Eve's Wine 101

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2018: What Wines Would You Stock if You Owned a Wine Bar?

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Recently a pal that used to live in Santa Clarita had called me as he was opening a wine bar where he lives now in Texas. He didn’t want advice on anything other than what wine I would want if I were to visit his bar.

Since he had moved to Texas a few years ago he had been working in real estate, spent some time working in a large wine store, met more ex-pats (people that had come from California too) and ran a large wine tasting group. I didn’t offer any advice on how to open his bar as he had it covered. But I took to Facebook to ask my local pals what they would want stocked in the shelves if they owned a wine bar. They had some really great ideas! These are some of their comments:

THE WINE LIST

This is a compilation of just some of the wines my pals would stock their wine bar with:

Jonata, Potek, Scar of the Sea, True Believer, Andremily, Mail Road, Stolpman, Kimsey, Roark, The Paring, The Hilt, Spear (all Santa Barbara).

So many – Crémant, Melon d’ Bourgogne, Cru Beaujolais, Cahors, Brunello, Valtellina, Vin Santo, Madeira to name a few.

There is never enough Syrah anywhere. Still gets short shrift in the marketplace, which is a shame.

I am a sucker for Roussanne and other Rhone varietals. I love Grenache and Viognier too. Zaca Mesa and Stolpman make fabulous Roussanne.

I would like to see some Gruet Brut Rose or some blends that you can’t buy at a grocery store.

Belle Glos and Domaine Carneros Pinots, plus some Australian, Spanish and Chilean cabs.

Quintarelli, Casanova, Pine Ridge, Ridge, Tolo, Foxen…

On a wine list I look for value since they have to mark it up so much. Burgundy and Barolo would be nice but I’d go to the off the beaten path wines – Cru Beaujolais (France), Ripasso, Valpolicella, Sicilian wines. For those who like big jammy wines – Shiraz! Whites – I like to see Rose from France, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre (France). If there is a Somm I give them a price range and let them know what I like. Never have been disappointed.

Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Frogs Leap Cab, Rombi Cabernet, Bookenoogen Pinot and Heller Merlot.

Under $100: Cade Cabernet Sauvignon, Campesino Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, Shafer One Point Five, Grgich Hills, Turley Zins, Prisoner, Orin Swift, Patz & Hall pinots, Flowers, Mantanzas Creek Chards, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Tablas Creek and Justin.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is hands down one of the best Pinots out there.

Lone Star Wine Cellars and Landon Winery are two wineries in McKinney Texas. I haven’t been there in a few years. But, remember the wines were pretty good. They have tasting rooms in historic downtown McKinney TX.

Also would love to have more orange wines on menus. I’m glad it’s becoming a trend.

Would love to see more wines from Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez area. Roblar in Los Olivos is one of my favorite wineries and reasonably priced in my opinion. There are so many smaller vineyards in both of these areas to explore. Tired of seeing Kendall Jackson and the like in many of the restaurants/wine bars. Pretty much I would love to taste wines that I would not be able to find at Bev Mo, not that they have bad wines, but just not interesting ones…

Le Vigne Vineyards has some wonderful wines, Justin cabs of course, Clos Solene, L’Aventure and RN Estate are some of my favorites. All from Paso.

Justin makes a great Malbec I have been enjoying! I’m typically a Cab girl myself.

For whites: Dry Rieslings (German or Alsatian), Sancerre, South African Sauvignon Blanc, and Austrian Gruner Veltliner (as opposed to Hungarian). For reds: I love the less stereotypical Italian reds such as Nero D’Avola and pretty much any red from the Piedmont region.

I’m always excited to see Barbera and GSM’s when I visit a place that I am planning to drink wine at. I also enjoy having a good port or cream sherry available if I am visiting the wine bar after dinner and I want to end the night with a dessert-like treat.

Where wines started … Italy!

I have a rather long list, but most are red wines from the Paso Robles region, Lompoc and Santa Ynez regions as well: Longoria Wines, Tercero Wines, Eberle Winery, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Amalie Vineyards in Oregon, Ascension, Bass Note Sangria, Sanford, Sculpterra, Castlerock, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Joel Gott, Cass, Hoi Polloi Winery, San Antonio Winery (official), Michael David…I love all reds, depending on winery, but my go tos are usually Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cab, Beaujolais, and red blends. I love our California wines!

Something interesting and different. Also some local TX wines.

From me: This is ONE of my own picks, because I voted for it as our Best of Show at the Global Wine Awards, from Martellotto Winery: https://martellotto.com/products/martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

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.

Blanc de Blancs and Henriot Champagne “Meditation” Tasting

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Dressing in all white, as suggested by the event planners, is always special – when attending a wine tasting. I think I did it once before. Honestly, anytime I see someone wearing white to a wine event I think, whoa, there’s some confidence there. Not only are they sure of not spilling themselves, they’re (overly) confident others will reach the spittoon 100% of the time.

Our teaser: Join LA’s first ‘All White Wine’ showcase featuring some of the greatest white wines ever made! 

Besides all that delectable white wine the event also included several educational sessions, five in all, that we could step in on if space allowed. I was headed for the “Medi-Tasting – Meditation on champagne sponsored by Henriot” while others included: Champagne Session hosted by Master Sommelier Christopher Miller, Chardonnay Challenge hosted by Master Sommelier Nick Hetzel, Autres Blancs hosted by Master Sommelier Christopher Miller and Winemakers Panel sponsored by Jackson Family Wines. 

We started with a delightful lunch that was sponsored by the Jackson Family Estates…and then got into the wines: 

Tasting

These are all of the wineries at press time and I have bolded those that I was able to taste and particular vintages I enjoyed. See my photos to see more of them as well: Dom Perignon, Ruinart (NV Blanc de Blancs), Moet & Chandon (2009 vintage), La Crema, Cambria Estate (2018 Viognier, Tepusquet Vineyard), Brewer-Clifton (all Chards Greg Brewer poured, especially the 2018 Diatom Bar M), Seabold Cellars (2017 Dry Riesling and 2017 Olson Chardonnay), Copain Wines, Champagne Henriot, Bouchard Pere et Fils, William Fevre, Stonestreet (2016 Alexander Valley Chardonnay) , Matanzas Creek (2016 Knights Valley Sauvignon Blanc), Bernardus (2016 Chardonnay and 2012 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc), Mail Road Wines (2014 Chardonnay), Cloudy Bay, Newton Vineyard, LAW Estate (2015, 16 and 17 “Soph” white Rhone blend), J.J. Vincent, Cuvaison, Pol Roger, Domaine Faiveley, Famille Vincent, Pascal Jolivet (2017 Sancerre “Sauvage”), Famille Hugel, Olivier Leflaive, Hecht & Bannier, Long Meadow Ranch, Stony Hill, Domaine Schlumberger, Famille Perrin, Miraval Provence, Chateau De Beaucastel, La Vielle Ferme, Domaine & Maison Alexandrins, Schloss Lieser, Reichsrat Von Buhl, Weingut Pfeffingen (2017 Estate Scheurebe), Weingut Okonomierat Rebholz (2014 Riesling), Schafer-Frohlich, Hans Wirsching (2016 Silvaner) and Becker Estate.

Medi-Tasting

See below for the details from the organizers, my takeaways from the session included looking at the wine as a beginner would to get a fresh outlook: listen to it – you will hear the ocean the wine may have traveled over before it arrived to you, put your finger in it, think about all that went on from planting to delivery and honor it. We practiced a bit of meditation as well, and noted how our frame of mind and stressors can add to or take away from our enjoyment. When we got down to tasting we already knew they would all be remarkable wines from Champagne Henriot – NV Blanc de Blancs, 2008 Brut Millesime (released a year ago, 100% Grand Cru) and 2005 Cuvee Hemera that I meditated the longest over as I found it so delicious.

Blanc de Blancs Medi-Tasting (Abbreviated From WineLA.com)

Medi-Tasting is a new, exciting and engaging wine tasting experience, created by Champagne Henriot, including practices of mindfulness to elevate the art of tasting…Elisha Goldstein, PhD, is co-founder of The Center for Mindful Living in West Los Angeles and creator of the 6-month coaching and mentorship program, A Course in Mindful Living. A psychologist, and international speaker and mindfulness educator, his books include Uncovering Happiness and The Now Effect…

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.

Eve Visits: Art and Wine Gala (Beacon Circa 10/09 )

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Most guests at the second annual TPC/West Ranch Art & Wine Gala, held this past Saturday night, had never been greeted with mellow jazz, Dampierre champagne and a Sancerre, appetizers and this on the opening page of any evening’s program:

More than 80 years ago, my great uncle, Walt Disney,

realized the need to support and educate the many artists that

were the lifeblood of the Walt Disney Company. Through his

vision and my grandfather Roy O. Disney’s loyal dedication

and dogged determination, Cal Arts was founded in 1970 here

in the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley.

 

That vision has flourished beyond even their lofty expectations.

As Cal Arts has grown, so has the arts community in the Santa Clarita Valley.

 

This evening marks yet another gathering of both communities.

Sheri and I are proud and honored to serve as its honorary chair.

 

This is a special evening in a special place with great food,

great wine and great guests. Enjoy the evening and thank all of you

for your generous support of these worthy arts organizations.

Sincerely,

Sheri and Roy P. Disney

 

art wine gala paddleAnd with that welcome, guests lingered the first hour of the evening, enjoying their appetizers and drinks while bidding on several silent auction items.

I had my eye, and wine 10ers in mind, with three collections Steve and Amy Elzer donated from their private cellar:

A.P. VIN 2005 Pinot Noir , Williams Selyem 2000 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast), Eric/Kent Wine Cellars 2004 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Stiling Vineyard.

Duckhorn Vineyard – 1995 Napa Valley Merlot, 7- 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Pride Mountain – 2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Sonoma County 50% Napa County and The Hess Collection – 1992 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Col Solane – 1996 Red Table Wine – Columbia Valley

J. Rochioli – 1993 Russian River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Del Dotto – 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Connoisseurs Series

Scholium Project – Scythia Donati Vineyards – California Red Wine

Downing Family Vineyards – 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon

And this for my husband that had to work that night: Downtown Toon Town (unframed ) – Mike Kungl of Jessica Rabbit in all her slippery svelte-ness.  Before I had a chance to beat out other happy bidders, it was time for the dinner to begin.

“Tonight is about enjoying your wine…and more wine…so bid a lot.” Said Roy P. Disney as he greeted guests and then turned the microphone over to the Chair of the event, Dave Bossert.

“I want to thank my co-chairs, Event Producer and Director Michele Golden, my wife Nancy Bossert who designed the gorgeous programs again this year and…Bob…where’s Bob Keller?” Bossert asked the room and a wave went up in acknowledgment.

“I want city councilman Bob Kellar to know that all the printing was done locally here in the Santa Clarita Valley!”  Many laughed over that one…

“And Guy Lelarge,” Bossert continued.  “This was an idea that we came up with last year and just thought, ‘Let’s do it’.  Even with this economic downturn we still grew 20% this year!”

To this Lelarge responded, “Is there anything better than art and wine?  Thank you for being here.  Tonight we also want to thank Mitch Cosentino for his unbelievable generosity.  If it wasn’t for people like Mitch we wouldn’t have such great wine.  And, one last person, my wife, Helen Leprairie will be playing tonight after the auction so no leaving early!”

Winemaker Mitch Cosentino also added, “This is what I keep coming to Santa Clarita Valley for each year, to work with Guy.  Tonight, to get you started on your dinner I have the Novelist, a ‘Red wine drinker’s white’ that you can drink throughout the dinner or, for a red, we have my Sangiovese.”

Guests then enjoyed a 5-course lineup by Chef Daniel Otto complete with Carparcio of Roasted Beet, Housemade Champagne sorbet, Porcini crusted Diver Scallop atop Lobster and Fine Herb Risotto, Prime Filet medallion drizzled with a cabernet reduction, assorted fine cheeses and desserts.

All matched well with Mitch Cosentino’s wines. The Novelist (a crisp blend white Meritage of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that is partially fermented is French Oak barrels.) and the Sangiovese that really opened up to rich smoky tones after a few minutes in our glasses.  Several guests noticed it and lingeringly enjoyed.

“It rivals any afternoon,” said Mark White of the Novelist.  “It’s both floral and delicious.”

A final wine, Couples & Co. “Pure Cos”, would have it’s official release by the time this story hits the Beacon.  Not even labeled yet, Mitch signed a few bottles for auction.  “There are two wines in my series with pro golfer Fred Couples.”

It was fun to watch the paddles go up during dinner, though no one put there’s up as soon as I did when a lot was announced with wine in it, but no worries.  I hadn’t been left unattended in an auction in a long time.  The Auctioneer quipped that my hand went up well before he even called the item.  (I had a program!)

But at least there was enough art for everyone!  Amazing paintings and prints, sculptures and movie premiere tickets.  And the fact that many of the artists were in attendance, many bid on their friend’s work.  It was lovely to see such support of friends, and the arts.

Then co-sponsor and chick singer Helen Laprairie may have sung “standards” but they weren’t “standard” by any means…the crowd, well all the blonds and two brunettes that shall remain names (D & D you know who you are), danced in a circle and then in circles around the room.

The evening proved to be just as Disney predicted.

Sancerre “Sacred to Caesar”

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From the Medieval hilltop town of Sancerre, we have an incredible view overlooking the Loire River. This is the ancestral homeland of antiquity’s powerful Gaullic Celtic tribe, the Bituriges, “The Kings of the World.” After their defeat at the hands of Julius Caesar, a temple was built on a nearby hillside in the Imperator’s (victorious general) honor. Many historians and anthropologists lend credence that the temple’s name, “Sacred to Caesar,” eventually developed into the name, Sancerre. Once the Romans dominated the land, they saw to it that the Loire Valley was cultivated for farming and of course, vineyards. This is a fabled land with a long history and filled rich in viticulture.

Le CreleToday, I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Ivelisse Negroni. We are in Sancerre to share with our readers, one of our favorite summer wines, Sauvignon Blanc. Sancerre is synonymous with this aromatic and crisp wine that is punctuated with herbal notes and mineral nuances. What separates the grapes of Loire from other appellations throughout the world is its smoky gunflint character. The local people refer to this as “pierre a fusil.” This distinctive aroma can only be found in grapes cultivated throughout eastern Loire. While less fruit-driven than many of the modern styles of Sauvignon Blanc, there is just enough fruit to compliment the wine’s acidity and minerality.

Ivelisse selected Domaine Thomas & Fils Le Crele 2011. In the glass, it is pale yellow with a glimmer of green. On the nose, the bouquet is filled with ample aromas of wildflowers, herbs, and grapefruit. On the palate, our wine is lively and vibrant, showing a lot of character. It has just the right amount of fruitiness to compliment the wine’s high acidity and minerality that I found mouth-watering. The finish is feisty and lingering. The alcohol content is 13.5% with a price tag of $25.

“This is a wine that is lively, yet balanced nicely,” Ivelisse openly displayed her pleasure.

“This is one I would enjoy sipping on the veranda with a light supper.”

“Since it is a zesty wine, I would pair it with grilled salmon and a salad with tangy goat cheese,” said lightly as she continued to sip her wine.

“I would also pair it with lemon chicken.’

“Lemon chicken reminds me of one of your old girlfriends,” Ivelisse giggled under her breath.

“Let’s not go there,” I was quick to reply. “What is our next wine?”La-Bourgeoise-blanc

Henri Bourgeois Le Mont Damnes de Bourgeois 2008 is a pale straw color in the glass. On the nose, it is powerful and flinty with a noticeable citrus character. The bouquet is a definite expression of the stony character of the soil. On the palate it is powerful and with an intensity that captivates. The citrus flavors slowly break through and add an intensity of this taut wine. The alcohol content is 13% with a price tag of $40.

“Since this is a powerful wine, when pairing, you want to match the intensity of flavors,” Ivelisse paused lightly. “I would stay with spicy Asian dishes or foods seasoned with herbs.”

“What about cheeses?” I queried?

“With this wine, as with most Sancerre, I would select goat’s milk cheeses,” she was quick to smile.” “My first choices would be Crotin de Chaignol and Chevre.”

Our next selection, Domaine Fouassier Melodie de Gustave Fouassier 2009 is made from 100% Sauvignon grapes from vines that are over 40 years old. The grapes have been fermented in French oak barrels and the wine is aged on the lees for 10 months. In the glass, it is light gold in color. The nose is filled with the complexity of white fruits that prevail while woody notes accent the bouquet. On the palate, it is full-bodied, revealing a marked expression of dried fruit. The wine is accented with creamy notes of vanilla and butter, with just a whisper lemon and Melodiegreen plums. This is a rich opulent wine with a long and memorable finish. The alcohol content is 13.5% with a price tag of $35.

“I would serve the Melodie with spicy dishes,” Ivelisse paused to collect her thoughts. “I would also chill it at 57 degrees Fahrenheit.”

“The Melodie would definitely go nicely with some spicy prawns.”

“I wasn’t quite sure how you would respond to this wine,” she paused lightly. “I was hesitant because I thought you would find the wine a bit too creamy for your palate.”

“I would just chill it a bit more,” I flashed her a playful grin.

Our last wine,Domaine Vacheron Les Roamains  2008 reminded me that Sancerre was once a Roman stronghold. In the glass, this organic/biodynamic wine is a pleasing straw yellow. The nose is saturated with lush, juicy aromas of sautéed pears and honeysuckle blossoms. On the palate, it is well structured and filled with an array of exotic fruits. What makes this Sancerre is its intense and stony minerality. The finish is long and dry, with just the right amount of zing. The alcohol content is 13.5% with a price tag of $50.

“With your penchant for history, I knew you would at least approve of the name,” Ivelisse broke out into laughter.

“Well done, indeed,” I openly displayed my pleasure. “I particularly enjoyed the wine’s explosive nose. With what foods would you serve Les Romains?”

“I would most definitely pair it with shellfish or trout,” she replied.

“And what cheese?”

“Definitely a Pouligny Saint Pierre, she added with a quick nod, knowing full well my preference for goat cheese.Les romains

“Great! Let’s order some cheese and a bucket of clams.”

“Just one bucket?” She flashed me a wide beaming smile as we both broke out into uncontrollable laughter.

“But that my friends, is another story …”

Eve Visits: LA Epicurean Fest 2012

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I’m almost afraid to be asked what I liked best at the LA Epicurean Fest.  It’s like being asked to suggest a wine without knowing the drinker’s palate.  How would I know which of the following you would dig as much as I did:

My Vienna coffee in chocolate cups and Cantaloupe sorbet, High Roller’s brand of sweet-sweet potato vodka, dark or milk chocolate truffles, several types of crab meat, Fortaleza reposado, everything Crater Lake Bendistillery in Bend Oregon makes from gin to Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, VIP’s real Bavarian pretzels, my friend Mark Newman’s flavorful Crocktails, a little contraband foie gras, Amalie Rover wines, Jim Kimmel’s wines from Mendocino, La Colombe Pure Black Coffee, smooth liver pate, every winery that the Family Wine Partners is now representing, Sir Kensington’s gourmet scooping ketchup, Living Tree’s Hazelnut Cloud, the lineup from H. Mercer’s imports, Buena Vistas’ “The Count” red blend, Grace & I’s dried fruit bars served on their own cutting boards, Jericho’s cilantro or plain hummus, Art Moskowitz’s Lavender or Rosemary Vinaigrette, Angel Salumi & Truffles LLC Duck salami, Vina Sutil’s Chilean wines, Tequila Dos Artes in a ceramic container or with a glass blown cactus inside?

See what I mean?

It seemed to me that a restaurant owner would be the only other person having a harder time narrowing down his favorites as he may want to try them out in a menu.  Glad not to have that job I’ll just give you a few more words on a few of my favorites (Or you can scroll down to the bottom of this post to see the website links alone):

I haven’t visited Buena Vista wines in years, but at the fest I got to try “The Count” Sonoma red blend and was pleasantly surprised.  Buy it!

My wine friend, and educator, Mark Newman has helped create the new “Crocktails” brand of RTD (Ready To Drink) pouches.  I tried the icy-cool Pomegranate Margarita…only to wish that the other five in the line up were ready to sample.  Another one to TRY and BUY!

Tequila Dos Artes 100% Agave tequilas were pretty cool.  Several had a colorful blown glass cactus inside the bottle, and my favorite, the Amore Mio, came in a handmade painted porcelain bottle. Find it.

Crater Lake spirits from Bend Oregon

The flavors coming out of Crater Lake Vodka and Gin from Bendistillery were remarkable.  Tasting the 80 proof vodkas, one distilled 10 times and the reserve at 100 times, you could really taste the difference, yet appreciate both.  The gin, with only the juniper showing, was clean.  And my favorite was the Hazelnut Espresso Vodka.  Only 50 proof it worked great over ice and I would bet would be outstanding in a cocktail.  (Note: I asked to taste all straight, no cocktails.)

H. Mercer wine and spirits imports had a nice selection of white and red imports.  I started my day with Mark Huddleston and sent my first tweet about my breakfast simply being his 2011 Picpoul De Pinet from Domaine Julie Benau in Languedoc, France…then I had a Sancerre…a great way to start my tasting.

I guess your first taste should be something grand…well Sir Kensington’s Gourmet Scooping Ketchup was just that.  Rich flavors in the classic and my husband Eddie enjoyed the spiced version.  This is the kind of ketchup I’d much rather see in a nice restaurant, or any restaurant, over the standard brands.

Another tequila brand I tried that I hadn’t had before came from the “oldest” tequila maker, “five generations of tradition”, and boasted 100% stone milled blue agave.  I liked all three served: Blanco, Reposado and Anejo, but my palate preferred the last two as I like a little oakiness in my tequila.

Tasting the High Roller sweet potato vodka was a new one for me too.  I loved the hint of the sweetest of potatoes!  I look forward to finding this one in a bar and liquor store…and soon because the rep gave me a card with lots of cocktail recipes to try.

Living Tree Community Foods made many spreads that a dairy-free girl like me could love.  My favorite that day was the organic Hazelnut Cloud and Chia Seed Oil.  Tasted like a dark chocolate Nutella, with a lot more substance.  Gotta find that.

Living Tree Community Foods- Hazelnut cloud

Another great find was the Family Wine Partners table serving Caliza, Hearthstone, Alta Colina…among a few other tasty brands.  Look for more from Bill Brandel’s company –  soon to be serving up a tasty selection at The Stonehaus inside the Westlake Village Inn due to open up late this September.

I steered clear of My Vienna Gelato and Coffee table as I didn’t think there would be much for me to try there.  But when Ed pulled me over, to sample the coffee served in a dark-chocolate lined cone, I just couldn’t leave.  Then…they served me up the freshest cantaloupe sorbet I’ve ever had as a chaser.  I would never pass them up again.

LaRRoque wine imports had some nice $5 Chilean wines from Vina Sutil.  It was the first Carmenere I had found that day and for $5 I thought you couldn’t go wrong.

Cilantro hummus, plain hummus or mustard?  I took all three from Jericho Mediterranean Foods and happily dipped into each with a soft and salty Bavarian pretzel from VIP Pretzels.  A great midday break.

Duck salami anyone?  Yep, I had this right after my hummus courtesy of Angle Salumi and Truffles, LLC.  Incredible.

Jim, not Jimmy, Kimmel had a nice line-up of wines from Kimmel Vineyards from Mendocino that I enjoyed sampling.  I remember a crisp Chardonnay followed by a more oaky variety – and I liked both.

Art Moskowitz, of Chef Arts Healthy Eats, serves up an incredible vinaigrette.  I had a tough time choosing between two new favorites: Rose Petal-Pomegranate or Lavender.

Picture dark black coffee…in Europe it works, here, for me, not so much.  I was thrilled to discover Nicolas Capes with La Colombe Torrefaction coffee roasters, serving his “Pure Black” coffee.  Over ice, alone, no sugar needed in a cocktail, I found it just as good as an Espresso in Paris…perfectly robust and lingering.  And it is steeped for 16 hours in stainless steel wine tanks!

Amalie Robert Estate in Oregon produces, you guessed it, a very nice Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.  (Pronounced Will-am-et…rhymes with Janet.)  I enjoyed an 06 and 07.

Different dried fruit combos, with custom cutting board, Grace & I

Dried fruit combinations, sandwiched in a colorful mini loaf-looking rectangle, attached to its own mini cutting board, stole my heart.  The combination of presentation and taste always gets me and the “Grace and I” company did just that with their “extraordinary handcrafted artisan products.”

And then there was Yvan Valentin of Sweet Temptations Artisan Bakery serving up the most decadently rich white, milk and dark chocolate truffles.  Shoot. Me. Now.

Our Esteemed Speakers

Anthony Diaz-Blue, Food & Wine Critic

Vinturi, the Essential Wine Aerator, creates better bouquet, improved flavor, mouth feel, and smoother finish. Mr. Diaz-Blue will explain how to use this nifty device and which wines you want to areate.

Phyllis-Ann Marshall, The Experience of Branding

Leading expert on growth strategies for independent restaurants and chains. Together with Gina Mims of Inspiro Brands they will tackle how to best position your brand.

Marc Huddleston, Le Nez du Vin

Le Nez du Vin/Make Scents of Wine is simply the world’s ultimate wine education tool, it helps develop the sense of smell and creates a common language to describe, understand and better enjoy wine.

North American Sommelier Association, Accredited Wine Education

Nina Sventitsky will talk about the Certified Sommelier course and take attendees through a “minicourse.”

List of exhibitors for the 2012 Festival

FOOD

Gourmet Blends

www.graceandi.com

La Colombe Torrefaction

www.livingtreecommunity.com

Farm Fresh To You

www.kendallfarmscremefraiche.com

Santa Monica Seafood

www.vip-pretzels.com

Viola Imports, Inc.

www.violaimports.com

Kendall Farms Creme Fraiche

www.kendallfarmscremefraiche.com

Gourmet Balsamic Blends

www.gourmetblends.us

Farm Fresh To You

www.farmfreshtoyou.com

Fancifull Gift Baskets

www.fancifullgiftbaskets.com

Bistro Blends

www.bistroblends.com

Principe Foods USA – Italian Prosciutto di San Daniele

www.principefoodusa.com

Blue Star Foods – America’s Favorite Crab Meat

www.bluestarfoods.com

Ecospring – Shellfish Specialist

www.chapillon.com

Azukar Organics – Organic Coconut Products

www.azukarorganics.com

Cucina della Cucina – Locally Produced Fresh Raviolis and Pastas

www.cucinadellacucina.com

Azukar Organics – Organic Coconut Products

www.azukarorganics.com

Emil’s Swiss Pastry – Cakes, Pastries, Tarts and Breakfast Pastries

www.emilsswisspastry.com

Maple Leaf Farms – Duck Products

www.mapleleaffarms.com

Melissa’s Produce Company – Specialty and Organic Produce, Dairy, Grains & More

www.melissasfarmfreshproduce.com

Sadie Rose Baking Co. – Preservative Free Artisan Breads

www.sadierose.com

Sweet Temptations – Breakfast Pastries, Hand-Crafted Gourmet Desserts, Petits Fours

www.yvanvalentin.com

Tahitian Gold Company – Specialty Vanilla Products

www.tahitianvanilla.com

West Central Produce – Specialty Produce, Cheeses and Diary Products

www.westcentralproduce.com

White Toque – Importer of Specialty Products from Europe

www.whitetoque.com

 

WINE & SPIRITS

A&T Importing – Tequila Dos Artes

www.tequiladosartes.com

Aaldering Wine

www.aaldering.co.za

Amalie Robert Estate

www.amalierobert.com

Beaucanon Estate

www.beaucanonestate.com

Ribevi Wines International

www.ribevi.com

Bejot Vins & Terroirs

www.bejot.com

Vinos Larroque

www.vinoslarroque.com

Arger-Martucci – Wine California Napa

www.wine-street.com

Bache Gabrielsen – Cognac from France

www.hillsidewinesspirits.com

Canihan Family Cellars – Wine California Sonoma

www.wine-street.com

Canzona Vineyards – Wine California Sonoma

www.wine-street.com

Cuvelier Los Andes – Wine Argentina Mendoza

www.wine-street.com

Frontaura Y Victoria – Fine Spanish Wines

www.wine-street.com

Green River Sake – Premium Sake Wine from Japan

www.wine-street.com

Bernard Magrez – Pape Clément

www.wine-street.com

Italia Wine Trader – Wine Italy

www.wine-street.com

Joy Selection – Bas Armagnac, VDP de Gascogne from France

www.hillsidewinesspirits.com

La Passion des Terroirs – Wine France Bordeaux

www.wine-street.com

Maison Jean-Baptiste Béjot – Moillard – Wines France-Burgundy & Cotes du Rhone

www.wine-street.com

Ambhar Tequila – Santo Spirit Inc

www.hillsidewinesspirits.com

Terra Andina – Premium Wines from Chili

www.wine-street.com

Private Collecion Baltazar Ress – German

www.wine-street.com

Bourgeois Selection – France

www.wine-street.com

Casa Marguery – Argentina

www.wine-street.com

French Wine Company – South West – France

www.wine-street.com

Lapalu Wine Partner – Bordeaux – France

www.wine-street.com

Le Cengle Rosé – Chateau de la Galiniere – Provence – France

www.wine-street.com

Malibu Vineyard – California

www.wine-street.com

Raymond Vineyard – Napa – California

www.wine-street.com

Vignoble Arbeau – Corbiere – France

www.wine-street.com

Hollywood & Wine – Wine California

www.hollywoodandwine.net

Hillside Wines & Spirits – New Items & Mixology

www.hillsidewinesspirits.com

Vivid Bliss

www.vividbliss.com

Reyes Winery

www.reyeswinery.com

Southern Wine Group

www.southernwinegroup.com

W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd.

www.wjdeutsch.com

Wine Partners

www.winepartners.fr

Some of my photos are below, you can find more on my Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eve.bushman

TWO bottle post – oh yea – Pascal Jolivet Sancerre and Benessere Rosato

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Two completely opposite wines reviewed in one post!  Somebody stop me!  A sancerre (French sauvignon blanc for my wine 101ers) and a “Rosato” (Really a rosé but you know how we like to fiddle with the names of blends) from Napa.

Starting with the sancerre:

2009 Pascal Jolivet, 13% alcohol, real cork in good condition.

Color: Clear, pale straw.

Aroma: Fresh and aromatic, crisp, lemon, grapefruit, fresh mown grass and the palest hint of honey.

Taste: High acid, lemon and grapefruit are bitingly crisp and tangy.

Finish: Long acidic finish, quite pleasant lime.

Noted from the back label: The soil is 50% limestone, 30% chalky soil and 20% flint.  No added yeast.

I purchased this at Bev Mo for less than $20 and I would purchase it again.  91 Eve points

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2010 Benessere “Rosato” rosé table wine, Napa Valley, 13.6% alcohol, clean cork.

Color: Pale cranberry with a slight almond-colored edge, clear.

Aroma: Cranberry again, strawberry, lots of bright red cherry fruit.

Taste: Low acidity, bowl of jam-packed red fruit, young, some slight white peppper.

Finish: Short to medium.

Notes from the website:  Blend of sangiovese, zinfandel and merlot juices.

This was sent to me from the winemaker with 10 other bottles to sample and review.

For $16 buckerooos I thought it a nice picnic wine to have with cold ham sandwiches.  And, though I’m more fond of an aromatic French rosé than some of the sweet versions made in the U.S. that I’ve had, this one was quite pleasurable.  88 Eve pts.