HALL ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 2018 KATHRYN HALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON ON AUGUST 28 DURING HARVEST CELEBRATION

July 17, 2021 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – Napa Valley based HALL Wines, a luxury Cabernet Sauvignon producer, has announced details for its annual Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration taking place at HALL St. Helena on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The annual event, offering both a VIP Vertical Tasting and a Main Event, coincides with the release of the new vintage of HALL’s flagship wine, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. The theme of the event will be “Celebrate the Year You Missed”.

Los Angeles and San Francisco Advertising Portrait Photographer Marc Olivier Le Blanc, Advertising, Editorial and Lifestyle.

“We are so excited to be able to hold this event in person this year,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “Guests travel from all over to taste the new vintage, and what better way to do that than through a celebration of milestones that people missed last year such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and weddings. Wine helps us celebrate those special moments and we look forward to honoring those with the 2018 vintage of Kathryn Hall Cabernet.”

The Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration marks the public release of the 2018 vintage and will include various celebratory ‘milestone’ stations on The Great Lawn in St. Helena. Food will be included with the ticket price with catering by Tre Posti. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music throughout the event from San Francisco-based band Pop Fiction. Additionally, a VIP Ticket is available for those wanting a deeper dive into the pedigree of the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. The VIP Ticket includes a vertical tasting of the 2006, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2018 vintages of Kathryn Hall takes place prior to the Main Event.

HALL’s flagship wine, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, is defined by its core of dark, succulent Sacrashe Vineyard fruit located just above the Rutherford Appellation at the top eastern ridge of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa Valley. The wine is characterized by an interplay of elegance and concentration and displays voluptuous, dark berry fruit with notes of crushed lavender.

Since the first vintage was produced in 1996, this wine has been one of the highest rated in HALL’s portfolio, earning 95 scores rated 90 points and above from the industry’s top critics including The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Vinous. Most notably, the 2008. Additionally, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list in 2011. The wine is named after Kathryn Hall who is most known globally as the former United States Ambassador to Austria. Ambassador Hall is also a New York Times Bestselling author of “A Perfect Score: The Art, Soul & Business of a 21st Century Winery”.

Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration

Saturday, August 28, 2021

VIP Vertical Tasting – Peterson’s Loft
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $225 per person + includes admission to Main Event

Main Event – The Great Lawn

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy S. St. Helena, CA 94574 707-967-2626

$100 per person

Eventbrite
For more information, please visit www.hallwines.com, follow on social @hallwines

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HALL Family Wines produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel under the HALL, WALT and BACA brand monikers. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the family-owned winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Director of Winemaking Megan Gunderson Paredes, sources fruit from some of the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast including eleven Estate vineyards– Sacrashe, Bergfeld, Hardester, Beller, T Bar T Ranch, Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux, Rainin, Dellar-Freidkin, Cook, Bob’s Ranch, Clos Pepe and The Corners. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Since the inception of HALL in 1995, the three luxury wine brands have earned over 700 ratings of 90 points or above from the industry’s top critics, including four 100- point scores. Visit www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com, www.bacawines.com for more information, or call 707-967-2626.

Orange is the New Napa from The Vice Wine

July 2, 2021 by evebushman

Years ago I attended an orange wine seminar led by old-world Italian winemakers. Interesting stuff. Orange may now be the new pink here in the states as the mecca of all U.S. winemaking areas, the Napa Valley, has theirs. The one to try: The Vine Wine orange wine made from Semillon grapes, named Brooklynites. See below for information on the wine, how the name originated and some tasting notes I collected.

The Vice Wine Releases Rare Orange Wine From Napa

Orange is the New Napa with The Orange of Semillon, “Brooklynites”, 2020

The fervor for old world style orange wines, once known as the ‘sommelier’s favorite’ because of their distinct color, story and ability to pair with many foods. The Vice Wine, an all Napa Valley wine producer has released one of the few orange wines to come out of the appellation.

Orange of Semillon, “Brooklynites”, 2020 is the name given to this gorgeous Orange of Semillon produced from a small vineyard in Napa and picked in 2020 right before the fires and ensuing smoke.

Sometimes known as ‘skin-contact white wines,’ orange wines are made by macerating white grapes with their skins, thereby lending the wine an orange hue. With the skin contact, the wine becomes more nuanced and layered thanks to the tannins and phenols released from the skins. The Vice Wine’s Orange of Semillon was made by leaving the juice and skins in contact for 21 days in two concrete eggs, before removing the skins for the rest of the eight-month fermentation using wild yeasts, much the way old-world orange wines were made for hundreds of years.

Everything The Vice Wine does is by hand and the team members themselves are integral in every step of the winemaking process. Work hard and passionately enough, like The Vice Wine team members and Brooklyn-natives Carly and Kenny, who support founders Malek Amrani and Torie Greenberg Amrani every step of the way, and there may just be a special wine named after your hometown.

Orange of Semillon, “Brooklynites”, 2020 – Napa Valley ($28.00/750ml)

The Orange of Semillon has structure and bright acidity as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel. Tropical on the nose with papaya, banana, kumquat and ginger, the wine gives way to citrus and dried apricot in the mouth. Unfiltered, unfined, this wine is a pure example of Napa Valley’s unique terroir.

The perfect wine to accompany dishes from charcuterie boards to Asian cuisine. The wine is made from 100% Semillon grapes, with an ABV of 13.7%. 249 cases were produced.

Eve, and Friends, Tasting Notes

Tasted first with one winemaker and a sommelier that found: Malolactic creaminess, rich mouthfeel and incredible viscosity, crisp with a playful acidity, oily slightly weighted texture and a tannin level that played nicely for this style of wine. A complex flavor of tropical fruit and wet stone. Balanced and ready to enjoy. I tasted the wine with family, poolside, and we found it lighter than expected, with extremely low acid compared to some other white wines like a Sauvignon Blanc, lovely fruit that reminded me of chilled fruit cocktail in a light syrup, apricot and fleshy peach. Perfect for a pool or picnic day!

About The Vice Wine

The Vice Wine is a Napa Valley luxury wine brand made in small batches. Each batch is crafted from single grape varietals sourced from hand-selected vineyards that best express the grape varietal and the region that it comes from. The Vice wines is a result of passionate labor, sustainable farming, a long expertise of the wine industry and a current understanding of the consumer’s wine trend. The Vice Wine is about as personal of a brand as it gets. Everything is done by the founders. We drive the truck to get our fruit, we crush, bottle, label; we do everything by hand when possible. We design the labels, work the market, and sell the wine. We believe that the best wines in the world aren’t the most expensive ones. We thrive at providing the best quality wine at the best value. For more information visit thevicewine.com and follow on @thevicewine.

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.

Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 4

May 8, 2021 by Michael Perlis

It is finally time to move our focus to Northern California, so now we can write about the Big Three.

Ahhh, the Big Three. These are the three winemakers that have had the biggest influence on our wine drinking over the last 2+ decades. Not only do they make great Zinfandel [kind of a requirement for this Zinfan] along with other wonderful reds that are in our wheelhouse [think Syrah, Petite Sirah, etc.] but they also make wonderful lighter style wines.

In addition, they are all founding members of the Historic Vineyard Society [insert website], an organization dedicated to preserving California’s old vineyards.

Photo provided by Mike Officer of Carlisle

The Big Three are:

Mike Officer of Carlisle Winery and Vineyards

Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands

Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock

Mike and Kendall Officer’s first vintage from their Carlisle Winery www.carlislewinery.com was 1998. They both kept their day jobs for the next few years, but given the immediate accolades they received out of the starting gate for their wines produced from old-vine vineyards, focusing on Zinfandels and Rhones, demand for them to increase production was high. They eventually were able to devote themselves full-time to the winery and their family – both of their children now work at the winery. While we immediately became huge fans of their red wines, they also make three whites that are definitely on our go-to list:

Sonoma Mountain “Steiner Vineyard” Grüner Veltliner: Not too many wineries use this varietal in California.

Sonoma Valley “Compagni Portis” White Wine: a field blend of primarily Gewurztraminer, Trousseau Gris and Riesling from the Compagni Portis Vineyard. Sonoma County “The Derivative” White Wine: The 2018 is a blend of Semillon, Muscadelle, Columbard and Palomino.

While many people consider Turley Wine Cellars www.turleywinecellars.com to be a Paso Robles winery since they purchased the old Pesenti winery in 2000, they also have a facility in Amador County, having acquired the Karly property in 2012. More to the Northern California point, Turley’s headquarters is in St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Under the auspices of Director of Winemaking Tegan Passalacqua, Turley produces an amazing number of delicious Zinfandels from some of California’s best vineyards, along with some Petite Syrahs, Cinsaults and even some Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are looking for lighter wines, they make some great ones as well. For whites, the Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite of ours and The White Coat blend is always outstanding. And yes, Turley also makes a White Zinfandel; but please don’t expect it to be that silly sweet stuff.

Tegan and his wife Olivia also own Sandlands www.sandlandsvineyards.com , where they focus mainly on “forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite (sand), from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture.” Sure, they do make some outstanding Chardonnay, but don’t miss their Lodi Chenin Blanc or Cinsault, Mataro and Carigane from Contra Costa County, even a Mission from Amador County, among others. The wines have an old-fashioned flair to them, including lower alcohol by modern California standards and are lip-smackingly delicious. Prices are really reasonable too, but you need to try to get on the mailing list!

Last but not least, Morgan Twain-Peterson founded Bedrock www.bedrockwineco.com

in 2007, but winemaking would seem to have always been in his blood. As the son of Joel Peterson who created Ravenswood and now owns Once And Future Wine, Morgan made his first wine when he was 5 years old – I think he made Pinot Noir just to annoy his Zinfandel-loving father. We were first drawn to the Bedrock Syrahs, Zinfandels and Heritage field blends, but we have found the whites to be equally as compelling. Morgan and his now partner-in-wine Chris Cottrell are doing amazing things with Sauvignon Blanc. And if you or anyone you know thinks that Rieslings are not for them, please give Bedrock’s a try; you will change your mind. Finally, the Ode to Lulu is one of our favorite pink wines every year.

Be aware that all of the Big Three reserve the bulk of their production for their mailing lists, so I highly recommend you sign up – or get on their waitlists.

As the weather starts heating up and Karen and I get to being fully vaccinated, we are looking forward to traveling to our favorite wine regions and tasting new varietals and vintages and reporting back. But in the meantime, you’ll probably see another article or two in this series.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Auberge du Soleil Announces The Reopening Of Its Iconic Michelin Star Restaurant And The Return Of Fine Dining On The Terrace

April 29, 2021 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s quintessential adult getaway, has announced the reopening of The Restaurant, the property’s culinary landmark, featuring a new two- or three-course prix fixe lunch menu ; a three- or four-course prix fixe or six-course tasting menu for dinner service; and a three-course brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays. The Restaurant, one of Napa Valley’s first fine dining establishments and recipient of 13 consecutive Michelin Stars, is synonymous with Wine Country cuisine and widely considered a “must experience” culinary destination among discerning travelers and locals alike.

Photo: @verticalluxurytravel

Simultaneously, the hotel’s Bistro and Bar will welcome guests with its original menu concept featuring a range of casual dishes meant to be enjoyed with refreshing cocktails, craft brews and a vast selection of more than 40 wines by the glass that offer a balanced selection of California and French/Old World wines.

Enhancements to the hotel’s beverage program include a range of palate pleasing Aperitifs, French-Inspired Cocktails, and elevated “Classics” featuring the most indulgent versions of time-honored standards such as the Martini, Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Negroni, along with an array of Speciality Cocktails and a new selection of Digestifs.

“Reopening The Restaurant is something we’ve all been looking forward to these many months as it’s the cornerstone for the full sensory experience of the property. Dining on the Terrace can transport you to the south of France while seated in the heart of Napa Valley,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director of Auberge du Soleil. “We’ve missed the special birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations that our guests share with us and we can’t wait to begin creating life-long memories together once again.”

Auberge du Soleil offers spectacular panoramic views of vineyards and mountain vistas from the expansive outdoor terrace, where guests may sip, savor and linger over the dining experience of their choice: The Restaurant, with an elevated fine-dining approach that showcases seasonal, locally-grown ingredients prepared with French techniques; or the Bistro and Bar, which provides the ideal mid-valley respite for an informal lunch between wine tastings or a casual dinner to relax over at the end of the day.

Robert Curry has served as Executive Chef at Auberge du Soleil since 2005, overseeing the culinary program at The Restaurant, Bistro and Bar and hotel’s Private Dining exclusively for Weddings and Events. Curry began his culinary career in his native Los Angeles and received his degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park. After graduation, he was recruited by Michael Richard and Alain Giraud for Citrus Restaurant in New York. In the late ‘90’s he travelled to France working with Alain Ducasse at his three-star Louis XV in the Hotel de Paris, Joseph Thuet at the Moët & Chandon Résidence de Trianon in Epernay, and in Paris at the two-star Michel Rostang. He later served as Executive Chef at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at the CIA in St Helena, California, eight years at Domaine Chandon in Yountville, as Executive Sous Chef under Philippe Jeanty and ultimately succeeding him as Executive Chef.

Reservations are now being accepted for The Restaurant by contacting Auberge du Soleil at 707.967.1211 or online via OpenTable. The Restaurant will be open for Lunch, Wednesday-Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, followed by Dinner service from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Brunch will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. The Restaurant will open seven days a week starting May 1.

The Lunch menu will offer a two course prix fixe for $60 and three-courses for $75. Dinner service will feature three courses for $135, four courses for $155 or a six-course tasting menu for $185. All menus include vegetarian selections available with each course.

The Bistro and Bar offers continuous service seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Reservations are suggested via 707.967.1211 or online at OpenTable.

Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a 13-time Michelin Star award-winning Restaurant, and exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Known for passionate, intuitive service that sets the standard for gracious hospitality, the property is a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts.

Auberge du Soleil consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the best and most romantic hotels in the world by influential publications. For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil. For reservations and availability contact the hotel directly at 800.348.5406 or email ads.reservations@aubergeresorts.com.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014. For more information please visit http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 19 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

Auberge du Soleil Receives Top Honors From Forbes Travel Guide, Travel + Leisure and U.S. News and World Report

April 17, 2021 by evebushman

RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Auberge du Soleil, announced it has been honored with multiple awards for 2021 by esteemed global travel authorities Forbes Travel Guide, Travel + Leisure, and U.S. News & World Report. Forbes Travel Guide recognized Napa Valley’s quintessential adult getaway with a Five Star Award, its highest rating, for the eighth consecutive year. Simultaneously, the hotel was recognized as one of the top hotels in the world on the Travel + Leisure 500 List for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations. In addition, Auberge du Soleil has been named the No. 1 Hotel in Napa Valley, and among the best hotels in California and the USA in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Hotels rankings report.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by these distinguished publications as one of the very best resorts in the world,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director, Auberge du Soleil. “These coveted awards are incredibly meaningful and are a true credit to our team who continuously rededicate themselves to delivering exceptional service to ensure our guests consider Auberge du Soleil their home-away-from-home in Napa Valley.”

Inspired by the south of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil is nestled within a terraced, sun-kissed hillside amid 33-acres of heritage olive and oak trees in the heart of Napa Valley. The hotel’s 50 contemporary residential-style guestrooms and suites effortlessly blend relaxed sophistication with understated elegance, earning a long-standing reputation as wine country’s most iconic luxury property. Renowned for its culinary roots the property features a Michelin Star restaurant and bistro, where guests enjoy fine-dining and casual French-inspired fare while taking in spectacular panoramic vineyard and valley views from the outdoor terrace. The exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa, offers a tranquil retreat for reflecting, relaxing and restoring in a picturesque setting within the resort’s Parc du Soleil, where guests may stroll along meandering nature paths, linger over food and wine amid the shady private picnic groves and discover nearly 100 works by 60 California artists in the sculpture garden.

Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned guide to genuine Five-Star service. The prestigious annual Star Rating list comprises “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.” Properties were inspected prior to the pandemic and when regional restrictions allowed for the safe return of guests. In addition to the hotel’s Five-Star rating, The Restaurant and the Auberge du Soleil Spa both retained Forbes Four-Star ratings in the 2021 Guide. View Auberge du Soleil’s awards at forbestravelguide.com.

Drawing on the publication’s 2020 World’s Best Awards results, in which readers’ shared their thoughts on top-performing destinations, city hotels and resorts, Travel + Leisure has recognized the best hotels around the globe by naming them to this year’s T+L 500 list. Auberge du Soleil is showcased in the March 2021 print issue of Travel + Leisure and available online at travelandleisure.com.

The 11th annual U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels rankings evaluated more than 30,000 luxury properties across destinations in the U.S., Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Determined by valued travelers and reviews under the publication’s licensed partner, TripAdvisor, the rankings took into consideration the aggregate opinion of experts and guests for exceptional quality. The rankings will showcase Auberge du Soleil and other honorees on usnews.com and tripadvisor.com throughout the year.

For more information, please visit aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil.

About Auberge du Soleil
Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a Michelin Star Restaurant, and the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Nestled within a 33-acre hillside olive grove, the “Inn of the Sun” is celebrated for delivering passionate, intuitive service that embodies gracious Napa Valley hospitality. The 50 residential-style rooms, suites and private maisons, recently renovated by AD 100 interior designer Suzanne Tucker, principle of Tucker & Marks, San Francisco, set the stage for romance in the seclusion of the adults-only environment. The property is a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts, and the flagship hotel in the Auberge Resorts Collection. Follow Auberge du Soleil on Facebook and Instagram @AubergeduSoleil.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked toward this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through the UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014. For more information please visit http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 19 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit http://www.aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

Vintage Eve Circa 11/2018 – How Was the Stars of Cabernet 2018? Two Words: New Discoveries

March 23, 2021 by evebushman

From WineLA.com: A Cabernet showcase, bringing the best producers to Los Angeles…meet the owners, winemakers, and executives and taste over 100 top quality cabernet wines…held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, a 5-star and 5-Diamond property.

Eve and WineLA.com founder Ian Blackburn in 2016.

This is the 10^th anniversary of the Stars of Cabernet grand tasting event expertly orchestrated by Wine LA’s founder Ian Blackburn. I don’t think I’ve attended every event, but I’ve certainly covered a large number of them. With that said, I believe that this year held a lot of new discoveries for me as well as others, as the crowd was also very pleased with what they found.

The pour list is below, and as is my habit in a large public tasting, my notes are limited as to which wines captured my interest due to excellent aroma, flavor and a wholly pleasant tasting experience. I also was unable to visit every table and every wine, but I think I covered plenty of new ground. The wines I found most preferable, and that I will seek out to try to visit and purchase, are noted below in italics. (If you just want to see photos go here.)

STARS OF CABERNET WINE LIST

ADDENDUM WINES
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Skellenger Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2015 Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak

ALLEGRETTO VINEYARDS
2014 Malbec, Paso Robles
2015 Tannat, Paso Robles
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek

ALMAVIVA WINERY
2009 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
2014 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
2015 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile

ANDERSON CONN VALLEY
2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 “Eloge” Prop Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 “Right Bank” Prop Red Blend, Napa Valley
2015 “Signature” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

BERNARDUS – I have visited this winery in Carmel Valley in the past and was pleased to taste this vertical presentation, the 2010 being my overall favorite.
2010 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2011 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2012 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2013 Marinus Signature Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley

CAMI
2014 Red Wine Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Red Wine Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

CHATEAU POTELLE VGS
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
2016 FOURMEAUX, Red Blend, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
2016 Zinfandel, Alta Vista Vineyard, Moon Mountain, Sonoma County
2016 Potelle Two, Red Blend, Napa Valley

CHATEAU BOSWELL
2015 “At Anchor,” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

CLOS DU VAL
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

DUCKHORN WINE COMPANY – The opportunity to taste the 2006 Estate Cab was a mindblower. Hope you have some in your cellar. Also enjoyed the 2015 as well.
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet
2016 Decoy Sonoma County Cabernet
2006 Duckhorn Estate “Patzimaro Vineyard” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS – The 2014 was my favorite, however I enjoyed the older 2013 almost as much.
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Winston Hill Red, Rutherford
2016 Chardonnay, Carneros, Sonoma County

HAWK & HORSE VINEYARDS –A favorite at every STARS of Cab event I think, the Hawk and Horse 2009 Cab blew my socks off. Noticing a trend of liking some of these older Cabs…
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County
2012 Latigo Cabernet Sauvignon Dessert Wine, Red Hills Lake County

HERB LAMB VINEYARDS – HL Vineyards was a new one for me. I noted that I enjoyed the 2014 best.
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

HERTELENDY VINEYARDS – Another new winery discovery for me, I enjoyed both reds that were poured: the 2014 Cab and 2015 blend. This is a winery to watch.

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2015 Signature Mountain Blend, Napa Valley

HESTAN VINEYARDS
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stephanie, Napa Valley
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley
2015 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

JACK WINERY
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2016 Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

JONATA
2006 El Desafio De Jonata “the Defiance” Cabernet Sauvignon, Ballard
Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley
2015 The Hilt “Estate” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2014 Jonata Todos Red Wine Vineyard Blend Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley

LADERA VINEYARDS – Another new discovery from Napa Valley. Meeting and tasting with managing partner Kacey Stotesbery – and I was completely charmed by the reds. I took her card with the idea of visiting soon.
2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain

LAUREL GLEN VINEYARDS
2015 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Sonoma Mountain

MAISON D’AMIS – Enjoyed the 2014 Red Wine Napa Valley for its percentage of Cabernet Franc.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Red Wine Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2016 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

MARCIANO ESTATE WINERY – Only one wine to taste here? No problem. It was pretty good.
2015 Marciano Estate M Proprietary Red Wine

MERRY VALE VINEYARDS – 2014 and 2015 were both quite grand. I hadn’t had a Merry Vale wine in awhile, glad I revisited.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Profile Red Wine, Napa Valley

MORAGA BEL AIR –This private vineyard in Bel Air, that sells to wine clubs and some local restaurants, was a treat to taste. The 2009 was stellar. Hope to get to try more in the future.
2009 Moraga Red, Los Angeles County
2014 Moraga Red, Los Angeles County
2014 Moraga White, Los Angeles County
2016 Moraga White, Los Angeles County

NELLCÔTE WINERY – Liked both of these Cabs extremely well.
2015 ‘Rallye 76’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 ‘500 Chevaux’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

PALAZZO WINE
2013 ‘Right Bank’ Reserve Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 ‘Left Bank’ Red Cuvee / Master Blend Series, Napa Valley

RELIC WINE CELLARS – I passed over the Pinot Noir as my taste buds were set to Cab, but the Rhone Blend, Grenache and Cab bottlings were all excellent.
2015 Ritual Rhone Blend, Napa Valley
2015 Paras Grenache, Napa Valley
2015 Putnam Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
2014 Artefact Cabernet, Napa Valley

RIBOLI FAMILY WINES
2014 Stormwatch Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles
2013 Riboli Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2014 San Antonio “Centennial Blend”, Paso Robles
2014 Artefact Cabernet, Napa Valley

ROY ESTATE
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley

S.R. TONELLA CELLARS – There was also a 2010 Cab that I enjoyed at this table, as well as the 2015. And yes, another new one for me to discover.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Estate
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Estate
2017 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Rutherford/Oakville

TRUJILLO WINES
2015 Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Madelynne Red Blend, Napa Valley

TUCK BECKSTOFFER ESTATE
2014 Amulet, Napa Valley
2014 Mockingbird Red Label, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
2014 Mockingbird Blue Label, Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Helena
2015 Dancing Hares, Red Wine, Saint Helena

VINEYARD 29
2016 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Aida Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena
2015 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena

THE UNFILTERED COLLECTION
2014 AXR Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Debate, Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon, Dr. Crane, Missouri Hopper
2014 Clark-Claudon Vineyards ‘Eternity’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2011 Michel Rolland “MR”, Napa Valley

CHÂTEAU GABY – The 2014 Cuvee stole the show for me at this table. And it was another new wine for me.
2014 Cuvee, Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac, France
2012 Chateau Gaby Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac, France
2014 Chateau Du Parc, St. Emillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France
2014 Chateau Moya, Cotes de Bordeaux, France

THE UNFILTERED COLLECTION – Tickled to find some Bordeaux from South Africa being offered. I really enjoyed the 2014 Finlayson Cabernet Franc, hoping to find that one again! And the last one that was new for me!
2016 Delaire Graff Botmaskop, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2015 De Toren Fusion V, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2012 Glenelly ‘Lady May’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Finlayson Family Vineyards Edgebaston GS Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Finlayson Family Wines David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Simonsig Tiara, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Overgaauw Tria Corda, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2015 Thelema Mountain Vineyards ‘Thelema’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Zevenwacht Z Reserve, Stellenbosch, South Africa

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 15k 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.

This Passover Enjoy a Round-The-World Wine Adventure without leaving home

March 14, 2021 by evebushman

The question posed annually at the Passover Seder – “Why is this night different from all other nights” – takes on a special meaning again this year. No doubt, this year’s Seder will be unusual, but the trying circumstances can also be an opportunity to relate to aspects of Passover in a different manner than in the past. Central to the Seder is the commandment to drink four cups of wine. Should it be just any wine? Or should this year’s four cups be filled with the finest?

Bayonne, NJ – This Passover, spend your holiday in Israel, Italy, or France — without ever having to leave your Seder table. NJ-based Royal Wine, the world’s largest purveyor of kosher wines and spirits, offers exceptional Passover selections from around the globe – including a label from NBA All-Star Amaré Stoudemire — in a wide range of tastes and prices.

Kosher wines have experienced a renaissance over the past two decades. Believe it or not, the best-selling imported Moscato in the U.S. happens to be kosher! Experience outstanding kosher options at any price point. New varieties from wineries around the world make kosher wines a great choice for everyone. Whether for the Passover Seder or at a simple dinner with friends, these top-quality wines are sure to satisfy on all occasions.

Stoudemire Origins 2018 and Stoudemire Clarity Rosé 2020 – After establishing a line of kosher wines produced in the Upper Galilee (imported and distributed by the Royal Wine Corp.), Amare expands his offerings to California in collaboration with Herzog Wine Cellars (USA). SRP: $24.99.

Herzog Lineage Rosé 2020– This casual rosé’s flavors include pomegranate, raspberry, and tart cherry (USA). SRP 19.99

Château Roubine Rosé 2020 (Côtes de Provence, France) – The rosé wines of this top-ranking classed growth Provence Château are now imported exclusively by Royal Wine Corp. and are kosher for Passover, as well. SRP: 19.99-59.99

Herzog Generation IX Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley 2018 – Herzog’s new flagship wine from the prized Stags Leap district, famous for putting California on the world wine map in 1976 (USA). SRP: $249.99

Bartenura Prosecco Rosé – Top quality pink sparkling wine from Italy, great for the Passover seder and all year round for small family gatherings and celebrations (Italy). SRP: 19.99

Château Meyney Saint-Estèphe 2018 – This famed Bordeaux Estate joins Royal’s family of high-end Bordeaux Châteaux producing kosher varieties (France). SPR: $79.99

Sforno – A new line of high value, affordable quality kosher wines produced by the celebrated Riglos winery, and retailing between $10-15 (Argentina).

Can’t get enough of these stellar releases? Here are some more offerings from around the world:

Israel:

Gush Etzion, a great boutique winery in the Judean Hills returns to America with an impressive array of high-quality wines. SRP: $22.99 – $59.99
Barkan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a practically unmatched wine in quality and price ($19.99).

France

Champagne Barons De Rothschild, an elegant and classic champagne from this famed family of wines ($79.99)

Chateau Lascombes 2018, A Grand Cru from Margaux; SRP: $159.99

Italy

Bartenura, Rosato Cans, after the successful launch of Bartenura Moscato Cans, here comes the Rose version! SRP: $14.99/four-pack

Chile

Alfasi Reserve Carmenere, top QPR Carmenere from this booming New World region SRP: $10.99

Argentina

Flechas de Los Andes Gran Malbec, Malbec from part of the Rothchild wine estates SPR: $29.99

Kosher For Passover Vodka: LVOV Vodka distilled from beets; SRP: $20

What Makes Kosher Wine Kosher? – Ten Things to Know About Kosher Wine

“People may be surprised to learn that most kosher wines are certified for year-round use, as well as for Passover,” says Jay Buchsbaum, VP Marketing & Wine Education, Royal Wine Corp. Here are more facts to help you understand what makes wine kosher: 10 Things to Know about Kosher Wine; www.TheKFWE.com (Virtual Wine Fest, FEB 21) Passover 2021 begins sundown MARCH 27

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, Argentina and more.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine Corp at: @royalwinecorp; https://www.facebook.com/RoyalWineCorp

Fieldwork Brewing Expands at Oxbow Public Market Annex with New Outdoor Beer Garden and Large Capacity Taproom in Spring 2021

February 28, 2021 by evebushman

Berkeley, Calif. — An ambassador for craft beer in Berkeley, California, Fieldwork Brewing Company expands its Napa Valley location with a new outdoor beer garden and increased indoor taproom capacity at the Oxbow Public Market Annex (1046 McKinstry Street, Napa) in spring 2021. Fieldwork Brewing opened its taproom at Oxbow Public Market in 2016, which will remain open until the Grand Opening of their new locale. At the adjacent Annex, Fieldwork builds out its indoor footprint to 1,450 square feet with an additional 900 square feet outside for the European-style beer garden. The new Fieldwork Taproom and Beer Garden at Oxbow Public Market Annex overlooks the Napa River and Oxbow Commons green space, and is located next to The Fatted Calf and Model Bakery.

“We are excited to have this expanded indoor / outdoor space to present a Fieldwork environment that is more akin to our other larger Bay Area locations,” said Barry Braden, CEO and Co-Founder of Fieldwork Brewing Company. “Our goal is always to provide the best hospitality, a casual environment, and seasonal beers — as fresh as possible and directly from the source.”

Steve Carlin, Founder and Managing Partner of Oxbow Public Market stated, “Barry and Alex always produce a terrific product and fun atmosphere. We expect their new space to be lively, comfortable, and a major part of Oxbow Public Market for years to come.”

Brewing well over 500 unique beers since opening its West Berkeley brewery in February 2015, Fieldwork brews with as much a sense of purpose as a sense of place as they honor Northern California’s magnificent outdoor landscapes with an array of idiosyncratic beers. The esteemed brewing team led by Head Brewer and Co-Founder Alex Tweet focuses on innovation for its ever-evolving roster of highly aromatic and well-balanced beers. Based on seasonality and consistent quality, Fieldwork forges its own path brewing beers they simply love to drink.

Walking into Fieldwork Brewing locations is never the same experience twice with their ambitious brewing program featuring signature IPAs, Double IPAs, lagers, pale ales, sours, stouts, etc. Bay Area regulars and out of town visitors can always rely on enjoying an onslaught of beer varieties with the tasting menu in constant rotation. Some beers reappear and others never repeat.

The Fieldwork Taproom and Beer Garden at Oxbow Public Market Annex will feature upwards of 18 beers on the menu, and will present live music and other A&E programming.

For more information regarding Fieldwork Brewing Company, please visit fieldworkbrewing.com and instagram.com/fieldworkbrewingco.

About Fieldwork Brewing Company

Established in 2015, Fieldwork Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Berkeley, CA brewing for the regional Northern California marketplace. Available at their West Berkeley, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Monterey, San Ramon, and Corte Madera taprooms/beer gardens, Fieldwork beers are also on draft at the finest local craft beer focused restaurants and bars. Fieldwork is the 10th fastest growing private company on San Francisco Business Times’ “100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Bay Area” for 2018, and Inc. magazine ranked Fieldwork at No. 604 on its 2019 Inc. 5000 list of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies.”

Fieldwork’s downtown Napa location expands to the Oxbow Public Market Annex in spring 2021, and the midtown Sacramento taproom is in The Handle District. In summer 2017, Fieldwork opened beer gardens in San Mateo and Monterey. The Fieldwork Taproom and Beer Garden at City Center Bishop Ranch (San Ramon) opened in 2018, and The Fieldwork Taproom at Town Center Corte Madera opened in 2020. Fieldwork’s latest releases can be enjoyed by sampler flight, beer by the glass, and filled “to go” in growlers and crowler cans. Special Release cans are available onsite and for delivery while supplies last at each location.

Fieldwork proudly supports select regional non-profits through the release of benefit beers such as Koalaty Time Double IPA, March On Hoppy & Strong, Crayon Box Double IPA, 924 Double IPA, Oakland Pride IPA, Golden Rule Double IPA, and Fetch Pale Ale.

About Oxbow Public Market

Oxbow Public Market, located in the historic Oxbow District of downtown Napa, has become the local resource for great food and wine in the Napa Valley. The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, features a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms. For more information, please call 707-226-6529, or visit www.oxbowpublicmarket.com.

My Fave Wines From 2020: The Year When Drinking Wine Became Everyone’s Favorite Pastime

February 12, 2021 by evebushman

Lots pop into our heads when we think of 2020, and of course we aren’t out of the woods yet, or even close, so far for 2021. For me it was a windfall of wines sent for review, often accompanied by a Zoom tasting led by the winemaker. I (virtually) traveled to Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy and more in those meetings and via my own cellar. And before Covid shut things down I did have quick trips to Los Olivos, Paso Robles and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Below is a collection of some of my favorite wines from 2020. If any of this sounds good to you, go find these wines!

It turns out that I had about 50 wine tastings, if not more, in 2020. These shout-outs are from EveWine101 website articles: the 2020 Gambero Rosso Master Class, 2017 Bordeaux presented by the Union des Grand Crus, Vega Sicilia collectors dinner with Pablo Alvarez, Fontanafredda Barolo, wine from New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay, Folded Hills Winery with winemaker Angela Osborne, California Wine STARS 2020, LA County Wines (Byron Blatty, Acri Wine Company, Angeleno Wine Company and Cavaletti Vineyards), Zoom tasting with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt and their 2012 Date Night Cabernet, Camins 2 Dreams, Gary Farrell single vineyard Pinots with winemaker Theresa Heredia, revisiting Montemar, catching up with winemaker Mark Cargasacchi and Jalama wines, also visiting Ampelos and Zotovich in Lompoc, Switchback Ridge via the Grand Reserves Reward Master Card, tasting from family-owned wineries with Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, great wines that stole my palate but not my wallet from Guarachi Wine Partners, reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion, Tenuta Montemagno sparkling Barbera, Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei, Paul Kornell Sparkling…

In SCV Elite Magazine this year I got to write about wine tasting in Paso Robles just before the shutdown. Had exceptional experiences at Thacher Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Derby Wine Estates, Steinbeck Wines, Cass Wines, Eberle Winery, Oso Libre Winery, HammerSky vineyards and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

January started out great with my first, and last, visit and dinner at Marstons with my VP/BFF Michael Perlis, our wonderful spouses, all over lots of wine ($10 corkage!) including 2013 Audacious Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend by Law Estate, 2013 Comstock Rockpile/Sonoma County Zinfandel, 2009 Regusci Zinfandel Napa Valley…

At Wine 661: Lucas And Lewellen tasting where we sampled five of their Santa Barbara County wines, including a Rose of Pinot and a Bordeaux blend. Had a couple of wines off of the Happy Hour menu. This was not the last time I went to Wine 661 in 2020…

Now some single bottle shout outs:

Vinos Zanzonico 2017 Syrah Reserva: 100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol, from the Valle de la Grulla area of Baja. With a regal dark purple color, I was drawn in to fantastic aromas of sweet black cherry, plum, tri-color peppercorns, layers of rich bark, milk chocolate…all very welcoming. I went in for a taste and was rewarded with a very rich and layered mouthfeel, with dark and dry blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, peppery spicy goodness and tannins that held my back palate at attention for a length that just would…not…quit. 99 Eve points.

2014 Old Vine Zichichi Family Vineyard Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley: The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate at all to a hot wine on the palate, instead it delivered incredible substance. It started with a nose full of sweet dark plums, pipe tobacco, black licorice, toasted oak, black pepper and popcorn kernel. Going in for a taste my mouth was filled with delicious dried blueberry and blackberry, that same black pepper, tannins that held firm, and a great balance of the dark fruit and tannins to keep it lingering a long time on the palate. This was a new Zin discovery for me, will definitely be looking for it again!

Entourage by Two Papas Wine barrel fermented (1) and stainless steel (2) 2019 Chardonnay, Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County: 1. Barrel: Designated by a gold wax top (the stainless has a silver wax top) I was amazed that this was a young 2019 vintage! It had lovely notes of creamy butter, pineapple, golden delicious apple and popcorn kernel that morphed into caramel apple on the palate, mild acidity, with a long, balanced and lush finish. 2. No barrel: Our stainless sibling gave off nicely scented whiffs of Meyer lemon, both cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and a little unsalted butter. When I tasted the wine I got homemade fruit cocktail, wet pebbles, low acidity and a medium finish.

2018 Kindred Rose of Pinot Noir: The color of rose gold, complete with sparkles! Then on the nose I found pink grapefruit, lemon pith, French Toast, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin orange = all very inviting! In for a taste next, there is a very round mouthfeel, and the same citrus fruits I found on the nose – grapefruit, lemon and orange – with a medium acidity. Enjoy now, with or without food IMO!

2015 Phifer Pavitt XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon: Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you go back in for another sip…and another.

2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red: aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate.

2001 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, a Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont…I looked for the roses, tar, licorice and red berries (notes from a professional critic) and also found tart berries, spice and tannins after decanting for 7 hours. So interesting.

Have you tried Guentota, aka the “Soul of Cuyo”, a “100-YR-OLD-VINE PREMIUM 2016 MALBEC” from Mendoza, Argentina? It’s from Belasco De Baqueano and was awarded 91 points from James Suckling. And I was far too busy lapping it up to make any tasting notes. But find it at Newhall Press Room. (Truth be told I had a LOT of wine from Newhall Press in 2020!)

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, I have no notes as I was also too busy drinking to take any. A stellar wine as it’s been proven vintage after vintage.

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo: The nose and taste had really changed and mellowed over the 7 hours, with aromas of dried dark fruit, grilled mushroom, balsamic, dust and oak; on the palate I got both bright and dark fruit in a very fine balance.

From my local Pulchella Winery we had: Suspect sparkling wine, 2019 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend, 2017 Mercenary Zinfandel blend, 2018 Witness Grenache…among others!

A note on Los Olivos: this was a non-press trip so no notes were taken. With that in mind we loved: Barbieri and Kempe are “Boutique wines made by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri” along with his wife Erin Kempe = bought a case! The second, Bella Cavailli Farms and Vineyard, produces some amazing wines against a backdrop of a working horse ranch, as well as some fun distilled spirits from Dorwood Distillery. Jeff Lockwood is the winemaker and his brother Jay the head distiller. We left there with both wine and spirts to enjoy at home.

A note from Wine on the Porch: During the summer months we enjoyed Hanzell Chardonnay, Saintsbury Chardonnay, Parhelion Cellars Light Pillar Chardonnay, St Supery Virtu Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, Pagter Brothers 2018 Viognier, and from Hoi Polloi I snatched up their 2018 Rose of Grenache and Double-Gold Best-Of-Class 2018 Chardonnay!

A note about spirits: Yea, I wrote a lot about spirits this year too, stay tuned for a roundup of those next!

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.

One Bottle Post: 2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red

January 22, 2021 by evebushman

My first tasting of Regusci wine was when a good pal shared a bottle with me years ago. It was probably a Zinfandel as that is one of my favorite varietals though these days a wee bit harder to come by. My second tasting was in 2015, and prompted by my memory of that first taste, we visited the winery tasting room in Napa. This may have been the first time I tried Patriarch and these were my notes:

But hold on, we then were given a sample of the 2011 “Patriarch” Bordeaux blend. This wine had it all: velvety dark rose petals, a bowl of dark fruit and dark chocolate on the nose was followed by a very dry, firm and balanced flavor profile. 99 Eve pts.

I was certainly overdue for a visit, so when I spied a bottle of 2012 Patriarch on my cellar list, probably purchased during the 2015 visit, I was anxious to try it. This is the social media post I shared:

Do you like Napa red Bordeaux blends or do you tend to stick to Napa Cabs? Pulled a 2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red from the cellar to try recently. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Googled it to see its current worth ($134, we paid approximately $55) and ratings. Cellar Tracker gave it 93 points and I couldn’t find much more about it. It was a wee bit tight when I first opened it so I let it rest in my glass while I started making these preliminary notes. Now, on aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate. Then I waited another few minutes to try again, and again with my dinner of cheese and charcuterie. How did it fare? See EveWine101 on January 22 to see!

Now it’s Jan 22 so here you go, the rest of my tasting notes are below:

Later on the nose: richer, more velvet, fruit opened up more, dark chocolate, sweet char, dust. Taste: developed with more spicy attributes but super balanced, long finish that doesn’t quit. (Words I highlighted in bold are because they were the same attributes I found in the 2011 vintage, and if you read through you will also see one of the words the winery used as well: velvet.)

Liked it a lot more with a meal, it benefitted from comingling with great charcuterie – like some wines do. This is a wine that could’ve gone longer in my cellar, so the time it spent in glass did the trick. 94 Eve points.

Notes on this vintage from winery:

This Regusci Patriarch 2012 is of the Proprietary Red varietal and was produced by the Regusci Winery in the Napa, North Coast, California region of USA…the elegant and concentrated 2012 Patriarch is our blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is a wine that showcases the complexity and depth that the best sites on our Estate have to offer. On the nose you will find dark cherries, raspberries, spice rub and pencil shavings. The palate rewards with a purity of fruit that is supported with loads of cigar box, vanilla and spice. The texture on this wine can only be described as pure velvet, it will age gracefully for the next 10-15 years. Regusci Winery A multi-generational family winery, home to one of the only ghost wineries in California. Regusci Winery is known for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon from their family ranch in Napa Valley’s acclaimed Stags Leap District. A visit to this rustic property will showcase the Regusci family’s passion for farming and a glimpse of a Napa Valley that once was.

https://www.regusciwinery.com

https://www.instagram.com/regusciwinery

https://www.facebook.com/regusciwinery/

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.