Celebratory Year for South Coast and its Wines

photo and articles by Frank Mangio
Jon McPherson, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa’s savvy master winemaker in Temecula Wine Country, recently sat at our booth to join us for lunch at their posh Vineyard Rose Restaurant . For a few minutes, he relaxed over a few examples of South Coast ’s new releases. Jon came over from Thornton Winery 5 years ago where he gained a solid reputation as a meticulous craftsman of sparkling wine. Prior to coming to the Temecula Valley , he cut his teeth in the wine industry in Texas. At Thornton , he earned the title “ America ’s Most Honored Sparkling Wine Producer.”
A “pyramid” of winning wines surrounds the South Coast Winery’s Golden Bear Award in thebottom row center, symbolic of being best in
California.

Last year, the winery was judged the best in the state a the California State Fair and received the Golden Bear trophy for winning 39 awards including: 1 Best of State, 1 Best of Region, 12 Best of Class, 1 Double Gold and 5 Golds among others. In all, 255 awards were won in 2008 by this premier winery. At the end of the year, my Taste of Wine declared South Coast ’s Wild Horse Peak 2005 Sangiovese, one of its Top Ten Tastings.

I asked Jon how he has been able to extract excellence out of his varietals. He said “it’s about letting the grapes speak. We listen, then carefully nurture the process.” He then went on to describe my Top Ten Tasting winner: the 2005 Sangiovese.

A “pyramid” of winning wines surrounds the South Coast Winery’s Golden Bear Award in the bottom row center, symbolic of being best in California.

“The ’05 Sangiovese was planted near Palomar Mountain in the Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard, Thunderbolt Block. The fruit’s unusual depth of character and style is further accentuated by its exclusive aging in French oak barrels. The oak marries with the Sangiovese and adds a beautiful texture and complexity to its licorice and cherry notes. Supple tannins and racy acidity make it a standout 100% Sangiovese wine. It will age gracefully for the next 3 to 5 years.” Last year the ’05 Sangiovese, in addition to my Top Ten accolade, scored a Best of Class, a gold and 4 silvers.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa sits on 38 acres and is a destination property. Now is a great time to visit. It has a special “Recline in ‘09” promotion for its 76 villas that sit in the vineyard. Sunday through Thursday, a nightly stay is just $149. and it includes a complimentary bottle of wine and many more credit perks. Call 866-994-6379 for reservations through January 31. You may also access www.wineresort.com for information on all its wines and amenities.

This and That
Congrats to Dawn Galante of Galante Wines in Carmel Valley near Monterey on her 38th birthday which was Sunday January 18. To celebrate, her Blackjack 2004 Cab is on sale for $38. a bottle ( regular $50.) Limit 6 and good through January 31. See www.galantevineyards.com.

I was with the master sommelier Jesse Rodriguez at Addison at the Grand Resort Del Mar and we talked about the Anderson Valley in Northern California and their premier Pinot Noir. He recommended Golden Eye and its 2006 vintage. Come to find out it’s one of only two wines served at the President Obama Inaugural Luncheon. You will love the plum, spice, cherry and strawberry notes. It was served with pheasant and duck. The other wine was a Duckhorn 2007 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc served with a seafood stew of Maine Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp.

Wine Bytes
San Diego State University ’s Business of Wine course opens its Spring Semester with “Exploring Wine” starting Mon. Feb. 2, 6 to 9pm , on campus. For fees and registration, call 619-594-6924.

Holiday Wine Cellar of Escondido has “Wine Down Mondays” starting Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30pm for just $5. Enjoy Robert Nenow from his winery in Napa . He’s pouring Cab and his new Syrah/Cab blend. More info at 760-745-1200.

Jack’s La Jolla has a Blind Wine Tasting in the Ocean Room, Tues. Feb. 3 from 7 to 9pm , for $25. ea. Is it a Cab or a Zin? Test your skills. Details at 858-456-8111.

Restaurant Acqua Al 2 in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego launches “AA2 Uncorked,” a new wine tasting series to share the passion of fine Italian wines. The first class is Wed. Feb. 4, 6:30 to 8pm , with the theme of Amore, a Toast to Love. Learn about and try fine Italian wines and authentic Italian appetizers for participants. Cost is $15. pp. Call 619-230-0382 for RSVPs.

Pechanga Casino in Temecula inaugurates its first annual Wine Festival on Sat. Feb. 7 from Noon to 5pm to benefit the Red Cross. In addition to wine tastings with ZD, Miner, Chateau St. Michelle, Erath, Ferrari Carano, Mondavi, Falkner, Keyways, La Cereza, Pedroncelli and more, Pechanga has its great chefs prepare samples of their cuisine. Tickets are $65. ea. A 6 to 9pm bonus of more wineries with a Chocolate Decadence event costs $100. for the two events. For tickets call 877-7112WIN. Or access www.pechanga.com.