Eve's Wine 101

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

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

Price

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

Parker and Galloni Reviews

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate: 95

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

Antonio Galloni for Vinous: 97 Points

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

Roebuck and Bushman Review

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

2012 Joseph Phelps “Backus” Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Score:  98 Points

Location:  Napa Valley, California

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

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

Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted:  October 2023

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

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Montana’s Triple Creek Ranch Welcomes America’s Most Prestigious Winemakers

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Darby, MT. – Triple Creek Ranch, the legendary Relais & Chateaux mountain ranch getaway in Montana, is famed for its inventive cuisine, ranch activities, and stellar service. Named to the Travel + Leisure 2023 T+L 500 list of the best hotels in the world, and singled out by the publication as Best Resort Hotel, Montana, its award-winning wine cellar has been a recipient of Wine Spectator awards since 2005. What makes Triple Creek Ranch’s wine program truly remarkable is the resort’s robust calendar of Vintner Events.

This season, Triple Creek Ranch is welcoming Hill Family Estates, J. Bookwalter Wines, Chateau Montelena, Schramsberg & Davies Vineyards, and Chappellet Winery.

These four-day weekend events, from Thursday to Sunday, spotlight some of the best-known vintners in the United States. Wines from the featured vintner are poured throughout the weekend, and often, vintner partners will bring rare treasures that are not available anywhere else. Each Vintner Event includes intimate wine tastings and wine dinners in the company of the winemakers. There are guided wine-tasting seminars and a highly anticipated wine-paired dinner on Saturday night. It’s a unique combination of outdoor adventures and serious wine appreciation in an amazing mountain setting.

Other activities scheduled for these weekends reflect the diverse personalities of Triple Creek Ranch’s vintner partners and have included cooking classes, geocache scavenger hunts, horseback rides, orchard picnics, and cross-country ski treks. All this, of course, is in addition to the robust menu of experiences that Ranch guests enjoy regularly. A Pre-Arrival Concierge can provide the details of a particular weekend. All wine-oriented activities during the weekend are included in the nightly rate.

Hill Family Estates November 2-5, 2023

“Inspired by mother nature” and born out of Doug Hill’s desire for his family to work together, Hill Family Estate wines showcase the passion and experience of this unique team of Yountville growers and vintners.

Thanksgiving Vintner Weekend with J. Bookwalter Wines November 22-26, 2023

Founded by legendary grape grower Jerry Bookwalter in 1983, Bookwalter Winery has a long, rich history of producing exceptional wines from some of Washington State’s most established, reputable vineyards. The Winery is owned and operated by second-generation winemaker John Bookwalter. John and his winemaking team focus their efforts on high-quality small production red wines. He will be at the Ranch to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday and his exceptional vintages.

Chateau Montelena January 25-28, 2024

Chateau Montelena’s rich history began in 1882. In 1976, a Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was chosen over a selection of renowned French Burgundies in a Grand Tasting, and guests can watch the story unfold in a showing of the movie “Bottleshock”.

Schramsberg & Davies Vineyards Valentine’s Vintner Weekend February 14-18, 2024

This will mark the fourth year that Schramsberg has celebrated Valentine’s Day at Triple Creek Ranch with their sparkling wines, Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons from the Davies collection.

Chappellet Winery May 16-19, 2024

Blakesley and Cyril Chappellet have marked Memorial Day at Triple Creek Ranch for years with their much-lauded wines from Napa Valley. This event is currently fully booked for 2024 and reservations are being accepted for May 15-18th, 2025.

Hill Family Estates, November 7 – 10, 2024

Ryan Hill returns in 2024 to showcase Hill Family Estate wines and the team of Yountville growers and vintners. As always, it promises to be a weekend of great fun and outstanding wines.

Thanksgiving Vintner Weekend with Et Fille Wines November 27 – December 1, 2024

Et Fille, which means “and daughter,” was co-founded in 2003 by father and daughter winemakers and is now in its second generation, crafting wines from their sustainably farmed vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Triple Creek Ranch is located in Darby, Montana, in the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains. The resort was named to the Travel + Leisure 2023 T+L 500 list of the best hotels in the world and singled out by the publication as Best Resort Hotel, Montana. An all-inclusive retreat for adults and children sixteen years and older, Triple Creek Ranch is a member of Relais & Châteaux and Virtuoso and an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge. Rates include a private log cabin, all meals, house wines, spirits, beers, and various outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fly fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and more. For reservations, contact info@triplecreekranch.com or 800-654-2943. For more information, visit www.triplecreekranch.com 

Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration RETURNS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

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ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA –HALL Napa Valley, one of the leading, family-owned Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the country, has announced the date for its annual Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration. The annual event will be taking place at HALL St. Helena on September 9, 2023. The harvest event, which includes a new, fun theme each year, features the 2020 vintage of HALL’s flagship wine, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon.

HALL’S ANNUAL EVENT RETURNS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

“Each year, we love celebrating each new Harvest with our flagship wine” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “With its rich and complex flavors, velvety texture, and elegant structure, this wine represents the culmination of our passion and dedication to producing the finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.”

The Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration will allow guests to sample the 2020 vintage of Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. This year’s theme is Camp Kathryn, where guests will get to experience a favorite summer pastime – summer camp with wine country style. There will be a bevy of camp-inspired activities for guests to take part in, live entertainment and California cuisine stations, including a camp must-have, smores.

The event includes three ticket options for guests to purchase:

  • General Admission Ticket – $150
    12:00pm – 3:00pm
    Guests are invited to celebrate CAMP KATHRYN as HALL releases the 2020 vintage of its flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. This ticket includes admission to all the Camp-inspired fun at the main event.
  • Kathryn Hall Vertical Ticket – $350 (SOLD OUT)
    11:00am – 12:00pm
    The Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting will be hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, HALL President, Mike Reynolds and HALL Winemaker, Megan Gunderson. The vertical tasting includes five vintages of Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon from 2016 – 2020 vintages. This Ticket also includes General Admission access to the main event.

The celebration allows guests to learn more about HALL’s flagship wine, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is defined by its core of dark, succulent Sacrashe Vineyard fruit located just above the Rutherford Appellation at the top eastern ridge of the Vaca Mountain range in Napa Valley.

Since the first vintage was produced in 1996, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon wine has been one of the highest rated in HALL’s portfolio, earning over 100 scores rated 90 points and above from the industry’s top critics including The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous. Additionally, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list in 2011.

WHAT: Kathryn Hall “Camp Kathryn” Harvest Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 2023

WHERE: HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy S.

St. Helena, CA 94574
TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased HERE.

For more information, please visit Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration, follow on social @hallwines, or by calling 707-967-2626. # # #

HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at two properties in Napa Valley in St. Helena and Rutherford. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the winery crafts 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 the winemaking process. Led by Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, HALL focuses on producing distinctive Cabernet

ABOUT HALL Wines:

Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. 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, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.

Eve Asks: What Books Did Your Book Club Enjoy Most With Wine…Extra points if it was a wine- themed book!

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It’s become somewhat of a joke, book club meetings that are really just opportunities for people to get together over wine, aka the wine club meeting. But it made me wonder, what kind of books – and what wines – might have been people’s favorites during those meetings? So, I did what I sometimes do, I took the question to social media to find out. This was my post:

Hello wine lovers…and book lovers! Today’s round-up question is two, possibly three, fold: I know a lot of you enjoy your book club meetings for the wine more than the books – if we’re being honest here – but what I want to know is what books have been your favorites to discuss over wine? And what wines were the most memorable at those meetings?

Maybe because my question was a bit too specific, I didn’t have a lot of good answers to share. Mostly the lol emoji type stuff. But I bided my time and the best answer, and a nice list of wine-themed books to read, came from fellow WSET wine educator Dana Kramer:

I am in a Wine Club that reads books… at least that is what my husband, Chris Kramer calls it. We meet every other month and have done so for years with about a dozen women.

Whomever hosts typically serves wine, and other beverages… but the most fun is the host makes dinner or snacks based on something in the book. We do discuss the books at our club meeting, but we always have a nice time getting together. During COVID we met in a cul-de-sac and brought our own wine and snacks. LOL.

When I host, I usually have a wine themed book and select the wines based on the book. I also pair the wine with what was featured in the book if possible.

These are some well-received books in my club:

The Vineyards of Champagne, Juliet Blackwell

The Winemaker’s Wife, Kristin Harmel

The Vintner’s Daughter, Kristin Harnisch

The Lost Vintage, Ann Mah

The Winemakers, Jan Moran

While there are lots of wine related books in my library, these are some of my recommended relaxing reads in no particular order…

These Tangled Vines, Julian Maclean

Vertical, Rex Pickett

Sideways, Rex Pickett

Sideways 3 – Chile, Rex Pickett

A Good Year, Peter Mayle

The Vineyard, Barbara Delinsky

Judgment of Paris, George Taber

The Billionaire’ Vinegar, Benjamin Wallace

The Ripening Sun, ViIrginia Atkinson

The House of Mondavi, Julia Flinn Siler

I drive between 400-500 miles a week, so I get books on Audible. It is fun to compare my Audible experience with those who read the book.

Cheers.

Then I asked Dana, what about the wines, anything memorable: Actually, when we read the Vineyards of Champagne, we had several types of Veuve Clicquot. While the sparkles in my glass were very good, what was most interesting was the story of the widow and women making it during WWI.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

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

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


THE LOMPOC WINE GHETTO

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

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

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

LOMPOC MIDTOWN WINERIES

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

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

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

STA. RITA HILLS WINERIES

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

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

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

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

Readers looking for more information go to ExploreLompoc.com

Perlises Pick Folded Hills Winery/Ranch/Farmstead

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When we first heard of Folded Hills, we were excited that we were going to try a new winery.

Folded Hills was definitely new to us, although Eve’s Wine 101’s own Eve Bushman wrote about a tasting of their wines that she attended in early 2020:

www.evewine101.com/2020/02/28/discovering-folded-hills-winery-plus-winemaker-angela-osborne/

The winery itself is also fairly new. The 15 acres of vineyards were planted in 2014 and the first vintage of Folded Hills wine released was the 2015 vintage – of purchased grapes at that time, of course; by the 2016 vintage some estate grown grapes were used. The wines now are almost 100% estate, which are organically and bio-dynamically grown. The original tasting room opened in Montecito and the Homestead onsite tasting room not too long after that.

And the winemaker is pretty new, to this winery at least. Original winemaker Angela Osborne has moved on to devote more time to her own A Tribute To Grace winery and Michael Brughelli has been with Folded Hills since 2020. Michael is well known for his own brand, Brughelli, as well as Scar of the Sea, which he previously co-owned, in addition to his own Vignerons Consulting.

But all this newness belies the rich heritage of the property. If you are heading north on Highway 101 from Santa Barbara up to Buellton, this is the first winery property you will see. The original Homestead was established in 1898 and there were wine grapes planted and a winery here pre-prohibition. The entire property is about 600 acres, near Nojoqui Falls Park and the famous Alisal Ranch.

The owners have a rich heritage as well. Andy and Kim Busch moved their family to Santa Barbara County in 2002, after falling in love with the area when Andy was captain of the U.S. Polo team in 1998. It took a while but they found this property in 2004. Andy was no stranger to large properties and hard work, having managed Grant’s Farm in St. Louis Missouri which the Busch family has owned for generations.

We had the great pleasure of touring the farm with Andy Busch. His pride was evident and justified as he showed us that the vineyard and winery operations were just a small part of this beautiful property. We saw farmed crops and orchards, the beautiful lake, polo grounds and the amazing family home. There were lots of animals too, including peacocks, pigs, chickens, goats, alpacas, llamas and a zebra. Of course, there were Clydesdales – in case you haven’t already figured out, Andy is part of that famous Busch family. We even caught a glimpse of George the camel! Andy also pointed out to us the view of the hills seemingly folding into each other, which gave the property its name.

At the end of all this, it was just about time to taste some wines, but not before one of the farmers stopped by and offered us a taste of some of the sweetest strawberries we’ve ever had. Then, onto the tasting room, or in our case the patio just outside the tasting room.

What we tasted:

2022 Lilly Rose of Grenache – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  Fragrantly floral on the nose with stone fruit notes. Very bright and clean. Named after Andy’s great grandmother, Lilly Anheuser.

2021 August White – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  86% Grenache Blanc, 14% Viognier.  Lemon, green fruit notes and good minerality.  Nice long finish. Named after Andy’s father and grandfather.

2021 Estate White – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  50% Grenache Blanc, 37.5% Clairette Blanche and 12.5% Marsanne.   Light citrus notes and rich on palate due to the Marsanne with a lively finish.

2021 Grant Grenache – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.   100% Grenache.   Milk chocolate on the nose. A naturally lighter style but with a full mouth feel and a medium finish. Named after Grant’s Farm in Missouri and its original Farmsteader, Ulysses S. Grant

2020 Estate Grenache – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.   100% Grenache. The warmer year than the 2021 resulted in bright red fruit with some new oak imparting vanilla and cocoa notes. Fuller body than the 2021 also with a lingering finish.  Mostly from Golden Eagle block. 

2020 GSM – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.   A classic blend of 58% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre, Ripe, dark fruit and herbaceous on both nose and finish. 

2019 August Red Blend – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  70% Grenache, 30% Syrah.  Cote de Rhone style blend with cherry and pomegranate on the nose.  Clove and spices notes.  Sharper tannins, lower acidity, very structured.    

2020 Estate Syrah – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.   100% Syrah. From the Nojoqui Vineyard, the southernmost block of Syrah. Deep, burgundy color. Plum, and boysenberry on nose, very fruit driven. Tobacco, leather and mocha notes followed by a lush finish, with a hint of sweetness belying its dry fermentation.

We really appreciate that Andy spent so much time to give us the complete flavor of the property. The wines themselves are delicious, elegant and among the best we have tasted in Santa Barbara County. You can taste and acquire these wines at the Montecito tasting room or the Homestead tasting room. If you can, we recommend you go to the winery to enjoy the entire experience. If you go, please say hello to George for us.

From Folded Hills: “To meet George, guests can book a private tour by emailing events@foldedhills.com. We also have a wine club and awesome private club member events…like our Polo Classic, where guests get to tailgate and picnic while watching a polo match on the Folded Hills Private Polo Field.” 

Folded Hills Winery / Ranch / Farmstead

www.foldedhills.com

Tasting Room at the Homestead: 2323 Old Coast Highway, Gaviota CA 93117

Tasting Room and Wine Shop in Montecito: 1294 Coast Village Road, Montecito CA 93108

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

The 11th Anniversary of the Nth Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience – Done!

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This time at the Universal Whisky Experience I met up with at least 40 whisky-loving friends and made a whole lot of new ones! From Scottish to Japanese to American distillers making all kinds of brown spirits, we were covered. Here’s a snapshot of the eleventh year of this stellar event:

The website https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/ told us to expect over 200 whiskies to try from at least 80 vendors from all over the globe! We knew there would be both rare and expensive bottles, and we were itching to try as many as we could manage. Of course for some, the wine, Champagne and food might be enough, but not for my 40+ pals! They were on the hunt not only to taste the finest brown spirits but to also rub elbows with other collectors, aficionados, distillers and brand ambassadors. More than a dozen pals were on the hunt to meet Richard Paterson, aka The Nose, as he is the most knowledgeable and entertaining master distiller most of us have only seen on How to Drink Whisky videos.

Here was my social media post the next day:

Oh what a night!!!! Too busy chatting with pals and sampling THE finest spirits to take enough photos of it all! What would you go for – or went for if you came – at last night’s Universal Whisky Experience? Photos include me with Richard “The Nose” Paterson and Brandon Bartlett, some bottle shots (some not pictured) from Glenmorangie, Virginia Distilling, The Brollach Irish single malt, Hardy Cognac, Westward Whiskey, Rosebank, Cognac Frapin, Stellum Distillery Rye, Johnnie Walker, Mortlach, Hakata, Glenfiddich, Martell Cognac, Linkwood distillery, Isle of Raasay Distillery Hebridean Distillers (their first legal distillery in the Hebrides) – my FAVORITE of the night and at my favorite table – ImpEx Beverages manned by Sam Filmus and Chris Uhde, aka the Whisky Redhead!

Now, to elaborate:

Yes, most of us made a beeline over to meet Richard Paterson, as he was an honored guest of the evening. They had created a lovely piece of art in his likeness, a silhouette, that was on a step and repeat backdrop and of course, I was first in line for a photo-op! Friends of ours that had flown in from Idaho just to meet Paterson, and of course have all of the whisky they could ever want to taste in one night, were right behind me.

From there I started to make my way around the room, often stopping when I saw a pal or brand ambassador that I recognized. Among the tasting tables I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Sam Filmus and Chris Uhde at ImPex Beverages. The four whiskies I mentioned in my social post – Linkwood distillery, Isle of Raasay Distillery Hebridean Distillers, Hakata 12 YO in sherry cask – were all uniquely different from one another in both aroma and flavor. These are whiskies to look for. From there I tasted some very old Glenmorangie whiskies with GlenMoDan (his name on social media) including a 25 YO Sonoma-Cutrer Reserve and a 24 YO Rare Cask.

Slowly moving on Eddie and I enjoyed American single malts from Virginia Distilling and Westward (Oregon) – these are not to be confused with Kentucky bourbon or single malt from Scotland. It’s a growing category of American distillers you should look for.

Cognacs from Hardy and Frapin are always popular tables. And outstanding Rosebank 31 YO is from a distillery that shuttered in 1992 and now under a five-year renovation to re-open. Gray and Gold labels from Stellum Rye wowed us. Johnnie Walker had a Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas as well as a King George, both unique and rare blends.

Next up was a 20 YO Mortlach, and a 31 YO was found amongst the goodies at the Gordon MacPhail table. Older vintages from Glenfiddich included their ‘Cask Collection’ Reserve Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky with distinctive dark blue labels.

In a few words: Don’t miss this annual event! April 17-19, 2024 is the next one but there are more global events you can find on their website.

Find on Facebook: Universal Whisky Experience

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Discovering Moraga Bel Air

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All I knew about Moraga Bel Air wines is that they were founded in 1989 and that the vineyards are indeed in Bel Air, California. When they offered to send me one of their whites and a red, and join in on a Zoom meeting with their new winemaker Paul Warson, it was a great chance for me – and you – to discover much more.

Learning More About Moraga

Great day for a Zoom meeting – said no one ever. But this one, where we didn’t have to brace the storms in Los Angeles of late to meet in person, was well worth it. The meeting was led by Moraga Bel Air winemaker Paul Warson, who joined the winery in 2021. Here are some of the things we found:

  • Warson is a seasoned winemaker with roots at UC Davis. He has made wine in places such as Australia, Napa and the Central Coast. His longest tenure was with Foley and their Firestone property.
  • Warson feels that Moraga is best experienced by visiting the winery, the cave and with a tasting. Marketing Director Philip Cavanagh explained that reserved tastings include four of their current releases as well as tastes from their cellar, accompanied with a cheese and charcuterie selection from the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop. Each tasting runs 90 minutes to two hours, can accommodate four and upwards of 150 guests in a corporate gathering. Reservations can be made via email with Philip@MoragaBelAir.com
  • There will be a new second label coming out in the next month or so where 20% of the sales will be going to charity. The wines will be non-vintage and a made from a collection of Moraga grapes.
  • If you check out their Facebook page you may see a few posts with photos of sheep grazing in the vineyard. Though the sheep are now gone, their work completed within about 14 days, they will be back. The vineyard is now experiencing bud break.
  • Warson said that everything they need to make wine is at Moraga Bel Air. From red fermenters to the wine press to stainless steel drums and barrels. The cave itself is never above 60 degrees. “It’s a Fantasyland,” Warson said, “it’s a lot of fun and it’s easy.”

Tasting Notes (My notes follow theirs, noted as EB in italics.)

2019 White (Not stated on label: Sauvignon Blanc) 14.7 alcohol.

From the website: Golden in the glass, it begins with lush aroma of white peach, nectarine and white flowers. The palate opens with a flash of acidity followed by smooth waves of honey-dusted nectarine and seared stone fruit. The exotic fruit and mineral characteristics of our vineyard dominate the flavor profile. The wine is an atypically long-lived Sauvignon Blanc. $92

EB: A decadent Sauvignon Blanc with amazing aromas and flavors of white peach, lemon-lime soda, cantaloupe melon, Meyer lemon zest with a beautiful mouthfeel that just lingered on the palate forever. Warson said that the wine was made in a Bordeaux style, and had a generous amount of flintiness. Another reviewer on the Zoom call noticed a salinity. I went back in for another whiff and it did remind me of an ocean breeze. The property, Warson said, is four miles from the Santa Monica Bay.

2017 Red (Not stated on label: Cabernet Sauvignon) 14.7 alcohol.

From the website: There is a unique and identifiable Moraga signature of soft tannins, supple texture, pure black Cabernet fruit, currant and tobacco. This vintage shows black cherry, roasted coffee and a hint of caramel on the ripe nose. Polished tannins and fresh acidity deliver flavors of blackberry jam, truffle, vanilla, and caramel. $140

EB: This wine, a Bordeaux blend that included 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, blew my socks off. It was BIG with notes of red to blue fruit, black peppercorns, bark, smoke, and chocolate with dried cherry bits. Big fruit with equally big tannins allowed for an extremely long finish. The wine, after some time in new French oak, had spent 26 months in the bottle before its release. Warson plans to “dial it back” but I was plenty happy with how this red presented.

https://www.moragabelair.com/

https://www.instagram.com/moragabelair/

https://www.facebook.com/MoragaBelAir?ref=br_rs

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 17k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Las Vegas Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Charles Krug Winery Unveils New Tasting Experiences To Expand Hospitality Offerings

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ST. HELENA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Charles Krug Winery, home to California’s first tasting room, celebrates 80 years of Mondavi Family legacy by expanding its hospitality offerings and launching new tastings experiences. Since its founding in 1861, Charles Krug Winery has been at the forefront of California wine country tourism and remains a benchmark for hospitality standards. These new offerings speak to the next generation of consumers and continue to solidify Charles Krug as a world-class estate.

The Charles Krug historical estate tasting room is part of the legacy. Dating back to 1882 and located in the idyllic town of Saint Helena, the Redwood Cellar was the first-of-its-kind tasting room. Renowned for its exceptional wines, the tasting room has evolved into the ultimate wine-country destination with stunning design and storied heritage.

“Hospitality has always been at the core of our philosophy at Charles Krug and our new tasting experiences are central to showcasing our position as a pioneer in Napa Valley tourism.” comments fourth-generation family member Riana Mondavi, co-proprietress. “We’re excited to continue evolving Charles Krug as the winery for Napa’s next generation and the epicenter of culture in Napa Valley.”

Charles Krug Winery diversifies its wine experiences where guests can reserve a variety of different tasting opportunities at the iconic St. Helena estate. Taste Like a Somm is a new, elevated and interactive workshop with Charles Krug’s Certified Sommelier Jeff Arnold. Taste blind as Arnold guides guests through the nuances of wine tasting. The new Cabernet Connoisseur experience invites guests to taste through four small-lot, premium estate Cabernet Sauvignons, including the Vintage Selection flagship wine.

The Estate Tasting will continue to be available to reserve daily where guests can relax and unwind as they taste through the most-limited, small production offerings in the stunning Redwood Cellar. On weekends at 10:30AM and 2:30PM, get to know the two legendary pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking during the Tour & Tasting where guests explore the estate vineyards, learn more about the estate’s storied heritage and enjoy expertly crafted wines. In the summer months, Cabanas are available to reserve for a private tasting experience where guests take in the stunning views underneath the 200 year old oak trees.

“As we toast to 80 years of bringing guests an experience like no other, we pride ourselves on being the pioneer of Napa Valley wine experiences,” comments co-proprietor Peter Mondavi Jr. “ Today, five generations later, our family legacy continues as stewards of this historic estate, the ultimate wine country destination.”

About Charles Krug:
In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic Charles Krug property, the oldest winery in the Napa Valley and longest-running tasting room in California. The brand was built on a foundation of family values, hard work and a European winemaking tradition; it remains a family-owned winery today, producing estate-driven, top of the line Napa Valley wines. The winery is under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr. and his brother, Marc Mondavi, who steward the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, and the fifth generation has arrived. The family continues the legacy that started 80 years ago and is setting a foundation for generations to come. For additional information, please visit https://www.charleskrug.com/.

HALL CABERNET COOKOFF RETURNS APRIL 22

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(ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA) – HALL, one of the world’s most notable, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon producers, has announced plans for its annual Cabernet Cookoff to return on Saturday, April 22 at HALL St. Helena. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the annual event will feature an impressive lineup of renowned culinary teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit non-profit organizations as selected by the winning chef teams. The event includes two ticket options; a VIP Ticket granting access to pre-event activities from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m, as well as a Main Event Ticket that takes place from 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

“This event makes a difference for many lives in our community. So many people come together to celebrate passion for food and wine, and in the end, local non-profits garner awareness and proceeds,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “Bringing together foodies and wine lovers by way of this enthusiastic competition helps expand our commitment to supporting the community and its many diverse organizations.”

Chef teams are tasked with creating a small dish they feel pairs best with 2020 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, a highly rated wine that has earned praise from the wine industry’s top critics. The 2023 Cabernet Cookoff also serves as the public release of the 2020 vintage of the coveted Jack’s Masterpiece wine. Guests in attendance will sample 15 different dishes and sip on the featured wine while voting for two People’s Choice Winners.

Additionally, a star-studded panel of celebrity judges will taste the pairings to vote for two Judges’ Choice Awards. In total, four winners will be announced – two People’s Choice Awards and two Judges’ Choice Awards.

The HALL Cabernet Cookoff has two ticket options that include:

• VIP Ticket, $300pp. 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Olive Grove
Guests are invited to join Vintner Kathryn Hall and Rock and Roll icon, Huey Lewis for a Q&A and vertical wine tasting of Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon prior to the main event. All VIP ticketholders will have IN/OUT access to the VIP location throughout the main event that takes place from 12:00pm – 2:30pm. The VIP ticket will offer elevated wines and small bites. VIP Ticketholders also receive a HALL Tote Bag that includes a bevy of luxury products as part of the VIP ticket purchase.

• Main Event Ticket, $150pp. 12:00pm – 2:30pm @ Great Lawn
Guests with the Main Event ticket can sample bites from all competing chef teams, enjoy the 2020 Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet, and vote for the People’s Choice Award via mobile devices.

Chef teams for 2023 include Sobra Mesa, Luce at InterContinental San Francisco, Tarla Grill, One Market, Aurum, Clandestine Table Napa Valley, Oenetri, FARM at Carneros, Lucy Restaurant & Bar, Crisp Kitchen & Juice, The Vault Steakhouse, Nob Hill Club at InterContinental Mark Hopkins, and more. Each chef team will be competing for a charity of their choice. Past non-profit beneficiaries include Napa Humane, JDRF, All Stars Helping Kids, Sprouts Chef Training, California Pit Bull Rescue, Hands Across the Valley, St. Helena Hospital, NEWS, No Kid Hungry, FIREFLY Autism, Collabria Care, Napa Valley Food Pantry, Zero Prostate Cancer Napa Valley, and more.

The 2023 line-up of celebrity judges include Natalie Morales, Co-Host of CBS’ The Talk; singer/songwriter Huey Lewis; Bravo tv personality Craig Conover; Michelin-rated Chef Ken Frank, NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai, and Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyle Expert for NBC’s TODAY Show, Joy Bauer.

HALL Cabernet Cookoff Sponsors include Sewing Down South, Chefs Life Olive Oil, Cypress Grove, Alastin Beauty, Aloha Collection, Benefit Marketing, PrintInk, Harvest Sanitation, ProForma Wine Country, Kollar Chocolates and Signum Architecture.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023
11:00am-12:00pm: VIP Ticket, $300pp
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting + Q&A with Vintner Kathryn Hall, President Mike Reynolds & Huey Lewis.
Includes access to the Main Event.

12:00pm-2:30pm: Main Event Ticket, $150pp

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

To purchase tickets, please visit: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

Since inception, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised hundreds of thousands of dolla

HALL Cabernet Cookoff Sponsors include Sewing Down South, Chefs Life Olive Oil, Cypress Grove, Alastin Beauty, Aloha Collection, Benefit Marketing, PrintInk, Harvest Sanitation, ProForma Wine Country, Kollar Chocolates and Signum Architecture.HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy. S. St. Helena, CA 94574 (707) 967-2626

To purchase tickets, please visit: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

Since inception, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for non- profit 501c3 organizations all over the country. For more information, or to get involved as a culinary team, sponsor, or non-profit organization, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff.

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HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at two properties in Napa Valley in St. Helena

ABOUT HALL Wines: The Art of Cabernet

and Rutherford. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the 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 the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Vice President of Winemaking Megan Gunderson, sources fruit from the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast Led by Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, HALL focuses on producing distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. 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, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.