Josh Cellars Launches New Prosecco Rosé

May 5, 2021 by evebushman

STAMFORD, Conn. /PRNewswire/ — Josh Cellars is giving us a new reason to celebrate: Prosecco Rosé. America’s most popular premium ($10+) wine brand is among the first to market with Italy’s newest approved sparkling varietal.

Josh Cellars is among the first to market with Italy’s newest approved sparkling varietal: Prosecco Rosé.

“We all have reasons to toast those we love, maybe now more than ever,” says Joseph Carr, founder of Josh Cellars. “Our new Prosecco Rosé is a way to celebrate and express genuine gratitude for simple, everyday moments, together in person or virtually.”

Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé has scents of fresh wild berry and blackberry, complemented by a refreshing acidity and effervescence. It is light bodied, pairing perfectly with seafood, cured meats, cheeses and classic brunch dishes like eggs Benedict.

Until last year, Prosecco Rosé was neither permitted nor even possible. Prosecco production is tightly controlled by Italian wine officials to ensure superior quality, making it similar to wines of the Champagne region. To clearly differentiate Prosecco Rosé from other bubbly selections, winemakers must follow specific guidelines related to sourcing and production.

All Prosecco is made in a specific region of northern Italy, with at least 85% Glera grapes. While many Americans may not recognize the name, Glera’s wine roots go back to the Roman Empire. Notably, Glera ripens later than some other grapes, providing a higher acidity ideal in sparkling wine.

Previously, Italy permitted winemakers to blend only white grapes to produce Prosecco. Last year, Italian wine officials changed the rules, allowing for up to 15% Pinot Noir, a red grape. Pinot Noir enables the production of outstanding sparkling wines and it is often used in some of the best white and rosé Champagnes.

“Prosecco Rosé is like a perfect marriage,” says Daniele Pozzi, a fourth-generation Italian winemaker. “Pinot Noir grapes bring warmth and depth to the relationship, making Prosecco even better in many ways.” In addition to flavor, Pinot Noir provides Prosecco Rosé its beautiful pink color.

Josh Cellars previously partnered with Pozzi on Josh Cellars Prosecco winemaking, which launched in 2019. In just a little more than a year, Josh Cellars Prosecco is now the fastest-growing and fourth-most-popular Prosecco in the United States. The Pozzi family now makes Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé as well.

Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé (MSRP $14.99) can be purchased directly at JoshCellars.com and through retailers nationwide.

About Josh Cellars

Josh Cellars was founded by Joseph Carr, a sommelier and vintner. Josh Cellars offers bold, complex and approachable wines for drinking with family and friends. Sourced from vineyards across California, Josh Cellars offers 11 varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Rosé, Legacy Red Blend, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Prosecco Rosé and Pinot Grigio. Josh Cellars also has a tier of premium wines called “Reserve,” with longer oak maturation. Wines in the Reserve collection include North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast Chardonnay and Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon. Josh Cellars wines are available at retailers nationwide: www.joshcellars.com

Perlises Pick: What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 3

April 24, 2021 by Michael Perlis

When I started writing this series of articles about the lighter wines Karen and I have been drinking recently, I hadn’t really thought that so many of them would be from Paso Robles. After all, Paso’s reputation [at least in my mind] is for big delicious Reds, and there certainly are a lot of those coming from this area. And we don’t limit ourselves to PR’s AVAs, as I expect you know. But, as I’ve said, great winemakers make great wine, regardless of color, and here are three more wineries that produce some of our favorite lighter wines from the area. As an added bonus, they are all somehow connected to each other.

We’ve actually known Guillaume Fabre of Clos Solene www.clossolene.com the longest of these three, having met him at an event back in 2009. He was pouring his first vintage – a delicious Roussanne – and was still assistant winemaker at L’Aventure. But 2009 was long ago. We’ve followed him to the shared Paso Underground tasting room in downtown to Paso Robles and then to Tin City just south of downtown Paso. Now he and his wife Solene have their own property in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles, from which they are creating some of the best wines in the region. I’ve always felt that his Red wines did a great job of showing how their inherent power could be softened into elegance without losing the characteristics of Paso.

The lighter wines are equally as stylish. Karen loves all of them when “paired with our “Snacks– Hunkered Down” nights of charcuterie and/or smoked fish, various cheeses, dried and fresh fruit, followed by lemon cookies or a scoop of ice cream.”

The pink La Rose is a Rhone blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah, made from grapes specifically farmed for rosé – no saignee here! Very pale in color that belies the complexity of the wine itself.

Clos Solene’s Hommage Blanc is a classic white Rhone blend of mainly Roussanne plus Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Karen found it to be “full bodied…flowers, fruit, spices…”

Finally, En Coulisse is 100% Chardonnay from Santa Maria Valley’s Bien Nacido Vineyards. A nice rich Chard, and [per Karen] “not overpowering with oak, vanilla or butter but fruit forward…”

Guillaume is also partner in another Paso Robles winery with his brother Arnaud –

Benom Wines www.benomwines.com. They originally took over Clos Solene’s spot in Tin City, although I believe they have now moved to a larger space in the same area.

The name Benom is a riff on the French word “binôme” which translates to “a project together”. These French brothers have successfully combined their homeland’s heritage with all that Paso has to offer, with their blends showing what can be done by them in a place with no rules. No surprise, again, that the red wines are great, but this article is focusing on these lighter wines.

The L’Essor rosé combines Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon and Contrast is a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Neither of these could be made back home due to the rules about combining grapes from different regions. And they clearly should be. Karen loved the “bright fruit” of the L’Essor and found the Contrast to be “crisp, clean, full of fruit…”

As I mentioned at the start, this article is about three wineries that are somehow connected. Arnaud Fabre of Benom is also marketing director at Law Estate Wines www.lawestatewines.com, another winery that we first tasted at a festival. This time it was the Ojai Wine Festival back in 2013, when Karen came up to me and said “you really have to try Law”. As always, she was right and we have been big fans since. We met GM Oliver Esparham at the Ojai Festival and have visited him and the rest of our friends at Law at the state-of-the-art winery and tasting room many times – once even before it was complete. The winery and vineyards high up on Peachy Canyon are amazing in their own right. But, that would mean nothing if the wines didn’t match. And they definitely do. The Law wines are truly some of the best ones around.

With regard to lighter wines, Law makes two. The Rosé blend is typically Grenache based while the white Rhone blend Soph [named after the Laws’ granddaughter] is usually about half Roussanne. The exact blends vary from year to year for both of these, but they are always stunning and are present on our table [and in our glasses] often. I love that the description on the website refers to Soph as “an extremely moreish wine”. We definitely agree on that.

Next article, we’ll finally leave Paso Robles and look at wines from farther north. Unless I change my mind.

Clos Solene

www.clossolene.com

Benom

www.benomwines.com

Law Estate Wines

www.lawestatewines.com

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Zinfandel Advocates and Producers Launches The California Zinfandel Trail

April 4, 2021 by evebushman

GRASS VALLEY, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) is announcing that it will officially launch The California Zinfandel Trail starting March 29, 2021. Zinfandel lovers and the Zinfandel-curious will now have a powerful new tool to explore wineries and plan custom itineraries. This new platform is designed to boost tourism and raise interest in wineries that produce America’s time-honored heritage wine, Zinfandel.

“Consumers and wineries alike will benefit from this fast track connection directly to Zinfandel winemakers, featuring small production artisanal wines that are available to consumers only by visiting the winery in person or virtually,” according to ZAP Executive Director, Rebecca Robinson. “So many of these wines are from historic vineyards and come with wonderful, colorful family stories that are the fabric of American agricultural heritage,” she continues.

Mindful of travel restrictions due to the COVID 19 pandemic, virtual visits and tastings have been made available, in addition to the traditional in-person winery tastings and experiences. Visitors should contact wineries in advance about their latest visiting policies and experiences.

The Zinfandel Trail website includes an easy to use interactive map of California’s Zinfandel wineries for plotting and planning itineraries to vineyards across California. Here, visitors can explore Zinfandel winery experiences by region, such as vineyard and winery tours, specialized tastings, picnicking, food service, and pet-friendly policies. In addition to winery listings are featured winery to winery routes with beautiful Zinfandel vineyard images, regional travel blogs, points of interest, and winemaker stories.

In addition to the California Zinfandel Trail mapping website, ZAP is also creating virtual tours and tastings offered for sale to those wanting to sniff, swirl, and sip while enjoying a themed tour on Zoom hosted by travel experts. The first three-part series will begin in late April with a tour of Sonoma Valley, followed in May by sessions on Women in Wine and in June, Vineyard Tours.

Virtual Tour dates:
Sonoma Valley Zinfandel Tour | Thursday, April 29, 2021 – 4:00 p.m. PDT
HOST: Tim Zahner, Executive Director, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Women in Wine Zinfandel Tour | Thursday, May 27, 2021 – 4:00 p.m. PDT
HOST: Lauren Mowery, Travel Editor, Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Zinfandel Vineyard Tours | Thursday, June 24, 2021 – 4:00 p.m. PDT
HOST: Paul Rubio, award-winning travel journalist AFAR, Conde Nast Traveler and more

The virtual sessions will provide photographic essays, interactive discussion, and in-depth guided tastings from three wineries based on each theme – the next best thing to visiting the wineries and vineyards in person.

Visit zinfandeltrail.com to learn more about the virtual sessions and secure your spot.

“This program gives us the opportunity to expand Zinfandel’s appreciation and reach through a new platform,” explains Robinson.”

Over the last several years, ZAP has successfully reached millions of consumers to improve awareness and adoption of Zinfandel, America’s true heritage wine grape variety. “Zinfandel Stories” and “Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards” campaigns, were delivered with the aim to preserve, protect and continue to grow Zinfandel, both in the fields of California and as a wine category.

“Conditions are slowly improving for travel,” says Robinson. “We’re confident, based on our previous campaign successes, that we’ve got something special here, a unique tool that will last into the future, for when tourism rebounds.” Until then, we’ve developed what we believe are very entertaining, educational virtual sessions that will make people excited to hit The California Zinfandel Trail when they’re ready.”

About Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP)
Created for Zin lovers by Zin lovers, Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. ZAP is dedicated to advancing public knowledge and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. ZAP actively involves hundreds of wineries and thousands of enthusiasts. Together, ZAP is gaining a national and international understanding of Zinfandel as America’s grape, serving as an innovator and industry leader in the world of wine. ZAP members enjoy benefits throughout the year including access to ZAP’s Premier Winery Experience program. ZAP can be found online at Zinfandel.org, on Facebook @ZAP.org and on Twitter @thezinfandelorg, #CAZinTrail.

Funding for California’s Zinfandel Trail was made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant AM190100XXXXG008. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

Perlis Picks: San Luis Obispo County Wine — A World Class History (Book Review)

April 3, 2021 by Michael Perlis

Reading San Luis Obispo County Wine — A World Class History by Libbie Agran and Heather Muran with the Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County brought back a lot of great memories and also filled in a lot of gaps.

I think Karen and I started visiting the Paso Robles wine region in the late 1980s or early 1990s. One of my earliest memories of visiting the wineries of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County dates back to us driving down the 101 from the San Francisco Bay area and making a pit stop at Castoro Cellars. Around that time, we also had many happy visits to places like York Mountain Winery, Estrella River Winery [Gary Eberle’s first winery], Arciero, Pesenti and others that are no longer with us, at least in their former incarnations. Castoro, of course, is still producing great wines, along with a host of others that we have seen spring up throughout the area that we have come to consider practically our second home.

And while I’ve felt that my knowledge of the Paso Robles wine region has been pretty extensive, this book taught me so much about what I didn’t know and really filled in the connections between the various industry icons over the history of not only Paso Robles but Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande as well.

The Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County was founded by Libbie Agran in 2015 to study and document the vineyards, varietals, growers and winemakers of the area going back to the 1700s. Working with Heather Muran [who served as a historian with the project in 2019 and 2020], the book [Libbie’s second], presents the history of the region along with the interrelationships of the people involved in an extremely readable and easy to understand fashion.

Libbie’s writing style flows off the page. She went through numerous oral interviews to collect history and information. The book is also highlighted with many family photographs of the founding members of the SLO Wine region. At the end of each chapter, Libbie lists several historical sites to visit that were discussed in that chapter.

But wait, there’s more!

While the book is a must-read in its own right, I also highly recommend that you check out the Wine History Project’s website. There, you can dig deeper into what is presented in the book and support the work that Libbie is doing. Last April [wow, time flies] I wrote about the film 91 Harvests Perlis Picks: 91 Harvests (evewine101.com) which covers the Dusi family history, but the website provides all the information on the other work that Libbie and her team are doing, as well as exhibitions around the area – I am definitely looking forward to checking these out on our next visit.

Wine History Project of San Luis Obispo County

https://winehistoryproject.org/

Seasoned Wine Writer and National Geographic Photographer Collaborate on the Definitive Santa Barbara County Wine Book

April 1, 2021 by evebushman

At over six hundred pages, Vines & Vision: The Winemakers of Santa Barbara County delivers the most in-depth study of Santa Barbara wine country yet

“When I first met Matt Kettmann a few years ago, he was pretty laid back, but very engaged with Santa Barbara County wine. He turned on a new level of commitment to the wine region when he decided to write a book with photographer Macduff Everton, longtime chronicler of the area with candid, off-center, fun, and telling images. This is a great and precise exposition of a great and abundant wine region, Santa Barbara County.”— Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara, CA – Unlike Northern California regions like Sonoma and Napa, where countless pages in numerous books have waxed on about their people and places, Santa Barbara wine country is decidedly lacking in books about the region, with just a handful published over its entire modern history. That’s changing this year with the publication of Vines & Vision: The Winemakers of Santa Barbara County, an intimate yet sprawling 632-page study of more than 100 wineries and vineyards in the region by writer Matt Kettmann and photographer Macduff Everton.

Photo credit: Santa Barbara Independent

Santa Barbara County winemaking pioneer Richard Sanford (Founder, Sanford Winery, Alma Rosa Winery) who penned the book’s forward, says, “In Vines & Vision, Matt and Macduff have captured that pride with their photographs and profiles of the important people and places in our wine region. They are uniquely qualified to tell this story.”

“This felt like an opportunity to do my part in showing others what makes our region so honestly special, from the unique geography to the colorful characters,” says author Matt Kettmann (editor at The Santa Barbara Independent and Wine Enthusiast), who’s been covering the region as a journalist since 1999 and reviewing more than 150 Central Coast wines every month since 2014. He collaborated on the project with renowned photographer Macduff Everton (National Geographic, Conde Nast), who has photographed the area’s winemakers and vineyards since the early 1990s. After working together on Around the Table, a book about The Lark, a popular Santa Barbara restaurant, the two plotted out plans for a wine book over pints of Guinness in the fall of 2017.

“It’s been a longer than expected haul,” says Kettmann of the process. “We’ve spent almost three years corralling grape growers and winemakers for photo shoots, interviewing so many of them again, and, in some cases, hanging out for the first time.”

The results are riveting reading, with winemakers, farmers, and vineyard workers sharing their stories in ways that are often unexpectedly candid. While exploring the vineyards, Everton made fast friends with the many Spanish-speaking workers, as he’d spent so many years of his career covering the Maya people of Mexico, as detailed in his book The Modern Maya Incidents of Travel and Friendship in Yucatán (Univ. of Texas Press).

“Macduff made an immediate and deep connection with the hundreds of farmworkers who do the hard work in the vineyards every day and began shooting portraits of them as well, toting a portable backdrop along to every visit,” explains Kettmann. Those efforts expanded into a separate chapter called “El Buen Equipo,” or “The Good Team,” which features those farmers as well as people in every other role required to bring a vintage to market, from PR pros and marketing executives to wealthy proprietors.

With over 100 chapters, Vines & Vision: The Winemakers of Santa Barbara County focuses on the people, places, history, geography, and diverse culture in one of America’s leading wine regions. It shines a bright light on both familiar and famous faces from the region, as well as the industry’s often unsung heroes; the laborers, farmers, office workers, and numerous others who are vital to and instrumental in taking each and every vintage to market. Because of its comprehensive nature, Vines & Vision will be the primary reference text for this region for decades to come.

Lane Tanner, whose eponymously named brand was synonymous for years with the Santa Maria Valley appellation, says, “Macduff and Matt’s new book is not only a definitive informational source, it delivers seriously fun facts that I have never seen in print before! Super cool read!”

“In a culture increasingly marked by quick sound bites of information and abridged attention span, we seldom have the privilege to experience thorough investigation and discovery,” says winemaker Greg Brewer (Brewer-Clifton, diatom, Ex Post Facto). “Vines and Vision is one of those rare examples which demonstrates a metered pursuit to portray a multi-faceted representation of Santa Barbara County winegrowing. The diversity of this landscape is only rivaled perhaps by the variety of its people which requires not only patience but also a keen eye to carefully uncover. Through their tireless efforts, Matt Kettmann and Macduff Everton have done just that to produce a stunning work which harnesses the intensity of the topography and intimately captures the passion of those working within. The trust and intimacy that they have forged with everyone in Santa Barbara is shared throughout each and every page of this significant work that will forever hold a vital position in the history of this unique area.”

The book also includes essays on the history of the region (bolstered by Everton’s treasure trove of older photos), an exploration of Santa Barbara’s unique geography, descriptions of each appellation, and coverage of an entire growing season, from pruning to bottling. Featuring intimate portraits of winemakers, the book is very personal in nature, driven by the people and places that make Santa Barbara wine country so special.

“This insightful book captures the essence of Santa Barbara County’s soul,” said sommelier and winemaker Rajat Parr. “Matt Kettmann and Macduff Everton dive deep into the terroir of the region and showcase its trailblazers. A groundbreaking resource for the Santa Barbara wine country.”

To purchase Vines & Vision: The Winemakers of Santa Barbara County, visit https://www.vinesandvisionsb.com/. It is also available at bookstores and wineries throughout Santa Barbara County, which are listed on the website as well.

Vintage Eve Circa 11/2018 – How Was the Stars of Cabernet 2018? Two Words: New Discoveries

March 23, 2021 by evebushman

From WineLA.com: A Cabernet showcase, bringing the best producers to Los Angeles…meet the owners, winemakers, and executives and taste over 100 top quality cabernet wines…held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, a 5-star and 5-Diamond property.

Eve and WineLA.com founder Ian Blackburn in 2016.

This is the 10^th anniversary of the Stars of Cabernet grand tasting event expertly orchestrated by Wine LA’s founder Ian Blackburn. I don’t think I’ve attended every event, but I’ve certainly covered a large number of them. With that said, I believe that this year held a lot of new discoveries for me as well as others, as the crowd was also very pleased with what they found.

The pour list is below, and as is my habit in a large public tasting, my notes are limited as to which wines captured my interest due to excellent aroma, flavor and a wholly pleasant tasting experience. I also was unable to visit every table and every wine, but I think I covered plenty of new ground. The wines I found most preferable, and that I will seek out to try to visit and purchase, are noted below in italics. (If you just want to see photos go here.)

STARS OF CABERNET WINE LIST

ADDENDUM WINES
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Skellenger Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2015 Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak

ALLEGRETTO VINEYARDS
2014 Malbec, Paso Robles
2015 Tannat, Paso Robles
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Willow Creek

ALMAVIVA WINERY
2009 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
2014 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
2015 Bordeaux Red Blend, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile

ANDERSON CONN VALLEY
2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 “Eloge” Prop Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 “Right Bank” Prop Red Blend, Napa Valley
2015 “Signature” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

BERNARDUS – I have visited this winery in Carmel Valley in the past and was pleased to taste this vertical presentation, the 2010 being my overall favorite.
2010 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2011 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2012 Marinus Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley
2013 Marinus Signature Estate, Marinus Red, Carmel Valley

CAMI
2014 Red Wine Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Red Wine Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

CHATEAU POTELLE VGS
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
2016 FOURMEAUX, Red Blend, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
2016 Zinfandel, Alta Vista Vineyard, Moon Mountain, Sonoma County
2016 Potelle Two, Red Blend, Napa Valley

CHATEAU BOSWELL
2015 “At Anchor,” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

CLOS DU VAL
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

DUCKHORN WINE COMPANY – The opportunity to taste the 2006 Estate Cab was a mindblower. Hope you have some in your cellar. Also enjoyed the 2015 as well.
2015 Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet
2016 Decoy Sonoma County Cabernet
2006 Duckhorn Estate “Patzimaro Vineyard” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS – The 2014 was my favorite, however I enjoyed the older 2013 almost as much.
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Winston Hill Red, Rutherford
2016 Chardonnay, Carneros, Sonoma County

HAWK & HORSE VINEYARDS –A favorite at every STARS of Cab event I think, the Hawk and Horse 2009 Cab blew my socks off. Noticing a trend of liking some of these older Cabs…
2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County
2012 Latigo Cabernet Sauvignon Dessert Wine, Red Hills Lake County

HERB LAMB VINEYARDS – HL Vineyards was a new one for me. I noted that I enjoyed the 2014 best.
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

HERTELENDY VINEYARDS – Another new winery discovery for me, I enjoyed both reds that were poured: the 2014 Cab and 2015 blend. This is a winery to watch.

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley
2015 Signature Mountain Blend, Napa Valley

HESTAN VINEYARDS
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stephanie, Napa Valley
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley
2015 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

JACK WINERY
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2016 Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

JONATA
2006 El Desafio De Jonata “the Defiance” Cabernet Sauvignon, Ballard
Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley
2015 The Hilt “Estate” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
2014 Jonata Todos Red Wine Vineyard Blend Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley

LADERA VINEYARDS – Another new discovery from Napa Valley. Meeting and tasting with managing partner Kacey Stotesbery – and I was completely charmed by the reds. I took her card with the idea of visiting soon.
2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain

LAUREL GLEN VINEYARDS
2015 Counterpoint Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Sonoma Mountain

MAISON D’AMIS – Enjoyed the 2014 Red Wine Napa Valley for its percentage of Cabernet Franc.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Red Wine Napa Valley
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2016 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

MARCIANO ESTATE WINERY – Only one wine to taste here? No problem. It was pretty good.
2015 Marciano Estate M Proprietary Red Wine

MERRY VALE VINEYARDS – 2014 and 2015 were both quite grand. I hadn’t had a Merry Vale wine in awhile, glad I revisited.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Profile Red Wine, Napa Valley

MORAGA BEL AIR –This private vineyard in Bel Air, that sells to wine clubs and some local restaurants, was a treat to taste. The 2009 was stellar. Hope to get to try more in the future.
2009 Moraga Red, Los Angeles County
2014 Moraga Red, Los Angeles County
2014 Moraga White, Los Angeles County
2016 Moraga White, Los Angeles County

NELLCÔTE WINERY – Liked both of these Cabs extremely well.
2015 ‘Rallye 76’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 ‘500 Chevaux’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

PALAZZO WINE
2013 ‘Right Bank’ Reserve Proprietary Red Blend, Napa Valley
2016 ‘Left Bank’ Red Cuvee / Master Blend Series, Napa Valley

RELIC WINE CELLARS – I passed over the Pinot Noir as my taste buds were set to Cab, but the Rhone Blend, Grenache and Cab bottlings were all excellent.
2015 Ritual Rhone Blend, Napa Valley
2015 Paras Grenache, Napa Valley
2015 Putnam Pinot Noir, Napa Valley
2014 Artefact Cabernet, Napa Valley

RIBOLI FAMILY WINES
2014 Stormwatch Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles
2013 Riboli Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
2014 San Antonio “Centennial Blend”, Paso Robles
2014 Artefact Cabernet, Napa Valley

ROY ESTATE
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Proprietary Red, Napa Valley

S.R. TONELLA CELLARS – There was also a 2010 Cab that I enjoyed at this table, as well as the 2015. And yes, another new one for me to discover.
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Estate
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Estate
2017 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Rutherford/Oakville

TRUJILLO WINES
2015 Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Madelynne Red Blend, Napa Valley

TUCK BECKSTOFFER ESTATE
2014 Amulet, Napa Valley
2014 Mockingbird Red Label, Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
2014 Mockingbird Blue Label, Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint Helena
2015 Dancing Hares, Red Wine, Saint Helena

VINEYARD 29
2016 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2015 Aida Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena
2015 29 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena

THE UNFILTERED COLLECTION
2014 AXR Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
2014 Debate, Cabernet Sauvignon, To Kalon, Dr. Crane, Missouri Hopper
2014 Clark-Claudon Vineyards ‘Eternity’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2011 Michel Rolland “MR”, Napa Valley

CHÂTEAU GABY – The 2014 Cuvee stole the show for me at this table. And it was another new wine for me.
2014 Cuvee, Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac, France
2012 Chateau Gaby Bordeaux Canon-Fronsac, France
2014 Chateau Du Parc, St. Emillion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France
2014 Chateau Moya, Cotes de Bordeaux, France

THE UNFILTERED COLLECTION – Tickled to find some Bordeaux from South Africa being offered. I really enjoyed the 2014 Finlayson Cabernet Franc, hoping to find that one again! And the last one that was new for me!
2016 Delaire Graff Botmaskop, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2015 De Toren Fusion V, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2012 Glenelly ‘Lady May’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Finlayson Family Vineyards Edgebaston GS Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Finlayson Family Wines David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Simonsig Tiara, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Rustenberg John X Merriman, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Overgaauw Tria Corda, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2015 Thelema Mountain Vineyards ‘Thelema’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2014 Zevenwacht Z Reserve, Stellenbosch, South Africa

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 15k 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.

Discover COLLIO: A unique heritage among indigenous and international grapevine varieties

March 17, 2021 by evebushman

The Collio hill region is a famous grape-growing area known throughout the world for its variety of white wines, characterized by strong mineral features and great longevity.

This hilltop area, situated between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, creates an absolutely unique micro-climate due to the local winds and temperature differences, which are perfectly combined with the “ponca”, the characteristic terrain of the Collio which is made up of marl clay from the Eocene epoch, ideal for the cultivation of grapevines.

The Collio calls to mind a stupendous series of slopes where Italy’s best white wines are produced, ranging from indigenous grapes such as the Malvasia, Ribolla Gialla and Friulano, to a universe of other international grapes.

The true essence and soul of the territory, an ambitious project of the Preservation Consortium, is the Collio Bianco: the result of blending various grapes, it contains all the characteristics of its land and the wine-makers.

A large variety of international white grapes find their perfect expression in the Collio region. Among these the Pinot Grigio stands out, with its characteristic straw-yellow colour and vague hints of ash, its intense scent, solid structure and persistence. The first analyses of the Pinot Grigio or Rűlander must date back to 1847.

Other international grapes in the area include: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Müller Thurgau, Riesling, Sauvignon, Traminer Aromatico.

Other red wines found on the territory include: Collio Rosso, Collio Cabernet, Collio Cabernet Franc, Collio Cabernet Sauvignon, Collio Merlot.

WineLA presents: STARS of California 2021 At Home January 20 and 23

January 16, 2021 by evebushman

We’ve gathered a compelling mixture of California’s greatest wines for a fun night of tasting with the STARS, the winemakers themselves! Travel with us via Zoom and have wines delivered to your home to taste and experience the STARS of California wine. Join the winemakers LIVE for one tasting or join them both! A silent auction will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles via our 501(c)(3) partner Unite The United.

Single night tickets are $55 with a tasting kit, or both events with tasting kits are $100 (delivery is included in California!) www.STARSofCalifornia.com for details, wine list, and option to have your tasting kit picked up at TESSE RESTAURANT with a special STARS dinner menu!

NIGHT ONE: THE STARS OF CALIFORNIA 2021 – Wednesday 1/20 at 7pm

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery – Napa Valley

Bernardus Vineyards & Winery – Monterey

Ledge Vineyards – Central Coast

Lynmar Estate – Sonoma

Robert Biale Vineyards – Zinfandel

Perliss Estate – Napa Valley

Medlock Ames – Alexander Valley

NIGHT TWO: THE STARS OF CALIFORNIA 2021 – SATURDAY 1/23 at 7pm

Rubia Wine Cellars – Napa Valley

Leverage Wines – Central Coast

Angwin Estate Vineyards – Napa Valley

Carol Shelton – California

Jeff Cohn Cellars – Zinfandel

Ampelos Cellars – Santa Barbara

Kimsey – Santa Barbara

Tickets will sell out and prices do increase as the event date approaches – get your tickets now!

For information and ticket purchasing, please visit Californiawinestars.com

ABOUT IAN BLACKBURN

Ian graduated from California Polytechnic University in Hospitality Management in 1991 (Distinguished Alumni 2008) and is a live-long crusader for wine and improving the wine lifestyle. In 1995, Ian pioneered the internet’s first website dedicated to wine education and in 2020, he re-launches learnaboutwine.com to allow nationwide access to his passionate wine classes, tasting events and virtual tastings via Zoom. Ian’s career has shifted from floor service, to distributor representative, to state manager for an international wine portfolio, to author, to internet wine pioneer and now Ian is a leader in Zoom-based wine classes and events. In 2009, Ian launched his own wine brand with Clay Mauritson dedicated to the world’s best Zinfandel; Beekeeper Cellars continues to amass top scores (95-97 points) critical acclaim and professional praise. Ian has dedicated his life to fine wine and holds a number of credentials from the Society of Wine Educators, and continues his study with the Masters of Wine in London. Ian’s first book was published in 2002 and he expects to publish a new book in 2021.

Since 2001, Ian has served as an official Educational Ambassador for the Regions of Champagne, France and The Napa Valley. Celebrating 25+ years in Wine Education, this new age of on line education played right into Ian’s creative hands – contact info@learnaboutwine.com to hire Ian for your corporate event or private function. Also visit any of Ian’s websites at:

and more to come!

About Unite The United:

Unite The United Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit, fundraising organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour and Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Their mission is to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and action sports worlds to work toward positive change, by supporting local charities, producing events, and participating in community volunteerism events across the United States.

Colangelo & Partners And Cronache Di Gusto Partner In Sud Top Wine, The Industry’s Leading Competition Dedicated To Southern Italian Wine

January 2, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – For the first time, Colangelo & Partners joins forces with one of Italy’s leading wine publications, Cronache di Gusto, in Sud Top Wine, the annual Italian wine competition that awards some of the most interesting wines of Southern Italy.

As part of Taormina Gourmet 2020, the Sud Top Wine competition’s international panel of leading wine specialists blindly tasted 500 wines from 48 wineries hailing from the regions of Campania, Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily, and Sardinia awarding a selection of the best wines of the south. “The collaboration with Colangelo & Partners,” says Fabrizio Carrera of Cronache di Gusto, “has been a vital evolution of the wine competition and has created a bridge to the American market for these remarkable wines, many of which are still unknown in the US.”

“The wines from Southern Italy are a result of indigenous varietals, unique terroirs, and a combination of young ambitious and traditional winemakers that all together make these wines truly special”, states Gino Colangelo, president of Colangelo & Partners.

The expert panelist of judges for Sud Top Wine included Daniele Cernilli of Doctor Wine, Enrico Donati of Vidi Vini, Aldo Fiordelli of Civiltà del Bere e Decanter, Italian Wine ambassador, Erik Klein, Alessandra Piubello, co-author of Guido Oro, Federico Latteri of Cronache di Gusto and Eleonora Scholes of spaziovino.com.

The winning wines of the competition are as follows:

Etna DOC White

1.    Etna DOC Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina 2016 – Benanti
2.    Etna DOC Bianco Millemetri 2015 – Feudo Cavaliere
3.    Etna DOC Bianco Superiore Contrada Villagrande 2017 – Barone di Villagrande

Etna DOC Red

1.    Etna DOC Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. 2017 – Tenuta Tascante – Tasca d’Almerita
2.    Etna DOC Rosso Contrada Santo Spirito 466 2016 – Palmento Costanzo
3.    Etna DOC Rosso Contrada Pignatùni 2018 – Famiglia Statella

Sicilia DOC Nero d’Avola

1.    Sicilia DOC Nero d’Avola Donnatà 2018 – Alessandro di Camporeale
2.    Sicilia DOC Nero d’Avola Nero d’Altura 2017 – Tenute Lombardo
3.    Sicilia DOC Nero d’Avola Insieme 2019 – Santa Tresa

Sicilia DOC Grillo and Sicilia DOC Catarratto

1.    Sicilia DOC Grillo Grappoli del Grillo 2018 – Marco de Bartoli
2.    Sicilia DOC Grillo Lalùci 2019 – Baglio del Cristo di Campobello
3.    Sicilia DOC Grillo Berlinghieri 2019 – Di Legàmi

Additional Sicilian DOC red wines (Other denominations – only wines with indigenous varieties or blends)

Faro DOC 2014 – Chiano Conti
Sicilia DOC Nerello Mascalese Alberelli di Giodo 2018 – Alberelli di Giodo
Sicilia DOC Rosso Pietre a Purtedda da Ginestra 2017 – Centopassi

Additional Sicilian DOC white wines (Other denominations – only wines with indigenous varieties or blends)

1.    Siracusa DOC Bianco Cyane 2019 – Pupillo
2.    Pantelleria DOC Zibibbo Pietra Nera 2019 – Marco De Bartoli
3.    Pantelleria DOC Bianco Isesi 2018 – Cantine Pellegrino

Taurasi DOCG

1.    Taurasi DOCG Renonno 2014 – Salvatore Molettieri
2.    Taurasi DOCG Riserva Santa Vara 2009 – La Molara
3.    Taurasi DOCG Riserva La Loggia del Cavaliere 2013 – Tenuta Cavaliere Pepe

Greco di Tufo DOCG

1.    Greco di Tufo DOCG 2018 – Cantine Terranera
2.    Greco di Tufo DOCG Vigna Laure 2018 – Cantine di Marzo
3.    Greco di Tufo DOCH 2019 – Historia Antiqua

Fiano di Avellino DOCG

1.    Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019 – Terre d’Aione
2.    Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2019 – Di Meo
3.    Fiano di Avellino DOCG Contrada Sant’Aniello 2016 – Vigne Guadagno

Aglianico del Vulture DOC and Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG

1.    Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG Serpara 2016 – Re Manfredi
2.    Aglianico del Vulture DOC Titolo by Amphora 2017 – Elena Fucci
3.    Aglianico del Vulture Doc Donato D’Angelo 2017 – Donato D’Angelo

Cirò Rosso DOC

1.    Cirò DOC Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva Duca Sanfelice 2017 – Librandi
2.    Cirò DOC Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva Colli del Mancuso 2017 – Ippolito 1845
3.    Cirò DOC Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva 2017 – Caparra & Siciliani

Primitivo red wine from Puglia

1.    Gioia del Colle Primitivo DOC Chakra 2018 – Giovanni Aiello
2.    Salento IGT Primitivo ES 2018 – Gianfranco Fino
3.    Salento IGT Primitivo Per Lui 2016 – Leone de Castris

Negroamaro red wine from Puglia

1.    Salice Salentino DOP Salice 2016 – Varvaglione 1921
2.    Lizzano DOP Negroamaro Superiore Anima di Negroamaro 2017 – Tenute Emèra
3.    Salice Salentino DOP Riserva Cantalupi 2017 – Conti Zecca

Vermentino white wine from Sardinia

1.    Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Superiore Maìa 2019 – Siddùra
2.    Isola dei Nuraghi IGT Santigaìni 2016 – Capichera
3.    Vermentino di Sardegna DOC VRM 2016 – Quartomoro di Sardegna

Cannonau red wine from Sardinia

1.    Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Nepente di Oliena Riserva Pro Vois 2015 – Fratelli Puddu
2.    Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva Ballu Tundu 2015 – Giuseppe Sedilesu
3.    Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Mamaioa 2018 – Contini

Rosato wines (All denominations from Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Campania, Basilicata, and Sardinia)

1.    Salento IGP Rosato Cantalupi 2019 – Conti Zecca
2.    Etna DOC Rosato Millemetri 2016 – Feudo Cavaliere
3.    Terre Siciliane IGT Rosato Radici 2018 – Barone Beneventano della Corte

ACME Fine Wines Announces ACME Unfiltered Experiences for Holiday Gifting

October 14, 2020 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, Calif./PR Newswire/ — Just in time for early holiday shoppers, St. Helena’s ACME Fine Wines, today announced that the boutique wine retailer will launch ACME Unfiltered, a new private by-appointment-only virtual tasting and moderated Q & A experience, with some of Northern California hottest winemakers for the holiday gifting season.

Join an ACME sommelier, along with one of these famed winemakers, including Julien Fayard (Fayard Wines, Covert Estate, Purlieu), Maayan Koschitzky (La Pelle, Brilliant Mistake, Skipstone, Perfect Season), Aaron Pott (Pott Wine, Wingspan, Perliss) and Bibiana González Rave (Cattleya, Shared Notes, Alma de Cattleya), for an exploration of their wines and backgrounds.

As the holiday season approaches, ACME Unfiltered makes an ideal gift for tehe whole family or a group of friends to share. For businesses, an ACME Unfiltered experience provides the perfect icebreaker for virtual holiday parties and team building activities. ACME Unfiltered will allow friends, families and co-workers around the country to share an evening of wine and conversation with each other—safely. ACME will ship each participant three wines crafted by the selected winemaker prior to the Unfiltered session; all the attendees will need to do is pull the corks!

The 90-minute ACME Unfiltered experiences will be arranged on a mutually agreeable date for the ACME sommelier host, winemaker, the gift-giver and participant(s). ACME will select the featured winemaker and three wines s/he crafted. ACME Unfiltered experiences have a $3,600 minimum to secure the fully private experience, which is met with 12 participants at $300/participant. The cost for additional participants will be the price of the curated three-pack of wines.

For more information or to purchase ACME Unfiltered, contact ACME at acme@acmefinewines.com.

ABOUT ACME FINE WINES

Founded in 2003 by Proprietor Karen Williams, ACME Fine Wines has long been regarded as one of the country’s premiere sources for both hard-to-find, highly allocated wines as well as debut offerings from new brands and rising star winemakers. ACME is located in St. Helena, California in the heart of the Napa Valley. For more information, please visit www.acmefinewines.com or call 707.963.0440.