Eve's Wine 101

Wine Spectator Unveils 2022 WINE VALUE OF THE YEAR

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New York, NY —Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, has unveiled its Top 10 Wine Values of 2022, with Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019 taking top honors as the Wine Value of the Year. At a $33 price point, the bottle offers consumers an entrée to a historic winery whose roots lie in a four-acre estate in the heart of Rutherford.

Spotlighting the best-priced wines of the year, the list features bottles that are rated 90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale, cost $40 or less and are made in large enough quantities to be widely available. 

“The thrill of trying something new is one of the many pleasures of wine, and as quality has risen across the globe, it’s easier than ever to find a wine you love,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher, Wine Spectator. “This means that well-priced wines from California to Italy to Argentina offer some of the special qualities that distinguish their pricier counterparts.”

The Top 10 Wine Values of 2022 are:

  1. Beaulieu Vineyard | Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019 | 92 points | $33 | 44,700 Cases Made | California
  2. Decoy | Limited Red Napa Valley 2019 | 91 points | $30 | 32,500 Cases Made | California
  3. Antinori | Toscana Villa Antinori 2019 | 90 points | $20 | 80,000 Cases Imported | Italy
  4. Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta | Rioja Finca Ygay Reserva 2018 | 91 points | $32 | 14,000 Cases Imported | Spain
  5. Joel Gott | Sauvignon Blanc California 2021 | 91 points | $16 | 92,000 Cases Made | California
  6. Domaine Bousquet | Malbec Tupungato 2021 | 90 points | $13 | 49,122 Cases Imported | Argentina
  7. Mumm Napa | Brut Napa County Prestige NV | 90 points | $24 | 220,000 Cases Made | California 
  8. Kendall Jackson | Merlot Sonoma County Vitner’s Reserve 2019 | 90 points | $24 | 50,000 Cases Made | California
  9. Montinore | Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Red Cap 2019 | 90 points | $25 | 19,849 Cases Made | Oregon
  10. Drouhin | Chablis 2020 | 90 points | $27 | 19,000 Cases Imported | France

The full Top 10 Wine Values List can be found at WineSpectator.com, and in the February issue of Wine Spectator.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.

Tasting Argentina’s Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Wines

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I’ve sampled wines from Argentina before, and organic wines from the area as well, so when I received bottles of new 2021 vintages of a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec all from organic fruit found in the Uco Valley I looked forward to trying them. The winery, Domaine Bousquet, sent some information and I found more details on the wines from their website that I’ve shared here. My tasting notes are also below.

From the Winery

Domaine Bousquet’s 100% estate-grown/bottled wines from the winery’s Reserve line is the foundation on which the Domaine Bousquet winery was built. Domaine Bousquet’s 667 acres of vineyard has been certified organic from the get-go, and now twenty-five years on…Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve wines hail from estate vineyards planted at elevations of 4,000 feet and up and offer older vines, great body and concentration, structured tannin in the reds, a deep flavor and increased aging capacity. All three enjoy nationwide distribution (including Southern in OH, and Burke Beverage in IL)

Tasting Notes

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Chardonnay 2021 / SRP $18

From tech sheet: 100% Chardonnay, 13% alcohol, made with “purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills”, unoaked, sandy loam soil. 90 points and Best Value award from Wine Spectator.

EB: Sparkly gold in the glass, enticing. Sweet Meyer lemon, pineapple chunks, Mandarin orange, cold wet stones, white pepper all on the nose while the flavors included bruised yellow Delicious apple, lemon-lime hard candy, with both fresh citrus and tropical fruits, a nice mouthfeel, mild acidity and great viscosity.

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 / SRP $18

From tech sheet: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% alcohol, made with “purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills”, unoaked, gravel and sandy loam soil. Best Value award from Wine Spectator. (The bottle also had a gold sticker on it that read 91 points from James Suckling.)

EB: Crushed blueberry, ripe blackberry and somewhat sweet plum fruits on the nose, followed by wet rich earth, tree bark, grilled mushroom, black licorice and my spice rack – when my husband Eddie opens up everything to season a steak. The taste reminded me of those same dark fruits I found in the aromas, as well as a hint of grilled green bell peppers, a lot of spiciness, some sweetness and gripping tannins. Considering how young this Cab is I found it very approachable and drinkable now.

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Malbec 2021 / SRP $18

From tech sheet: 100% Malbec, 14% alcohol, made with “purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills”, unoaked, sandy soil. 90 points from Wine Spectator. (The bottle also had a gold sticker on it that read 91 points from James Suckling.)

EB: Very dark purple opaque color, with notes of earth, blue to black fruit, black pepper, tobacco, very dark chocolate and espresso on the nose. Tasting the wine I was met with juicy dark fruits, a good mouthfeel, lots of spice, tannins and a lingering finish that held a strong balance of both the fruit and spice.

More From the Winery

Domaine Bousquet: Transformation + Sustainability, High-altitude Terroir, Organic Fruit and a French-Argentine Profile

A 1990 vacation in Argentina was all it took. For third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet (Boo-SKAY), it was love at first sight. The object of the Frenchman’s desire: the Gualtallary Valley, a scenic, remote, arid terrain high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region, close to the border with Chile. Here, where the condors fly and not a vine in sight, Bousquet discovered his dream terroir, an ideal location in which to nurture organically grown wines.

With altitudes ranging up to 5,249 feet, Gualtallary occupies the highest extremes of Mendoza’s viticultural limits. Fast-forward to the present and wine cognoscenti recognize it as the source of some of Mendoza’s finest wines. The same could not be said when Jean Bousquet first set eyes on this cool-climate locale. Back then, it was virgin territory: tracts of semi-desert, nothing planted, no water above ground, no electricity, and a single dirt track by way of access. Locals dismissed the area as too cold for growing grapes. Bousquet, on the other hand, reckoned he’d found the perfect blend between his French homeland (high acidity, cool climate) and the New World (sunny, with a potential for relatively fruit-forward wines). Another distinct plus: land prices at the time were approximately 1/25th of those for property in more established districts of Mendoza.

Undeterred by the challenges, Bousquet returned to France and, between visits to Argentina, set about divesting himself, bit by bit, of virtually everything he owned, including the family winery and vineyards in Pennautier, near Carcassonne in Southwest France.

“You know you’re making the biggest mistake of your life, don’t you?” said the real estate broker, as Bousquet inked a contract in 1997 to buy just shy of 1,000 acres in this beautiful, but desolate location. “What are you doing?” teased daughter Anne, an economist by profession, from her home in Massachusetts: “Buying a beach? All sand, no sea?” “Anne: they (the locals) just don’t get it,” was Bousquet’s response.

Bousquet was neither the first nor the only wine producer to have his interest piqued by the Gualtallary Valley. But what sets him apart is that he succeeded where several other better financed, well-known names notably did not. What Bousquet seized upon, but others failed to grasp, was the singular importance of water. Water is hard to come by in Gualtallary. Technically, the area is desert. But Bousquet had done his homework, so his first task in 1998 was to dig a well – all 495 feet of it. Two years in the making, its completion was followed by the planting of vines. Other investors in the region, meantime, watched their hopes fade, chiefly due to an inability to extract water or secure water rights.

As and when the need arose, Bousquet would sell off portions of his initial 988 acres, retaining just 173 acres by the time he released his first vintage in 2005. Bottle by bottle, money was raised to buy a vat or equipment. Today, Domaine Bousquet is housed in a striking modern winery, complete with a hospitality area and restaurant, and the property accounts for 667 acres planted under vine.

Bousquet’s daughter, economist Anne Bousquet, and her husband Labid al Ameri, a trader with Fidelity in Boston, found themselves increasingly drawn to the cause, and the opportunity it offered to put their shared philosophy on sustainability to the test. After a 2002 visit, the couple began to invest in Domain Bousquet. A devaluation of the Argentine currency rendered land prices cheap and Argentine exports competitive. In 2005, al Ameri joined his father-in-law full time, helping to build the winery. Anne continued her work as an economist before joining the company in 2008. In 2009, the couple moved to Tupungato full-time, assuming full ownership in 2011.

For Anne and Labid, sustainability encompasses more than organic fruit or a reduced carbon footprint. It includes economic sustainability for the surrounding community. When the couple set up home in Tupungato, the area was a rural backwater (still is), abandoned by a failing central government. That necessitated building an infrastructure from scratch. The Bousquets joined an alliance of local wineries in funding construction of a new road providing better access for employees, deliveries and a small, but growing number of tourists. The couple also immersed themselves in training a workforce new to winegrowing and office work. Every detail had to be thought through, from transport for employees who didn’t own a car to micro-loans for continuing education. Today, success stories abound. Domaine Bousquet’s head of purchasing, for example, started out as an 18-year-old high school graduate on the bottling line. The wine industry has transformed the Tupungato economy, but Domaine Bousquet was there first, and Anne and Labid count this among their proudest achievements.

With the U.S. today Domaine Bousquet’s primary market, Anne and Labid now live in Miami, with their daughter Eva., and alternate in spending one week every month at the winery in Tupungato.

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.

Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines + over 20 are from California, including the #1!

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New York, NY —Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, announced Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Double Diamond 2019 as the 2022 Wine of the Year. The full Top 100 list is now available at top100.winespectator.com.


The Schrader Cellars Double Diamond provides an emphatic answer to the Napa Cabernet value question, punching above its weight while costing well below the triple-digit entry point for top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. For its compelling combination of quality and price in a category that is awash in expense-account bottlings, the Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Double Diamond 2019 is named Wine of the Year for 2022.

Following Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Double Diamond 2019 (94 Points, $80, 10,000 Cases Made), Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines of 2022 are:

2). Fattoria dei Barbi | Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 | 95 Points | $130 | 2,094 Cases Imported | Tuscany, Italy3). HdV | Chardonnay Napa Valley Hyde Vineyard 2019 | 96 Points | $78 | 2,323 Cases Made | Napa Valley, California4). Château Talbot | St.-Julien 2019 | 95 Points | $65 | 1,167 Cases Imported | Bordeaux, France5). Antinori | Toscana Tignanello 2019 | 96 Points | $145 | 5,000 Cases Imported | Tuscany, Italy6). Robert Mondavi | Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville The Estates 2019 | 94 Points | $85 | 13,500 Cases Made | Napa Valley, California7). Château de Beaucastel | Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 | 96 Points | $121 | 1,700 Cases Imported | Southern Rhône, France8). Fattoria Le Pupille | Toscana Saffredi 2019 | 96 Points | $100 | 1,400 Cases Imported | Tuscany, Italy9). Quilceda Creek | Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 | 95 Points | $200 | 5,300 Cases Made | Columbia Valley, Washington10). Louis Roederer | Brut Champagne Cristal 2014 | 98 Points | $359 | 9,181 Cases Imported | Champagne, France 

Through blind tastings performed by Wine Spectator’s editors, these 100 bottles were chosen from over 8,800 wines. Selections are based on four criteria: quality (based on score), value (based on price), availability (based on the number of cases made or imported into the U.S.) and, most significantly, the “X-factor”—a compelling story and excitement behind the wine.  

“The Top 100 paints a picture of the year in wine, from new releases of top vintages in key regions around the world to new and emerging trends in how we enjoy wine,” said Jeffery Lindenmuth, Executive Editor, Wine Spectator. “We’re thrilled to share this exciting list of distinguished wineries, new discoveries and excellent values with our readers.” The Top 100 list will be featured in the magazine’s December issue. 

About Wine SpectatorWine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’sImpact Newsletter.

Abadía Retuerta, ranked number 29 in the Top 50 destinations for wine tourism

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Sardón de Duero – Abadía Retuerta is a 5-star hotel and winery, and a leading destination of experiences at the heart of the Duero Valley, near Sardón de Duero (Valladolid). The resort has recently been ranked within the top thirty destinations for wine tourism, according to the World’s Best Vineyards 2022. In this new edition, Abadía Retuerta now features at number 29, three places higher than last year, on this prestigious list: it is ranked the third-highest winery in Spain, from a total of five Spanish destinations to feature in the Top 50.

The World’s Best Vineyards is an organisation comprising over 600 wine and travel experts from all over the world, who seek to identify the very best wine tourism experiences on leading vineyards. Each year they reveal their Top 50 viticultural experiences, i.e. the best destinations for enjoying wine, learning how vines are grown and seeing how the wine is produced. They also take into account various complementary factors, such as the guided tours of the estate, the quality of the available accommodation and the excellence of the gastronomy. This year, once again, they have voted Abadía Retuerta onto their list: it is now classed within the top 30 wine tourism destinations in the whole world.

For Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta: “Our mission is to spark moments of joy in our guests and visitors, by showcasing the natural and historic heritage that has been passed down to us. That’s why we are truly honoured to be ranked within the Top 50 vineyards in the world: it spurs us on to improve even further, and keep flying the flag for Spanish excellence on the international stage.”

2022 has been a particularly special year for Abadía Retuerta, because this May the estate received its own Protected Designation of Origin for its wines. This seal of quality, granted by the European Union, endorses their wine as a product of guaranteed origin, quality and tradition. Furthermore, it certifies the estate’s outstanding soils: Abadía Retuerta’s wine is an authentic expression of the terroir, i.e. the area’s specific climatic and geographical traits that give rise to vines and grapes with truly unique qualities, and wine full of local personality. “Yet again, our tenacity, determination and strength has been rewarded: we have successfully revived a historic winery, following a work philosophy based on ecological viticulture and a careful study of the climate”, adds Valero.

A unique haven of experiences

Abadía Retuerta is a leading 5-star hotel and winery in the Duero Valley, less than two hours from Madrid. It is located within the stunning estate of a 12th-century monastery, originally founded by the Premonstratensian Orden in Spain.

The project’s origins are in wine, but it has now become so much more, driven by an ongoing passion to create unique and memorable experiences. The estate spans 700 hectares of land (185 of which are vineyards), with over 8,000 m2 that include spaces full of history and thirty luxurious hotel rooms (27 double rooms and three suites), with full butler service available. It offers a wide range of experiences linked to wine, gastronomy — its flagship restaurant, Refectorio, holds a Michelin Star, a Michelin Green Star and two Repsol Suns — nature, art and wellbeing, the latter of which is focused around Santuario Wellness & Spa. All of this, and much more, is why Abadía Retuerta is now considered a leading resort for luxury experiences, and one of the most sustainable hotel destinations in the world, as proven by its Green Globe certification. Furthermore, the estate’s winery, one of the most innovative in Europe, has won various prestigious international accolades; for example Wine Spectator magazine has included Abadía Retuerta within its Top 100 Wines. Also, the estate has recently been granted its own Protected Designation of Origin status.

At Abadía Retuerta, time stands still and feelings run high. The estate brings together history, gastronomy, wine, wellbeing, art and sustainability, amid truly breathtaking surroundings.

California Dreamin’: Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration Returns September 10

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(ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA ) – HALL Napa Valley, one of the leading luxury Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the Country, has announced a date for its annual Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration taking place at HALL St. Helena on September 10, 2022. The California Dreamin’ themed event coincides with the release of the new 2019 vintage of HALL’s flagship wine, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Kathryn Hall Harvest celebration this year is inspired by the uniqueness of the state of California. Along with its Mediterranean climate, soil rich with sediments to create deep topsoil and prime farmland, coastal proximity and sunshine, Napa Valley is an ideal location to grow grapes.

The Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration will include a variety of California-inspired experiences including coastal cuisine by live entertainment by Notorious, coastal cuisine by Tre Posti, a Surf-inspired Selfie Station, and more.

The event includes three ticket options for guests to purchase, including:

  • Main Event – $150
    Join Vintner Kathryn Hall to celebrate the bounty of the unparalleled 2019 Napa Valley harvest with educational wine tastings, delicious food bites, live music, and of course, mark the release of the newest vintage of our flagship wine. This ticket includes admission to all the fun at the main event at HALL St. Helena on our Great Lawn from 12 PM – 3 PM
  • Library Pass + Main Event – $200
    The Library Pass includes access to all of the fun at the main event on our Great Lawn as well as access to our Kathryn Hall Library Selections at our Gallery 401 Bar from 12 PM – 3 PM celebrate the release of our flagship wine each year with our Club Members and good friends.”

• Platinum Pass + Main Event – $300
This all-access pass includes access to the main event on our Great Lawn, access to the Kathryn Hall Library Selections at our Gallery 401 Bar from 12 PM – 3 PM, and an intimate guided tasting of HALL’s Platinum Wine Collection hosted by Kathryn Hall and HALL’s winemakers from 11 AM – 12 PM in our historic Bergfeld Winery building. Additionally, Platinum Pass holders have in and out access to the “Platinum Lounge” for the duration of the event after the tasting concludes. This package is extremely limited, so act quickly to secure your tickets.

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 99 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: WHEN: WHERE:

TICKETS:

Kathryn Hall Harvest Celebration Saturday, September 10

HALL St. Helena
401 St. Helena Hwy S. St. Helena, CA 94574

Three Ticket Options

Main Event – The Great Lawn
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$150 per person – admission to Main Event

Library Pass + Main Event

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$200 per person – admission to Main Event + Gallery 401 Bar

Platinum Pass + Main Event

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Platinum Tasting 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Main Event
$300 per person – all access pass

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

Abadía Retuerta now holds the maximum distinction in Spanish Wine Law: the Protected Designation of Origin of Vino de Pago

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The new classification, Vino de Pago Abadía Retuerta (PDO), is a further endorsement of the winery’s outstanding achievements, following over eight centuries of winemaking on the estate

·       This recognition is a credit to the forward thinking, excellence and profound knowledge of this pioneering winery in the Duero Valley

·       Enrique Valero, CEO at Abadía Retuerta: “We are incredibly proud of this achievement, because it is a testament to our working philosophy, our know-how and determination. We have a unique approach to winemaking: our wine enhances and reflects all the personality of the surrounding lands, right here at the heart of the Duero Valley”

Sardón de Duero – Abadía Retuerta has been awarded the maximum distinction in Spanish Wine Law: it now holds the Denominación de Origen Protegida (Protected Designation of Origin, or PDO) of Vino de Pago. Following a very long registration process, this classification has now been ratified in the European Union’s Official Journal.

In the term Vino de Pago, a “pago” refers to a plot of land with its own particular soil and microclimate characteristics, setting it apart from other neighbouring plots. This prestigious recognition is therefore an endorsement of the estate’s soils: Abadía Retuerta’s wine is an authentic expression of the terroir, i.e. the local climatic and geographical traits that give rise to vines and grapes with truly unique qualities. In Spain, this label is at the very top of the wine classification scale, which goes up from Table Wine, Regional Wine, Quality Wine with Geographic Indication, Protected Designation of Origin, Qualified Designation of Origin, and finally Vino de Pago as the uppermost category.

Enrique Valero, CEO of Abadía Retuerta, notes that “we are incredibly proud of this achievement, because it is a testament to our working philosophy, our know-how and our determination. We do not mindlessly follow the latest trends: our sole aim has always been to revive this noble and historic winery, while maintaining a unique approach to winemaking that really does enhance and reflect all the personality of the Duero Valley”. This leading winery, in the municipality of Sardón de Duero (in Spain’s Golden Mile of Wine), is defined by excellence and a devotion to the craft: “It was Saint Norbert of Xanten, founder of the Premonstratensian order of canons regular, who said ‘Seek peace and pursue it’. This phrase has been a great inspiration to us, encouraging us to respect the rhythms of nature and history, and to adhere to this age-old philosophy. Our priority is to uphold the legacy passed down to us: we strive to maintain the estate’s unique winemaking tradition”, adds Valero.

A unique winemaking tradition

This recognition is an endorsement of Abadía Retuerta and its long history of winemaking, right at the heart of the Duero Valley. As historians have established, this is a deeply-rooted tradition that dates back to the early Christian era. The grapevine was brought to Spain by the Romans, and they planted it all over the north of the peninsula, including the lands around the Duero and what would become Abadía Retuerta. Ten centuries later, the Christians founded their monasteries, including the Monastery of Santa María de Retuerta, which was established in 1146 following a substantial donation of lands and vineyards. In the Duero region, the monks persisted with their cultivation of grapevines and, gradually, they mastered the art of winemaking. They learnt how to get the most out of the region’s lands, which were sunny yet cold in winter, and hot and dry in summer. Thanks to the vines’ adaptability and strength, the resulting wine would become one of the region’s best products.

These are the foundations upon which the pillars of Abadía Retuerta are built. Their team’s guiding philosophy is to revive an ancient winery, uphold a rich local winemaking tradition and help the surrounding lands reach their full potential. This striking estate, in the Duero Valley, is home to eight long centuries of winemaking heritage. Just over thirty years ago, it was revived by an experienced team under the guidance of wine expert Ángel Anocíbar, aided by renowned vigneron and former director of Château Ausone and Château Belair, Pascal Delbeck. Today’s final confirmation of the PDO Vino de Pago is a testament to their many years of effort: they have tirelessly worked to create unique and imitable wines, striving for excellence at each and every step in the winemaking process.

A long line of prestigious awards

This new achievement, the PDO Vino de Pago classification, is the latest in a long line of awards and prizes that certify Abadía Retuerta as one of the world’s greatest winemakers. One such highlight was the Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 winning the award for the World’s Best Red Wine (Red Wine Trophy) at the 2005 International Wine Challenge in London (Wine Magazine, UK). It was also the first Spanish winery to feature for three consecutive years in the Top 100 Wines in the World, published since 1988 by the accredited American magazine Wine Spectator, with the Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial. In particular, the 2012 vintage reached number 12 on this list.

Year after year, the Pago and Petit Verdot wines have been rated very highly in renowned publications such as the Robert Parker Wine Advocate, the aforementioned Wine Spectator, Guía Peñín and Guía Gourmets. Pago Valdebellón 2014 won the Top Medal Master in the Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters (as awarded by The Drinks Business), and Pago Negralada 2014 was awarded Platinum Best in the Best Northwest Spanish Red Category at the 2017 International Wine Challenge, in addition to the Great Gold Medal in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Pago Garduña 2013 was considered by Robert Parker’s taster, Luis Gutiérrez, to be the Best Syrah in Spain.

As regards the Blanco LeDomaine, the British wine critic Jancis Robinson has given it a superb review, and its second vintage on sale was chosen as the best white wine in Spain by Verema.com.

The vineyard plots at Abadía Retuerta

Abadía Retuerta is a unique place where the past lives on in the present, and where centuries of tradition and culture remain intact. The River Duero defines the surrounding landscape, creating unique conditions for winemaking. An expert team with great dedication, know-how and patience really get the best out of this terrain: they respect the natural cycles and help the vines adapt to the harsh climate of the region, in order to produce one of the estate’s prized assets: its world-class wine.

Abadía Retuerta creates wines that express all the personality of each individual plot in the vineyard. Only the very best wines are released for sale, as and when the vintage is of a high enough standard. The estate spans 700 hectares, 180 of which are set aside for vine growing. These vineyards are split into 54 small plots, divided according to their soil composition, and each one is planted with a single grape variety. Syrah takes up 10%, Tempranillo 70%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 10%. The remaining 10% is divided between Merlot, Petit Verdot and a number of white varieties.

Vintage Eve Circa 2012: Wined and Dined by Valentino

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I can’t help myself, I know this story is all about a great Italian wine and food pairing, but first I just have to tell you that I TOURED ONE OF WINE SPECTATOR’S 74 GRAND AWARD WINNING WINE CELLARS – OVER 90,000 BOTTLES – WITH VALENTINO’S PROPRIETOR, PIERO SELVAGGIO.

Valentinos wine room - photo from website, but it was set for dinner just like this!

Valentinos wine room – photo from website, but it was set for dinner just like this!

Take a deep breath. It happened like this: I tagged Valentino’s in my Facebook status update because I was going there that night for dinner. Valentino’s, and Piero, tagged me back.   Then between courses at the dinner, and bolstered by some amazing wines, I went right up to Piero himself and asked, “Hi, I’m your Facebook friend Eve, any chance of seeing the cellar?”

Piero took me by the hand, led me through the busy kitchen (though the chefs took the time to say hello and smile broadly) and up a narrow staircase – so narrow I had to go up sideways with Piero motioning for me to grasp the handrail.

Once on the second floor, we were met with a small hall lined with framed Wine Spectator covers of Piero, James Beard awards, his latest Grand Award designation…I was already so overwhelmed.

Then, one large room, with built-in large wooden boxes bisected with boards, held the start of the treasure trove. After that came hall after hall – going further back into a greater beyond than we had time for – were more and more boxed sections of wines. Piero pointed out special selections dedicated to the best from Italy, California…before we had to turn back.

But Piero made sure I saw the Pièce de résistance: the private dining room set for dinner, lined from floor to ceiling, on all four walls, with cellared wines.

When I reluctantly returned downstairs, overhearing Piero telling his maitre d’ that I had “kidnapped” him, I was already planning how to get back and…into that private dining room.

It all began with…

THE INVITE

Dear friends, guests and press,

It is with great pleasure that we would like to invite you to a delightfully delicious evening of wine tasting and dinner at Valentino Restaurant…As guests of Briziarelli Estate, you will experience the best wines from Briziarelli paired with 6-course dinner prepared by Nico Chessa of Valentino…We look forward to seeing you at Valentino.

Sincerely,

Piero Selvaggio

PS: Umbria is an up and coming wine region where the Sagrantino di Montefalco grape varietal is one of the most sought after gem of central Italy. The wines of Briziarelli are an example of great wine making in this ever-growing wine region.

IL MENÙ AND MY WINE NOTES

Stuzzichini dello Chef con Salumeria

Carpaccio di Vitello Scottato con Olio Extra Vergine Umbro e Alloro

Seared Veal Carpaccio with Umbrian Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Laurel

DUNA ROBBA 2010 – Lovely garnet-colored wine giving off aromas of mushroom, plum, black pepper and mint. The mouthfeel was full, chewy, filled with ripe fruit and rich tannins. 85-87 Eve points.

  

Penne Artigianali del Norcino

Artisanal Penne with a Variety of Sausages

UNO NOVE ZERO SEI 2007 – Nice purple color and then a blast of red and blue fruits that included cherry, plum and blackberry, along with black pepper, wet wood, slight mint and mushroom. On the palate I got dark, biting tannins, very palate drying and excellent with the dish. 87 Eve points.

  

Agnollotti “In Carbonara” al Tartufo Nero

Agnollotti Pasta “In Carbonara” with Fresh Black Truffles

ROSSO MATTONE 2008 – Deep, dark ruby color followed by a nose both floral and fruity, in a setting of richly soiled forest floor. The taste was a combination of dark chocolate, cigar, dry dark fruit and deep tannins. 89 Eve points.

  

La Porchetta Ripiena col Finocchietto e le Patate Arrosto

Roasted Stuffed Suckling Pig with Wild Fennel and Roasted Potatoes

VITRUVIO 2007, 100% Sagrantino D.O.C.G. – This proved to be my favorite of the evening, close to that coveted above 90-point range even after a few refills. A dark purple color stretching out into a black edge, with aromas of stewed dark fruits, cigar, bell pepper and milk chocolate. The taste was of deep drying tannins, dark and dry fruit, very smoky with a nice black pepper lingering on the finish.

  

I Formaggi dell’Umbria

Cheeses from the Region with its Traditional Condiments

Semifreddo di Nocciole e Cioccolato con le Banane Caramellizzate

Hazelnut-Chocolate Semifreddo with Caramelized Bananas



Hosted by

Società Agricola Briziarelli SRL

Piero Selvaggio, Proprietor

Nico Chessa, Executive Chef

In regards to my references to the color of the wine, please note that the dining room lighting was low.

YOUR VALENTINO EXPERIENCES

In putting up my Facebook status as “I’m going to Valentino’s Santa Monica tonight, do you have a Valentino experience to share?” I got:

Elaine Scott Harris: Valentino is one of THE BEST in the US . Please say hello to Chef Nico for us!

Rob Barnett: Took my wife there for her birthday a few years ago and we had a great dinner.

Tracy Cervellone: I don’t get to LA often enough, but this is one of my favorite places of all time. Truly world class.

Louise Castaldo: I had my 50th birthday In that room, it’s absolutely AMAZING !!!! you are going to have so much fun, it’s an experience I will never forget and the food and service is outstanding !! you will die when you walk around that cellar the wines they have are unbelievable, I forget what it is but they have a bottle locked up worth $30k (you can touch it) I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Denise Lowe: JD and I worked a few events with Ian Blackburn at Valentino – and then stayed for dinner. It’s an amazing place. Enjoy!

Michael Fraschilla: The best meals we ever had at Valentino’s was when we asked the chef to make what he/they want to prepare for us! Not sure if they still do that for diners but you should inquire!   FYI – You will have a field day with the wine list Eve… 2,000 labels – It is like a small book and is VERY heavy on representing Italian wines. You’ll think he has every wine from Italy ever made! As for our most interesting experience of “meeting” someone while at Valentino’s., that was dinning next to Liz Taylor and her fiancé at the time, Victor Luna.

VALENTINO WEBSITE

Valentino, established in 1972 by owner Piero Selvaggio, is widely considered the finest Italian restaurant in the nation and “a restaurant classic.” Our intimate dining rooms, legendary wine cellar of over 2,500 selections, and the consummate graciousness of owner Piero Selvaggio, set the standard for fine dining excellence.

Valentino Santa Monica , the flagship of Valentino Restaurant Group, has endured throughout the years many changes in taste, style and much more, however still remains true to its original vision of Piero Selvaggio: To provide its discerning clientele a dining experience with no equals, a cut above the rest.

We promise the ultimate experience in food, wine and service. For almost 40 years Valentino has showcased authentic artisanal cooking, using the best of Italy’s traditional and contemporary culinary styles and the finest ingredients, setting the standards of excellence for Italian cuisine in the USA.

Fine dining for Piero Selvaggio has been the meticulous work and passion of a lifetime, copied by many, exceeded by no other Italian restaurants yet.

Valentino is the proud recipient of the coveted *Grand Award from Wine Spectator every year since 1981, and was declared the best Italian restaurant anywhere in the world by the influential Italian magazine, Gambero Rosso, as well as being always well spoken of by every food & wine writer in the country, with many more accolades, which are too numerous to even begin to describe!

Five spectacular private rooms can accommodate from 10 to 85 people for entertaining in elegant style, ensuring an evening that is truly memorable, whether it is a business meeting, a special birthday, anniversary, wedding celebration or just a gathering for a perfect dinner among friends.

*One of only 6 restaurants in the nation that has consistently, year after year received the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1981.

www.valentinosantamonica.com

OperaWine 2022: Over 1,500 Guests at VinItaly’s Premier Event

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VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – The eleventh edition of OperaWine, Finest Italian Wines: Great Producers selected by Wine Spectator, was held on April 9th at the headquarters of the former Gallerie Mercatali in Verona. After 12 months of uncertain and challenging times, OperaWine returned as the grand opening of Vinitaly, the International Wine and Spirits Exhibition. Welcomed to Verona were 130 top producers, selected by the American magazine Wine Spectator. The event, organized by Veronafiere and Vinitaly, invited international journalists, sommeliers, wine experts, wine lovers and educators gathering international guests from inside and outside Europe for the first time in two years.

The objective of the event has always been to demonstrate the great diversity of Italian wine and to introduce experts and professionals to the excellence of Italian wine and its ambassadors. The eleventh edition of OperaWine continued that mission. In the words of Alison Napjus, Senior Editor of Wine Spectator: «We feel that this expanded tasting is just one example of the perseverance of the Italian wine industry. Even as we continue to recover from a global pandemic, Italy’s wine producers have remained strong, working creatively to maintain — if not increase — their presence and significance in the larger world of wine.»

The day began with opening speeches, given by the president of Veronafiere Maurizio Danese, Alison Napjus and Bruce Sanderson of Wine Spectator, Massimo Pasquali Head of Company Coordination at BPM, and the General Manager of Veronafiere Giovanni Mantovani. Jeffery Lindenmuth also participated in the inauguration, in his new role as Executive Director of Wine Spectator, taking over from longtime leader, Tom Matthews. At the end of the morning, all the producers gathered for the historic annual group photo.

Before the official start of the Grand Tasting, the producers had the opportunity to taste the products on offer from the partners and sponsors of the event. Many thanks go to Chef Renato Bosco and the Saporè team, Grissin Bon, San Felice – Acqua di Toscana, Moretti Forni, Latteria Sorrentina and Terra e Cuore. Cattolica, the official partner of OperaWine and Gori, sponsor of the event, also played an important role in the development of the event, as well as technical partners We Are Olo, AGSM AIM, Carrera Jeans, and Rastal, who kindly provided guests with the new RastalGlass wineglass for the tasting.

At 14:00 Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International, Maurizio Danese, Councilor Francesca Toffali, Senator Gian Marco Centinaio, Giovanni Mantovani and Jeffery Lindenmuth cut the ribbon, officially opening the Grand Tasting.

During the Grand Tasting about 1500 invited guests were able to taste the wines selected by Wine Spectator from among the stands inside the Gallerie Mercatali.
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Among the wines on offer there were 97 red wines, 22 whites, 9 sparkling wines and 2 sweet wines, representing all 20 Italian regions. Once again, OperaWine was an important opportunity for networking between producers from all over Italy, as well as for guests to discover the best selected wines. Valentina Adami, Export Manager of the Graziano Prà winery, commented on this edition of OperaWine: «It is a source of great pride to see that Verona remains an important meeting point for the world of Italian wine, especially on an international scale. As Veronesi, we are pleased and proud to be part of this prestigious event».

For further information on this edition of OperaWine, please contact operawine@justdothework.it.

About Vinitaly:
The grand Vinitaly 2022 was held from April 10th to the 13th. Vinitaly 2022 counted 88,000 visitors of which 25,000 were top international buyers from 139 different countries. The premier event to Vinitaly, OperaWine “Finest Italian Wines: Great Producers selected by Wine Spectator” which was held on the 9th of April, one day prior to Vinitaly, united international wine professionals in the heart of Verona, offering them the unique opportunity to discover and taste the wines of the 130 Best Italian Producers, as selected by Wine Spectator. Since 1998 Vinitaly travels to several countries thanks to its strategic arm abroad, Vinitaly International. In February 2014 Vinitaly International launched an educational project, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) with the aim of divulging and broadcasting the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe. VIA this year launched the 21st edition of its Certification Course. To date, there are 290 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors of which 15 are also Italian Wine Experts.

About Wine Spectator:
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.

Choosing My First Wine For Others

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The other day I was reminded of the first time I had been asked to select wine for others. And it was over 25 years ago. My friend Timmy D, an executive in the TV industry, asked me to attend an awards luncheon with him as his guest. I thought, cool, haven’t done that before.

At Mondavi winery honing my craft!

We were seated in a circle, a group of about ten or twelve, and handed the menu of what we would be served. I don’t recall any choices, there was amuse bouche, a salad, our entrée and a dessert, if I recall correctly. Luckily there was an accompanying wine list with a dozen or so choices. I was tickled to look that over, and even more tickled when Timmy asked me to select the wine for the group!

(When I think back I think, bravo Tim. He hadn’t asked the group if they would like me to select their wine, and as he was a busy executive on a popular series, I’m sure he hadn’t taken the time beforehand to tell his crew about me. Not even sure, now that I think about it, if there wasn’t someone else seated at that round table better equipped than I.)

To this day I have no idea what the rest of the table thought of this 20-something tall blond Amazon, that was unknown by all, and why I had been tasked with this duty. I think Timmy just told them that I was some kind of a wine lover, at that time avidly reading every issue of Wine Spectator from cover to cover – an annual gift courtesy Timmy. I wasn’t yet writing about, or seriously studying, wine.

To this day I also don’t recall what wine I ordered but I do remember studying the food menu with the wine list, asking the guests what their preferences were, and selecting the bottles.

The show itself was a blur, literally, as I had forgotten to bring my eyeglasses. I dimly remember Steven Segal striding across the stage, and only recognized him because you could see his staggeringly tall frame and his signature slicked back ponytail from any distance! My thrill was being at that table, and for one brief moment, being the one in command, not Segal.

The wine came. The food came. Both were consumed with many nods, agreeing that the pairing was quite tasty. This was thrilling for me!

I will never forget this day, and how Timmy and the rest of his associates at the table made me feel. It may have been one of many moments that made me want to devote myself 100% to wine. It certainly pushed me forward to wanting to taste more, experience more, and do more with wine.

Do you remember your first experience taking command of a situation – involving wine?

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.

Stags Leap District Winegrowers Announces Esteemed Culinary Partners for Vineyard to Vintner, April 22-24, 2022

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NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Offering even more reasons to attend its signature gathering, Stags Leap District Winegrowers today announced the roster of elite chefs and culinary partners for the 2022 Vineyard to Vintner weekend. The annual celebration brings Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts together with vintners, winemakers and principals for exclusive tastings, in-depth education and exquisite meals. This year’s event will be held Friday through Sunday, April 22 to 24, 2022.

“While renowned wines and rare library offerings take the spotlight throughout the weekend, guests will also be treated to an array of opulent menus designed to beautifully complement the power and grace of Stags Leap District varietals,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “We’re thrilled to welcome some of the region’s most exciting chefs to Vineyard to Vintner this year.”

Culinary partners include Michelin-starred and Wine Spectator Award-winning chef Ken Frank of La Toque; chef Daniel Gomez, who has more than 15 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants including The French Laundry and Cyrus; cookbook author and acclaimed Napa Valley chef Peter Hall; Top Chef finalist and fan favorite Casey Thompson of the newly opened Folk Table restaurant; chef, restaurateur and author Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen fame; executive winery chef Travis Westrope of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, along with Elaine Bell Catering; and Tracy and John Anderson, proprietors of Woodhouse Chocolates in St. Helena.

Featured Vineyard to Vintner Culinary Highlights:
Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 22 // 6:30PM – 10:00PM

  • An Illuminating Wine and Food Experience with Chef, Author and Restaurateur Tanya Holland, hosted at Chimney Rock Winery with Shafer Vineyards and Quixote Winery
  • Homegrown: An Exploration of Fine Wines and Farm-to-Table Dining in Stags Leap District with Chef Casey Thompson, hosted at Regusci Winery with Lindstrom Wines and Stags’ Leap Winery
  • NOLA in Napa with Chef and Author Peter Hall, hosted at Silverado Vineyards with Cliff Lede Vineyards and Ilsley Vineyards
  • A Feast of Legendary Wine and Food with Chef Travis Westrope and Elaine Bell Catering, hosted at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars with Pine Ridge Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards
  • An Evening Under the Stars with SLD’s Pioneering Families with Chef Daniel Gomez, hosted at Taylor Family Vineyards with Clos Du Val and Steltzner Vineyards

Vintner-Hosted Gala Luncheon and Appellation Collection Preview: Saturday, April 23 // 12:30PM – 3:00PM at Stags’ Leap Winery.

Guests, vintners and winemakers will join in a celebratory champagne welcome followed by a strolling lunch prepared by Michelin-starred and Wine Spectator Award-winning chef Ken Frank of famed Napa Valley restaurant La Toque, along with specialties from Tracy and John Anderson of Woodhouse Chocolates of St. Helena. Vintners will showcase critically acclaimed wines as well as a sneak preview of the Stags Leap District 2019 Appellation Collection Cabernet Sauvignons, scheduled for release in October 2022.

The full Vineyard to Vintner weekend also comprises “Digging Deeper: Vineyard Walks, Talks and Tastings,” on Saturday, April 23, and “Savor SLD,” exclusive winery tasting experiences, on Sunday April 24. Guests will have the chance to fully explore the region while tasting wines and meeting with vintners from 16 famed properties, including Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards.

Tickets, Schedule and Additional Information
A limited number of tickets remain available and can be purchased at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. The Friday through Saturday experience (April 22-24, 2022) is $1,200 per person, which includes the entire weekend’s offerings. Visit http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V for the full schedule and other details.

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers united by the mission of enhancing the reputation of the appellation and its wines and sharing its quality with the wine-loving world. The SLDWA is comprised of 16 wineries and 9 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. To learn more about the Stags Leap District, please visit stagsleapdistrict.

com or find the Association on Facebook.com/StagsLeapDistrict, Instagram.com/StagsLeapAVA and Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.