New From Smith-Madrone

October 22, 2021 by evebushman

Earlier this year I reviewed the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling from Smith-Madrone. Eddie and I really liked the wines and my full three-bottle review is here if you would like to read it. To give you an idea of how much we appreciated these wines, here was my opening:

When was the last time you tried a new wine from Napa…but wait…let me re-phrase that: When was the last time you had a wine from Napa that you never had before, that has been around since the 1970s, and that you found to be damn good? Well I was what they say “today years old” when I had chance to review three new-to-me wines from Smith-Madrone…

Now it’s time to try the just-released 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. I was really looking forward to sampling this new vintage, based on what I thought of the three I had already reviewed I hoped it would be just as great. I will share my tasting notes and then the notes from Smith-Madrone:

Eve’s Notes

Lovely bottle with a deep punt, the front label showing Estate Bottled, and the date they were established: 1971. Also made note of the 14.3% alcohol. Then I anxiously got down to the tasting. Noting the color first, it was opaque and reminded me of lush blackberries. After a few swirls I noted layers of blue and black fruit, dried cherries, forest floor, milk chocolate, toasted oak, spice tingling my nose and a very slight menthol/mint. Tasting the wine proved to be exactly what I was looking for: those same layers of both fresh and dried dark fruit, green peppercorns, followed by some spice – this time tingling my tongue – and a very long finish due to the drying tannins. Tried the wine again an hour later with food and it only improved. 94 Eve points indeed.

From Smith Madrone

Aromatically, the 2018 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon fills your glass with a magic conjunction of red and black fruit, cedar, graphite and perhaps a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The superb nose is followed by a palate sensation of impressive size, shape and amplitude. The wine is big and beautifully textured, but with such impeccable balance. The structure becomes a dimension in and of itself. The piercing, focused aroma leads to a solid core of dark Cabernet fruit. The wine is a veritable treasure trove of aroma and flavor; it finishes long and strong with moderate fine grain tannins that suggests a long and happy future.

It is often the case that the best older wines were once the best younger wines and we are betting our fifty years of experience that the 2018 Cabernet is further proof of the truth of this wise old adage.

WINE SPECS:

Vintage – 2018

Varietal – Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation – Spring Mountain District

https://www.smithmadrone.com/

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.

Piper-Heidsieck Unveils Its 50-Year-Old Vintage Champagne

October 12, 2021 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Piper-Heidsieck, the revered Champagne House known worldwide for its red label, is excited to announce today the release of its first limited edition, Piper-Heidsieck HORS-SÉRIE 1971 Champagne, marking a new chapter in the House’s history.

Piper-Heidsieck’s commitment to excellence and innovation is at the heart of the creative vision of Chief Winemaker of the House, Émilien Boutillat. The HORS-SÉRIE collection is a way for Boutillat to express the creativity of the House by revisiting library wines and crafting unexpected gems.

Named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the International Wine Challenge, Émilien Boutillat is the youngest Chief Winemaker to lead Piper-Heidsieck, since taking over from the renowned Chef de Cave, Régis Camus, in October 2018. Émilien’s dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.

The cuvée HORS-SÉRIE 1971 uncorks the past by creating a connection between Boutillat and the previous generation of Chief Winemakers: “Releasing it today with a fresh disgorgement is a tribute to the cellar masters who preceded me, those who blended it fifty years ago, but also to those who allowed the wine to continue its evolution so that it could be ready to be revealed today,” says Boutillat.

The idea came about while Boutillat and his team were tasting library wines: “We were astonished by the taste, the quality, and the freshness of the 1971 vintage. Slowly aged for fifty years in our cellar, the wine was ready to be shared. The aromas were at their full potential, so we decided to disgorge the bottles and launch this one-of-a-kind Piper-Heidsieck Champagne HORS-SÉRIE 1971.”

Only 2021 numbered bottles of Piper-Heidsieck’s HORS-SÉRIE 1971 were produced: “I am particularly proud of this cuvée because it testifies to the excellence of Piper-Heidsieck wines through several generations of cellar masters. It is a true honor to elaborate the final dosage to magnify the potential of this 1971 cuvée. It is quite unexpected for a Champagne House to release such quantity of a 50-year-old vintage, and I am proud to be part of this launch for Piper-Heidsieck,” says Boutillat.

Piper-Heidsieck’s HORS-SÉRIE 1971 is imported by Folio Fine Wine Partners and is available for $499 per bottle.

For more information, please visit: http://www.Piper-Heidsieck.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. High-resolution press photos are available here.

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ABOUT Piper-Heidsieck
The most awarded Champagne House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck is celebrated for its audacity and excellence. Steeped in history, Piper-Heidsieck was born out of a love story that began in 1785 with German-born founder, Florens-Louis Heidsieck, crafting a wine to seduce his lover. Today, Piper-Heidsieck prides itself on holding dual certification of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale**.

**Predecessor of Émilien Boutillat, Régis Camus awarded the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” eight times by the International Wine Challenge jury since the beginning of the century.
**VDC: Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne / HVE: High Environmental Value

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.

HALL Wines in Napa Valley Heads to Guana Island (BVI) for Unique Food & Wine Program in January 2022

September 7, 2021 by evebushman

Celebrated California Wine Brand Owned by Craig & Kathryn Hall to Collaborate on Gastronomic Program in the British Virgin Islands

from January 12 – 14, 2022

(British Virgin Islands) –Guana Island, the award-winning resort in the British Virgin Islands, is collaborating with renowned California wine brand, HALL Wines, to offer a three-day Wine Program from January 12 – 14, 2022. The program will bring some of HALL’s most celebrated vintages as well as its Director of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, to Guana for a dynamic program for travelers and food- and wine-lovers alike.

The HALL team will work closely with Guana’s Executive Chef to prepare a program celebrating the flavors of the California wines alongside the island’s natural bounty. Director of Winemaking for HALL Wines, Megan Gunderson, will work with the culinary team to create special menu pairings inspired by the flavors of Guana. She will also personally pour wines from across the HALL Family Wine brands portfolio including HALL, WALT and BACA Wines, and be available to chat with guests about the brand’s extensive West Coast vineyards, and the winemaking process.

The Guana culinary team will be creating new menus for the program, pulling as many ingredients as possible from the island’s orchard, including fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and microgreens. The four-acre orchard has been recently expanded to include three new greenhouses and is home to tropical fruits such as breadfruit, soursop, and papaya as well as more exotic items such as lemongrass and pomegranate. Guana guests also enjoy fresh fish from the surrounding waters, including grouper, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.

The three-day program will kick off with a Beach BBQ pairing Caribbean-inspired flavors with WALT Wines, known for single vineyard Pinot Noirs, complemented by live music from a local band. The following day, Gunderson and Guana General Manager Jason du Plessis will host a formal al fresco dinner, offering tastes of some of the most celebrated bottles from the HALL wine collection, including the bold Cabernets for which they are known. Gunderson will be on-hand to personally discuss each vintage, guiding guests through an educational and flavorful evening. The program will conclude the following day, with a guided tour of the orchard and an invitation to try some lesser-known vintages, matching HALL Wines with just-picked produce and tropical fruits that are only found in the Caribbean.

HALL and WALT Wines offered during the immersive experience will be available to order throughout the program. As with all visits to Guana, meals and activities prepared as part of the wine program will be included in the cost of a room. Rates at Guana start at $890 per night.

For reservations or more information on the events, call (800) 544-8262.

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ABOUT GUANA ISLAND

One of the few private islands in its part of the world, Guana remains the most unspoiled jewel of the British Virgin Islands. Our 850 acres, seven beaches, mountains, gardens, organic orchard, dozens of hiking trails, and even our flock of flamingos are the exclusive domain of a handful of guests for the duration of their stay. In this setting, where the sparkling Caribbean meets the vast Atlantic, you’ll find first-class dining, accommodations, and service in a tradition of low-key luxury perfected through nearly a century of family stewardship. For more information or reservations, visit www.guana.com or call (800) 544-8262.

ABOUT HALL FAMILY WINES

HALL Family Wines produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel under the HALL, WALT and BACA brand monikers. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the family-owned winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Winemaker Megan Gunderson sources fruit from some of the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast and includes eleven Estate vineyards– Sacrashe, Bergfeld, Hardester, T Bar T Ranch, Atlas Peak, Rainin, Dellar-Freidkin, Cook, Bob’s Ranch, Clos Pepe and The Corners. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Since the inception of HALL in 1995, the three luxury wine brands have earned over 600 ratings of 90 points or above from the industries top critics, including five 100-point scores from the industry’s most notable wine critics. Visit www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com, www.bacawines.com for more information, or call 707-967-2626.

Tasting Le Grand Verre

September 3, 2021 by evebushman

How cute are these little cylinders of French wine? Too cute! But how do they taste? Let’s rip them open to see. And let’s get some information too. Excerpts from their news release are below in italics, my notes follow each of their wine descriptions:

Inès Andrieu of Domaine de Caylus produces Le Grand Verre Domaine Caylus, a rosé blend of Syrah and Grenache from the Languedoc- Roussillon winemaking region. Andrieu inherited the vineyard from her grandfather and quickly became a champion for the importance of preserving the region’s biodiversity, converting the estate to organic farming in 1999.

Notes on the 2020 vintage: Reminded me of watermelon hard candy, fresh cut strawberry, lemon-lime fizzy soda and wet stones when I took a sniff. Then for the taste I noted those same fresh berry notes, as well as Meyer lemon, orange zest, a medium acidity and a long, lasting finish.

Another cult classic is Le Grand Verre Château Val D’Arenc, an organically certified Bandol rosé blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault produced by the young and innovative male winemaker, Gérald Damidot, in Provence. Under Damidot’s leadership the estate converted to organic farming practices in 2015 significantly enhancing the quality of the win.

Notes on the 2020 vintage: Ooh, nice nose that called up memories of silky rose petals, waterfalls, fruit cocktail and the ripest of red berries. When I had a taste some of those same notes came through as well as pears in light syrup, orange marmalade and a welcoming low acidity.

Laurence Dupuch of Château Peyredon Lagravette works in tandem with her husband Stephane to produce Le Grand Verre Château Peyredon, one of the prized wines of the LGV collection. This quintessential Haut-Medoc Crus Bourgeois blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with fruit picked from vines over 100 years old is crafted with world famous oenologist Hubert de Bouard, the winemaker and owner of Château Angelus, one of the four most prestigious Saint-Émilion estates.

Notes on the 2019 vintage: Sweet black cherry, plum, mushroom, dark chocolate, blueberry jam, green peppercorns, bark on the nose followed by flavors of dried dark berries, spaghetti sauce, lively spice, with firm tannins and a very rich mouthfeel. Felt older than a 2019, very balanced with a nice long dry finish.

Le Grand Verre Domaine Nadal Hainaut of Domaine Nadal Hainaut is Cabernet Sauvignon from the hands of husband-and-wife team Martine and Jean-Marie Nadal. The château has belonged to the family since 1900 and was fully converted to organic growing in 2010 making it a home to many new insects and birds. The Nadal’s plan to leave the estate with their three daughters Julie, Pauline, Marie and Luce.

Notes on the 2019 vintage: Red berries, dried dark fruit, powdery, perfumy, rich milk chocolate candy, and tea all on the aromas; then came the taste, which was all balanced spice and very dark fruit, smoke, some sweet prunes and very dry.

My conclusion: I would welcome having any of these wines again.

From the Press Release

LE GRAND VERRE, CURATED SINGLE SERVE ETHICALLY MADE FRENCH WINES,

LAUNCHES IN THE US

The Predominantly Female Handcrafted and Award-Winning Proprietary Bottles Showcase French Wine

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – LE GRAND VERRE, the award-winning, single serve, ethical, proprietarily designed, and predominantly female produced boutique wine collection of France, has officially arrived on American shores. Envisioned by three French wine-loving friends, Nicolas Deffrennes, Founder, Régis Fanget, Brand and Artistic Director, and Valérian Déjours, Chief Operating Officer, the trio dreamt up LGV with one mission: to embody the culture and experience of tasting premium French wines – without the need to open an entire bottle.

The initial concept, a brainchild of Deffrennes inspired by his days as part of the wine club at Harvard University, quickly grew into an endeavor to feature solely boutique winemakers in lieu of commercial wineries. Those that use organic, ethical, or sustainable farming practices with the majority of them certified by France’s overseeing body Ecocert and Terra Vitis. Deffrennes and his counterparts aimed to make French wines more approachable by providing highly curated selections, thereby taking the onus off consumers to navigate the vast breadth of options available to them. The exclusive LGV collection represents France’s best styles, varieties and terroir from esteemed regions such as Bordeaux, Languedoc, and Provence.

Under a highly meticulous process the LGV trio tasted hundreds of wines from across France, primarily dedicating efforts toward wines crafted by almost entirely female winemakers, female-led, or female-owned estates, as well as those with distinct and long family histories of French winemaking tradition. Vetted by a panel of consumers state-side, the team oversees every step of the process from vine to bottle offering the most authentic, affordable and sustainable wines possible for oenophiles and wine newbies alike.

“We care about what goes into our wine and believe that you don’t ever have to compromise when it comes to offering the authentic experience of French wine and culture to consumers,” notes Deffrennes, Founder of LGV. “While touring vineyards we were struck by each winemaker’s powerful story; they were so devoted to their vines and removing all use of pesticides, additive and other chemicals, that we in turn became their advocates, dedicating LGV to their unique backgrounds with every sip. The importance of family, legacy, powerful female-led wineries, and a tradition of ethical farming techniques, rapidly became intrinsic to who we are and what makes us passionate about what we do. It’s single-serve packaging, but with a twist: very good wine with a very rich and versatile French history to be discovered inside.”

Funded by the Burgundy region the award-winning LGV bottles are proprietarily designed and packaged in a modern way to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime – without breaking the bank. Purchased in sets of 4 ranging from $20-$30, the 6.3 oz. design of each bottle is larger than your typical pour at 6 oz., as the name Le Grand Verre suggests. The wines are also made from recyclable materials and double-coated to preserve aromas.

“From the beginning we knew we needed to maintain the high standards set forth by the incredible winemakers who joined us in our mission. Developing an elevated and vastly unique single serve bottle to showcase their incredible wines was a challenging, exciting project,” explained Régis Fanget, Brand and Artistic Director of LGV. “The final product is a tall sleek bottle and an elegant departure from the canned wine masses we’ve seen over the past few years. Partnering on this endeavor with one of my oldest and dearest friends Nick has been a pleasure, to say the least. We’re thrilled to share our French wines with American palates…”

Powerhouse female producers include Elisabeth Prataviera of Domaine de Ménard & Haut-Marin the creator of Le Grand Verre Domaine Prataviera, a Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Gascogne known for stellar white wines. Prataviera took over the vineyards from her mother who has helmed the estate since 1960, both following in her family legacy while allowing for innovation such as the of use organic fertilizer to preserve soil.

“…We began working with Le Grand Verre only a year ago and already feel like part of the family,” said Inès Andrieu, creator of Le Grand Verre Domaine Caylus. “We’ve worked very closely with the team; Régis Fanget was invited to visit the estate during the last harvest season. We were proud to craft our organic rosé for LGV and are currently expanding the partnership with Chardonnay, also made with organic grapes.”

Officially partnering with Baron Francois, a premier wine distributor based in New York City, LGV wines are already making waves across the East Coast including NYC, Washington, D.C., and select airports such as Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia, where assorted LGV wines are available in premium dining locations and retail outlets.

“Le Grand Verre has been one of the most successful launches of Baron Francois to date,” said Alexandre Thevenet, Director of Sales of Baron Francois. “The wines are moving much faster than anticipated for a new brand in such a unique format. With plans to expand nationwide upcoming, LGV is in a great position to become the go-to single serve wine of choice for American wine lovers across the country.”

As Deffrennes and Fanget continue to tour the vineyards, new wines will be offered and available to the US throughout the year. “What do they all have in common? Delicious French wine from the meticulous work of emerging and female vintners, crafted under organic or sustainable farming, tested and vetted with both friends and consumers across the Atlantic!” adds Deffrennes.

Explore Le Grand Verre’s Collection: https://lgvwines.com/ @legrandverre_wines #LeGrandVerre

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.

A Chard and a Brut Cuvee Met…In My Kitchen

August 13, 2021 by evebushman

It’s summertime and the living is easy, that’s how the saying goes and it’s a good time to discover some white wines I haven’t had before. The two we are looking at today come from different California AVAs and are also different varieties. We have a Chard from Santa Barbara County and a sparkling from the Arroyo Grande Valley.

2019 Qupe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, “Y” Block

Aromas: Freshly sliced lemons, pineapple, mown grass, cheddar cheese, milk, wet concrete. Flavors: Lively fresh citrus and stone fruits, lemon zest, limeade, toasted oak, mild acidity, long finish. Classic chardonnay in style, structure and flavor. Paired with Shrimp Scampi and it served well as a palate cleanser between bites indeed.

An excerpt from the website:

HONORING THE CHUMASH

The name “qupé” was chosen to honor the Chumash, the indigenous people of the Golden State’s Central Coast and Channel Islands.

In Chumash, “qupé” refers to the poppy, a flowering plant traditionally used for food and medicine. In 1903 the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was officially designated the state flower, and every spring masses of the bright orange blossoms still blanket local hills and back country.

Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Named 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

August 3, 2021 by evebushman

REIMS, FRANCE (PRWEB) – At 34 years old, Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Emilien Boutillat has been named the 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at this year’s annual International Wine Challenge (IWC) held in London, United Kingdom.

Emilien joined the Piper-Heidsieck family in October 2018, taking over from renowned winemaker Regis Camus, and is the youngest chef de cave to lead a major House in the region.

His dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House in recent times, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.

As a result, Piper-Heidsieck is the most awarded Champagne House of the century*, achieving eight titles under the leadership of Regis Camus, and now a ninth with Emilien Boutillat’s latest IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award.

Thrilled with the honor of the Award, Emilien stated:
“This is an important recognition of the work produced by the entire Piper-Heidsieck team and honors the legacy of my predecessors, including Daniel Thibault and Regis Camus, both of whom achieved great success during their time at the helm of Piper-Heidsieck.”

He continued:
“From the winemaking team, some of whom have been with the House more than 30 years, to the winegrowers and partners, and those involved in the production of the bottles, each of our team’s valuable contribution is what has enabled us to receive this award.”

The 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award affirms the dedication and commitment of Piper-Heidsieck to continue producing the finest blends, while working towards a sustainably conscious future within all its winemaking practices.

In its 37th year, the International Wine Competition brings together a panel of expert judges to blind taste the wide variety of wines and work in unison to discover the highest-quality blends from 52 countries.

The vast range of awards presented by the IWC includes Red, White, Fortified, Sparkling, and Sweet Winemakers of the Year and the Own Label, Varietal, Regional, National, and International shortlists.

Lauded as the most awarded House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck has been one of the US market’s Top Five Champagne brands for more than a decade and is poured in more than 100 countries worldwide. A House with a storied history, it was the first champagne to appear in film and has long been associated with celebration, cinema and celebrity.

An official sponsor of the iconic Cannes Film Festival for more than 20 years, and the official Champagne of the Academy Awards since 2015, a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck is opened around the world every 8 seconds.

Wines in the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio include: Brut NV ($45 SRP), Extra Dry ($45 SRP), Sublime ($50 SRP), Rosé Sauvage ($60 SRP) and 2012 Vintage Brut ($80 SRP).

Wines are available nationally through fine wine retailers and restaurants. For more information or image requests, please contact Rebecca Hopkins at rhopkins@foliowine.com

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About Piper-Heidsieck:
The most awarded Champagne House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck is celebrated for its audacity and excellence. Steeped in history, Piper-Heidsieck was born of a love story that began in 1785 with German-born founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck crafting a wine to seduce his lover. For Piper-Heidsieck, the true meaning of seduction is free from convention to innovate and to convey self-expression. The Maison continued its path of seduction winning over Marie-Antoinette, exciting the palates of speakeasy goers throughout Prohibition and even becoming Marilyn Monroe’s bedfellow with the famous actress claiming she would get up every morning with a glass of Piper. Today, Piper-Heidsieck is poured in over 100 countries and prides itself on holding dual certification of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale**. The progressive Champagne House also enjoys a colourful history of unique encounters and moments of intimacy, none more memorable than the iconic Prohibition-era which this year celebrates 100 years.

** Predecessor of Emilien Boutillat, Régis Camus awarded the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” eight times by the International Wine Challenge jury since the beginning of the century.
** VDC: Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne / HVE: High Environmental Value

About Folio Fine Wine Partners:
Founded by the Michael Mondavi Family in 2004, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premier and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Washington State, Austria and South Africa. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit http://www.foliowine.com/ or social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 5

June 26, 2021 by Michael Perlis

We were initially planning to continue this series on lighter wines that we are enjoying at home with some more Northern California wineries, but the recent collaboration with Eve reviewing some rosés pointed Karen and me in another direction.

Ted Plemons of Cass

We drink rosés all year long but I realize that some wine drinkers especially fancy them in warmer months so it seemed like a good time to report specifically on a few of those that we have been pleased with recently.

One rosé that we really have been fond of is called “And Why Am I Mr. Pink?” – interesting name, no? The wine is produced by the Underground Wine Project, which is an intriguing name in its own right. I contacted them for more info, and they suggested I reach out to Trey Busch, Winemaker/Partner of the well-known and highly regarded Washington state winery Sleight of Hands Cellars. His response:

“Thanks for writing, and hope your liver has been holding up this past year :).

The Underground Wine Project is a collaboration between Sleight of Hand Cellars and Mark Ryan Winery. Mark and I have been friends for a long time, and we started the brand in 2007 with 100 cases of Syrah. That has transformed into adding And Why Am I Mr. Pink? to the lineup, as well as our 2 red wines, Idle Hands and Devils Playground.

We wanted an edgier brand than either of us have now, and the UWP allows for us to play in that area. Our Mr. Pink Rosé is mostly Sangio with some Syrah as well. All stainless steel (no barrel aging). We wanted to make a porch pounder rosé and this fits the bill. Juicy, terrific fruit, but then awesome acidity to hold it all together. We are making about 14,000 cases a year with the goal to increase production moving forward. National exposure with Whole Foods has helped.”

From Karen for the 2018 vintage: White/pink floral nose, light to medium finish, clean mouthfeel, moderate pear fruit, definitely a porch pounder as we were relishing it on our backyard patio on a warm Saturday evening with light nibbles for dinner.

Another winery that I’ve been a big fan of over the years Cass Winery in Paso Robles. [Yep, Paso again. I make no excuses, Paso wines are some of our favorites.] And I couldn’t pass up their special offer for Valentine’s Day of a dozen rosés. [Get it? Of course you do.]

From Karen for the 2019 vintage of the Cass Oasis Rosé: White flower floral note, dry medium body, red ripe berry fruit from the 63% Mourvedre, fresh, soft and hint of sweetness from the 37% Grenache.

Finally, an article about rosés wouldn’t be complete without the one that Karen has pronounced as her favorite for the last few years from Hoi Polloi winery right here in the Santa Clarita Valley. Doug Minnick [one of the founders of the Garagiste Festivals – I am so looking forward to these returning!] and his partners produce an assortment of terrific wines.

From Karen for the 2018 vintage of the Hoi Polloi Rosé from the Colburn Vineyard, Paso Robles: Fresh, crisp, true strawberry nose, medium to long clean finish, elegant, well-rounded body, silky soft tannins, this rosé of Grenache never fails to deliver!

Underground Wine Project

www.theundergroundwineproject.com

Cass Winery

www.casswines.com

Hoi Polloi

www.hoipolloiwinery.com

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Paso Robles Wine Country’s First Virtual Auction Raises Over $70,000 Paso Wine Fan’s Go Above and Beyond

June 19, 2021 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) has completed the first Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction, which began on Monday, May 10, and concluded on Sunday, May 16. This inaugural online auction supports the PRWCA Foundation, the non-profit organization that gives back through its scholarship program for high school seniors and supports the local community with charitable contributions.

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A total of 23 auction lots, as well as donations, raised $72,000 for the PRWCA Foundation. This weeklong auction saw bids quickly come in for some of the anticipated items, which included the Saxum Current Release Portfolio lot as well as the French Family Affair package at Les Petites Canailles which brings the wine families of Clos Solène, Benom, and L’Aventure to the dinner table. A 3L bottle of PATRIMONY and Estate Experience also generated bidders’ enthusiasm. These top lots received a flurry of bids and achieved the highest totals.

“The popularity of the Paso Robles wine region has been on the rise with wine lovers and critics alike,” said Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “This acclaim coupled with the newfound ease and familiarity of virtual experiences created a perfect opportunity for this inaugural auction, which supports our local community.”

Over the six days of the auction, 342 bids took place in pursuit of these carefully curated auction lots by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Collections of wines and unique experiences were collected through generous donations from more than 70 member businesses, including wineries, hotels, transportation providers, restaurateurs, and more.

“This auction’s success was all about the relationships and sense of community shared among the local industry,” said Molly Scott, Chairperson of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Director of Grower Relations for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. “As a wine community, our vintners, growers, and associated businesses live, work, and invest into the local economy and to raise funds that make their way back to support this community we all live in is exceptionally important. As an organization and board, we are happy with how well this first time out went and with the results netted.”

Auction lots garnering the strongest bids at the inaugural Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction include Saxum Current Release Portfolio, A French Family Affair, The PATRIMONY Estate Experience, Turley Wine Cellars Stay, Sixmilebridge | Denner Vineyards Dinner, VIP Booker Experience, Geneseo Retreat, Best of JUSTIN Library, Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Portfolio, Tour of Paso with its Organic Leaders, Sacramento Kings Game and Dinner with Cordant | Nelle, and the San Francisco getaway and dinner at The Battery with J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

The inaugural Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction had bidders and buyers from across the United States, upholding the goals of promoting the Paso Robles wine region to a diverse audience. The net results of the auction far surpassed all expectations, confirming how the wine industry can positively enhance the greater community. These funds will augment not only the scholarship program for high school seniors in northern San Luis Obispo County but also help in other community-oriented initiatives.

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade organization that represents wineries, growers, and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third-largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit pasowine.com. Facebook – @PasoRoblesWine, Instagram – @Pasowine, #pasowine.

Limited Edition Wines to debut as first co-branded label by Vin Social and Red Tail Ridge Winery

June 13, 2021 by evebushman

New York, NY — An interactive, wine-tasting platform and a sustainable, independent winery have partnered to produce two new co-labeled wine blends, handmade in New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Vin Social, a fast-growing virtual hospitality company, subscription wine club and E-commerce platform joins Red Tail Ridge Winery, a women-owned, LEED Gold Certified winery known for small batch vintages, to introduce their first collaboration of limited-edition wines available exclusively through Vin Social.

The two bottles — ‘Rebel with a Cause’ Red Blend and Cabernet Franc Estate Rosé — offer distinct flavors that capture the essence of the terroir, an exciting, up-and-coming domestic wine region that industry insiders are watching closely.

“We wanted to partner with a small, independent winery producing sustainable, interesting wines. ‘Rebel with a Cause’ is a love for the underdog, an ode to women-owned businesses that are purpose-driven with intent on breaking the mold. The ‘Cab Franc Estate Rosé’ is about celebrating summer and the casual, carefree Finger Lakes lifestyle,” says Sara Moll, Vin Social Founder and CEO.

As Vin Social’s very first wine partner, Red Tail Ridge and head winemaker Nancy Irelan helped establish the trajectory for Vin Social’s product partnerships, setting them on a path to working with accomplished female winemakers producing under-recognized, high quality wines.

“Nancy’s commitment to sustainability, her mission to raise the bar for the Finger Lakes region, and her dogmatic focus on her craft are just a few reasons why we wanted to partner with Red Tail Ridge. They really fit our criteria as a purpose and quality-driven brand making exciting wines that deserve significantly more market visibility,” says Sara.

As a virtual hospitality solution for businesses to “wine and dine” customers, Vin Social provides an interactive tasting experience of curated craft wine and spirits led by sommeliers and spirits experts. Shipping more than 7,000 bottles to event attendees nationwide throughout the last several months, Vin Social has provided access and awareness to brands like Red Tail Ridge, helping to grow their revenue and exposure.

“It’s really hard to have our voice heard when there’s so much noise from the big, corporate wineries. Vin Social has opened up a whole new avenue for E-commerce, giving us access to a new platform for our products as well as a team of wine educators that are really out there telling our story and growing our audience,” says Nancy Irelan.

To purchase the ‘Rebel with a Cause’ Red Blend [$35] or the Cabernet Franc Estate Rosé [$26] visit VinSocial.co.

About Red Tail Ridge Winery

Located in the Finger Lakes of New York, Red Tail Ridge Winery is the only LEED Gold Certified Winery in the state.

Founder Nancy Irelan has a PhD in Grape Genetics, decades of experience at the largest winery in the world, E&J Gallo, is a 2x James Beard Award Nominee.

About Vin Social

Vin Social is a premium virtual hospitality experience delivered as a service for businesses through a unique, online program and E-commerce platform. Clients host ‘Vin Socials’ to engage, retain, and convert their most valuable relationships.
Vin Social’s mission is to help small, sustainability-committed makers by serving as an alternate direct-to-consumer channel and to show reverence to these purpose-driven producers by telling their stories authentically.

Vin Social recently launched its first-ever equity crowdfunding campaign as it pioneers bridging E-commerce with wine and spirits tastings in the new, explosive category of virtual hospitality.
For more information, please visit www.vinsocial.co.