Eve's Wine 101

Ferrari Trento, Official Sparkling Wine of Formula I Racing Globally! Eve Tastes For You!

by

November 16-18 the Formula One race came to Las Vegas, where I learned for myself that it would stay for the next ten years. Why would this matter for a wine and spirits writer? Because:

Ferrari Trento is the official sparkling wine of Formula 1 racing globally. And the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix is coming up this November. (And would I) be interested in sampling the Ferrari Trento F1 edition Las Vegas bottle? Inside the battle is a blanc de blancs cuvée aged on the lees for at least 24 months.

So, as obliging as I am, I said yes. My sample bottles arrived less than a month before the event so I set them down in my chiller until the big day. Or should I say the big night:

“If you’re new to Formula 1, you may have a few questions about the sport and how our action-packed tour of the world is staged year in, year out. Well, we’ve got you covered. In an all-in-one explainer, we take you through the basics from how the championship was formed to the circuits visited, the drivers behind the wheel and the teams involved up and down the pit lane…” Read more here.

The Tasting

Poured into a wine glass for evaluation I was immediately greeted by a pale yellow to gold color, clear with tiny bubbles clinging (Or should I say “racing” to be apropos?) onto the edge.

Aromas reminded me of a sliced white peach, bruised yellow delicious apple, lemon zest and wet stones. On the palate I was happy to find a “racy” quality filled with acidic fresh lemon and lime, as well as hints of pink grapefruit and some of that same minerality I found on the nose quite alive on the palate. A perfect libation to cheer the racers on during the Formula 1 indeed!

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Bushman and Roebuck (and more) One Bottle Post: 2012 Joseph Phelps Backus

by

My usual one-bottle posts include observations on one wine: the color, aroma, flavor and some general notes. This time I thought I would mix it up. I will be sharing tasting notes and scores from other critics, as well as notes from my friend and a wine collector with an estimable palate, Steve Roebuck. I also decided to do this review as I was curious about the worth of the wine: 2012 Joseph Phelps Backus that recently landed in my Drink Now chiller. Lucky me.

Price

A little googling and I found the wine on Wine Searcher valued at an average of $249 a bottle. Though unavailable on Wine.com they said it was being sold at an average of $219 a bottle. Abalat is selling it for $322. (We paid $200 as club members in 2015 for the 2012, later we got the 2013 for $250.)

Parker and Galloni Reviews

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate: 95

The Cabernet Sauvignon Backus is their single-vineyard wine made on the lower hillsides of the Vaca Mountains at the Oakville crossroads. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus, a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot, spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. There are 2,900 cases of this massive wine, which is certainly the most backstrapping, highly extracted, muscular Cabernet in the Phelps portfolio. It is inky bluish purple to the rim, showing notes of underbrush, dusty soil notes and plenty of blackberry and blueberry fruit. An elegant and relatively large production for this vineyard, the 2012 is a beauty and the tannins are surprisingly civilized for such a young Backus. It can be drunk in 3-4 years, but will keep 30 or more.

Antonio Galloni for Vinous: 97 Points

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard has really blossomed over the last year. A glorious, towering Cabernet Sauvignon offers super depth an intensity, with the voluptuous personality of the vintage on full display. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, mocha and espresso all flesh out in the glass. The Backus is not as open nor expressive as the Insignia is today, but it is tremendous in its beauty and overall pedigree. This is a terrific example of contemporary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the last vintage made from the vineyards that were planted in 1975.

Roebuck and Bushman Review

These are Steve’s notes, mine are in italics afterward:

2012 Joseph Phelps “Backus” Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Score:  98 Points

Location:  Napa Valley, California

Blend:  93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot

SR: This dark inky garnet wine had a hint of bricking on the edge. The wine had a magnificent bouquet of blackberries, boysenberries, cherry liquor, violets, vanilla, sweet mushrooms, and savory dusty earth. It was full-bodied with lush integrated tannins that gave way to hints of blackberries, cassis fruit, cherry liquor, sage, iron, graphite, tar, baking chocolate, cigar box, and tilled earth.  The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought balance to complex layers of fruit and earth. It had a bold backbone yet was elegant with a savory finish of candied dark berry fruits in a blanket of smoke. 

Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted:  October 2023

EB: I viewed the color as a very black blackberry. The first aroma that hit me was of juicy dark berries: blackberry and boysenberry, then medium toast, spice, black pepper and pipe tobacco. When I tasted the wine I was hit again, this time with its perfect balance of fruit and spice, very smooth and easy to drink with that same dark fruit, mild spice and mellowed tannins. I’d give it 100 points.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

FROM VINE TO GLASS: DISCOVERING THE ESSENCE OF STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

by

Lompoc, CA –  The enchanting world of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a picturesque wine region along California’s Central Coast welcomes wine lovers from near and far. Embark on a delightful journey uncovering the trifecta of wine areas that make this region truly special: the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, the Midtown Wineries, and the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries. Diverse, exquisite flavors await as we delve into the thriving wine scene of this unique and esteemed appellation. So, grab a glass and join us as we unravel the vinicultural treasures of Sta. Rita Hills.


THE LOMPOC WINE GHETTO

Located off Pacific Coast Highway 1 and 12th Street, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Sta. Rita Hills winemakers. This unassuming industrial complex, once a collection of dilapidated warehouses, has been transformed into a hub of winemaking excellence. Step inside the Wine Ghetto, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a labyrinth of tasting rooms and production facilities, each housing a different winery eager to share its unique creations. From boutique family-owned operations to renowned industry vintages, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto offers a treasure trove of diverse wines to tantalize every palate.

Notable Wine Ghetto tasting rooms include the organic and sustainably farmed Chanin Wine, the women-owned Fiddlehead Cellars, and Ampelos Cellars which was the first vineyard in the US to be certified as 100% sustainable, certified organic and biodynamic. Montemar is a particularly fun stop with small lot, hand-crafted Rhone and Burgundy varietals and a large outdoor patio with games.

The collection of boutique tasting rooms is open Fridays – Sundays, with some open Thursdays and Mondays.

LOMPOC MIDTOWN WINERIES

Sprinkled throughout midtown in Lompoc, the Midtown Wineries offer a delightful blend of history, character, and exceptional wine. You’ll discover a collection of quaint tasting rooms and wineries, each with its own unique story to tell.

Within Lompoc’s midtown wineries, several notable names shine brightly, showcasing their prowess and distinct styles. One such winery is the acclaimed, artisanal winery, Longoria Wines, which has produced wine from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County since 1982. The family-owned Civilization Wine Company winery stands out for its rich history and multi-generational winemaking tradition, imparting a sense of heritage and authenticity to every bottle. Brewer-Clifton is another standout, consistently earning the highest praise for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Each notable midtown winery offers a unique perspective, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality that defines Sta. Rita Hills winemaking.

STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

Just minutes from Lompoc, a spectacular collection of award-winning vineyards and estate wineries awaits! The Sta. Rita Hills vineyards stretch along the Lompoc valley and include many prestigious vineyards whose varietals consistently receive 91+ or higher ratings from Wine Spectator Magazine.

One such vineyard, the Hilt Estate is known for its pinot noirs, chardonnays, cabernet sauvignon and syrahs as well as its breathtaking location, beautifully restored “Barn” tasting room and stunning valley views. Another noteworthy vineyard is the small-lot Spear Vineyards & Winery with a new tasting room in the property’s 1920s historic remodeled dairy barn and panoramic vineyard views from the seated outdoor patio. Other popular wineries include Dierberg-Starlane Vineyard, which has been consistently ranked amongst the highest quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, Sanford Winery & Vineyards where you can enjoy an ATV tour of the vineyards, and Foley Estates with a 3,500 square-foot tasting room, tasting terraces and private event center.

These notable Sta. Rita Hills vineyards are not only cherished by winemakers but are also beloved by wine enthusiasts who seek wines that capture the unique spirit of this remarkable wine-growing region. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative techniques, the breathtaking settings, or the captivating stories behind these wineries, they all share a common thread: a commitment to producing exceptional wines that embody the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.

Plan your visit to soak in the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of the Lompoc Valley and create lasting memories in our charming wine destination.

Readers looking for more information go to ExploreLompoc.com

Perlises Pick: Thacher Winery dinner at Tam O’Shanter

by

We recently wrote about a wine dinner at Tam O’Shanter restaurant featuring Carol Shelton Wines that we were unfortunately unable to attend. At the time, we had resolved to do our best to make it to the next wine dinner at The Tam, and that opportunity came sooner than expected when Tam O’Shanter paired up with Thacher Winery of Paso Robles.

Michelle and Sherman Thacher discovered the Kentucky Ranch in what is now the Adelaida AVA of Paso Robles in 2003 when they attended a wedding there. They ended up buying the property soon thereafter and Thacher Winery officially opened in 2008, in time for their fourth harvest. The focus is primarily on Rhone varietals and Zinfandel from a combination of estate and purchased fruit. We’ve tasted and enjoyed the Thacher wines at events but have not yet visited the winery.

It is always an eye-opening and palate-gratifying reminder what a talented executive chef such as The Tam’s JC Salazar can do when using his expertise to create dishes to pair with selected wines. An added bonus was having Tony Quealy, Thacher Winery’s General Manager, available to discuss the wines and the winery.

Here is the menu with our comments in italics:

Lemon Hamachi Crudo – fennel, cucumber, apple-pear, watermelon radish, aguachile, smoked salt paired with 2021 Own Rooted Chenin Blanc – Shell Creek Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles AVA.

First of all, kudos for using Chenin Blanc, a much overlooked grape these days. Even more kudos for using grapes from a vineyard planted in 1972. With a lemon and apricot nose, it was crisp and clean with grapefruit notes. Moderate acidity and body and very well balanced with a medium to long finish. The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the refreshing and complex crudo and was perfectly timed to the hot-day segueing into a pleasantly cool evening.    

Lamb, Lavender & Plums – New Zealand Lamb Rack, Romanesco succotash, plum chutney, lavender honey paired with 2019 Constant Variable – Central Coast.

Is there a better pairing with lamb than Rhone varietals? We think not. In this case, the wine was a blend of 37% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 7% Cinsaut, 7% Counoise and 2% Viognier. Tony referred to this as Thacher’s flagship wine. The deep burgundy/maroon wine presented with dark, ripe stone fruit and a hint of white pepper on the nose. There were spicy notes from the Counoise along with a hint of baking spices. Extremely well balanced in body and acidity with added freshness from the Cinsaut. The mouthfeel was full and the finish was long. All the varietals were barreled separately except for the co-fermented Syrah and Viognier. The richness of the lamb with the chutney and honey proved to be both sweet and savory and this wine helped to bring out these aspects.

Certified Angus NY Strip – potato fondant, glazed Globe carrots, asparagus ribbons, shiitake demi paired with 2018 Original Copy – Adelaida District, Paso Robles AVA.

As lamb pairs with Rhone varietals, beef pairs with Bordeaux varietals. In this case, a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc combine to make a wine that is deep, dark, rich burgundy in color with aromas of ripe plum. Nicely structured and medium-bodied, with earthy and smoky nuances and a medium to long finish. The bold flavors of the perfectly cooked steak dipped in the demi went hand in hand with the Bordeaux blend.

Olive Oil Cake – macerated cherries, almond brittle, Fosselman’s vanilla ice cream paired with 2020 Working Holiday, Cass Vineyard Red, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles AVA.

The dessert was not overly sweet and was delightful with this fruit forward wine from the renowned Cass vineyard on the east side of Paso Robles. A combination of 54% Syrah, 37% Grenache and 9% Mourvedre, this Rhone blend and lively, ripe raspberry on the nose and followed through with the same on the palate. A perfect way to end a perfect dinner, leaving you satisfied and looking forward to the next time.

In addition to greatly enjoying our dinner, we learned a few things about Thacher Winery from GM Tony Quealy. Production is about 5,000 cases, of which about 65% is Estate. Estate growth is being expanded, including plantings of Mencia, a red grape grown in Spain and Portugal, as well as a mixed white field blend. The logo for Thacher Winery is a grasshopper, based on the Thacher family crest going back to Sherman’s English heritage. And shortly after we attended the dinner, we learned that Brenna Hill had been promoted from Cellar Lead to Assistant Winemaker at Thacher.

We want to thank Tam O’Shanter management and staff for an excellent dinner, both in food and service. We have never felt better taken care of. We are looking forward to the next wine dinner to see what imaginative dishes Executive Chef JC will come up with, although we will definitely be revisiting Tam O’Shanter before then. And the Thacher Winery and Vineyard will be on our agenda the next time we are in Paso Robles, one of our absolute favorite stomping grounds.

Thacher Winery & Vineyard

www.thacherwinery.com

8355 Vineyard Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446

The Tam O’Shanter Restaurant

www.lawrysonline.com/tam-o-shanter

2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Review: Robert Hall 2021 Cavern Select Sparkling Grenache Blanc

by

Did you know that Robert Hall in Paso Robles makes a Sparkling wine, made from 100% Grenache Blanc, and is super amazing? I do! When I received my bottle for review I invited a few guests over to taste it with me and we agreed: yummy! There is a lot of technical information below from the winery, but let me share some of our collective tasting notes first:

A plethora of aromas were found by our group that included crisp green apple, fresh pear slices, lemon zest, cheddar and a clean sidewalk after the rain. On the palate we noted lemon-lime, kiwi, more juicy apple, fruit cocktail and cantaloupe melon. The general consensus was that the wine was very clean and fresh tasting, and the tiny bubbles that raced to the top reminded me of reverse fireworks that fall from the sky. We enjoyed the wine with hard cheeses, summer sausage and a chutney relish.

Haven’t visited the winery on 46 East in a few years, now we (my friends in this tasting and those reading our notes) have an excuse to visit again!

From Robert Hall

There is a new summer sparkling in town and it’s fire hazard free! Robert Hall’s 2021 Cavern Select Sparkling Grenache Blanc (SRP $40) is the quintessential summer wine…

Crafted in the heart of Paso Robles, on the Central coast of California by seasoned winemaker Amanda Gorter, this fine bubbly is produced using méthode champenoise. This centuries-honored winemaking technique allows the wine to undergo a second round of fermentation in the bottle with new yeast and sugar to create those magical bubbles. This labor-intensive process requires daily quarter-turning of each bottle, a technique known as riddling, also originating from the Champagne region of France. To ensure every bottle is riddled to bubbly perfection, it undergoes an extensive 11 month second fermentation to produce a balanced and mature brut (very dry) sparkling wine.

Bubbles aside, another important factor contributing to the overall balance and uniqueness of the wine is the grape varietal Amanda chose to use. The 2021 Sparkling Grenache Blanc is composed of 100% Grenache Blanc grapes, a variety originating from northern Spain. This variety contains the ideal amount of acidity desired to produce a dry sparkling like this. The warm growing conditions of Paso Robles results in an excellent concentration of flavors that truly stand out and work harmoniously with the carbonation. Though Grenache Blanc is rising in popularity amongst US growers it is still considered a unique grape in the states, especially in the case of a sparkling wine. 

https://www.roberthallwinery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/roberthallwinery/

https://www.facebook.com/RobertHallWinery

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky is Unveiled in the U.S. Market

by

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Isle of Skye, a Skye Blended Scotch Whisky brand within the Ian Macleod Distillers portfolio, has announced the U.S. launch of their full range, from 8 years old to 30 years. This whisky has a completely new premium look and feel, with each bottle proudly displaying the famous ‘Cuillin Ridge’ hills that lie at the heart of the island itself.

This blended Scotch was created by Ian Macleod on Skye in 1933 and was inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the island. Skye is the most popular of Scotland’s islands and is famously used as a location for many films and TV series. An ancient island which has been carved by the elements and is a theater of natural drama. The influence of the island can still be seen today in the whisky, which is described as ‘soul-stirring’ with each sip transporting you to this land of myth and legend.

To blend the Isle of Skye, Ian Macleod Distillers skilfully uses malt whisky from Skye and complement it with stunning malt and grain whiskies from the mainland of Scotland, to produce a unique whisky with a very high malt content. This gives the Scotch a complex and incredibly smooth flavor, bursting with tropical fruits, spice and chocolate.

Isle of Skye has been created to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as the perfect base for a variety of cocktails due to its complex and layered flavors.

Iain Weir, Brand Director for Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky says, “We are delighted to share the updated Isle of Skye range with the U.S. The unique, rich flavors of the whisky are a testament to the careful blending and premium malts and grain that we use to create it. Our stunning new packaging really tells the story of the brand and showcases its heritage on the ancient Isle of Skye.”

The full range of Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whiskies to be released in the United States are as follows:

The 8 Year Old (SRP: $20.99) has gentle sweetness on the nose with floral notes, citrus aromas, and subtle smoke. Peat smoke on the palate along with shellfish, toffee, vanilla and heather. Dry to finish with continued smoke.

The 12 Year Old (SRP: $27.99) has creamy vanilla fragrances with orange zest, ground coriander, honeycomb, and distant heather fire. Smooth and balanced palate with flavors of dried apricot, gooseberry, and a gentle spice. Lingering peat finish with notes of lime, dark chocolate, and fresh mint.

The 18 Year Old (SRP: $64.99) has gooseberry and cinnamon aromas caught on a coastal breeze, lime, chilli, and black pepper. Gentle smoke on the palate gives way to citrus zest, fruitcake, and toffee notes. A peat smoke finish ebbs into rounded malt and dark chocolate.
*Award: Gold Medal in 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The 21 Year Old (SRP: $114.99) has shelled walnuts with dried banana and brown sugar on the nose, with wood smoke, clementine and treacle. A rich body with a mouthfeel to match, yielding to honeyed porridge, tropical fruit, and allspice. A wonderfully tenacious rich oak finish with dried fruits, and soft peat smoke.

The 25 Year Old (SRP: $206.99) has rich and oaky ginger on the nose mixed with vanilla, red apple, and citrus. Rounded and fruity on the palate, with notes of malt and more apple, giving way to a wisp of peat smoke. A balanced and dry finish with lingering hints of apricot.

The 30 Year Old (SRP: $321.99) has vanilla and light oak on the nose with hints of bakewell tart, coconut, and a floral top note. Silky and sweet butter pastry on the palate, mixed with fresh malt and raisins. A remarkable 30 Year Old blended Scotch.
*Award: Gold Medals in 2023 International Wine & Spirit Competition and 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Consumers can now purchase the full Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range in select retail shops throughout the U.S. and the whiskies are available in 7ooml sized bottles.

About Ian Macleod Distillers: The Isle of Skye blended Scotch whisky is owned by Ian Macleod Distillers. Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family- owned distillers, blenders and bottlers. They are the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year. Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few. For more information, visit http://www.ianmacleod.com

Perlises Pick Andrew Murray Vineyards

by

Our wine journey would probably have been a lot different if we hadn’t wandered into a certain modest storefront winery tasting room in downtown Los Olivos back in the mid-1990s. Yes, we had already discovered California Rhone wines with a bottle of Le Cigare Volant from Bonny Doon Vineyards that we had purchased at a wine store in Glendale CA, but finding an easily accessible tasting room for a winery that was 100% devoted to Rhone varietals was an eye-opening and palate-gratifying experience.  The wines from Andrew Murray Vineyards were delicious and they sent us down the Cal-Rhone rabbit hole and we haven’t looked back.

Andrew initially made his wines at – and sourced much of his grape supply from – the property owned by his parents in the Santa Ynez Valley. That property was sold in 2005 and Andrew spent several years making his wine at different sites while expanding his sources of grapes. Finally, in 2014, he took over the old Curtis Winery and Vineyard property, establishing not only a well-deserved permanent home for this star in the Cal-Rhone firmament, but also creating a wonderful place for wine lovers to visit – which we did and this is what we tasted…

2021 Viognier – 100% Viognier, a blend of two different vineyards – White Hawk near Los Alamos and a vineyard owned by AMV in the Santa Maria Valley.  Aged in neutral oak.  Peach, floral notes. Very zesty and lively. Nice long mouth feel.

2020 Esperance Rose – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard. 97% Cinsault, 3% Grenache.   Stainless steel, very light skin contact. Floral, rose flower and a touch of tomato notes.  Soft and easy on the palate.

2020 Esperance Estate GSM – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard.  65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre.  Ripe berry, followed by stone fruit with soft spice notes. 

2020 Estate Grenache – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard. 100% Grenache.  15% whole cluster fermentation for added complexity.  This was a warm year, resulting in fruit forward, very aromatic wine.  Plush berry, balanced tannins with a medium body.

2020 Estate Mourvedre – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, Curtis Vineyard.  100% Mourvedre.   Last fruit picked, mid to late November. Dropped fruit for better, more intense wine.  Herbal, leathery notes, more weight than usual. Very meaty long finish.

2020 Estate Syrah – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  This 100% Syrah saw almost 30% new oak.  Fruit forward, lots of spice.  Cozy feeling, “Hugs in a bottle”, smoke and bacon notes.  Very long finish, big mouth feel.

2020 Watch Hill Syrah – Alisos Canyon AVA near Los Alamos area.  94% Syrah, 6% Viognier.  25% whole cluster.  From the cooler hillside.   Deep, inky purple. Savory and fruity bite and finish.  Always a classic.

2020 Etranger Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah.   Inky, purplish grey in color.  Massive body with chocolate, coffee notes and blue fruit notes.  Added color and weight from the Petite. 

2019 Brazen Estate – Santa Ynez Valley AVA, 70% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah.   Only 45 cases (2 barrels) this wine spent two years in barrel and another in bottle before release. Ripe plum fruit with hints of licorice and espresso notes.

From one wine to the next, it was evident that Andrew hasn’t lost his touch.

We got to spend a little time with Andrew discussing the AMV wines, as well as what happens to the non-Rhone grapes that are grown on the 150 acres that are farmed by Andrew and his team – some go into their E11EVEN label [which has now taken over that Los Olivos tasting room] and others go to other wineries, including some big producers like Sutter Home and Joel Gott. We hadn’t seen him in some time and it was nice to catch up. With his and wife Kristen’s kids pretty much grown he still manages to look about the same as we recall from over 25 years ago – winemaking must agree with him. His wines will attest to that.

Andrew Murray Vineyards

www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com

5249 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

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

Prosecco DOC Consortium Announces 6th Annual National Prosecco Week July 17-23

by

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PRWEB) – The Prosecco DOC Consortium, the entity that oversees the production of the world’s most popular sparkling wine, is pleased to announce that ‘National Prosecco Week’ – the trade, media and consumer campaign developed in partnership with Colangelo & Partners – will return for its sixth consecutive year during the week of July 17-23, 2023.

The upcoming edition will once again include robust retail and restaurant partnerships, media and consumer campaigns with an important focus on consumer events, targeted media relations and marketing, strategic media partnerships and dynamic social media and influencer activations. Through this comprehensive week of events, the Consortium aims to educate media, trade and consumers on how to identify authentic Prosecco DOC, increase awareness and build excitement in the United States market, showcasing the versatility and pairability of both Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé, further elaborating on the new and growing Rosé category.

During last year’s edition of National Prosecco Week, over 1,000 ecommerce and brick-and-mortar stores across 30 states participated with dedicated displays, promotions and in-store tastings, with thousands of consumers involved in the initiative. Consumers were driven to participating restaurants and stores through a variety of promotional activities, including media relations, influencers, social media marketing, and advertising including a billboard in Times Square in New York. 2022 was also the year of the return of in-person events with over 180 consumers attending 2 events organized in partnership with Cru Luv in New York and Chicago.

As U.S. consumers continue to express interest in Prosecco DOC for its pleasing palate and approachable price point, the Prosecco DOC Consortium is committed to increase their presence in the market via educational and promotional events such as National Prosecco Week.

“After the tremendous success of the previous editions, we are thrilled to return to the United States for the sixth time since its inception,” said Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium. “National Prosecco Week is an incredible opportunity to present our wines, our territory and our culture to the most influential wine personalities and Prosecco DOC lovers in the United States, our highest-volume market with more than 134 million bottles imported in 2022. The Prosecco DOC Denomination was in fact particularly preeminent in the US market in 2022 as exports increased by 6.3% over the previous year and today the country absorbs 24.3% of the total production of Prosecco DOC.” The President continues, “our goal is to continue to strengthen the Denomination’s success by monitoring consumer trends, paying close attention to the territory, and actively involving the entire production system, always keeping the focus on sustainability.”

Continuing the efforts from last year, consumers will be able to search for and purchase Prosecco DOC from local and national retailers on the National Prosecco Week online store, in addition to having the ability to locate participating stores in a selected area through an interactive map on the National Prosecco Week website starting June 1st.

National Prosecco Week is also partnering with national ecommerce Wine.com and retail chain Eataly USA to drive consumer awareness and generate educational opportunities.

This year, consumer events will have a main focus in the overarching campaign. The Consortium will host an exclusive happy hour on July 18th at TAO’s Dream Downtown, which will begin with two educational seminars for influencers and media, followed by a reception, featuring a celebration of The Italian Genio. Participants will have the chance to take a culinary journey to Italy, enjoying Prosecco DOC on its own and in a selection of cocktails, paired with Italian food.

The series of consumer activations will also include three events organized in partnership with Jermaine Stone’s creative brand agency Cru Luv Selections in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York scheduled respectively for July 17th, 19th and 21st. Following the success of the last year, The Original Wine & Hip Hop founder will blend the best elements of street culture and wine, bringing together bubbles, great music and fun facts on Prosecco DOC.

Prosecco DOC welcomes retailers and restaurants to participate in this nationwide celebration by hosting in-house or digital promotions, educational seminars, tastings, package inserts and discounts. The following renowned Prosecco DOC producers are participating in this year’s campaign: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio, Albino Armani, Bottega, Botter, Cà Furlan, Cantine Riondo, Fantinel, La Gioiosa, La Marca, Mionetto, Paladin, Pitars, Ruggeri, Torresella, V8+, Val d’Oca, Valdo, Villa Sandi, Zardetto, and Zonin.

Participating retailers and restaurants receive dynamic and educational POS materials to inspire consumer interest in the promotion. Additional benefits for participating partners include advertising support with National Prosecco Week’s digital and social media marketing, and press support. All partners will be featured on the National Prosecco Week website.

For more information on National Prosecco Week and how to participate, please contact Carlotta Ribolini (cribolini@colangelopr.com) or Daniela Porro (dporro@colangelopr.com) of Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com), the agency of record in the US for the Prosecco DOC Consortium.
To stay tuned for upcoming events and promotions, follow Prosecco DOC on Facebook & Instagram (@proseccodoc_usa), and the National Prosecco Week’s official US website.

About
The Prosecco DOC Consortium Prosecco was granted the Controlled Designation of Origin status on July 17th, 2009, and the Prosecco DOC Consortium (Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco) was created on November 19th of the same year to coordinate and manage the Prosecco DOC. The organization unites the different groups of manufacturers—wineries, individual and associated vine-growers, still wine and sparkling wine producers—to ensure the designation continues to grow and that the production regulations are complied with.

Perlises Pick Stolpman Vineyards

by

With annual production of about 50,000 cases, Stolpman Vineyards might seem like a large winery compared to many of the others in Santa Barbara County, but the reality is that it is fairly small relative to the big corporate producers. Still, we were wondering why this winery that produces a wide variety of excellent wines including a great selection of Rhone varietals that are right in our wheelhouse, had not attracted our attention enough to pay them a visit until now. Of course, we had enjoyed their wines at various events and Eve had visited them some time ago, but for us not to have paid them a visit yet was definitely our loss.

The answer might lie in the history of the property.

Tom and Marilyn Stolpman acquired the land in 1990 in what is now the Ballard Canyon AVA. For years, most of the excellent grapes grown under the care of legendary vineyard manager Ruben Solorzano were sold to other wineries, while Tom continued with his law practice in Southern California. It wasn’t until Tom and Marilyn’s son Pete left his wine distributor employer to focus full time on the winery in 2009 did the business model change to keep most of the grapes for production. And demand took off, so production had to keep up. We had not spent much time in the area during this surge, so we missed the excitement. We’re glad to have rectified that.

Stolpman Vineyards is a true family operation. Tom and Marilyn are still involved. Pete’s wife Jessica, who he met at the aforementioned wine distributor, runs California’s wholesale market.  Ruben’s wife Maria is also involved in Stolpman Vineyards day-to-day operations.

The family treatment extends to Stolpman’s workers as well. Stolpman Vineyards not only employs its workers full-time and year-round, but these workers get to enjoy the profits of wines made with the La Cuadrilla label designations.

Of course, without the efforts of head winemaker Kyle Knapp and assistant winemaker Matt Nocas, none of this would matter.

A fairly new member of the Stolpman Vineyards “family” is Nicole McAllister. Nicole’s story might sound familiar to many who experienced difficulties during the pandemic. When the shutdowns hit in March 2020, Nicole had to leave her sommelier position at the acclaimed Jean-Georges restaurant in New York and ended up heading about as far west as possible to the Santa Ynez Valley. She brought her expertise to Stolpman where she has created a private tasting program in the vineyard.

On the day that we were scheduled to meet with Nicole at the vineyard, the threat of rain was hanging over us. Fortunately, the wine gods were smiling and we were able to keep our scheduled appointment with Nicole and her assistant, Rye.

Nicole tasted us through several wines…

2022 Love You Bunches Rose – Central Coast.  Blend of Grenache and Mourvedre.  Citrus notes. Effervescent with a kiss of sweetness on the finish.  From Stolpman’s “So Fresh” line of wines.

2020 L’avion Estate Blanc – Ballard Canyon AVA.  Roussanne aged in new French oak.  Peach and apricot notes.  Buttery brioche in color and on the palate, deliciously rich style.

2021 Estate Rouge Grenache – Ballard Canyon AVA. Cherry and floral notes on the nose.  Well rounded mouth feel.  

2021 La Cuadrilla Estate – Ballard Canyon AVA.  75% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 10% Sangiovese.  Ripe, raspberry notes.  Juicy, fruity, structured and balanced. Buy this wine. You’ll like it and so will the workers.

2021 Pliocene Estate Mourvedre – Ballard Canyon AVA. 100% Mourvedre.  Bedrock and limestone earth coming through. Cobbler, brambly fruit notes. Medium finish. Cool label too.

2020 Angeli Estate Syrah – Ballard Canyon AVA.   100% Syrah. Dark fruit, lush, supple, soft. Great example of what Syrah can be from this are. Angeli is named after Marilyn Stolpman’s side of the family.

If you check out the Stolpman Vineyards website, you’ll see that they make a lot of different wines. They do have a tasting room in Los Olivos, if you can’t make it out to the vineyard. But, if you get the chance to visit the property, you definitely should. We appreciate the time that Nicole spent with us and her expertise in picking some shining examples of Stolpman Vineyards wines for us to try, as well as showing us around the beautiful vineyard. Rye was a little lacking in the expertise department, but made up for it with her exuberance; she really is a very good girl.

Stolpman Vineyards

www.stolpmanvineyards.com

Tasting room: 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos CA 93441

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