal attention to individuals as they manage their private collections.

For further information on Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant visit:

www.lesmarchandswine.com

Become a fan of Les Marchands on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesMarchandssb/

Follow Les Marchands on Twitter: @lesmarchandssb

From LocalWineEvents.com – Heart of Burgundy Wine & Food Tour

August 16, 2017 by evebushman

Five full days plus dinner with your guide on the evening of your arrival day – October 9th to October 14th, Cost: 2,775 euros per person – maximum 6 guests.

In October 2017 there will be a totally unique, wonderful wine tour in Burgundy and you can still join it! It includes a cellar visits, barrel tasting, cheese and wine pairing, truffle hunt, wine and chocolate tasting, vineyard visits and the most delicious dishes you could ever hope to enjoy…

A Wine and Food Tour with a difference

This is a wine tour in Burgundy that’s like no other. It will be limited to just six people and for five full days and two evenings you’ll not only be totally spoiled but will enjoy an introduction to stunning Burgundy in a unique and fabulous way. You don’t need to know anything about wine to enjoy this trip which takes in some of the most famous and beautiful vineyards in the world, although if you do, you will already know how amazing the wines of Burgundy can be.

The adventure starts in the medieval town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, home of the famous Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune) a former charitable almshouse founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor. The Hospices de Beaune is one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture, its polychrome roofs and a renowned vineyard make this museum one of Burgundy’s gems. of course you’ll be visiting this with a private guide and tasting some of the amazing wines during the course of our cellar visits during the week.

Wine tasting, gourmet food and spell-binding villages in Burgundy

Each day on the trip you’ll be visiting different domains – some of them opening their doors especially for you. You’ll enjoy some of the very best wines and gourmet food in the most beautiful parts of Burgundy .

Discover then the authentic Heart of Burgundy on my fun and informative wine and food tour in the beautiful Côte d’Or (the golden slopes) of Burgundy. In my 12th season of tours, I am very passionate and proud of this historic and diverse wine region which led me to create a special signature tour to share the treasures of Burgundy’s ‘terroir’ from carefully selected cellars to delicious cheeses, regional specialities and a whole lot more, with you.

Arrival Day: (Evening) – Meet with your guide for the week at 19h30 at your hotel in Beaune for a welcome dinner at a beautiful 1* Michelin restaurant in the heart of Beaune.

Day 1 – Wine Tasting lunch in gorgeous Cote Chalonnaise

Today you will meet, talk and taste with some welcoming winemakers in their delightful cellars in these picturesque villages. Tasting both pinot noir and chardonnay from different producers, the highlight of the day is our leisurely tasting lunch, pairing excellent wines with a four course lunch at a chateau estate in the village of Mercurey.

Day 2 – Private Cooking Course, Lunch, Vineyard Tour & Tasting

Learn to cook traditional Burgundian fare with our French chef in his renovated family home in a famous wine village (or if you prefer, modern French cuisine with a Burgundian twist in a professional kitchen (exclusive to our clients) inclusive of aperitifs and a three course lunch. Morning cooking session followed by a delicious lunch with wine and after lunch touring the famous vineyards & villages of the Cote de Nuits, stopping for an excellent cellar visit in one of the renowned wine villages, tasting from village to grand cru wines and including a walk through the vineyards to the famous cross of Romanee Conti. The vineyard of Romanee Conti produces the most expensive wine in the world! You will also be able to experience a visit to the Chateau de Clos Vougeot built be cistercian monks before the french revolution.

Day 3 – Cote de Beaune, Wine & Chocolate

Today it’s the turn of the Cote de Beaune famed for its magnificent chardonnays (amongst the best in the world) & lighter red pinots. First stop in Meursault tasting some lovely reds and whites from both barrel and bottles followed by a tour of the famed grand cru vineyards of Meursault, Puligny Montrachet & Chassagne Montrachet amongst others. After a delicious typically Burgundian lunch in Volnay (on the terrace if fine) we take a break from tasting on a leisurely spectacular drive up into Hautes Cotes where you will be entirely surrounded by vineyards and enjoying some of the finest views in Burgundy. Our final visit of the day is an artisanal chocolate shop where I will show you how well certain wines pair with the right chocolate.

Day 4 – Truffle Hunt, Cheese Tasting & Bubbles Day

First stop is to a family owned cheese venue, where you will enjoy some of the very typical, unpasturised cheeses of Burgundy pairing with both red and white wines. Next is a truffle hunt with a very cute dog and his master in a little forest in the Burgundian countryside set against the backdrop of an wonderful 11th Century chateau. After sampling some of their delicious truffle specialities, we drive to a neighbouring village for a lovely lunch in rustic surroundings. An enjoyable drive through the hills and villages leads us to the vllage of Savigny les Beaune where you will have your first taste of sparkling wine ‘Cremant de Bourgogne’ – Burgundy’s answer to champagne in wine domaine of several generations.

Day 5– Market Day in Beaune.

This morning you will have some time on your own meandering around Beaune’s spectacular market, full of colourful vegetables and fruits, delicious cheeses, olives and pates. With all the wonderful shops in Beaune you may wish to fit in some last minute shopping before departure. After lunch (at your own choice – maybe a picnic from your purchases at the market) we will visit the only remaining mustard museum where you will be able to mix your own mustard. The last cellar visit of the week will be in the oldest cellars in Beaune for our private candlelit wine tasting. This evening I invite you to join me for a last night gourmet dinner in a little village on the outskirts of Beaune, enjoying aperitifs on the terrace before dinner.

Additional Tour Day:

Medieval Burgundy

Enjoy a relaxed day in stunning medieval villages filled with flowers and boasting gorgeous views. First stop Semur en Auxois with its four turrets towering over the River Armancon, stopping at the market & relaxing with a drink. Next is Flavigny sur Ozerain, classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (of ‘Chocolat’ fame), in time to enjoy a leisurely walking tour through Flavigny’s delightful streets followed by a delicious lunch at a Ferme Auberge run by local farmers’ wives with fresh produce from their farms & gardens. After lunch, a fun & informative tasting of local wines before driving across country to Chateauneuf en Auxois with its fairytale 12C Château, returning to Beaune taking the scenic route through the beautiful Ouche Valley

This tour can be customised for private groups. The tour price does not include accommodation but the accommodation can be arranged for you through Burgundy on a Plate

Burgundy on a Plate
Boulevard Clemenceau
Beaune, Bourgogne 21200

http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/670353/Beaune-Heart-of-Burgundy-Wine-Food-Tour-October-9th-to-October-14th