Wine With Wanda

2023 Wine Moments: Beaulieu Brings Everybody to the Table!

For more information, visit the Beaulieu Vineyard website. Click here to read my 2019 article, Time Traveling Through Wine: A Journey Through the Decades with Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 

The Class of 1972 Celebrates 50 Years of California Winemaking Excellence

The Class of 1972 is still going strong! Fifty years ago, some of California’s most important wineries were founded. Recently, six of these Napa & Sonoma trailblazers gathered for a surreal tasting, organized by Jordan winery, at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in St. Helena, California. 

Chateau Montelena, Jordan, Burgess, Diamond Creek, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and Dry Creek Vineyard each shared a selection of three wines, including some impressive library vintages. 

Stag’s Leap took the assignment to heart and dazzled the group of professional wine tasters with a 1972 S.L.V Cabernet Sauvignon that displayed impressive vitality and grace at 50. (You may recall that 1973 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon won the Judgement of Paris in 1976, the legendary tasting that showed the world that California was a premier wine region.) 

Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay won the Judgement of Paris tasting in the white wine category. And the 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon they poured at the Class of 1972 tasting made a strong case for their prowess with red. 

Jordan knocked it out of the park with a 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Burgess charmed the group with a 1989 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Diamond Creek shined bright with their 1993 Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon. And Dry Creek Vineyard turned heads with their 1994 Fumé Blanc, a complex and elegant expression of Sauvignon Blanc. 

Each of these wineries has a different winemaking style and terroir, but there are some shared perspectives. Being good stewards of the land, crafting wines that are an expression of terroir, and making wines that can stand the taste of time, are guiding principles that have allowed each winery to innovate, remain authentic, and navigate the changing landscape of consumer preferences.  

Now elders and not rookies, the Class of 1972 has proven themselves, but they’re not just coasting along; they embrace the challenge of stepping up to the plate each vintage. That’s a wise approach to wine and life! 

Will Travel for Wine: Jordan Winery, Alexander Valley, Sonoma

How far will you travel for a delicious glass of wine? I just returned from a whirlwind 36-hour trip out west to Sonoma and Napa – almost 3,000 miles from my home in NYC. And visiting Jordan winery in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, was worth the jetlag and flight delays. I’ve enjoyed Jordan’s wines for years; photos of their estate have always sparked daydreams of sipping their wine in the Sonoma sunshine. Well, darlings, dreams do come true!

Thursday morning, we drove up Jordan’s dramatic one-mile-long driveway to reach their beautiful château, which houses the winery and tasting room. Founded in 1972, Jordan is situated on 1,200 acres, but vineyards only occupy about 120 acres of the vast estate. Why? Because of the diversity of the terroir, Jordan identified the best plots for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec. The remaining 1000+ acres provide a wild and natural habitat for flora and fauna. Sustainability isn’t just talk at Jordan.

Jordan is laser-focused on doing three things: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and hospitality. Maggie Kruse leads the winemaking team at Jordan; she was a protégé of Rob Davis, who joined Jordan just before their first harvest in 1976 and retired in 2019 -- a tenure of more than 40 years!

Jordan pours their passion, resources, and know-how into producing only two wines each year: one Cabernet Sauvignon and one Chardonnay. Inspired by the wines of France, Jordan’s style is balanced and not jammy, with vibrant but not over-ripe fruit, bright acidity, smooth tannins, and finesse. Their precise work in the vineyards and the cellar captures the nuances of each vintage while conveying the signature Jordan style.

And Jordan’s hospitality is top-notch. I enjoyed an excellent tasting and tour, led by with enthusiasm & expertise by Jordan team member Hannah Ingwerson, which included peeks into the château’s secret passageways, and delicious food & wine pairings. They have olive trees too and produce a superb oil.

By Old World standards, fifty is young for a winery, but the Jordan family is an example of New World vision and grit; they are Sonoma trailblazers. Happy 50th, Jordan!

Time in a Bottle: Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon

Enrique Tirado, Winemaker, Don Melchor

My recent Instagram Live chat with Enrique Tirado, winemaker for Don Melchor, reminded me that wine is one of the best ways to ponder the passage of time. Each vintage is a snapshot of that year. What was happening in the vineyard, the world, and even your own life? Drink and think! 

I first experienced the charms of Don Melchor about five years ago when I shared a bottle of the 2014 vintage over dinner with some friends. It was love at first sip, and I have tasted every new vintage since then. And thanks to a retrospective tasting hosted by Enrique in New York City a few years ago, I've tasted almost every vintage of Don Melchor, including the debut 1987 vintage. 


During our chat, we tasted the yet-to-be-released 2019 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon ($120). One of Chile's most iconic wines, the second vintage of Don Melchor (1988), was the first Chilean wine to be named to Wine Spectator's Top 100, where it has placed nine times, including three placements in the Top 10. 

In a world full of Cabernet Sauvignon, Don Melchor is something special. A terroir-driven wine, Don Melchor is crafted from grapes from the Puente Alto vineyard, in the Maipo Valley, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The vineyard's 127 hectares are divided into seven plots that are partitioned into even smaller plots of 151 parcels. The 2019 vintage blends 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot from 150 parcels. For this reason, Enrique describes Don Melchor as not a single Cabernet Sauvignon but multiple expressions.

Enrique described this meticulous vineyard mapping, grape selection, and blending process in our chat. Each year, this precision in the vineyard and the cellar consistently yields a Don Melchor that is elegant, balanced, and a compelling snapshot of that specific vintage. What a beautiful way to document a year! Watch the video for Enrique's tasting notes and more details about the process for crafting Don Melchor. 

Don Melchor Dazzles Again

“Don Melchor is for me the constant search for the best expression of each of the vines within the vineyard, in order to achieve the beauty of the balance of the terroir of Puente Alto in each vintage. That is my true obsession. I use technology as a tool to achieve greater knowledge, but with this, observing and feeling each plant and wine is what allows us to achieve the perfect balance in each vintage." - Enrique Tirado, Winemaker & General Manager, Viña Don Melchor

Is there a wine in your life that makes your heart skip a beat when a new vintage is released? I was introduced to Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon five years ago and it was love at first sip. At that time, I had no idea that Don Melchor was considered a Chilean wine icon. I grabbed the bottle to share with friends, and we were all mesmerized. Based on my tasting of the newly released 2018 vintage, my affection for this game-changing Chilean wine shows no signs of wavering.

First created in 1987, the second vintage of Don Melchor (1988) was the first Chilean wine named to Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the World. Since then, it has placed on this prestigious list nine times, including three placements in the Top 10.

In a world full of Cabernet Sauvignon, what makes Don Melchor so unique? To answer this question, I defer to Enrique Tirado, the winemaker and general manager of Viña Don Melchor: "Don Melchor is not a single Cabernet Sauvignon, but multiple expressions."


The grapes for Don Melchor are sourced from seven parcels in the Puente Alto Vineyard in the upper Maipo Valley, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The next steps reflect Tirado's meticulous approach to crafting Don Melchor: the seven parcels are harvested independently and more than 150 micro-vinifications are made in the cellar, they are then tasted and selected for the final composition. No single component represents more than 60% or 70% of the blend. Crafting Don Melchor is truly is a labor of love for Tirado and his team. Their precision and passion are reflected in Don Melchor's elegance, authenticity, and consistency that still respects and expresses vintage variation. 


Tirado has crafted Don Melchor since 1995 and he said, “Don Melchor 2018 manages to produce that unique sensation you only get from great wines and great vintages”. The ideal weather conditions yielded grapes of exceptional quality. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Merlot (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%), Don Melchor 2018 ($120) is bold, balanced, refined but exuberant. It is complex but not off-putting. Vibrant and robust, it does not cross the line towards jammy vulgarity. Flavors of pristine red and dark berries, fine tannins, hints of herbs, and a kiss of earth; they're all in the glass.

My only regret is that maybe I sipped 2018 too soon. 2018 is impressive now, but Don Melchor tends to age like a dream, becoming more captivating over time. I've tasted 2017 a few times, including side-by-side with 2018, and that additional year in the bottle has added even more nuance and lushness. I know the already marvelous 2018 will be even more dazzling over time.

PS – I interviewed Enrique Tirado a few months ago on Instagram Live, and he does a beautiful job describing the philosophy, process, and style of Don Melchor.

The Innovative, Elegant, and Biodynamic Beauty of Querciabella Wines from Tuscany

Manfred Ing, Winemaker, Querciabella

Hopping a flight overseas remains a daydream during these long days of social distancing, but thankfully traveling the world through wine is a reality. Recently, I took a virtual journey to beautiful Tuscany through the wines of Querciabella with winemaker Manfred Ing. Watch our Instagram Live conversation on IGTV, YouTube, or by clicking the video below. 

Founded in 1974 with a single hectare vineyard in Tuscany, today Querciabella has more than 100 hectares in Chianti Classico and Maremma. In 1988, Querciabella converted to organic viticulture and in 2000 they introduced a 100% plant‑based approach to biodynamics that forbids the use of animal products in their vineyards or cellars. During our conversation, Manfred shared Querciabella's winemaking philosophy, a definition of biodynamic winemaking, and his fascinating journey from his native South Africa to becoming a winemaker in Tuscany.


We tasted two Querciabella wines: Chianti Classico 2017 ($30) and Camartina 2015 ($150). A very classic and pure expression of Chianti Classico, the Sangiovese grapes were sourced from Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and Gaiole in Chianti. This tapestry of grapes from unique terroirs adds complexity and nuance to this very fresh and pretty wine. Camartina has been the estate's signature Super Tuscan since 1981. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, it is only produced in the best vintages. Rich and balanced, Camartina will age beautifully; a worthy splurge. 

Sip This: C. Elizabeth Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley

 

“The wine is a very real metaphor for the favorite people in our lives—bold, layered, interesting, confident with gentle, soft edges.” 
 Christi & Dave Ficeli, founders of C. Elizabeth 
image courtesy of C. Elizabeth

Strong women and the power of love inspired the creation of C. Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2002, Christi and Dave Ficeli were newly engaged lovebirds and enjoying a quiet night out in Napa. As the conversation turned towards their future, Christi and Dave determined that wine would be an integral part of the life they were building together.

"We decided to create a wine that reflected our personal values, of the importance of family and friends, quality over quantity, and authenticity and passion in all that we do." The winery's name was inspired by three generations of strong and confident women named Elizabeth on Christi’s side of the family, including Christi - it’s her middle name. Fueled by their love for each other, family, the land, and Cabernet Sauvignon, C. Elizabeth debuted with the 2014 vintage. 

C. Elizabeth's Game Farm Vineyard is in the heart of Oakville, in Napa Valley, and consists of two distinct blocks: Rock Pit on the south and Trailside on the north. Believing that American oak is the best match for their fruit, they work with select cooperages for their barrel program and are particularly fond of Pennsylvania and Missouri oak. Their wines are aged in a combination of new and neutral American oak barrels to achieve a rich palate expression. Winemaker Bill Nancarrow hails from New Zealand and has an impressive track record in Napa. 


I recently enjoyed a vertical tasting of C. Elizabeth Cabernet Sauvignon that featured the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 vintages. Each was a unique snapshot of that year, but shared a common thread of balance, complexity, and vibrant fruit expression. 

Tasting Notes

2017 ($150): Young but ready to sip. Crisp bright fruit with some floral notes. From now until March 15, 2021, C. Elizabeth will donate 50% of all sales of the 2017 C. Elizabeth Game Farm Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon to the Napa Valley Community Foundation in support of their efforts to provide fire relief for those impacted by the wildfires of 2020. 

2016 ($150): Silky & rich red and black fruit. An intriguing hint of iron rich red meat.

2015 ($125): Rich black fruit with herbal and savory accents.

2014 ($125): The debut vintage and an impressive introduction to the C. Elizabeth style. Rich and velvety. Red and black fruit with hints of chocolate, vanilla and spice.

Say Hola to Somontano, Spain with the Wines of ENATE

Jesús Artajona Serrano has been the winemaker at ENATE since it was founded in 1992. 

Traveling by trains, planes, and automobiles may be a risky proposition in this age of social distancing, but you can still explore the world through wine. I recently took a joyful journey to Somontano, Spain, with ENATE winemaker Jesús Artajona Serrano on Instagram Live.

image courtesy of Bodega ENATE

Somontano is located in northeastern Spain, south of the Pyrenees, on the natural border with France. I first visited Somontano in 2017 and have been there three times; I fell in love with the wines, the landscapes, and the people. Somontano has a rich winemaking history, and unlike many Spanish regions that are closely associated with a specific indigenous variety, Somontano has gained acclaim for their prowess with international varieties.

Click the video above, or watch my conversation with Jesús on IGTV or YouTube. Founded in 1992, ENATE is a modern and environmentally friendly winery, and celebrating art is an integral part of ENATE's vision; they describe themselves as the place "Where Art and Wine Become One." ENATE's wine bottles are adorned with labels designed by well-known contemporary artists, and the winery has an impressive art gallery. During my chat with Jesús, we tasted the 2019 vintage of ENATE Chardonnay 234 ($13.99) and 2015 ENATE Crianza Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon ($15).

When asked what foods to pair with the wines, Jesùs said that the most important thing is "a good partner in front of you, in a good ambiance, and conviviality." We also discussed ENATE's commitment to environmentally-friendly winemaking, and Jesús stated that "sustainability is not a virtue, it is a duty." And what inspired Jesús to become a winemaker? Jesús had planned on a career in chemistry, but when he was twenty-years-old, he fell in love with a beautiful young French woman and decided to study enology in Bordeaux. Chemistry of a different sort!

Tasting Notes


2019 ENATE Chardonnay 234 ($13.99) 
Label by artist Pepe Cerdá

Very aromatic with notes of green apple, ripe peach, and a hint of tropical pineapple, and guava. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it is impressively rich and round without sacrificing crispness. Bright acidity and a hint of salinity. A delicious and well-balanced Chardonnay.



2015 ENATE Crianza Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon ($15) 
Label by artist Victór Mira
Ripe red fruit flavors on the nose and palate with a hint of smoke and spice. Full and juicy with a touch of warm toast. The blend is 70% Tempranillo, which was aged in American oak for nine months, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was aged in French oak for nine months before being blended together. 

Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Is a Consistently Elegant Taste of Chile

Enrique Tirado, Winemaker, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon
image courtesy of Viña Don Melchor

With so much turmoil in the world, I am grateful that I get to escape for a bit and travel virtually through wine. I don't take it for granted. I recently had the pleasure of tasting on Instagram Live with the esteemed and extremely talented Enrique Tirado, winemaker for Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon (Puente Alto Vineyard, Chile).

When I met Enrique last year, the world was a very different place. Thank goodness for the elegant consistency of Don Melchor. First created in 1987, the second vintage of Don Melchor (1988) was the first Chilean wine to be named to Wine Spectator's Top 100. It has since placed nine times on this prestigious ranking of wines from around the world, including three placements in the Top 10.

image courtesy of Viña Don Melchor

Don Melchor’s historic Puente Alto Vineyard at the foot of the Andes Mountains is grouped into seven blocks that are further divided into more than 150 parcels. Each parcel offers a unique expression that varies from year to year. Enrique methodically selects from these parcels to create a complex but harmonious tapestry of wine. As Enrique said, “Don Melchor is not a single Cabernet Sauvignon, but multiple expressions.” 

During my chat with Enrique, we tasted the 30th vintage release Don Melchor 2017 and the 2016 vintage – both retail for about $120. You can watch our conversation by clicking the video above, on IGTV, or YouTube. 

Beautiful red fruit flavors, soft tannins, and impressive balance are Don Melchor trademarks. 2017 is a bigger wine with riper fruit flavors and some hints of black fruit, espresso, and spice. 2016 is not as bold, but its precision and purity of expression make it absolutely spectacular – it sings in the glass. 

Sip This: Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Times have dramatically changed since I started blogging twelve years ago. Newer social media platforms like Instagram have fostered a vibrant and influential wine community. Surely, I'm not the only one that spends too much time scrolling through photos of beautiful vineyards and mouthwatering wines. In addition to my Instagram Live interview series, I frequently post wine reviews on Instagram and thought it would be great to start sharing reviews of the standout wines here on the blog. 

Shannon, Robin, and Erin Lail

I recently tasted two superb wines from Lail Vineyards in Napa Valley - Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($40) and Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($90). Winery founder, Robin Lail, can trace her family's winemaking history in Napa back to 1879 with the founding of the legendary Inglenook. Twenty-five years ago, Robin founded Lail Vineyards with her daughters, Erin and Shannon. Lail has embraced "carbon farming" techniques that minimize carbon dioxide production and maximize carbon sequestration without sacrificing wine quality. Robin is also the U.S. Representative to The Porto Protocol, whose mission is "to drive collaborative action by bringing together a network of change-makers and workable climate solutions for and within the wine world."

Lail Vineyards says that the name Blueprint celebrates "the pioneers and architects of innovation for putting the health of our planet ahead of quarterly reports and the bottom line." Lail donates ten percent of sales from Blueprint wines purchased on their website to organizations fighting climate change. Lail's winemaker is the wildly talented and acclaimed Philippe Melka.

A Bordeaux You Should Know: Classic & Elegant Château Phélan Ségur

In a world full of fads and gimmicks, there's something reassuring about the classics. And what could be more classic than Bordeaux? I always chuckle when people discuss red blends as if they were some new-fangled invention. Bordeaux, located in the southwest of France, long ago mastered the art of the blend. And one of Bordeaux's most iconic wineries is Château Phélan Ségur. Located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, they are acclaimed for the beauty, balance, and longevity of their wines.  

I recently had the pleasure of learning more about Château Phélan Ségur's fascinating history and winemaking philosophy in an Instagram Live chat with their managing director, Véronique Dausse. Founded in the 19th century, the estate has been owned by only 4 different families. Watch our conversation and tasting on YouTube or IGTV. 



During our chat, I sipped Château Phélan Ségur 2016. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, it is beautifully balanced and vivacious with aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, cherry and strawberry, with sassy hints of licorice and toast. Available for around $70. 

A Taste of Lodi and the Sierra Foothills: The Wines of Ironstone Vineyards

    Joan Kautz, Co-owner and Vice President of International Operations, Ironstone Vineyards

The Sierra Foothills may be best known as the epicenter of the California Gold Rush, but the region also has a rich wine history and the Kautz family has played an essential role. They settled in Lodi 1926 and opened their first winery in 1968. This family business has grown tremendously over four generations and their holdings in Lodi and the Sierra Foothills now span more than 5,000 acres. They protect these precious acres, and the environment, by adhering to sustainable viticulture practices.

I had the pleasure of learning more about the Kautz legacy, and their Lodi and Sierra Foothills wines, in an Instagram Live conversation with Joan Kautz, a fourth generation member of this influential winemaking family. If you missed the IG Live chat and tasting, watch it above or on YouTube. Equipped with broad knowledge of agriculture, wine making, and consumer trends; Joan has held the position of Vice President of International Operations for the family’s wine portfolio since 1993. Under her leadership, the Kautz family's wines are available in 50 countries around the world. 


2018 Ironstone Vineyards Chardonnay
"Our Chardonnay exhibits refreshing aromas of fresh green apples, citrus, and tropical fruits. As it dances across the palate, light citrus layered with fresh peaches fills the mouth as soft vanilla and oak notes linger. Good acidity gives it a crisp balance with a creamy medium-length finish."

During our conversation, we tasted Ironstone Reserve Cabernet Franc 2017 and Ironstone Chardonnay 2018. Ironstone is currently selling both wines on their website as a specially priced set for $37. You can also find Ironstone's wines at retailers around the country. 

2017 Ironstone Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc 
"Our Reserve Cabernet Franc is an elegant, rich yet soft wine. With fleshy black cherry, blackberry,  and spicy oak aromas this seductive Cabernet Franc is worth drinking now or cellaring for a special occasion. Succulent, dark fruit flavors of plum, black cherry with a hint of sweet oak fills the palate and gives way to a smooth, medium finish."

Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Stands the Test of Time

The 1980’s will be remembered for many things: questionable fashions, great pop music, and for us wine geeks, the 1987 debut vintage of Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon. One of Chile’s most iconic and awarded wines, it didn’t take long for Don Melchor to captivate the wine world; the 1988 vintage was the first Chilean wine recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the Top 100 Wines of the World. It has been honored on this prestigious list nine times, including three times in the coveted Top 10.

I’ll confess that I was unaware of Don Melchor’s impressive pedigree when I first tasted the wine several years ago. I approached the wine with no expectations and was authentically swept away by Don Melchor’s beauty, complexity, and drinkability. It is truly a personal favorite. Its many accolades are certainly well-deserved, but at the end of the day the wine has to speak for itself and Don Melchor is poetry in a bottle.


“For me, Don Melchor represents the constant search for the best expression of every vine in the vineyard in order to achieve the beauty of balance of the Puente Alto terroir in every vintage." 
Enrique Tirado, Winemaker

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Don Melchor’s winemaker, Enrique Tirado. Our tasting featured the current 30^th anniversary 2017 vintage, the inaugural 1987 vintage, and several others spanning three decades. It was quite a journey through time. The wines had evolved beautifully and while each expressed the peculiarities of that particular vintage, they shared an enduring freshness and balance.


image courtesy of Don Melchor

“Don Melchor is not a single Cabernet Sauvignon, but multiple expressions,” said Enrique. He isn’t speaking metaphorically but literally: their historic Puente Alto vineyard at the foot of the Andes Mountains is grouped into seven blocks that are further divided into more than 150 parcels. Each parcel offers a unique expression that varies from year to year. Enrique methodically selects from these parcels to create a complex but harmonious tapestry of wine. 


Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($120) blends Cabernet Sauvignon (98%) with a kiss of Cabernet Franc (2%). Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, it has rich red berry flavors that are accented by subtle hints of spice and earth. A bold red, Don Melchor certainly has heft but its signature freshness and vitality keep it graceful and elegant. For the Cabernet Sauvignon lovers in your life, Don Melchor is a gift that is certain to wow them. Santa, if you’re reading this, I’ve been pretty good this year, por favor put a bottle of Don Melchor in my stocking!  

If you're planning a visit to Chile, Don Melchor welcomes guests for their Collectors Experience, which includes a tour of the grounds, cellar, and tasting. 

Time Traveling Through Wine: A Journey Through the Decades with Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A winery’s reputation isn’t built on just one great vintage. Just like human beings, some years may be better than others, but it’s the total timeline that truly tells the story. Founded more than 100 years ago by Georges de Latour, the story of Beaulieu Vineyard certainly has more highs than lows. If you love Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, tip your hat to Beaulieu. Since its inaugural vintage in 1936, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has been recognized as the benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa’s Rutherford appellation. When we talk about “cult” Cabernet, Beaulieu was the originator.

"Early in my winemaking career, I recall trying the 1968 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with a family friend and it not only left an indelible impression on me, but it shaped the path in which I wanted to take my career and the wines I wanted to create." - Trevor Durling, General Manager and Chief Winemaker, Beaulieu Vineyard 

In a recent retrospective tasting with Beaulieu’s general manager and chief winemaker, Trevor Durling, I was humbled and amazed by the power of these wines to transmit a story through the ages. And my belief in the power of wine to change lives was validated -- it was a glass of 1968 Beaulieu that inspired Trevor's winemaking path. Trevor calls the 1968 his epiphany wine. Today, Trevor is only the fifth chief winemaker in Beaulieu’s 119-year history, following in the footsteps of his respected immediate predecessor Jeffrey Tambor and the iconic André Tchelistcheff.

Lured to wine by the combination of art, science, and agriculture, Trevor holds deep reverence for Beaulieu’s rich legacy and said, “It is an honor to craft wines off of these vineyards. They are some of the most historic in Napa.” But Trevor is also “excited to write the next chapter” and recognizes the role that state-of-the-art technology can play in crafting wines that consistently live up to the Beaulieu standard.

In my retrospective tasting with Trevor, we sampled a jaw-dropping selection of wines from the 1960’s – 2010’s. Words rarely fail me but it is daunting to describe the experience of traveling the decades through fine wine. The older vintages reminded me that wine is more than a beverage but a meditation on time. For example, at 51 years old, the 1968 vintage triggered a flood of thoughts. What was happening in the world that year? What was the harvest like? We do know that winemaker André Tchelistcheff called 1968 “the greatest vintage” due to its ideal growing conditions. And the 1968 is the wine that ignited the spark in Trevor to seriously pursue winemaking. Incredibly alive and exuberant with astounding acidity, I understand why Trevor was so moved by this wine. It has not only stood the test of time but has evolved in an extraordinary fashion. I think it will still be fantastic years from now.

The 1968 is absolutely exceptional but that is only one chapter of the Beaulieu story. A retrospective encourages you to look for connections through the ages. While each Beaulieu vintage that we tasted had unique qualities that reflected that particular harvest, winemaking technique, and approach of the winemaker; there was also a beautiful consistency that connected these wines and made it abundantly clear that they were from the same place and part of a larger vision. Across the board, from the 1960’s – the 2010’s, I found that the vast majority of the Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shared some similar traits: luscious and rich fruit flavors, beautifully integrated oak, and mouthwatering acidity that keeps the wine alive through the decades. And, in some vintages, those fine and powdery cocoa tannins known as Rutherford Dust are practically cooing your name from the glass.

The 2016 Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($145), the 80th anniversary vintage, is now available. 2016 was considered a winemaker’s dream vintage and the wine displays impeccable balance and finesse. Cabernet Sauvignon (97%) with a kiss of Petit Verdot (3%), it was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels. Concentrated and bold but not flabby, the 2016 has rich dark berry flavors with tantalizing tinges of spice and chocolate. And that famed Rutherford Dust shimmies in each sip. The 2016 is beautiful now but I hope that the fates will afford me to opportunity to sip it again, many decades from now, so that I can take another journey through time.

Let There Be Wine: Viña VIK Crafts Exceptional Chilean Wines From a Place of Gold

 

“VIK is a book. Every glass is a chapter. Every sip is a page.”
Cristián Vallejo, Chief Winemaker, Viña VIK

Whether he’s discussing vineyard management, barrel selection, or the artistry of wine; a conversation with winemaker Cristián Vallejo of Viña VIK is an exhilarating journey. A true visionary, when Cristián accepted the offer in 2006 to become the chief winemaker for Viña VIK, there were no vines planted. Others may have been daunted by the challenge but Cristián was invigorated. “I saw 11,000 wild unplanted acres, dug into the soil, and knew immediately this virgin land had the potential to create a wine which could stand among the world’s best.” Cristián’s intuition was right. Full of flavor, nuance, and passion; VIK wines are exceptional.

The story of Viña VIK begins with Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik. In 2004, he envisioned a world-class vineyard that would produce unique wines and Vik's quest led him to Chile's Millahue Valley, which means Place of Gold, the name given to this special terrain by the indigenous people. Located in the interior of the valley, Viña VIK boasts a varied terroir and small microclimates with distinct exposures. Cooled by coastal breezes, this geological diversity imbues the grapes with a complexity that is the foundation of great wine. "80% of what you do is in the vineyard and that's the key to the final flavor," said Cristián. For example, to obtain the best quality grapes, VIK always harvests manually and at night, when the grape is coolest.  

image courtesy of Viña VIK

With experience at some of the world's most celebrated wineries in Chile, France, and Spain, Cristián is passionate about crafting wines that are a true expression of terroir. Opting for indigenous yeast during fermentation and refraining from filtering the wines are some of the techniques Cristián implements at VIK to achieve this authenticity. "I don't like to make muscle wines. I want people to finish the bottle." VIK describes themselves as a holistic winery and their portfolio currently consists of three exceptionally well-made wines that are the embodiment of vision, artistry, passion, nature, technology, and intuition. Trust me, finishing a bottle of VIK won't be a problem. 



True confession: my first taste of VIK 2013 ($165.00) was so intense that I blurted out to Cristián, "This is what it must be like to kiss Antonio Banderas!" Admittedly, this is not the most technical of observations but VIK inspired a truly emotional response. That's what the very best wines do. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Carmenere (14%), and Merlot (2%), this Bordeaux-inspired blend is rich and plush with great freshness and intensity -- just like a perfect kiss. Aged for 23 months in new French oak barrels, VIK's vibrant red & black fruit flavors are enhanced by a tinge of espresso and mocha. With a virtually never-ending finish, VIK is an elegant and thrilling journey. 


VIK Milla Cala 2014 ($44.99) is a captivating blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Carmenere (27%), Syrah (12%), Merlot (4%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). The five grapes are well integrated but the Carmenere peeks out of the glass just enough to imbue this blend with an unabashedly Chilean sensibility. Aged for 21 months, Milla Cala is complex yet approachable. 

It takes a lot of chutzpah to name a wine "the most beautiful" but there's nothing timid about VIK La Piu Belle 2011($99.99). From the striking artistry of the bottle to the va va voom nature of the vino within, La Piu Belle will not be ignored. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Carmenere (31%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Merlot (6%), and Syrah (4%) that was aged for 21 months, La Piu Belle is silky, sassy, and sumptuous. The conversation-piece bottle was painted by artist Gonzalo Cienfuegos as an homage to art, the art of winemaking, and VIK's passion for both. Aged for 21 months in new French oak, La Piu Belle is a compelling expression of vibrant fruit with herbal accents. 

image courtesy of Viña VIK

If you're planning a trip to Chile, friends have told me that VIK is an impressive and immersive experience. The expansive property boasts world-class accommodations and invites guests to indulge in a wide variety of activities, including wine tasting, horseback riding, fine dining, trekking, and spa treatments. A visit to Viña VIK has certainly been added to my wine travel wish list! 

image courtesy of Viña VIK

Talent and Travel Texture the Wines of Jesse Katz's Aperture Cellars

"Building texture is what elevates good wine to a great wine."
Jesse Katz, Founder & Winemaker, Aperture Cellars

A conversation with Jesse Katz could easily make you feel like an underachiever but he's so humble and charming that you feel inspired instead of diminished. Jesse has achieved major success very early in his career -- the first winemaker included on the Forbes "30 Under 30" list, recognized by Wine Enthusiast as a "40 Under 40 Tastemaker", and the recognition of his Aperture Cellars as a "Rising Star" by Wine Spectator are just a few of this 35 year-old's impressive accomplishments. 

A native of Colorado, Jesse's career as a winemaker was set into motion at a young age when he traveled the world with his father, acclaimed photographer Andy Katz. Excellence is clearly in the Katz DNA because more than 6 million albums with cover photography by Andy Katz have been sold, including those by legendary rock groups like the Doobie Brothers. Wine is also a passion and frequent photographic subject of the elder Katz and Jesse spent his formative years accompanying him on journeys to some of the world's most famous wineries.

Jesse told me that he discovered his exceptionally good palate as a young man in Burgundy and by the age of 18 he knew that winemaking was his destiny. Honing his natural talent with hands-on experience by working the harvest at 15 wineries on multiple continents, Jesse also earned an enology degree from Fresno State University. After an accolade filled five-year tenure at Lancaster Estate, Jesse started Aperture Cellars in Sonoma. A collaboration with his father, Aperture is an artistic double-whammy: the labels feature Andy Katz's photography and the bottles contain Jesse's artful wines.

Aperture Barrel-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($40)
Inspired by Jesse's time in Bordeaux, this barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc balances lush creaminess with vibrant acidity. Rich and round but impressively fresh, crisp, and graceful with no overly zesty or harsh grassy flavors. (I tasted the 2017 vintage but 2018 is now available.)

Aperture Right Bank Red Blend 2016 ($55)
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (30%), Malbec (11%), and Cabernet Franc (7%), this silky yet substantial red wine beautifully expresses Jesse's talent at crafting wines where texture is not an afterthought but an important factor in flavor perception. Bold and juicy with well-integrated tannins, there is an elegant interplay between freshness and complexity. Fermented with native yeasts, unfiltered, and unfined, the smooth texture really allows the excellent quality of the grapes to shine through.


Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($70) 
Silky and spicy, a kiss of Merlot (7%) rounds out this Cabernet. The flavors are deep yet very fresh. Impressive balance and depth. 

Visit the Aperture Cellars website to learn more about these wines and others in the Aperture portfolio. And if you're looking for further proof that Jesse is the real deal, he is also the founder of Devil Proof Vineyards which produces highly acclaimed 100% Malbec. I don't know what's next for Jesse but his impressive track record bodes well for future endeavors and certainly has me intrigued! 

Five Fantastic Wines to Share with Someone Special

A beautiful bottle of wine is the perfect way to express your feelings for someone special. Whether you're having a romantic dinner or catching up with your circle of friends, add some magic to the moment with a special wine. 

Sipping la vie en rose is elegantly easy with superb Champagne Palmer & Co. Rosé Reserve ($80). A beautifully balanced blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier; this unique bubbly has a special touch of magic -- an infusion of Pinot Noir from a forty-year-old solera from Les Riceys. The Pinot Noir from the solera enhances this vibrant wine with spice, depth, and complexity. This sip is utterly charming with delicate bubbles. Fresh red & black fruit flavors meld harmoniously with the richer fruit flavors from the solera wine. Truly elegant and special!

Add some sweet liquid sunshine to gray winter days with Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine 2017, Niagara Estates ($90). Made from Riesling grapes that were frozen on the vine, the wine’s intense sweetness is balanced by vibrant natural acidity. The rich honey, tropical, and citrus flavors are a delicious reminder of sunny days ahead! Not just for dessert, a perfect match with pâté and other savory foods.

If I ruled the world, everyone would be drinking more Cabernet Franc! This elegant Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2015 ($65) gets a bit of muscle from a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, but the litheness of the Cabernet Franc still shines through. I recommend opening this bottle up for an hour or so before drinking so that the rich and sultry dark berry flavors can really open up. These bold and juicy fruit flavors meld nicely with kisses of spice and sashay along a thread of silky tannins. A big wine but not unwieldy, a very sexy sip!


Such a lovely vino! Ferzo Passerina Terre di Chieti 2017 ($26) from Abruzzo (Italy) has vibrant and perky flavors of citrus and chamomile, a touch of grass and salinity, and crisp minerality on the long dry finish. In Italian “Ferzo” refers to a patch of fabric that is stitched together with others to create a sail. Ferzo wines are crafted from Abruzzo’s finest viticultural patches. Quite delicious!

Malbec and Cabernet Franc form a beautiful partnership in BenMarco Expresivo 2016 ($35). A captivating wine from legendary winemaker Susana Balbo, it is a vibrant expression of the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Big and bold, Expresivo elegantly shows off luscious blackberry, blueberry, and violet flavors with a touch of red bell pepper, graphite and pepper. An exceptional sip! 

A Tale of Two Bottles: My Favorite Neighbor and Faust Wines Show Artistry Inside and Out

An eye-catching label is no guarantee that the wine within will captivate you but what joy when a bottle is beautiful inside and out! The best wines tell a story and the look of the physical bottle often conveys the winemaker's style and inspiration. I recently tasted two wonderful wines from California whose exterior and interior artistry were perfectly in sync. Meet My Favorite Neighbor and Faust! 

My Favorite Neighbor 2016 ($80)
Paso Robles, California
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of family, friends, and community. Great neighbors make an impact on our lives, in ways big and small. The labels of My Favorite Neighbor wines honor the people who work with winemaker Eric Jensen to make honest wines that express the terroir of their Paso Robles vineyards, in central California. This particular bottle features a striking photograph of vineyard canopy management specialist Aurelio by photographer Greg Gorman. Aurelio has been farming grapes for 16 years and believes that wine was created by the gods.... and him. My Favorite Neighbor 2016 is a Cabernet Sauvignon based red blend with some Syrah and Petit Verdot. Voluptuous and graceful with rich dark fruit flavors and a touch of espresso, dark chocolate, earthy graphite, and a tinge of spice; this is a beautifully made wine that powerfully expresses the winemaking team’s passion for authenticity. All neighbors should have so much complexity and finesse! Visit the My Favorite Neighbor website to see images of the other cool folks featured on the wine bottles.

image courtesy of Faust Wines

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($110)
Napa Valley, California
Nothing gets the party going like a magnum. Like they say - go big or go home! This limited-edition Faust 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Graffiti Magnum is the second vintage collaboration between Faust Wines and acclaimed street artist Faust New York. The words of Goethe, “Live Dangerously and You Live Right” are the bottle’s inspiration and artwork. An exceptionally balanced blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from estate vineyards in Coombsville and Rutherford and sourced from mountain growers in Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder, and Howell Mountain; it tells the story of terroir. This is no big oak bomb. The wine is captivatingly silky and elegant; the flavors of the grapes really shine through and are gently enhanced by French oak. Juicy and luscious with earthy nuance, it’s an elegant and well-crafted wine. 

Wine With a Mission: emBRAZEN Celebrates Bold Women, Past & Present

 

“It’s exciting to share these women’s compelling stories through emBRAZEN wines. I hope these wines spark conversation among friends, family, co-workers or even in the wine aisle. I’m proud to have crafted these wines, providing a bold and delicious canvas for their voices to be heard.” - Olivia Teutschel, emBRAZEN winemaker

I'll admit to being a bit skeptical when I first heard about emBRAZEN Wines. I actively avoid any wines that seem gimmicky or blatant in their pandering to women. But something about emBRAZEN caught my eye: the beautiful visage of one of my all-time favorite women in history adorns one of the bottles, the inimitable Josephine Baker. Wanting to make sure that the wine within the bottle was worthy of such an iconic figure, I decided to give emBRAZEN a chance. I'm so glad I did. 

emBRAZEN Red Blend honors Josephine Baker - entertainer, Civil Rights activist, and spy for the French Resistance. The bottle bears Ms. Baker's image and her quote, "To realize our dreams, we must decide to wake up."

Crafted by winemaker Olivia Teutschel, emBRAZEN defines itself as "more than just a wine brand. It’s a call to arms, encouraging women to reclaim their narratives and rewrite history." In addition to the Red Blend that pays tribute to Josephine Baker, the emBRAZEN trio of California wines includes a Cabernet Sauvignon in honor of journalist & explorer Nellie Bly and a Chardonnay inspired by the Queen of Salsa, singer Celiz Cruz.

"Energy rightly applied and directed will accomplish anything." - Nellie Bly

Fruit-forward and vibrant, emBrazen wines are delicious and enlightening. The back label of each bottle has a short bio of its muse and if you download their Living Wine Labels app, the labels come to life and tell their story. The wines are attractively priced at $15 each. 


"When opportunity presents itself, grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.” - Celia Cruz

 Committed to inspiring modern women to share their stories, emBRAZEN will award $25,000 to a woman who is shattering expectations and driving change in her community. “Women are paving their own paths and taking control of their futures by speaking boldly to ignite progress and change the world. Through our Take Up The Torch program, emBRAZEN recognizes local unsung heroes who deserve support to achieve their community enhancing goals," says Patricia Montagno, Vice President of Marketing for Treasury Wine Estates, the parent company of emBRAZEN. Nominations will be accepted until December 2, 2018 and the winner will be announced on International Women's Day (March 8, 2019). Click here to nominate women who Take Up The Torch! 

 I'm truly impressed by emBRAZEN's mission to honor trailblazing women of the past and to support women defying convention today. Yes, wine is about pleasure but emBRAZEN is a beautiful and innovative example of how wine can also be a conduit to knowledge and empowerment. The accessible price of emBRAZEN wines will allow the powerful stories of Josephine Baker, Nellie Bly, and Celia Cruz to reach a large audience of wine lovers who can find inspiration in the fearlessness of these incredible women. Their stories should never be forgotten. I'll drink to that! 

Mixed Case: 12 Wonderful Wines from Around the Globe

Which 12 different bottles of wine would you choose to create your own mixed case? I would definitely fill mine with a mix of sparkling, white, red and rosé; a few serious wines and some everyday easygoing sips. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own delicious dozen, keep reading for tasting notes on twelve winning wines that I recently sampled from Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, and the USA. Cheers!

Sparkling



DUBL di Feudi di San Gregorio Sparkling Falanghina Brut ($25)
Italy
A very unique sparkling wine that applies the traditional Champagne method to Falanghina, an iconic grape of Campania in the south of Italy. Elegant and exuberant with lively bubbles, DUBL is delightfully dry and crisp with balanced intensity. Superb!

Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs ($59)
France
A classic and captivating Champagne, Henriot Blanc de Blancs is an excellent expression of 100% Chardonnay. A bold but finely textured tapestry of crisp mineral, citrus, and brioche flavors. 

Sparkling Rosé



Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato 2013 ($36)
Italy
The world of Italian sparkling wines extends beyond Prosecco and Franciacorta is one of the most elegant. Produced exclusively in the traditional Champagne method in the northern Italian territory of Franciacorta, Franciacorta was the first in Italy to receive DOCG status for sparkling wines - Italy's official top tier of quality for wines. A lovely blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé is a charming introduction to the category. A lovely pale shade of pink, it is precise and pretty with fine bubbles, fresh red berry flavors, and crisp texture. 

Rosé



M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Pays d'Oc Rosé 2017 ($15)
France
Season after season, this beauty from the south of France is one of my favorite rosé wines. A fresh and luscious blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, it is fruit-forward, juicy, and vibrant with superb structure. Plenty of ooh la la at a great price! 

White



Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2017 ($22.99)
Italy
Feudi di San Gregorio has distinguished themselves as one of the premier wineries in Italy's Campania region and beyond. I've yet to have a Feudi di San Gregorio wine that wasn't impeccably crafted and authentically evocative of the region and its terroir. The proximity of their vineyards to Mount Vesuvius created mineral rich soils which imbue their wines with depth and texture. An ancient grape that thrives in Campania, Falanghina may not be a household name but the variety has broad appeal. Fresh but very textured with crisp minerality, the 2017 Falanghina vintage from Feudi di San Gregorio balances soft fruit with a mineral core. (Fun fact: Feudi di San Gregorio's labels were created by Italian designer Massimo Vignelli - designer of the NYC subway map and Bloomingdale's shopping bags!) 

Frescobaldi Massovivo Ammiraglia Vermentino 2016 ($18)
Italy
Fresh, subtle and elegant, this charming Vermentino from Tuscany's coastal Maremma region has plenty of Mediterranean flair. Lively flavors of honeysuckle, chamomile, and white nectarine are balanced by crisp minerality. 



Nik Weis Mosel Urban Riesling 2017 ($15)
Germany
Juicy, crisp, and refreshing, this rocking little Riesling from Germany's renowned Mosel Valley has plenty of personality. Fruity with a hint of sweetness that is balanced out by a tinge of chalky minerality.  



Chehalem INOX Unoaked Chardonnay 2016 ($20)
Oregon
Unoaked but full of flavor, this fresh and vibrant Chardonnay from Oregon's iconic Willamette Valley is a charmer. Very crisp, round, and graceful.  



Trivento White Orchid Reserve Torrontes 2017 ($11)
Argentina
White Orchid is the perfect name for this flirty and aromatic Torrontes from Argentina's famed Mendoza region. Floral and tropical, a kiss of Pinot Grigio adds crispness and nuance. 

Red



Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico 2015 ($19.99)
Italy
What a sultry, sexy, and savory vino! Aglianico is one of southern Italy's iconic wines and Feudi di San Gregorio's Rubrato is an impressive expression. Crafted from 100% Aglianico grapes from the Irpinia region of Campania, Rubrato is is bold and elegant. Rich berry flavors meld seamlessly with hints of savory herbs and spice. 

Concannon Vineyard Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($90)
California 
This is no run-of-the-mill Cabernet Sauvignon, Concannon Clone 7 pays tribute to Concannon’s important role in viticulture - their clones account for 80% of all California Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Bold and rich with dark fruit, spice, and earth flavors; Clone 7 is crafted from vineyards in the Chalk Hill AVA located in the northeast corner of the larger Russian River Valley AVA. 



Westwood Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($44)
California
An impressive Pinot Noir from Sonoma with finesse and fully developed flavors of ripe red berries, brambly fruits, baking spices, and well-integrated dusty tannins. 

Australian Winemaker Neil McGuigan Is The Man With The Plan

"My Dad lived to be 100 because he had a bottle of our wine everyday!"
Neil McGuigan, Chief Winemaker & CEO, McGuigan Wines

A natural born storyteller, winemaker Neil McGuigan is no wallflower. His killer comedic timing, hearty laugh, and generous pours are welcome reminders that wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed. But you'd be foolish to consider his jolly-good-fellow nature an indicator of frivolity; as chief winemaker and CEO of McGuigan Wines, Neil is very serious about crafting quality wines that over-deliver at every price point. And he has the accolades to prove it - McGuigan Wines has been recognized a record four times as International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. They have also been honored as Australian Winemaker of the Year on three occasions. 



Founded in 1880 and based in Hunter Valley, for four generations the McGuigan family has been synonymous with Australian winemaking. Until now, they've had very little presence in the USA but that is poised to change thanks to their new partnership with the respected powerhouse importers, Palm Bay. McGuigan is smartly entering the market with two tiers of wines -- a fruit-forward, fresh and approachable collection deemed The Plan and their more complex wines, Hand Made and The Philosophy. Whether you're just grilling in the backyard or serving a gourmet feast, there's a McGuigan wine for for every palate and budget.  


The Plan Chardonnay 2016 ($11.99)
The Plan pays homage to the McGuigan's family mission to share high-quality Australian wine with the world and to become internationally recognized as a winery of distinction. I have a friend who always jokes that the world doesn't need another Chardonnay, but I'd say there's room for this charming expression from South Eastern Australia. Just a little bit of oak adds a touch of warm vanilla spice to this juicy, fruit-forward, and slightly creamy wine. 


The Plan Shiraz 2016 ($11.99)
Have you been a little Shiraz-shy since over-the-top, sugary, jammy, high-alcohol wines with critters on the bottle saturated the US market not so long ago? That unfortunate trend certainly sullied the reputation of Australian Shiraz but things are starting to shift. McGuigan's The Plan Shiraz proves that an entry-level affordable Shiraz can still have integrity and balance. The grapes were sourced from their vineyards in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Fresh and not cloyingly jammy, The Plan is a straight-forward and enjoyable expression of the natural charms of Shiraz. Round, rich, and fruity with luscious blackberry and plum flavors, vibrant acidity, and a sassy kick of spice.

Hand Made Shiraz 2014 ($40)
Ready to step it up to an artisan next-level Shiraz? McGuigan Hand Made is a limited-edition Shiraz sourced from low-yielding vineyards in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, just outside Langhorne Creek. Warm days are tempered by evening breezes that enable the grapes to reach optimum ripeness yet still retain good acidity. Voluptuous and velvety, Hand Made spent 18 months in oak before bottling and exhibits impressive grace and balance. The tasting notes describe it as "a rich full-bodied wine with a wonderful mix of dark cherries plum and spice - reminiscent of Christmas cake."



The Philosophy 2013 ($125)
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) sourced from the Seven Hills area of Clare Valley and Shiraz (44%) from Auburn in Clare Valley's southern edge, The Philosophy expresses McGuigan's belief that "as a winemaker, you need vision, strength, precision, and drive to craft exceptional wine." Aged 24 months in French oak and aged 2 more years in the bottle before release, The Philosophy is full-bodied and robust with tremendous finesse and nuance. Rich and plummy black fruit flavors meld beautifully with hints of spice and shrubby herbs. Absolutely delicious now, The Philosophy will age gracefully thanks to its pristine structure. 

If you're planning a visit to Australia, McGuigan's welcomes visitors for tours and tastings at their Cellar Door in the heart of Hunter Valley. 

Spinning Bottles: Beaulieu Vineyard "BV" Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

So much wine, so little time! My cell phone is filled with photos of almost every bottle that I taste but it is impossible to write about each one. Inspired by the childhood game of Spin the Bottle, instead of spinning an actual bottle and kissing the person that the bottle points at, I've opted to take a spin through my wine photos until one gives me that tingling feeling that reminds me of how delicious it was. After all, a great glass of wine is almost as good as kissing (sometimes better)! 



Founded in 1900, Beaulieu Vineyard holds a storied position in the history of Napa Valley. BV Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 ($45) is a wonderful expression of the fine cocoa powdery tannins known as Rutherford Dust. Intense in color, aroma, and flavors, BV is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet that displays added nuance from dashes of Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, and Merlot. Bold and intense with layers of flavor, this robust red shows impeccable balance between rich fruit and hints of warm spice and vanilla. Lively acidity keeps the wine graceful and not cloying. BV is big enough to wow your tastebuds but fresh and approachable enough to enjoy in the backyard with a juicy grilled steak! Delicious now, BV has the structure and vibrancy needed to age beautifully. 

To learn more about Beaulieu Vineyard, read my article A Wine Worth Waiting For: Beaulieu Vineyard Rarity 2013.

The Tannin Tamers of Napa Valley: The Hess Collection Makes Magic with Malbec

Oh, those tricky tannins. Found naturally in grape skins, tannins contribute tremendously to a wine's structure, texture, and aging ability. Without detectable tannins, you might as well be drinking grape juice and not fine wine. But when a wine is too tannic, its bitter and astringent sensations can knock the wine out of balance so that it tastes too dry and unappealingly abrasive. Tannins can soften over time but the clever winemakers at The Hess Collection have found a surprising solution to soothing the powerful tannins in their Lion Tamer Napa Valley Red Wine 2015 ($45) - Malbec! Yes, Malbec - Argentina's signature red wine grape, with roots in France, has proven itself right at home at Hess's Napa Valley vineyards. In fact, Hess has more Malbec planted on Mount Veeder than any other winery in Napa.   

A touch of Malbec finds its way into many of Hess's blends but Lion Tamer 2015 has a hearty 50%, combined with Zinfandel (23%), Petite Sirah (11%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%) Petit Verdot (4%), Merlot (4%), and Mourvedre (2%). The regal lion has been the emblem of the Hess Family for nine generations. Like a lion tamer who deftly calms the king of the jungle, Hess uses Malbec to coax aggressive tannins into submission in their Lion Tamer wine. But this rich red wine still roars beautifully. Big and luscious with smooth round tannins, Lion Tamer is a rich tapestry of juicy fruit, tinges of spice, and kisses of vanilla. A wow wine! 


In addition to the Lion Tamer, the Hess Collection portfolio features a superb selection of wines at various price points, including their Napa Valley Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($32) and Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016 ($22). 

Nicole Carter, Director of Winemaking and Chief Marketing Officer for Hess Family Wine Estates

The Hess Collection story begins in 1978 when Swiss entrepreneur and prolific contemporary art collector Donald Hess started acquiring land on Mt. Veeder. Hess was determined to create world-class wines from the rugged California terrain and the winery was established in 1986. Well-established and respected, exciting things lie ahead for Hess - the winery is now under the stewardship of the next generation and talented wine industry veteran Nicole Carter has recently been appointed Director of Winemaking for Hess Family Wine Estates; she will also retain her role of Chief Marketing Officer. In addition to California, Nicole's responsibilities will include oversight over winemaking at Hess's estates in Argentina. Dynamic, innovative, and with prior winemaking experience; Nicole is a force to be reckoned with. 


If your travels take you to Napa, schedule a visit to Hess. In addition to wine tasting and fine dining, the estate's Hess Art Museum houses an impressive collection - friends tell me it's fabulous! 

The 90th Oscars: Hollywood's Biggest Night Is a Wine & Food Extravaganza!

 

“We are particularly proud to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Oscars. This anniversary bottle represents the history of excellence that unites the Academy and Piper-Heidsieck. These magnums, bottled in Reims and enjoyed in Los Angeles, are the very expression of the universal magic of cinema, to which we are paying tribute.”
Benoît Collard, Executive Director for Piper-Heidsieck

Film buffs and fashionistas are in a frenzy as the 90th Oscars approach. Who will win? What will they wear? But there's another important question that must be answered on Hollywood's glitziest night - What will they drink? I can't predict the Best Picture winner but I can tell you that rivers of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and the wines of Francis Ford Coppola will flow on March 4th at the Oscars and the official after-party, the Governors Ball. 



An astounding 1,500 bottles of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne will be served - that's more than 8,500 delicious glasses of bubbly. The stellar offerings from the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio will include the limited-edition magnum that was designed especially to commemorate the 90th Oscars and Hollywood's Golden Age. You can't buy the special Oscars magnum but the fabulous Champagne within is Piper-Heidsieck's widely available Cuvée Brut.  

 “The Academy Awards is a ceremony that honors daring, fearless, innovative storytelling, and in that tradition, we have developed two exquisite Director’s Cut wines that reflect innovative excellence.” - Corey Beck, CEO, Francis Ford Coppola Winery   

More than 14,000 glasses of Francis Ford Coppola wine will be poured at the Oscars. The 2,400 bottles will include his Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Chardonnay 2016.  A fourteen-time nominee and six-time Oscar winner (including the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award), filmmaker and vintner Francis Ford Coppola has had a long relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and these special wines are his tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Oscars.  

Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002 Champagne paired with Chef Wolfgang Puck's Roasted Potato with Caviar. 

Of course, these fantastic wines deserve to be paired with an exceptional menu and legendary Chef Wolfgang Puck is leaving no truffle unturned. The 90th Oscars mark Puck's 24th year as the caterer of Hollywood's biggest night. The menu will include Chicken Pot Pie with Black Truffles, Osetra Caviar with Roasted New Potato, Wagyu Sliders, and Caviar Parfait with 24k Gold!  

Seven Sexy Wines for Chilly Winter Nights, Not Just Valentine's Day!

 

Real romance isn't just a one-day phenomenon but at least Valentine's Day puts love and affection in the spotlight. We need more love in the world and the vibrant reds and good vibes of Valentine's Day brighten up the grey mood of winter. Chilly nights are the perfect time to share a bottle of wine with someone special. Heat things up on February 14th, and all winter long, with one of these sexy wines! 


Vilarnau Brut Reserva ($14.99)  

Your romantic soundtrack should include the sound of a popping cork! Share a bottle or two of beautiful Vilarnau Cava with your sweetie. Founded in 1949, Vilarnau is highly regarded for their superb expressions of Spain's famous sparkling wine.


Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé  ($15.99)

The colorful bottles of their Cava Brut Reserva and Rosé pay homage to Vilarnau's Catalan heritage with a design inspired by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí. His monumental Basilica de La Sagrada Familia has yet to be completed but these two fresh and flirty bottles of sparkling wine are easy to finish. Dry and balanced with vibrant fruit and persistent fine bubbles, these bubblies are pretty delightful. 

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Viognier 2016 ($16)

Rich and luscious with flavors of vibrant juicy peaches & apricots with sassy hints of cream and spice, I have a crush on this organic California beauty from Mendocino County.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2013 ($20.99)
An unabashedly sexy blend of Syrah, Mourvédre, and Grenache, this silky and earthy red from Roussillon, in the sunny south of France, will add some ooh la la to your evening. 

Left Coast Cellars Latitude 45 Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($38)

Wow someone special with this absolutely elegant Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (Oregon). Beautifully crafted from grapes (Dijon clones) grown in a vineyard that is directly on the 45th parallel, like many of the world's greatest wine regions, this wine is a classic beauty with the timeless finesse of Fred Astaire. 


Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2013 ($24)

Pour a little love, Italian style, with this terrific Tuscan vino. Sourced from the oldest and most deeply-rooted vines of Frescobaldi’s thousand-year old Nipozzano estate, it blends Sangiovese with kisses of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Silky and sultry with rich red berry flavors and hints of spice and cocoa, this is what la dolce vita tastes like! (I sampled the 2013 vintage but 2014 is currently available.)



Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)
A juicy red from Sonoma (California), Imagery blends classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of racy Petite Sirah. Smooth with a subtle pop of spice, it strikes the perfect balance between plush and polished.