Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou Release 2018 Soul of a Lion

September 29, 2021 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou have announced the release of 2018 Soul of a Lion, the crown jewel of DAOU Family Estates named in honor of their father. Exclusively sourced from the DAOU Mountain Estate situated in the premier Adelaida district of Paso Robles, Soul of a Lion is one of the most anticipated Cabernet Sauvignon releases of the year and will be available nationally as of September 2021.

“The 2018 vintage of Soul of a Lion is nothing short of a tour de force that represents the richness, elegance and balance we strive for in the Adelaida district,” says Winemaker and Co-Proprietor Daniel Daou. “2018 was a remarkable vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon that showed our vine balance to perfection. A cooling trend at the end of summer prolonged the hang time and yielded the latest harvest ever recorded on DAOU Mountain. The result is a wine of depth in every way from the dark-purple color and striking flavors to the silky balance and well-integrated tannins on the finish. 2018 Soul of a Lion is a memorable wine that will inspire us with many years of enjoyment ahead.”

Georges and Daniel Daou, brothers and co-proprietors of DAOU Family Estates, proudly celebrate Soul of a Lion as the most important wine that they make. Soul of a Lion is named for Georges and Daniel’s father, an enduring symbol of strength and courage in their lives. First released in 2010, Soul of a Lion received immediate critical acclaim and has established Paso Robles as a rising star for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Guided by winemaker Daniel Daou’s vision to produce Bordeaux-style wines that combine elegance, freshness, and power, the DAOU Mountain estate is situated on a 212-acre hilltop in the Adelaida district with the ideal soils, microclimate, and elevations for Cabernet Sauvignon.

2018 SOUL OF A LION

WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES (Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Cabernet Franc 15%, Petit Verdot 10%) 2018 Soul of a Lion aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. A dark, purple-black hue foreshadows the experience to come. Intense aromas of lilac, violet, and spice swirl amid a deep, complex bouquet. The palate bursts with prodigious flavors of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, vanilla bean and chocolate-covered cherry, all underlain by striking minerality. Silky, integrated tannins unwind into an impossibly long finish, revealing both the power and finesse of its DAOU Mountain provenance. – Winemaker Daniel Daou
2018 VINTAGE NOTES (DAOU Mountain, Paso Robles AVA, Adelaida District)

The 2018 vintage may go down in history as the longest season yet. A good amount of rain fell on DAOU Mountain which gave to a later bud break in April. The vines were energized by the much-needed moisture, setting one of our best crops yet. The weather remained steady from spring through June when we received a long heat wave that fortunately did not affect the quality of the grapes as it occurred before the start of veraison. A cooling trend ensued for the rest of the season right after the heatwave prolonging the hanging time and the harvest to October. The result was our latest harvest ever on the mountain, reaching all the way into the third week of October. The long hang time yielded deep color and concentration with dense wines. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated. 2018 was an exceptional vintage that gave way to powerful and balanced wines. – Winemaker Daniel Daou

About DAOU Family Estates
Family-owned and operated, DAOU Family Estates is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles, DAOU was founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007 to develop the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties in the region. The family estate at DAOU Mountain combines remarkable geology, favorable microclimate and high elevation, once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as “a jewel of ecological elements.” As a steward of this beautiful terroir, winemaker Daniel Daou offers a quality-focused range of complex but accessible wines that are a pleasure to drink.

South Coast Winery Garners Awards at Wine Competition

September 19, 2021 by evebushman

TEMECULA, Calif. – South Coast Winery, owned by the Carter family, received three prestigious awards at the 2021 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition produced by the San Diego County Fair. Eighteen wine industry experts – sommeliers, wine journalists, consultants and wine business managers – participated in the judging, which took place late May at the festival held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, Calif. The competition celebrates wineries from around the world producing the finest quality wines.

“This year as we celebrate our 20^th anniversary, we are once again proud to have winning wines designated by The Toast of the Coast Competition adding to our impressive collection of over 3,000 wine accolades garnered throughout the years,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, which owns South Coast Winery. “Our mission has always been to use expert knowledge and craft to produce the very best wines, retaining a sense of each varietal’s personality and terroir of origin.”

The 2017 South Coast Winery Meritage won the highest-level Double Gold reserved for the finest wines as agreed on unanimously by an assigned three judge panel and scoring 94 points or higher on a 100-point scale. Dark purple red in color, the aromas of blackberry and currants are the first thing noticed, while subtle herbal notes and warm, toasty oak aromas bring depth and structure to this complex wine. It is a classic quintet of Bordeaux varietals – cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec and carménère – blended to create a wine that is finely textured and nuanced from start to finish.

Silver award winner, South Coast Winery Grenache Noir Rosé, is light in body, crisp in acidity and very dry, delivering an elegant rosé and the perfect wine for any cuisine and festivity. It is nuanced with a hint of rosy color carrying delicate strawberry, raspberry and cotton candy aromas, married with refined citrus and floral notes. The winery’s NV South Coast Winery Sparkling Pinot Grigio also won a Silver award. Light and refreshing, this sparkler has notes of fresh Meyer lemon and key lime, crisp green apple and white nectarines. It is slightly effervescent and great for everyday celebrations.

A list of all winners and additional information is available at thetoastofthecoast.com.

About South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

The only winery among the state’s top wineries to claim the title of California Winery of the Year four times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa sets the gold standard for excellence amongst California wineries, earning more than 3,000 awards since its inception in 2003. Situated on 63 lush acres, the resort offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant.

South Coast Winery offers a broad portfolio of 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, dessert wines and other specialty offerings. The winery employs a staff of skilled winemakers, including master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores, both with decades of experience in the wine industry.

For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.

About Carter Hospitality Group

Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.

Variety in Varietals: The “Rainbow” of Wine Choices from Bordeaux and Germany from Clink Different

June 4, 2021 by evebushman

Did you know that there is a campaign to raise awareness about some of the “unsung heroes” from wine regions in Bordeaux and Germany? Clink Different, the perfect name in my opinion, started up in 2019, was pretty much frozen like everything else in 2020, and now for 2021 has begun anew.

I was recently invited onto a Zoom presentation called “Variety in Varietals” to taste four unsung heroes, while learning from Steffan Schlinder, of the German Wine Institute, and Cristie Norman, the President and Founder of the United Sommeliers Foundation. I will begin by sharing some of my notes of what we learned from Norman and Schlinder and then the tasting notes and food pairings provided by Norman, as well as some of my own notes.

What We Learned

Schlinder opened the meeting by sharing the similarities between the two wine growing regions: both are over 200 years old, both have cool climates and both are experienced in the industry. Varietals in Germany are divided by one third red and two thirds white. Orange wines are one example of a wine being made in both areas.

Norman explained that we don’t always have to enjoy only first growth wine Bordeaux, and that Germany and Bordeaux “have an entire rainbow of different wines to choose from”. Her theory on food and wine pairing is similar to decorating a home: pieces have to fit together, there needs to be balance, opposites and a respect for key elements. As far as wine costs, all of the four wines we were to taste were priced accessibly. Norman said that cult wines have become “astronomically expensive” and through her experience as a restaurant sommelier she has learned that people want to try new wines. She then led us through the wines.

Tasting the Wines and Food Pairing Suggestions

Of the four varietals below which is new for you? Norman asked that same question in our Zoom presentation. The only varietal I didn’t recall having had before was the Lemberger, now a varietal I will be looking for again. And her mention about prices really sprang out as all of these wines cost less than what I expected them to be. Yep, that means I liked them all, and I would certainly buy these wines. (Notes: tasting notes and pairings are Norman’s, my additions are in italics.)

Silvaner: Weingut Strub 2019 Silvaner Trocken

SRP: $19. Green apple, cantaloupe, wet rock; with a medium acidity and freshness. Pair with salad, stir-fry, oysters; Indian food. This was my favorite wine in the line-up. And yes, we did enjoy with Indian food later!

Sauvignon Blanc: Dourthe 2019 La Grande Cuvée Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc

SRP: $14. Lemon, grapefruit, cheese rind; limeade, green apple and a mild salinity. Pair with cream-based sauce over pasta, steamed clams, goat cheese; I agreed that this wine would do well with any cream sauce, and due to the ocean spray-ish salinity maybe even with some shellfish. We enjoyed the rest of the bottle poolside.

Lemberger: Schnaitmann 2017 Steinwiege Lemberger

SRP: $37. This wine, also referred to as a Blaufrankisch in the past but not so much today, had notes of blackberry, elderberry, sweet and sour cherries, vegetal; spices, dried red berries, a slight medicinal, a light red. Pair with duck, pasta with a red sauce, Chicken Shawarma; charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Petit Verdot: Château Belle-Vue 2018 Petit Verdot

SRP: $25. Blackberry, red and black cherry, black plum, grilled meat, vanilla, cream, purple flowers; big, bold, tannic, black pepper, spice on the nose, very dry. Pair with aged Gouda, skirt steak, Philadelphia Cheese Steak; I thought it would be great with a rich beef stew.

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.

Discovering Montemar Again, and Probably Again and Again?

August 28, 2020 by evebushman

I remember tasting Montemar wines at past Wine in the Pines events, and that a few friends were in love with their wines, especially their Pinot Noirs. When my #LAWineWriters group planned a trip to Lompoc I looked around to see who else I would like to visit, and remembered that Montemar was there. Besides Pinot they are also known for Rhônes – GSM blends and Syrah – as well as Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Rose, Viognier, Grappa and more.

When I met up with owner Caryn Arrowood she gave me their wine list, and whew, there was a lot to choose from. (For a writer, who of course has to spit everything, I limited myself to varietals that I normally appreciate.) Caryn commented that they make “too many” of a lot of varietals. They do indeed, lucky us.

But before we got to tasting Caryn showed me their life-size chalkboard where visitors could write down their goals (sadly Caryn’s husband Steve had his life’s goals written there before he passed away due to cancer), organic garden (Caryn offered that we take anything we like home with us), their sandy beach (yes, you read that right), large paintings of popular musicians one of their club members had done and plenty of well-spaced seating areas. Now, I grew thirsty to taste.

Tasting

The first wine we tasted, Caryn’s favorite and mine now as well, was their 2018 Grenache Blanc with delightful notes of fresh pineapple and fruit cocktail. Next up, a 2014 Sangiovese from Stolpman Vineyard, proved once again how great the Stolpman Vineyards are, and how a great winemaker can do great things with it. It had a beautiful nose filled with light red fruit, spice and brambles. Another wine with great fruit and spice, as well as mushrooms and violets, was the 2014 Grenache, I was now three for three in finding favorites at Montemar.

A dark, earthy, spicy wine with great balance, their 2014 GSM was the ticket. This rendition had 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 25% Mourvedre. A 2013 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard, had me at a “hello blueberry” youthful taste for a 2013, that also had a bright mint and some red earth notes to it.

Next up was their 2012 Syrah EBA (Extended Barrel Aged) from the Watchhill Vineyard. This wine has 12 more months in barrel, for a total of 30 months, before bottling. Caryn commented that this was “a good vineyard” for them. I got lots of red jammy fruit, pepper, crushed leaves, with a long tannic finish. Another favorite that lingered in my mind for a long time after tasting. Our final wine was a 2015 Petite Verdot from Happy Canyon. It was dark, dusty, with lots of great fruit and the most perfumed bouquet.

Note: Though Steve had been the winemaker for all of the wines we tasted, we learned that their son Kyle Arrowood, who Caryn said had been “a garage winemaker since he was a kid”, had taken up the helm. I look forward to returning and tasting Kyle’s vintages. The Arrowoods have long-time contracts with many vineyards where they can “control the fruit”, and I expect that to continue for many years to come.

Montemar Wines

1501 E. Chestnut Ct., STE E. Lompoc.

805-735-5000

https://www.montemarwinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Montemarwines/

https://www.montemarwinery.com/reopening.html

V. Sattui Winery named “Domestic Winery of the Year”

June 27, 2020 by evebushman

V. Sattui was named 2020 “Domestic Winery of the Year” after earning a remarkable 26 medals, including 10 that were awarded Platinum and 12 awarded Gold at the 38^th annual San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge. The Napa Valley winery, specializing in vineyard-designate bottlings, produced a tie for “Wine of the Year” with their 2016 Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon ($92) and 2016 Vangone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($140), each dazzled with a score of 98 points out of 100. V. Sattui’s Bordeaux-style blend, the 2016 Paradiso ($95), narrowly missed a three-way tie with a score of 97 points.

Seven more V. Sattui wines scored Platinum, including their 2017 Napa Valley Malbec ($46) with 95 points and 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($52) with 96 points. Their Estate Vittorio’s Vineyard produced two more Platinum winners: 2017 Petit Verdot ($47) and Cabernet Sauvignon ($78), both earning 94 points. Additional 94 point wines included V. Sattui’s 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($48), 2018 Los Carneros Pinot Noir ($39), and 2017 Napa Valley Syrah ($42) – further displaying the winery’s broad range of quality wine varietals.

The venerable San Diego International is one of the oldest and most revered competitions in the United States. Founded by award-winning wine columnist Dan Berger and Bob Foster and wine rep Dick Colangelo in 1982, the competition has been under the guidance of nationally syndicated wine columnist Robert Whitley for the past 17 years.

Whitley has assembled a remarkable team of dedicated wine enthusiasts, including Director Rich Cook and Chief Judges Michael Franz (Wine) and Maurice DiMarino (Spirits), to oversee planning and production of this important annual deep dive into wine & spirits evaluation. The San Diego International chooses its judges carefully, always with an eye toward giving each wine and spirit entered a fair shot on a level playing field. This year’s panel of judges included a prestigious list of winemakers, wine writers, and sommeliers.

“American and foreign wine competitions can be, and often are, unpredictable. It’s not unusual for an unknown to show up and claim a top award. But some things never change. One of those would be the inevitability of V. Sattui Winery, one of Napa Valley’s finest,” stated Whitley. Speaking to V. Sattui’s richly flavored 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, “Notes of black cherry, ripe strawberry, fall spice and gentle oak toast entice on the nose and please on the palate, with a supple texture and a long, fully integrated finish keep you coming back for more. Wines like this are why Pinot Noir is so popular.” he added.

“I am very proud and happy for our vineyard and winemaking teams; they work so hard and deserve all the credit for this amazing recognition of our wines. To be Voted Best Winery and tie with ourselves for Best Wine of the competition is a tremendous feat,” says Winery President, Tom Davies.

Zoom Tasting: 2012 Phifer Pavitt DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon

April 24, 2020 by evebushman

Did my first online Zoom wine tasting with a winery I’ve known for 10+ years: Phifer Pavitt. We happened to have the wine of choice, their 2012 vintage of Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon in our cellar so we were good to go. This is an excerpt from their invitation:

Good afternoon Eve,

We are so excited to be launching our first official Virtual Tasting …This wine is coming out of the library and has been singing as of late! We will discuss the vintage, the wine, and answer all your questions. If you do not have the 2012 Phifer Pavitt DATE NIGHT Cabernet Sauvignon, do not fret! Open whatever Phifer Pavitt you have close or that is your favorite…

Cheers,

Luke Speer

Director of Hospitality

Zooming in on DATE NIGHT

Always nice to see and chat with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, we’ve also tasted with Luke Speer at the winery too. (Just google the winery name on EveWine101.com to see how often we’ve made a stop at their winery over the years!) So tasting one of their older bottles, with Suzanne, Luke and other Phifer Pavitt lovers, sounded like fun to me. Here’s what happened:

Nearly 40 people zoomed in at 4pm with wine in their glass and smiles on their faces. Many from California but many from other states. Suzanne greeted each and then talked a bit about the wine. We learned:

Currently in Napa Valley it was 65 degrees, bud break had yet to take place. They are Napa Green Certified and organically farmed. They are “16 years in” and believe that their wines can age 20-25 years. Every Christmas they taste all of the vintages and “no apex” has been seen yet.

This wine is from the Temple Family Vineyard. They have a wild yeast fermentation and their approach is all hands off. Gary Warburton, their white winemaker taking part in the Zoom meeting, chimed in to say that there were three to four different yeasts – from different molecules that combine for decades – and each contributes to the ageability of their wines.

Before we were finished I made my own notes on the wine: Dark purple color and opaque; on the nose were notes of black dusty fruit, multi-colored peppercorn, hard cherry candy, earth, tobacco, toasted oak, cedar chips and mint chocolate. Suzanne also noted worn leather and clove. On the mouth I got huge dark fruit and spice, very big and very balanced. Luke added that it was a round wine, very voluptuous. 15.1% alcohol, 97.5 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5 % Petit Verdot. 95 Eve pts.

My takeaway from a Zoom tasting: Zoom is really perfect for having communal time – especially now – and comraderie with like-minded wine lovers. Not only for a sense of community, the Zoom format allows for wine education (we are muted until asked a question and we raise our hands to speak) and having both Suzanne and Luke there made me feel like we were visiting in the winery.

From the website: DATE NIGHT is the ‘proof’ of Shane and Suzanne Pavitt’s dedicated commitment to a weekly date night.

Tasting Notes: A rich, wild and densely layered wine that seems to evolve endlessly in the glass. Aromas of melted chocolate, licorice, and garden roses, with hints of fire roasted meats, crushed rocks, and savory brown butter. This wine wows the palate, wasting no time as flavors come through fast, focused and silky. A plush wave of velvety mouth-coating tannins frames the black fruits, cocoa, tar, tobacco, caramel, and butterscotch. Each successively decadent note circling and swirling in harmony. Drink now or cellar through 2035.

Winemaking Details: Extended cold-soak maceration period prior to “wild” yeast fermentation. Wine spent 4 weeks on skins before draining and pressing straight to barrel where it underwent “wild” malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked only once during its 18 months in barrel. In short, our philosophy is one of minimal intervention in pursuit of the most natural and harmonious winemaking style possible.

APPELLATION/GROWING REGION: Napa County – Pope Valley VINEYARD: Arthur Spencer for his family’s Temple Family Vineyards AGE OF VINES: 23 years old
FARMED: Organically

VARIETAL CONTENT: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot
HARVEST DATE: October 19 and 20, 2012
HARVEST PROCEDURE: Hand picked in the cold midnight, then destemmed, sending the whole, unbroken berries straight to the fermenter for five days of extended cold soak.
FERMENT: Mix of temperature controlled stainless steel, and open top fermenters
YEAST: Indigenous
TIME IN OAK / TYPE OF OAK: 18 months in 75% new 225 Liter French Oak barrels BOTTLED: June 2014
ALCOHOL: 15.1%; TA: .59; pH: 3.85
BRIX AT HARVEST: 25.9
FINING: none
CASES PRODUCED: 980 cases
PROPRIETORS: Suzanne Phifer Pavitt & Shane Pavitt
WINEMAKER: Ted Osborne

www.PhiferPavittWine.com

California Wine STARS 2020 – New Discoveries and Old Faves to Taste!

March 6, 2020 by evebushman

Just when I thought that I could possibly miss a WineLA.com event, founder and organizer Ian Blackburn creates another that sparks my interest – almost weekly! This time it was the California Wine STARS event that not only brought out some heavy hitter wineries that I knew, but also – as always – introduced me to producers that I didn’t know. We had less than 30 wineries, which is perfect for having the opportunity to chat with the winemakers. First I’ll share the teaser invite, and then the full wine list with notes in bold on which wines we liked best. If you just want photos go here. (And, as is my habit, if I don’t mention a winery or a particular wine it’s because I missed it, not due to any fault of the winery, just an outcome of palate fatigue.)

Invitation

A focus on superior winemaking efforts from smaller producers of merit. We want to introduce you to the best in the business! Meet the owners, winemakers and executives that are changing the wine landscape as we know it: Santa Barbara – Paso Robles – Monterey – Sonoma – Napa Valley and all regions in-between. All varietals will be poured.

WINE LIST

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate – This was not the first wine I tasted, but it was my first favorite Bordeaux blend of the tasting.
Lithology, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016

Aleksander Wine by S&G – both grand but I liked the 2014 a wee bit more.
Estate
Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles, CA, 2013
Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles, CA, 2014

Au Bon Climat
Clendenen Family Vineyards, Tocai Friulano Santa Maria Valley, 2016
Clendenen Family Vineyards, Nebbiolo, “Punta Exclamitiva”, Santa Maria Valley, 2011
White Wine Blend, Hildegard, Santa Maria Valley, 2017
Pinot Noir, Knox Alexander, Santa Maria Valley, 2015

Beekeeper Cellars – all great Zins but the Rockpile blew my socks off.
Zinfandel, Montecillo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, 2016
Zinfandel, Secret Stones, Rockpile, Sonoma, 2016 Zinfandel, Hidden Hillside Reserve, Sonoma County, 2017

Bernardus Winery
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley, 2017
Marinus Estate, Bordeaux Blend, 2014
Gary’s Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2017
Rosella’s Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2016

Bevela Wines
Grenache Blanc, White Lotus, Camp 4 Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 2019 Chardonnay, Fractured Emergence, Santa Barbara County, 2018
Red Blend, Unforeseen Alchemy, Santa Barbara County, 2016
Teroldego, Matela, Le Bon Climat Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 2013

Bodega de Edgar – So cool to see Edgar Torres at this event. Met him a few times over the years and adore his wines. This time they all were fab, with the Priorato and Tarragona especially hitting all the right notes.
Albariño, Shale Oak Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA, 2019
Tempranillo, Laetitia Vineyard, Arroyo Grande Valley, CA, 2016
Priorato, Paper Street Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, 2017
Tarragona, Paper Street Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, CA, 2017

Carpenter
Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2018
Pinot Noir, Pommard, Sonoma Coast, 2016
White Zinfandel, Sonoma County, 2019

En Garde Winery – It’s kind of a joke around town that I’m no big Pinot fan. Tasting for my wine pals I have to say that they need to look for this Pinot from En Garde. It was my pick of the Pinots at the tasting.
Pinot Noir, Starkey Hill, Russian River Valley, 2018

HALL Family Wines – Loved both the Kathryn HALL red label and their flagship Cab. HALL is a longtime favorite of ours. Kudos to Ian and his team for getting this heavy hitter.
HALL Wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2018
WALT Wines, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 2017
HALL Wines, Cabernet Sauvigon, Napa Valley 2016 and Kathryn HALL, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2016.

Hawk and Horse Vineyards – Always great to see this winery and the aged wines they always bring to the table. Loved the Petit Verdot, it really hit my sweet spot.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, 2014
Petite Sirah, Red Hills, 2014, Petit Verdot, Red Hills, 2014 and Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, 2016

Heitz Cellar – another big one out of Napa for us lucky tasters!
Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, 2015
Cabernet Sauvignon, Trailside Vineyard, Rutherford, CA, 2014
Cabernet Sauvignon, Martha’s Vineyard, Oakville, CA, 2014

Knights Bridge Winery – I had just visited the winery about six months ago and was happy to taste their affordable every-day reds for the first time. Well done.
Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley, Sonoma, 2018
Estate Chardonnay, Knights Valley, Sonoma 2018
Estate Red Blend, Knights Valley, Sonoma 2016
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley, Sonoma, 2015

Ledge Vineyards – New to me and well worth the tasting, may have to seek them out for a future Paso visit. In 2016 they went to strictly Rhone varietals, they began in 2005 with a first vintage in 2009. Really liked the James Berry red Rhone.
Red Rhône Blend, Adams Ranch Vineyard, Willow Creek District, 2017
Red Rhône Blend, James Berry Vineyard, Willow Creek District, 2017 Counoise/Cinsaut Rose, James Berry Vineyard, Willow Creek District, 2017
California Red Blend, MCA Cuvèe, Paso Robles, 2017

Nelle Winery – Another new Paso winery for me. Ed loved the Grenache, I leaned towards the Syrah,
Pinwheel, Paso Robles, 2018
Syrah, Central Coast, Paso Robles, 2017
Grenache, Central Coast, 2017
Coastview Syrah, Paso Robles, 2017

Obsidian Wine Co. – A Napa winery new to me, liked their use of Hungarian oak, and am hoping to find their Cabs again.
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County, 2017
“Half Mile” Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County, 2017
Estate Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley, 2017
Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley, 2018

Petrichor Vineyards – The perfumy aromatics on the Estate Syrah were outstanding. Also enjoyed the Syrah Grenache blend. Will be looking for these Sonoma-based wines again too.
Rosé of Grenache, Estate, Sonoma County, 2018
Grenache, Estate, Sonoma County, 2016
Syrah, Estate, Sonoma County, 2016
Syrah/Grenache Blend, Estate, Les Trois, Sonoma County, 2016

Pomar Junction Winery
Viognier, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2017
Reserve Tempranillo, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2015
Cab Forward, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2014
Train Wreck, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Paso Robles, El Pomar District, 2015

Rideau Vineyard
Viognier, Estate, Los Olivos District, 2018
White Rhône Blend (The Brassman), Estate, Los Olivos District, 2016
Pinot Noir, La Encantada/Garey, Santa Barbara County, 2017
Red Rhône Blend (Enchevêtré Rouge), Santa Barbara County, 2016

Ridge Vineyards – Nice Zin blends from Sonoma, and another star winery at the event.
Estate Chardonnay, Monte Bello Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains, 2018
Zin Blend, Three Valleys, Sonoma County, 2017
Zinfandel, East Bench, Dry Creek Valley, 2017
Zin Blend, Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley, 2017

Scheid Family Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, 50/50 Estate, Monterey, 2014
Chardonnay, Estate, Monterey, 2014
Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, 2014
Petite Sirah, Stokes’ Ghost, Monterey, 2015

Somerston Estate – The last winery on this list, was again new to me! Enjoyed the two Napa Valley reds, with a special nod to the Coach Gun Bordeaux blend. Definitely want that one again.
Somerston Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, Somerston Estate, Block XCVI, Napa Valley, 2014
Priest Ranch, Red Blend, Coach Gun, Somerston Estate, Napa Valley, 2014
Priest Ranch, Grenache Blanc, Somerston Estate, Napa Valley, 2017
Priest Ranch, Sauvignon Blanc, Somerston Estate, Napa Valley, 2018

PARTICIPATING PRODUCERS and their Facebook links: Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate,
Aleksander Wine by S&G Estate, Au Bon Climat Winery, Beekeeper Cellars, Bernardus Winery, Bevela Wines, Bodega de Edgar, Carpenter Wine, En Garde Winery , HALL Wines, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, Heitz Cellar, Knights Bridge Winery, Ledge Vineyards, Nelle Winery, Obsidian Wine Co., Petrichor Vineyards, Pomar Junction Winery, Rideau Vineyard, Ridge Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, Somerston Wine.

SILENT AUCTION: wineLA has raised over $500,000 for The T.J. Martell Foundation 501(c)(3) supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles funding children’s cancer research.

Partners: Los Angeles Magazine, Evian Water, Schott Zwiezel glassware, La Brea Bakery, The T.J. Martell Foundation

JEFF RUNQUIST WINS “WINERY OF THE YEAR” IN 2019 FOUR TIMES OVER

February 27, 2020 by evebushman

PLYMOUTH, CA – Jeff Runquist Wines has been awarded 2019 “Winery of the Year” at Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition, the California State Fair, Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and by Robert Whitley’s “Wine Talk.”

This was Runquist’s third year in a row winning “Winery of the Year” at Berger’s competition and the fourth time in the last five years he has received this distinction. Runquist earned the David Stevens Memorial Trophy at the competition, awarded to him for the feat of earning 10 awards of gold or above from his 35 entries. Jeff Runquist Wines was also their Red Sweepstakes Winner, with the 2017 “R” Petite Sirah, Enver Salman Vineyard, Clarksburg garnering Best of Class Triple Gold.

“Jeff Runquist Wines has almost single-handedly added luster to the red wines of the Sierra Foothills and mid-eastern California,” states Berger.

Robert Whitley also recognized Jeff Runquist Wines as “Winery of the Year” in his syndicated “Wine Talk” column.

“Over the course of the past year, I have tasted thousands of wines, judged multiple wine competitions and traveled thousands of miles to evaluate wines from Bordeaux to the Napa Valley… [Jeff Runquist Wines] rose up and smacked me between the eyes in 2019,” said Whitley.

Jeff Runquist Wines was named “Winery of the Year—Domestic” at the Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition in San Diego. He entered 29 wines there and medaled with 28. That total included four platinum and 15 gold awards, with 19 of their 29 wines earning gold or better.

In addition, he was Winery of the Year for the second year in a row at the 2019 California State Fair, from this year’s field of 2,811 entrants.

Jeff Runquist is a small producer of single vineyard designated red table wines with the motto, “Come taste the diversity and drink the glass less traveled.” His winery and tasting room are located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills, in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley.

Runquist produces 25 different red varietals in small lots, each from a single vineyard. His wines are fruit forward with emphasis on the terroir of the vineyard of origin and smooth, elegant tannins. The four principle wines that his winery tries to have on hand year round are Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Petit Verdot. Beyond that, anything goes – as long as the grape comes from California and has the ideal match of soil climate to personality. Sometimes this leads Runquist to varietals many may not have heard of, such as Tannat, Carignane and Charbono.

This insatiable curiosity combined with his four decades of experience helps take Runquist’s wines to the next level, but he also attributes his success to his unique partnerships with his growers. Depending upon the varietal, Runquist teams with sixteen different growers from different parts of Northern and Central California, pairing the particular grape varietal with a specific vineyard site. The growers share his passion and know the value of harvesting grapes at their peak of flavor, color and character. All but four of his wines carry a vineyard designation and the name of the grower and a close relationship with growers and a respect for their fruit is revealed in every bottle of Runquist wine.

One great way to get to know Runquist’s wines is at his elegant Tasting Room in quaint Plymouth, California, open seven days a week from 11:00am to 5:00pm. No two (or three, or four) tasting room experiences are ever the same, as Jeff Runquist Wines produces more than two dozen exciting and different varietals. The staff is savvy about the geography and history of each grape, curating a voyage through Runquist’s universe of wines.

Oenophiles who stop by the Tasting Room on March 7 or 8 can enjoy the “Behind the Cellar Door” event, when 43 Amador County wineries, including Jeff Runquist Wines, will be opening their cellar doors for a weekend of education, food, and award-winning wine. For details about this event, visit BCDAmador.com.

Learn more about Jeff Runquist Wines at www.jeffrunquistwines.com.

Vintage Eve 3/2017: Idaho Wine Country and the Wine-Y Women

February 4, 2020 by evebushman

I studied just a half page on the wines of Idaho when I was preparing to be tested (and pass) my American Wine Specialist® Certification course last year. Frankly, I was pretty intrigued by all of the U.S. states that found a way to make wine that fit their location, climate and soil conditions.

But I didn’t expect to receive an entire case of wine from Idaho to taste and review. To do that, in a timely manner, I called in the “Big Guns” to help me: The Wine-y Women Unwind meet-up group led by Kathy Lockhart. Within three hours of her announcement, of a guided tasting and lesson for free (the wine was free, so it wouldn’t be right to charge for the tasting) our class was booked. The only thing we asked the 20 ladies in attendance to do was to bring a dish to share, and be prepared to take notes on aroma and flavor, with some help from me, so I could write up this article as a “collective tasting.”

Idaho Tasting Notes

(The first three or so descriptors in both aroma and flavor are mine, additional descriptors are notes from the Winey Women, overall favorites also noted.)

Cinder Small Lot Series Sauvignon Blanc, 2014

Aromas: Dried pineapple, honeydew melon, apricot, peach, Meyer lemon, green Granny Smith apple, grapefruit, pear, pepper, stone.

Flavors: The same flavors we found in the aromas also presented in the palate as well as black and white pepper and oak.

Fujishin Family Cellars Reserve Viognier, 2015

Aromas: Fruit cocktail, pear, tangerine, apple, floral, vanilla, strawberry, kiwi, passion fruit, almond, eucalyptus and lychee.

Flavors: Lavender, same fruit again as we found on the nose, as well as lavender, lemon, and cloves, with a back palate that was slightly bitter and earthy.

Hat Ranch Winery Dry Moscato, 2015

Aromas: Honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, kiwi, orange, tropical fruit, melon, lavender soap, grapefruit, cinnamon, yeast.

Flavors: Lemon twist, limeade, grapefruit, shorter finish.

Clearwater Canyon Cellars Estate Syrah, 2014 (Favorite #1)

Aromas: Blue to black fruit, raspberry, milk and dark chocolate, black pepper, dark cherry, prune, cigar, oak.

Flavors: Spicy, jam on toast, cherry, plum, coffee, raisins, chocolate, cedar, black pepper, juniper, ginger.

Crossings Winery Cabernet Franc, 2012

Aromas: Pinot Noir like, with tart cherry, teriyaki beef jerky, smoke, marshmallow, prune.

Flavors: Tart bright cherries, strawberry, spice, meaty, slightly sweet, leather, pepper, oak.

Sawtooth Estate Winery Trout Trilogy Carmenere, 2013

Aromas: Luxardo cherry, mint, plum, vanilla, white pepper, blackberry, black cherry, raisin, cinnamon, artichoke, leather, earth.

Flavors: Big, spicy, red fruit, plum, blackberry, spice, vanilla, pepper, cedar, earthy, dry.

Bitner Vineyards Tempranillo, 2013 (Favorite #2)

Aromas: Chocolate covered cherries, blackberry, raisin, rose petals, perfumy, oak.

Flavors: Bright to dusty fruit, spice, cherry, cloves, cardamom, dried fruit, long finish.

Huston Vineyards Malbec, 2014

Aromas: Tobacco, black licorice, dried blueberry, blackberry, fig, suede, mushroom, wet earth.

Flavors: Lingering blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, jam, chocolate, leather, wet earth, woody, licorice, tannic.

Ste. Chapelle Panoramic Series Petit Verdot, 2012

Aromas: Dusty chocolate, blueberry, black cherry, white pepper, plum, prune, toasted marshmallow, black currant, spice, cream, oak, violet, mint.

Flavors: Dry fruit, raspberry, raisin, plum, black currant, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, pepper, almond, marshmallow, tannic.

Williamson Orchards & Vineyards Sangiovese, 2012

Aromas: Raspberry, cherry, fig, vanilla, tobacco leaves, cinnamon, caramel, rosemary, fig, sweet.

Flavors: Dried fruit, red currant, spicy, pepper, musty, earthy, sweet tobacco, nutmeg cinnamon, perfumy, nuts, mint, dry.

Indian Creek White Riesling, 2015

Aromas: Pears in syrup, pineapple, orange blossom, tropical fruit, peach, apricot, lime, ginger, hibiscus, white pepper, honey, rose petals, steely and wet stones.

Flavors: Lemon hard candy, kiwi, pineapple, pear, honey, syrup, sweet strawberry, orange, almond.

Koenig Vineyards Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling, 2014 (Favorite #3)

Aromas: Apricot, sweet pink grapefruit, pear, mango, passion fruit, honey, floral, vanilla.

Flavors: Viscous, peach, pear, apricot, orange, marmalade, caramel, jam, freshly cut hay.

From The Idaho Wine Commission

Rich, fertile volcanic soils. Abundant sun and water. High-elevation vineyards. An ideal climate, with winter dormancy and a warm growing season. Idaho wineries benefit from all of these natural advantages and more. Simply put, Idaho is a great place to make wine.

Oregon and Washington welcomed Idaho to the Northwest wine party in 2007, when the Snake River Valley became Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area. Idaho winemakers have a blank slate, in an absolutely gorgeous corner of the Northwest, that’s more affordable than other territories. Idaho is like Oregon was 20 years ago: as-yet undiscovered and finding its way. The market isn’t crowded, and it’s delightfully unrestrained by convention.

This leaves Idaho winemakers free to focus on their own private journey and simply make the best wine they can without worrying about it having to meet a particular flavor profile. They can make obscure varieties of wine that people will take to fast if done well.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vintage Eve Circa 1/2017: Revisiting Law Estate Wines

December 31, 2019 by evebushman

Back in 2014 I traveled to Paso Robles and visited Law Estate Winery. Loved everything they had to offer and was overdue for a revisit when an invite from my #LAWineWriters group appeared. This was from my last taste:

From Law Estate’s Facebook page. (When I was there for my tasting we sat on the couch opposite the fireplace. Way overdue to return.)

“2010 was the first Law Estate Wines vintage after owners Don and Susie Law met with winemaker Scott Hawley. The Laws learned what works with limestone soil from Hawley and believe that their wines offer fresh acidity. Hawley became the winemaker in 2008 full time and continues to produce his own label as well. They tend to focus on Rhone style reds, promising that whites will be next. They currently have 54 acres, including Carignan and Tempranillo now in ground but not in wines yet. Hawley picks based on the maturity of the grapes and not the brix levels.” Read more.

This time around we met at Café Del Rey in Marina Del Rey where Chef David Vilchez had created the perfect pairing menu for four different wines:

Roasted Fennel Flat Bread with sun dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried cranberries and Manchego cheese – for the Grenache; Herb Crust N.Z. Lamb Loin in a prune and porcini sauce – for the GSM; Grilled Octopus with vanilla forbidden rice, blackberry, squid ink yogurt and black radish – with the Mourvedre and Petit Verdot/Coffee Spiced Filet en Croute – with First Tracks.

As is my custom, I did my review of the wines without food first. Then, once I was done, I dove in to the delectable dishes. Each dish had a unique twist to them that made them really pop for me with the wines: the fennel and cranberries in the flat bread, the prunes with the lamb, the vanilla forbidden rice for the octopus and the coffee in the filet.

Too busy to read further? Here’s a quick slideshow you can view to see all of the wines and dishes.

Tasting Notes, Aroma and Flavor separated by ;

The Nines 2012

100% Grenache

Noting the browner color first, as it was different from all the other wines to be tasted, and different for a Grenache, I dove in to what would soon turn out to be my favorite wine in the tasting. Luxardo cherry, fig, anise, red rose and black licorice were lovely to find on the nose; with balanced flavors of both spice and red to black fruit. This wine had aged gracefully in my opinion. 95 Eve pts.

Sagacious 2013

37% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, 29% Syrah

Aromas of blueberry, blackberry, dark plum, white pepper and a hint of a gamey quality; then came a mouthful of bright fruit, as well as the same blue to black fruit, a tarty note and a general lighter feel than some heavier GSMs. 92 Eve pts.

Prima 2013

100% Mourvèdre

Luscious sweet prunes, black olive, spice, dark chocolate and perfumy; the same sweet prunes came through in the mouth, as well as cherry and spice, all in a nice harmonic balance. 92 Eve pts.

First Tracks 2013

40% Petit Verdot, 32% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackest fruit to come out yet in today’s tasting, as well as cloves, green peppercorn – and huge; the mouth was no different with amazing black fruit and bold tannins. 94 Eve pts.

More to Learn in Today’s Tasting

From our winery hosts this time I learned that the wines are made from all LAW Estate owned vineyards, the grapes are all hand picked and hand sorted – and was also told that there are few wineries in Paso Robles doing this. Dan Law, being a geologist, dug 42 soil pits in this prized Adelaida AVA. The grapes benefit from a Mediterranean climate, which can be much cooler than other parts of Paso.