Eve's Wine 101

Ember Restaurant at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Receives Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” for 2021

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FORT MCDOWELL, Ariz. /PRNewswire/ — Today, the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is thrilled to announce that Ember, its fine dining restaurant, has received Wine Spectator‘s esteemed “Best of Award of Excellence.”  The honor recognizes recipients that offer extensive selections with excellent breadth across multiple regions and significant vertical depth, and Ember is now one of 19 restaurants (out of nearly 9,000) in Arizona – and one of approximately 1,000 around the world – to receive this award.

This is the second time that the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has been lauded by this highly regarded industry publication.  In 2006, the Ahnala Mesquite Room received the “Award of Excellence,” recognizing the restaurant’s wine list that featured a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.  The fact that the tribal nation has now been granted two Wine Spectator awards for excellence – an achievement rare among tribal casinos – affirms their commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience.

“American restaurants are back in business, as patrons are eagerly returning to dining rooms across the nation,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “In this year’s Restaurant Awards issue, we reflect on how restaurateurs navigated this incredibly difficult period, and look ahead, with every indication that the coming year will be one of the most promising in decades for an industry we all love. It’s been a long road back, and it feels wonderful to celebrate restaurants and all they bring to the world of wine.”

“The ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ really belongs to our advanced sommelier Dennis Payne, whose 31 years of experience and painstaking efforts over the past year have resulted in this impeccable award-winning wine list,” added Zac Gallo, Executive Director of Food and Beverage for the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.  “Not only has Dennis cultivated an extensive  wine and spirit program, but he ensures the proper care, storage and handling of our collection to maximize our guests’ dining experiences.”

Ember’s wine program covers seventeen countries, focusing on each country’s top wine-producing regions and most highly acclaimed vineyards.  It includes 517 wines by the bottle and 26 wines by the glass – ranging from a strong California presence to Barbaresco, Rioja, New Zealand, Argentina and Germany – along with 30 Dessert Wines from across the globe as well as 15 Ports and Madeiras.

In addition, Ember has a special page in their 37-page wine list titled “The Century Club,” dedicated to the world’s top 100-point wines.  Curated for fine wine collectors, this list contains 32 critically acclaimed wines spanning more than two decades that have scored a perfect 100 points.

Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 1,673; 1,141; and 103 winners this year in each respective category.

All award winners will be featured in Wine Spectator‘s special 40th Anniversary Restaurant Awards issue, available to readers today.

For more information on Ember, visit www.wekopacasinoresort.com/dining/ember.

About Ember

A destination dining experience at the new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Ember is run by critically acclaimed Chef de Cuisine Richard Pelz.  In addition to an exhaustive wine and spirit library, the restaurant features the highest quality USDA Prime and Angus Wagyu beef, game and seafood from around the world, carefully prepared over a custom wood burning grill. Signature items include their Ujih Hot Stone appetizer, Seafood Tower, Snake River Farms Wagyu Striploin, Braised Buffalo Short Rib, and Ember Flaming Liquid Chocolate Truffle.
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The energetic dining space overlooks the all-scratch kitchen with views of the culinary team, and seasonal outdoor dining by the fireplace is also available. A separate piano lounge with live entertainment five nights a week adds to the dynamic vibe.

Vintage Eve: My Favorite Wines and Cocktails from 2016

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In writing wine and spirit reviews, which include comprehensive tasting notes on appearance, aroma, flavor and sometimes a score, it would be remiss for me not to explain that even when I’m not working on an article I will still employ some of these same methods when drinking wine for pleasure with friends or at a large commercial tasting event. Those wines, sans actual notes, are the ones I want to share today.

2016 Cocktails on the Roof.

Why? Because sometimes we make our buying choices dependent on numerical scores from critics. While that is fine, especially if you have found a critic that has a similar palate as yours (you agree with his scores) it also reduces the time spent trying wines on your own, and finding them not to be enjoyable, which can be costly.

Some pals have also reached out to me, believing they will like what I like, and have asked me to share my favorites. So this article is for them as well. (Please keep in mind these are wines and cocktails I enjoyed in 2016 alone.)

And now, without further adieu:

Remarkable vintage years I did note – so it will be easier if you want to duplicate the experience – I found via my Facebook photographs: 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Bual Madeira, 2003 Tramin Cerveny (Czech dessert wine), 2000 Don Melchor Puente Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Champagne, 2004 Robert Mondavi Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape, 2014 Turley from Howell Mountain, Pesenti Vineyard and Dogtown Vineyard, 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a 2006 Backus, 2015 Trombetta Chardonnay, 2015 J. Lohr White Riesling, 2005 Robert Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, 2007 Kosta Browne 4-Barrel Pinot Noir, 2013 Beekeeper Zinfandel Rockpile Appellation, 2005 Chateau Canon, 2013 Hearst Pergola Petite Sirah, 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, 2012 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel, 2012 Kynsi Pinot Noir, 2012 Colome Estate Malbec, 2012 Dilecta Unorthodox, 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, 2013 Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 and 2013 Cabernet Franc all from Crocker and Starr.

In general, wines that I enjoyed but didn’t note the various vintage years were from Backus, Insignia, Le Mistral, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (all from Joseph Phelps club membership), Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, every vintage of Phifer Pavitt DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon, various Del Dotto wines, all wines from Stolpman Vineyards, Silver Oak, Carlisle Mourvedre, Pure Cru wines by Mitch Cosentino, non vintage Champagne Jacquart, Pulchella Zinfandel, Stillman Petite Sirah, Regusci Patriarch, Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Larner Vineyard, Ferrari Trento, Derby Wine Estates, Oso Libre, Frick, Mystic Hills, Calcareous, Workman Ayer Defacto Red Rhone blend, Jaffurs, Epoch Estate, Whalebone, Casa Dumetz, Zaca Mesa, Tercero, Four Brix, Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, Cellardoor Winery Blueberry wine, wines that my local winemakers serve up every year at Sunset in the Vineyard…

Cocktails: Everything I could get my hands on at Cocktails on the Roof, which included these three award winners: Bourbon Bramble from Newhall Refinery, Trader Vics inspired Mai Tai at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and the Manhattan from Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. I also enjoyed: the Manhattan made by 12 Bottle Bar authors Lesley and David Solmonson, Frozen Margaritas, single barrel tequila and Horchata at solita, Bloody Mary at Egg Plantation, Perfect Rob Roy from The Social, Cucumber Soju Cocktail served up by Xevichez Sushi Bar, Black Manhattan at Bacari PDR, a Moscow Mule I made with Cherry Ginger Beer and a Negroni with St George Gin, Bowen’s Whiskey, Black Momma Vodka, whatever I get to taste with the L.A. Scotch Club and a 10 year old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon I nabbed from a pal.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), 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.

New Jersey’s Liberty Hall Museum Opens First Exhibit Of Its Kind Exploring American History Through Wine And Spirits

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UNION, N.J. (PRWEB) – The Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University and The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) are proud to announce the opening of “History in a Bottle,” a permanent exhibit that showcases American history through an unparalleled collection of wines and spirits that date as far back as 1796. The wine and spirits on display and in the Liberty Hall cellar have been preserved by natural cork, allowing for museum visitors to experience a living history of the United States through the centuries. In honor of Independence Day, the exhibit opened to the public on July 4, 2019.

This comprehensive collection includes ancient Madeira from the early days of the American Republic, Civil War-era Bourbon, fine wine imports, Prohibition-era spirits, and early American wines from California, making this exhibit the first of its kind in the United States. The exhibit also offers visitors a glimpse into the science and history of natural cork and its modern applications.

As part of the exhibit opening, the museum and APCOR hosted private previews for media, who had the exclusive opportunity to taste a rare Old Verdelho Madeira from the mid-19th century and a Bourbon from 1887 that were rediscovered during restorations at the museum in 2015.

“Our mission is to offer all museum visitors a journey through time as we recreate American history through the experiences of our iconic family. This exhibition goes back hundreds of years and alcohol evidently played an important role in the beginning of our country,” says Mr. John Kean Sr., President of Liberty Hall Museum. “This is a different way to look at the history of the United States of America. We typically rely on paper documents, artifacts, letters, but liquor is just as important.”

The wines and spirits in this exhibition were collected by the Livingston and Kean families over the course of nearly two centuries. Approximately 40 demijohns, large, bulbous bottles that hold 5 gallons, and six cases of Madeira dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries were found along with over 300 bottles of fine wines and spirits during a refurbishment project. Several bottles of Madeira included in the collection were imported in 1796 and were possibly purchased to celebrate the election of President John Adams. They were ordered by Robert Lenox, Esq., a banker and financier who was known to import Madeira in barrels and demijohns, and then bottle and label the Madeira with handwritten tags.

Other highlights on display at the museum include 1837 Jamaican Rum, 1884 Martinez Vintage Port, 1884 Old Crow Bourbon, 1905 Château Mouton Rothschild, 1922 Château d’Yquem, 1926 Krug Champagne, 1926 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, c.1934 Laphroaig 14 Years Old Scotch, 1935 Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, 1936 Wente Bros Sweet Semillon, c. 1940 Bacardi Rum, and 1943 Marc Brédif Vouvray.

After their discovery, several bottles in this collection were opened and tasted, and found to be in perfect condition, preserved from the time of the early American republic until today in glass bottles with natural cork stoppers. In December 2018, a portion of the collection was auctioned by Christie’s in New York City. The highest price realized was for a demijohn of 1846 Madeira that sold for $39,000. For additional background on the discovery and Christie’s sale, visit the online feature Discovered: One of the largest collections of early Madeira in the United States.

“We are honored to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the historical intersection of Portuguese and American cultures. The wines and spirits that are exhibited in the museum are not just relics – inside is living history,” says João Rui Ferreira, President of APCOR. “The fact that we can taste today what our forebearers tasted over 200 years ago is amazing, and we are proud that natural cork has played such an important role in preserving wine and making this miracle possible.”

The exhibit was curated through a joint effort between Liberty Hall Museum and Colangelo & Partners, the premier wine and spirits communications agency in the United States. The “History in a Bottle” logo was developed by students at Kean University.

Liberty Hall Museum is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tours leave every hour; the last tour leaves the hour prior to closing. For more information, please visit http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/ or call the museum office at 908.527.0400.

For more information about natural cork, please visit http://www.apcor.pt/en/ and 100percentcork.org and follow us on Facebook (100PercentCork), Instagram (100PercentCork), and Twitter (100PercentCork).

About APCOR – http://www.apcor.pt/en/
The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) exist to promote natural cork and its products. APCOR is the employers’ association of the cork sector that represents, promotes and carries out research in the Portuguese cork industry. It was created in 1956 and is based in Santa Maria de Lamas, in the council of Santa Maria da Feira, at the heart of the cork industry around 30 kilometers from Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Membership of the association is open to all companies operating in the fields of production, marketing or export of cork products. The organization advocates on behalf of the Portuguese cork industry worldwide and is the driving force of an industry based on tradition, innovation and sustainability.

About Liberty Hall Museum – http://www.kean.edu/libertyhall/
Liberty Hall Museum, originally constructed in 1760, was built as a country getaway by the then prominent New York lawyer, William Livingston. Livingston would go on to serve in the First and Second Continental Congresses, become New Jersey’s first elected governor and sign the United States Constitution. The Kean family was the second generation to live at Liberty Hall, taking over the original estate in 1811. Multiple generations of the Keans continued to live at the estate until 1995, and the home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. The Kean family has worked to preserve and enhance the estate’s invaluable character.

Favorite Wines and Spirits of the Presidents

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In November of 2012, George Washington’s fabled Mt. Vernon Distillery was reopened. Today a meticulous recipe of the popular 1799 blend by our first president, is taking the rye whiskey market by storm. I have it on good authority that the president’s whiskey was not only the rage of the day, it made Mr. Washington a very wealthy man. The Mt. Vernon Distillery was renown as the largest distillery in the fledgling republic. I can personally attest to the fact that it is an exceptional whiskey. Comprised of 60% rye, 35% corn, and 5% malted barley. It is aged 2 years, and with an alcohol content of 43%, and well-worth the $95 price tag. A special batch will soon be released, and will retail for $185 a bottle. I have already placed my order. (For more on rye whiskey, see our archives. I have an article, “Rye Renaissance” which was published on 3-21-13).

old quakerWhat other spirits did our country’s father imbibe? Madeira was the typical way he ended his day. Madeira is a fortified wine with an added distilled beverage, usually brandy. The final product has typically an alcohol content of 20%. The most desirable styles of fortified wines hail from the Madeira Islands, Portugal, and Spain.

It seems our country’s father also had a sweet tooth. In May of 1787, while Thomas Jefferson was in France, he purchased 30 case of Chateau d’Yquem Sauterne for the general, and 10 cases for himself. (For more on Sauternes, do a search in our archives. I have an article entitled, “Semillon: France’s Unsung Hero,” which was published 9-12-13).

There is also documented evidence that along with Madeira being the wine of choice for Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Marshall, our founding fathers christened the USS Constitution with a bottle of Madeira. John Adams was also quite the beer drinker. He is purported to have started his day with a tankard. Both James Madison and James Monroe preferred ale.

Thomas Jefferson definitely knew his way around a vineyard. He owned a winery and hoped that his Sangiovese grapes would flourish in Monticello. Unfortunately, both of his Virginia vineyards failed. He also had a taste for French wines and believed Chateau d’Yquem’s Sauterne, to be the best representative of the sweet dessert wine. Mr. Jefferson’s expertise also extended to wines from Italy, Spain, and Portugal. America’s aficionado was also responsible for stocking the wine cellrs of the first 5 presidents.

Here are some other fun facts about spirits in the early beginnings of our country. Before Paul Revere departed on his now famous, “Midnight Ride,” he warmed up with 2 tankards of rum. Incidentally, rum was New Englad’s longest thriving business. At the signing of the of the Declaration of Independence, the founders had on hand quite a selection of wines. It has been reported there were 50 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of Claret, and 22 bottles of Port. The Star Spangled Banner was originally played to the tune of a drinking song. My favorite, Bourbon whiskey, is an American creation. By an Act of Congress, it is the official spirit of the United States of America.

Let’s make a quick rundown on other presidents and their alcohol of choice. Andrew Jackson was known to drink his whiskey straight. At state functions, the Jackson’s served “Daniel Webster’s Punch,” the jungle juice of the day. Martin Van Buren drank so much whiskey, his friends nicknamed him “Blue Whiskey Van.” James Buchanan had an educated palate. He preferred Bordeaux, Champagne and Cognac. When neither was available, he settled for whiskey. Abraham Lincoln did not drink, but he was invested in the spirits industry. My small batch bourbon of choice Knob Creek, other than sharing the name of our 16th president’s birthplace, the two have no other connection. Contrary to popular belief, Andrew Johnson was not an alcoholic. In fact he almost never had a drink. Unfortunately, on the day of his inauguration, he shared a few drinks with close friends. Since he did not know how to hold his liquor, he got drunk. Pity his father did not teach him a general lesson of the day. “Teach a boy how to sit a saddle, and teach him how to hold a drink.” Ulysses S. Grant, on the other hand, was known for his penchant for Old Crow Whiskey and cigars. Known to have smoked up to 20 cigars a day, he died of throat cancer. forefathers

Moving right along, I found that James Garfield was a whikey drinker and his successor, Chester A. Arthur, habitually enjoyed a bottle of Claret with his dinner. Grover Cleveland was big on beer. He is reputed to have enjoyed several frothy ones throughout the day. Perhaps there’s more behind the story of how he once got stuck in the bath tub. Both Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft were fond of cocktails. It was once reported that TR said he was “bully for a Marconi Cocktail, gin of course.” President Taft liked orange juice. He regularly started his day with Bronx Cocktail.

Herbert Hoover loved his martinis, stirred, not shaken. Shaking would obviously bruise the gin, and on occasion garnish his drink with an olive. The “Stanford Man” viewed a martini as the only suitable cocktail for America’s elite. Not only did Franklin Delano Roosevelt repeal Prohibition, FDR was quite the drinking man. He particularly enjoyed scotch and brandy. As was the custom of his day, he was also fond of cocktails. His favorite,  a Haitian Libation. Supposedly when FDR, Churchill, and Stalin met in Yalta, Ukraine, Stalin brought gifts of Georgian Brandy. Being no less the gentleman, FDR mixed up a pitcher of martinis.
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When Stalin was asked if he enjoyed the drink, the Soviet leader replied, “It was OK, but a bit cold on my stomach.”

Dwight Eisenhower preferred to drink scotch. Johnny Walker Black was his preference. His supporters wore, “I like Ike,” buttons. I wonder if in the privacy of the White House, he wore a button touting his favorite brand of Scotch whiskey. John F. Kennedy typically enjoyed a martini and a Cuban cigar at the end of the day. He smoked a brand known as Demi Tasse. In Cuba and the rest of the world, these cigars were marketed under the name, Petit Upmann. Mrs. Kennedy, on the other hand, adored a good daiquiri. During official state functions, the favored wine of Camelot, was of course, French Champagne. In an ironic twist, Nikita Khrushchev claimed that the martini was America’s most lethal weapon. Lyndon Johnson enjoyed his scotch, and Cutty Sark was his brand of choice. LBJ claimed that a dash of soda water was an excellent addition to open up the whiskey’s flavor. Richard Nixon often relaxed by playing poker and enjoying a rum and Coke. “Tricky Dick,” actually earned his way through college with his winnings from the card table. At state functions, the Nixon White House is purported to have served California wines to his guests, while he secretly enjoyed a Bordeaux wine. However, on his historic trip to the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Nixon toasted his hosts with a Schramsburg Blanc de Blanc.

Let’s press on. Gerald Ford was a gin and tonic man, and also had a penchant for the martini. He once stated that the “Three martini lunch was the epitome of American efficiency.” Ronald Reagan prefered cocktails, he was known to have satisfied his sweet tooth with more than just jelly beans. His drink of choice, an “Orange Blossom.” Being a proud Californian, during White House official functions the sparkling wine of choice was from Napa Valley. George H. W. Bush continued the Reagan tradition of serving California wines in the White House. His palate seemed to favor our dry reds.

President Clinton seems to be a risk taker in more ways than one. His favorite cocktail is a “Snake Bite” made with Yukon Jack whiskey. Being quite the contemporary, Bill also enjoys tequila. Since the former president likes to play his sax, I wonder if he ever invited rockers, Van Halen, over for a jam session and to imbibe on Sammy Hagar’s renown tequila. We are all aware George Bush’s struggles with substance abuse. By his own account, his days at Yale University were either in a drunken stupor or a smoke filled haze. I wonder what was his marijuana of choice? Considering he speaks Spanish fluently, I’d hazard to guess his preference was “Acapulco Gold.” As for Barack Obama, not only does our presient try to find common ground with everyone, his drinking habits seem to portray the same characteristics. The president especially likes tequila, preferably when mixed as a Margarita. He also enjoys martinis, sparkling wine, and beer.

If you know the drink preference of any of the presidents that I did not include, please feel free to fill in the gaps. It is fascinating to learn how drinking habits and customs have changed over the decades.

With that in mind, I wonder what history’s conquerors preferred in the way of libation? “But that my friends, is a different story … “

Taste of Sta. Rita Hills with Antonio Moretti

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During a recent trip to the Lompoc Ghetto (see story in the Oct/Nov issue of Elite magazine) the first ghetto room owner that I interviewed, with 30 years of experience in the wine business, was Antonio Moretti.

Moretti said that he “moved here for the wine that is produced here,” with a special nod to the western side as it’s more European in style.   The “unique flavors that remind me of Europe, a little Burgundy.  Each vineyard has its own flavor. It’s not the winemaker, it’s the grapes that are unique in flavor.”

Sign at Taste of Sta Rita HillsThen I watched and listened as Moretti described each wine, winery, winemaker, appellation…etc., of every wine he poured.  The attention to detail, and his obvious passion to the task, were forefront.  I could not help but comment that I had not experienced such devotion – to other winemakers – from the people that have poured for me in other winery collective tasting rooms.

As I took diligent notes as Moretti spoke, my own tasting notes were lacking.   If Moretti hadn’t been so interesting the case may have been opposite.  But I believe you will gain more from his knowledge than my own meager one in comparison.  But, as I couldn’t resist, I pulled out one descriptor for every wine I tasted that grabbed me – like an inkblot test and I wrote down the first thing that came to mind.

Tasting Sta. Rita Hills

Moretti Bianchetto, 2011: This is what Moretti drinks at home.  He said it was light, dry, crisp and focused; and good with food.  The grapes are picked earlier, which allows for the 12 percent alcohol.  Moretti likes lower alcohol for two reasons: he can drink it throughout a meal and the wines have brighter acidity because the fruit was not overripe when picked.  The bright acidity “keeps the palate clean.”  All house wines are low alcohol in Europe, Moretti said, but as Americans want a glass of wine to stand alone there is traditionally more alcohol and less acidity in our wines here.  My one descriptor: Lychee.

El Rey Pinot Noir 2011: Susan and Derek McLeish own the winery.  It is a small production farm in a micro climate area about a mile from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA border.  They only give their Garagiste wines to the tasting room to sell, according to Moretti, whatever they haven’t consumed themselves.  They have full bodied fruit from their vineyards, and the cooler nights creates a thicker skinned grape and darker colored wine.  My one descriptor: Cinnamon.

Seagrape Pinot Noir, Jump Up Vineyard, 2010: The winery has nothing to do with Buttonwood but Karen Steinwachs, the winemaker at Buttonwood, is the owner and sole winemaker at Seagrape.  She used two to three year old barrels and blended grapes from two different vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills.  Moretti said the wine was both drinkable and age-able, and a typical example of a Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir.  He said that the east AVA area makes a unique Pinot Noir that stands alone, while the western AVA needs food.  He added that this Pinot was a good pairing wine; and with duck or boar, the wine blooms.  My one descriptor: Cherry.

Ken Brown Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee 2010: Moretti said that this wine was good with food and could also stand alone as it was balanced, and grown from the warmer side of Sta. Rita Hills.  Brown used 50% Rio Vista fruit (which gives the fruit-forward impact because it is warmer there), and the balance comes from two cooler weather spots – Rancho La Vina and Rita’s Crown.  With 2012 Ken will be bottling a single vineyard Pinot Noir from Rita’s Crown,- and Moretti suggests we try that.   My one descriptor: Cherry.

Kessler-Haak Syrah, Lafond Vineyard 2010: Moretti said that they purchased the fruit from Lafond.  As this one had higher acidity Moretti sent his assistant out to bring us back some Italian salami to try with it.  The salami “reduces acid and the flavor pops” Moretti said.  It would be good with BBQ or steak.  A north Rhone style grape grown in cooler weather, again producing thicker skin and more pigmentation.  My one descriptor: Red fruit.

Cebada, Forbidden Fruit Libation: Cebada is a farm (Forbidden Fruit Orchards) in a unique micro-climate, and grows berries, bananas, guava, kiwi, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Moretti finds owner Sandra Newman’s port-style blueberry wine interesting winemaking – as it tastes like port.  She aged the berries in French barrels, adds sugar and brandy (making it fortified) but no grapes.  I thought this one required a longer one descriptor: needs-a-pancake.

Gypsy Canyon, Ancient Vine Angelica, Marcelina’s Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills: This is a fortified dessert wine, and according to Moretti it’s between a Madeira and a Sauterne.  He suggested that we pair it with cheese.  The Franciscans in the San Gabriel Mission began making this wine in 1771.  My one descriptor: Intense.

Moretti at Taste of Sta Rita HillsAbout The Tasting Room(s)

Taste of Sta. Rita Hills* is a wine tasting room and retail store located in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto owned by Antonio Moretti and dedicated to representing local producers who do not have tasting rooms regularly open to the public: The current list of wineries they represent are: Clos Pepe, Seasmoke, Brewer-Clifton, Gypsy Canyon, El Rey, Thorne, Ken Brown, Walt, Seagrape, Ryan Cochrane, Cebada Forbidden Fruit, Dolina, Kessler-Haak, Rarus, Kita’ and Moretti.

And when you are there, make a point of visiting with Moretti’s wife, Jeni, at the Moretti Wines’ tasting room a ghetto-block away.  “At Moretti, we are dedicated to producing well-balanced, food-friendly wines in a European tradition.”

(*Editor’s note: The abbreviation of Santa Rita Hills into Sta. Rita Hills is the accepted title of the AVA.)

Eve Writes: The Classic Fills Your Glass: A Roomy Evening, Sweet Comments and Heaps of Thanks

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Vine 2 Wine, in this its second year morphed with The SCV Wine Classic, has successfully created an event that leaves nothing, sans your own notes on the wines, left to the imagination.  Let me explain…

Vine 2 Wine, run for nearly a decade by the former Betty Ferguson Foundation, was a lovely afternoon affair with wines to taste, a raffle, music, and great food in an event that would benefit and empower women in SCV.  The Classic, run for two decades, was an evening affair that included personal cellar and winery donations, live music and a raffle that benefited the SCV Student Orchestra.

This year the two events, more than aptly tied together a second time by The SCV Wine Classic’s wine chair Jeff Jacobson and Circle of Hope’s Executive Director Ray Tippet, is now a night time affair and included three rooms inside the Santa Clarita Activities Center, samples from dozens of wineries, personal cellars, a taste of a 150 year old wine – with Abe Lincoln if one desired – an art exhibit, a raffle room, dessert room, dining options, live music and the Beer Garden of Hope.

For me, being able to wander freely from room to room, never encountering a line more than two people deep at any of the wine tables, and plenty of photo ops of happy people…equaled success!

(Note: All of the group photos I took were on assignment for The Magazine of Santa Clarita.  Check the next issue to see up to 20 pics – and many more smiling faces.  http://www.santaclaritamagazine.com)

Your Comments

Janice Murray: This years event was amazing. So many old friends I hadn’t seen in awhile, and many new friends and supporters. What a fun evening!

Jane Bettencort-Soto: I kept the glass with the smell of the 1863 pour, put it in a Ziploc last night and today I am smelling it every hour or so! I wonder how long it will last? I may never wash that glass again! It was such a thrill for me to experience this once in a life time opportunity especially with my family connection to Abe. (Six degrees of separation – as cousins – per Jane!)

Betty Herme: Fun times!

Ray Tippet: To Eve, Jeff, Patrick, Erin, Linda, Laura, Wendy, Doug, Eric, and Jimmy C. and the band plus the 98 other volunteers. This crazy event couldn’t have happen without you!  Great Job! We had over 550 attendees along with the 98+Volunteers. If you weren’t there you missed a great event! Eve thanks for all the great coverage!

Bruce Fortine: What a great event and evening! Jimmy Carnelli (and Mom) were wonderful as were the attendees, food, wine (and beer too). All for a Class organization!

Maureen McKaughan: Great seeing you and so many other of our friends last night! Seemed like a big success!

Erin Woolf Hernandez: Oh what a great night! My legs are killing me from running around all night and I WISH I had partaken a little more in some of that fabulous wine…but I must say it sure was great to volunteer my time for such a meaningful cause!

Beth Peterson Greenwald: Simply fabulous! Well done!

Priscilla and Patrick Lundgren: Yes it was a wonderful event, we really enjoyed the 1999 Ridge and a Riesling that Lee (Lee’s Wine Bistro) was pouring.

Kim Larsen, PK Chocolates: Had a great time last night at the Vine 2 Wine Classic. Saw many friends, and made some fantastic contacts for some exciting future events.

Alex Slaten: We all had a good time and there were plenty of interesting new wines to try. Sign me up for next year!

Jennifer Chadwick: What a wonderful event…the wine was fabulous and I for one loved the cheese…maybe I’m biased? 🙂 It is always one of our favorite events and we at Salt Creek Grille are proud to have been involved again with The Circle of Hope’s Vine to Wine. Cheers and thanks again on a great event!

Roman Weiser: Well organized event, with ample space for everyone to enjoy.

Claudia Sheridan: There were many great wines presented, and what a treat to be able to taste the wines the Jacobsons were pouring. I look forward to next year’s event!

Denise Lowe: The cause was great, the wines were diverse, the people warm and friendly.  It was a very nice event.

Laurie Morgan: It was very fun. Also, the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association had several members’ art exhibited. Added an extra nice ambiance.

Cancer survivor Wendy Warner Thrush: It wasn’t that long ago…you never forget the day, the time, nor what you were wearing, or who you were with, the day you are diagnosed with CANCER!  I will try my best in words, and on Facebook to THANK everyone for contributing to The Vine 2 Wine Classic last evening. The activity center was packed with conversation, music, wine tasting, eating, beer sampling, dessert heaven, smiles, tears all for such a wonderful local cause. My heart is full of joy, and love for all my friends who worked so hard to make this a special evening for so many in our community of Santa Clarita who have or are fighting Breast Cancer…you are all appreciated and loved by ME! Thank you! A wonderful evening!

From Wine Chair Jeff Jacobson

I’m really excited that we were able to bring the Wine Classic back from the dead, along with Honest Abe Lincoln, who supervised our pouring a very rare Madeira from 1863, the year of his Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.

I am truly grateful for all the help from my wine committee members, Steve Cravitz and Zaheer Ali, for the support of the wineries and distributors who gave their wines and time, our library wine contributors who reached so deeply and generously into their personal wine cellars, to the wine pourers and other volunteers, without whom we couldn’t have staged the event, to the Betty Ferguson Foundation for handing their wonderful Vine 2 Wine event to the Circle of Hope, and for Ray Tippet, his staff and the Directors of the Circle of Hope, for bringing the event to the people of Santa Clarita. My family and I are proud that we were able to help with it.

Our sincere thanks goes to John Burton and Southern Wine & Spirits of So. CA and Kevin Byrne and Wine Warehouse, for their heroic support.   Together, they recruited almost 20 wine tables.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for attending our terrific event, and helping the Circle of Hope raise urgently needed funds to assist local uninsured and underinsured breast cancer victims and their families.

Jacobson’s Plans for 2013

We’re busy planning next year’s extravaganza, and we hope to offer a limited number of tastes of a very rare and amazing 1853 “King Pedro V” Port, in cask for 150+ years, to a limited number of people who, as with the 1863 Madeira, would like to arrange for their special taste. We hope to entice the late King Pedro V of Portugal to put in a special appearance at next year’s event.

We had fun with the “Gettysburg Address” and 1863 Madeira tie-in last weekend, but, the most notable event of 1853 seems to have been the invention of potato chips!

The Wine List

Campesino Cellars

Constellation Brands

Donati Family Vineyard

Estrella Creek Winery

Fess Parker Vineyard & Winery

Francis Coppola Winery

Freixenet USA / Gloria Ferrer

Italian Wines

Jackhammer Winery

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

Louis M. Martini Winery

J Lohr Vineyards and Wines

Lee’s Wine Bistro

Les Deux Chats Cellars

Meola Vineyards

Navarro Vineyards

Niven Family Estates

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Table

Nuggucciet Cellars

Old Creek Ranch Winery

Pedroncelli Winery

Pisoni Vineyards

Prestige Wine Imports

Pulchella Winery

Quady Winery

Red Wines of the World

Sparkling Wines

Stanger Vineyards

TOG (The Other Guys)

Treasury Wine Estates

Roman Holiday Wine Bar

Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate Wines

Sunrise Spirits & Food Co. Valencia

Vino V Wines

Wente Vineyards

Whitcraft Winery

Woodland Hills Wine Company

Young’s Market

Winery representatives included: Prestige Wine Imports, Freixenet USA / Gloria Ferrer, Francis Coppola Winery, Wente Vineyards and Constellation Brands, Whitcraft Winery, Treasury Wine Estates; Distributed by Southern Wine & Spirits of Southern California, J Lohr Vineyards and Wines, Niven Family Estates, Louis M. Martini Winery, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Donati Family Vineyard, and Fess Parker Vineyard & Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate Wines; Distributed by Wine Warehouse, Estrella Creek Winery, Meola Vineyards; Transat Trade, Jackhammer Winery; Topline Wine & Spirit Co., Les Deux Chats Cellars, Glendale, Navarro Vineyards, Pisoni Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Nugucciet Cellars, Quady Winery, Old Creek Ranch Winery, Stanger Vineyards, Roman Holiday Wine Bar, Sunrise Spirits & Food Co., Woodland Hills Wine Company and Young’s Market; The Estates Group.

Library Wines
Donations of exceptional wines poured by our “friends,” from their personal wine cellars:

Chris and Jeannie Carpenter

Roger and Gwen Gertz

Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong

Jeff, Joan and Julie Jacobson

Julie Jacobson holding one wine I liked - she didn't have enough arms for all of the wine I dug!

Robert and Annie Schwartz

Thank You From Circle of Hope (Excerpt from Program)

Thank you to the Betty Ferguson Foundation for allowing us to continue on this prized tradition. Thank you to Jeff Jacobson, our wine director, for donating countless hours of his time, bringing back the classic, and melding these two great events into what has become the Vine 2 Wine classic. We are extremely grateful for the fabulous wineries and merchants Jeff has invited to participate in this evening’s event.

Thank you to Kevin Byrne of Wine Warehouse and John Burton of southern Wine & spirits of southern California, we can’t thank you enough for your and your company’s generous support of circle of hope and our Vine 2 Wine classic. Your contribution to our event truly sets us apart from any other wine event in our area, and we owe it to you.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the City of Santa Clarita for allowing us to use this wonderful facility. to Mike and Pam Ripling for finding this site, and a special thank you to Bob Kellar for all his help in securing the Santa Clarita activity center. to Pat Downing, Judy Baker, Cynthia Gonzalez, and their entire staff, for the professionalism they offered in working with circle of hope to make this event a reality.

We would also like to thank Janice Murray, this year’s Vine 2 Wine chairman.  Also a big thank you to Pam Ripling, Circle of Hope events committee chairman. To our Vine 2 Wine Classic Committee, thank you for your time and dedication to making this event possible.

A special thank you to the library wine donors Chris & Jeannie Carpenter, Roger & Gwen Gertz, Les Hershberger and Mamie Wong, Jeff, Joan & Julie Jacobson, Yoon Lee, and Robert & Annie Schwartz.   Thank you for opening your private cellars to tonight’s guests.

Thank you to the participating wineries, merchants, food vendors, artists, and musicians –Jimmy Carnelli and friends – this event would not have been possible without your participation and support.

A big thank you this evening’s volunteers and wine pourers. We appreciate your help enormously, and this event would not be what it is without your support.  Thank you to Linda Woolf, for coordinating the volunteer effort.

We would like to say a special thank you to Angela Capodanno for her amazing graphic layouts – not only for this program, but for the past two years – bringing Circle of Hope’s brand alive and capturing the essence of who and what circle of hope is.  All we can say is thank you for all your hard work.

Thank You to All of our Guests. Thank you for supporting the 11th annual Vine 2 Wine Classic and the Circle of Hope.  Together, we can make a difference!

Thank You to our Artists.  Circle of Hope would like to thank the artists from the Santa Clarita Art Association for providing an amazing collection of their works this evening. The addition of fine art enhances our event, and we appreciate their talents.

Thank You to our Food Vendors

Hidden Havana Cuban Café

Salt Creek Grille catering

Blooming Bakery

Cake Goodness

Kokolita Cakes

Nana’s Banana Bread

Pacific Coast Honey

PK Chocolates

Toffee Dejour

Kona Bar

Circle of Hope: Making a difference today for a brighter future tomorrow

Circle of Hope, Inc. is the only breast cancer organization in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides financial, emotional and educational support for breast cancer patients.  The community has embraced us since our formation in 2004.  Circle of Hope assists breast cancer patients who live in, work in, or receive treatment in the SCV.

We believe that providing financial and emotional support will improve the individual’s chance of success in their battle against breast cancer. We help clients access and understand the treatment process, and we provide financial assistance for medications, co-pays, second opinions, testing and cobra payments.  Additionally, Circle of Hope educates youth and young adults on the importance of early detection. http://www.circleofhopeinc.org/