Knights of Comedy (Orange County)

Anaheim Hills, CA (April 14, 2009) – Knights of Comedy, an established improv group, will be performing at the Chance Theater on Friday and Saturday nights at 11:00 PM through May 23rd.

Knights of Comedy is a professional group committed to both the art of improv and the growth of the performers through an honest interactive theater experience. They strive to entertain, inspire and rekindle the love of theater in the community.

The group began in 2004 at Chapman University and has been growing strong ever since. Newly added performers hold the title of ‘squire,’ while more veteran performers are ‘knights.’ On any given night, there will be a mixture of squires and knights performing.

Performance & Ticket Information

April 24 - May 23
Knights of Comedy Late Nite Improv
Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$15

The Chance Theater
5552 E. La Palma Ave
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
www.chancetheater.com

Box Office Information:
Phone number: (714) 777-3033
Make secure reservations at www.chancetheater.com.

Muscle Wine Nebbiolo Gets Witch Creek Gold

by Frank Mangio

With the heady scent of high tide at a Carlsbad beach, I entered Witch Creek Winery on the Coast Highway. It had been awhile and the news recently from this highly focused Italian style winery was all good. Earlier this year, it had captured Best of Class with its 2006 Nebbiolo at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. That wasn’t all…Witch Creek entered 7 wines, and all 7 took medals.

Founded in 1993 by the Wodehouse family, the winery also has a tasting room in the mountain town of Julian. In addition to the usual popular wines like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other household names, a decision was made to source known and lesser known Italian grape varietals from the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada Mexico, long-known for its excellence in growing Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.

Pete Anderson, an area specialist in Italian viticulture, works closely with Witch Creek and his winemaker contact at L.A. Cetto in the Mexican wine country, Camillo Magoni, to bring award winning Italian grape varietals to the U.S. market with price points that are well below wines from Italy.

Although the 2006 Nebbiolo is now sold out, the rave is building for the 2007 vintage. Palate pleasing with huge potential in its blueberry and blackberry combination, this vintage is still in the grip of strong tannins and needs some lay-down time.


The creative style of winemaker Ryan Baker shows best in his touch with Witch Creek Blends. (foto by Frank Mangio)

If you have a “drink-now” occasion, open it up about an hour before consumption for a mouth-feel that flourishes with the full flavor of true Nebbiolo. Cost at the winery is $35.

Ryan Baker, the eclectic Witch Creek winemaker is constantly experimenting, trying new combinations and mixes, to come up with the next big thing. His work with the blend of Brunello and Aglianico in the 2006 Due Pastore deserves cheers. Hearty meats will get a flavor boost from this vintage and well as the later 2007 model that mates Aglianico and Montepulciano. They sell for $20. and $23. respectively. For the latest information and wine releases, the website is: www.witchcreekwinery.com.

Enjoy Your Own Fine Wine at Addison
Addison, the upscale restaurant in the Grand Resort Del Mar, recently was awarded Mobil’s prestigious Five-Star designation. This award really defines the highest standard of excellence in dining establishments. It also announced that on Tuesday and Wednesday dinners, guests can bring in a wine of their own with no corkage fee. This is a first in fine dining in the San Diego market and should be applauded. Customers in that price range often want to share their wines at a dining room of Addison’s stature.

Master Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez wants guests to know that he has brought in private bottlings with Grand Del Mar supervision, in collaboration some of the best vintners available. Rodriguez said “we have been busy making some incredible wine from all over California and Europe with proprietary offerings.”

Wine Spectator recently awarded Addison the “Best of Award of Excellence.” Learn more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

Wine Bytes
 Il Fornaio, in Del Mar and Coronado, continues its Festa Regionale salute to Italy’s culinary regions with Campania dinners and wines, now through May 17. Campania includes Naples, Sorrento and the Amafli Coast, home to Aglianico wines and Limoncello liqueurs. The Del Mar location number is 858-755-8876.

 Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido offers German Rieslings at a tasting on Fri. May 8 from 5:30 to 7pm. Rieslings are lovely summertime wines from dry to sweet. Cost is $10. with appetizers. Call for details at 760-745-1200.

 3rd Corner in Encinitas presents an Italian wine tasting on Sat. May 9 from 2 to 5pm for $10. each. Learn which labels by calling 760-942-2104.

 Haciendas de Las Rosas heads up the next elegant 5 course winemaker dinner at Café Merlot and Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo, Fri. May 15 starting at 6:30pm. $85. pp. Reservations at 858-592-7785.

 Paso Robles Wine Country is planning their 27th annual Wine Festival for Fri. May 15 to Sun. May 17. Fri. is the reserve tasting and Sat. the Grand Tasting with over 90 wineries participating. Local chefs also get involved. For ticket information, call 805-239-8463, or visit www.pasowine.com.

 The Four Seasons Aviara and its wine club invites guests to the 5th annual Around the World Wine Tasting, Wed. May 20 at 6:30pm. Only the best of the best wines are tasted, with food sampling from the resort’s Executive Chef. For more information, call 760-603-3790.

Wine and Food Event for Boys & Girls Club Rawks Saturday Night!

Fotos by Mojo
Saturday night's wine and food event at Westfields North County Mall was a huge success, if great wine and tasty food had anything to do with it. Check back for complete TV segment coverage.

ABOVE: Even the vendors took some time out to demonstrate their best "grape grins".

ABOVE: San Diego winelovers and foodies catch up to compare vintages and help a great cause.

ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV's own J.T. Meadows took time out from wine interviews to do his own research of a most excellent line-up of Aguirre Tequilla.

ABOVE: Taking time out from a busy evening of wine sampling to spoon up some of the great pasta offered by the friendly folks at Macaroni Grill.
ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV cameraman Ed Stockton calls in a rental truck to haul away some of the top-notch wine finds that he came across at Saturday night's event.

The Italians Pour the Wine in San Diego

by Frank Mangio
Italian wines are on a roll, having had several years of wonderful harvests and increasingly kind words in the wine press. This has emboldened the vineyards to band together and present their wines in cities across America.

Such a fine Italian wine tasting occurred recently in San Diego featuring “Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri” winners, put together by distribution heavyweights Southern Wine & Spirits and Palm Bay International. Restaurants countywide that offer fine wines flocked to this special occasion with 13 of the very best wineries Italy has to offer.

The wines represent a vast and varied map of grape growing, with a tapestry of tastes well suited to the wine aficionado who enjoys the nuances of earthy, mineral forward wines.

Unlike California, labels give no hint of the grape source, but concentrate on location, with obscure villages and districts like Barolo, Chianti Classico, Montepulciano and Aglianico given star treatment. In Italy we are looking at some 900,000 vineyards in an area similar to California in size and shape. To be sampling these 13 is indeed a pleasure worth savoring.

Mosca, Travaglina and Marchesi di Barolo
The names to know and worth noting include: Anselmi, Bertani, Mazzei, Cavit, Conte Brandolini, Ferrari, San Gregorio, Planeta, Poliziano, San Patrignano, Sella and Italian winemakers pour their best varietals at the “Gambero Rosso” tasting event in San Diego.

Castellina is a picture-book village in the pristine Italian district of Tuscany, midway on the fabled “Chiantigiana” road from Florence to Siena.

It is a town that Francesco Mazzei knows well since his ancestors have been making wine there since 1435. Castello di Fonterutoli, a historic property has been in the Mazzei family since that time and stands as his signature vineyard.

Only cutting edge quality is the standard for this acclaimed Chianti Classico with its Sangiovese grape varietal. Altitude has a significant effect on all vineyard production and the Mazzei family plants at up to 1,640 feet above sea level, with rocky limestone/sandstone soil structure. Low yield ensures high quality production of complex, elegant Sangiovese wines.

I tasted the 2005 Fonterutoli Chianti Classico and the 2005 Fonterutoli Siepi and found the Siepi a more delicious, grape forward wine, with a slightly herb accent. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot. A year and a half in small oak barrels cultivates the result. It was clearly the best of show. Learn more from the Mazzei website at www.mazzei.it

Pioneer Winemaker Grgich Celebrates 85th Birthday
When I first met Mike Grgich, the hero of Napa Valley wines, it was three years ago and the book “Judgement of Paris” had just come out. It is an accounting of the shocking victory of Napa Valley wines over their established French counterparts in 1976, the first time American wines had gone head to head internationally in a highly publicized blind tasting.

Mike, who was the winemaker for Chateau Montelana in Napa at the time, made the Chardonnay that elevated the area to star quality.

He gave me a copy of the book with a warm personal message, appropriate for this wonderful man who is still making beautiful Chardonnay at his Grgich Hills Estate, with his daughter Violet. The current vintage is a 2006, the first one certified organic and biodynamic. Mike was inducted into the vintners Hall of Fame last year. For more, access www.grgich.com.

Wine Bytes
 Cakebread Cellars of Napa Valley is the feature wine at the Sat. May 2 event at The Wine Encounter on University in San Diego. Cost is $30. pp, with a 6:30pm start. A classic tasting. Call 619-543-9463.

 La Cereza in Temecula Wine Country celebrates Cinco De Mayo with a Fiesta on Sat. May 2 from Noon to 6pm, with food, music, art, wine and beer service. Make your own tacos. Free admission. Call 951-699-6952.

 Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas has two wine dinners going in May: Wed. the 6th and Wed. the 13th. Both start at 6:30pm with the first spotlighting Peju Winery and the next one Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Call 760-635-1066 for pricing and details.

 Luxus 101 Bistro and Grill in Encinitas is celebrating its 1st anniversary with a Coleman Family Vineyards Wine Dinner Sat. May 9 from 7 to 10pm. $70. ea. Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir will be poured. RSVP required, by calling 760-943-7180.

 San Diego’s Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park has two events in May: a 100 Point Wine Tasting at a Rancho Santa Fe home on Sat, May 9 starting at 4pm, and their Grand Tasting and Wine Auction Sat. May 30 starting at 6pm at the Museum. High quality distinctive wines will be paired with featured San Diego restaurant cuisine. Tiered pricing includes $95. ea. for non-members. Live auction at 7:30pm includes rare and fine wines. Learn more at 619-238-7559.

 San Diego State University has a new wine class: Bottle to Glass, from Winery to Consumer, that begins on Mon. May 11. and goes to June 1. Enroll now through May 4 and get the discounted cost of $295. Call for details at 619-594-6924.

New Classes Offered by San Diego State

If you are interested in building your wine savvy, click here
San Diego State University Education Opportunity

Concert Season Begins in Temecula Wine Country

A vineyard setting, beautifully crafted wine and food creations, outdoor vineyard setting and some of the coolest jazz and pop music, awaits you this season in Temecula Wine Country. The major winery players in the concert scene this year is venerable favorite Thornton Winery and its 21st annual Champagne Jazz series, Wiens with its pop music, and South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and its Rhythm on the Vine Jazz headliner.

Mindi Abair kicks off the Temecula Winery concert scene at Thornton Winery Sunday April 26.

Thornton’s season includes 22 dates, from Sunday April 26 at 4pm with marquee attractions Mindi Abair and David Benoit, all the way to Sunday October 11 from 4pm with guitarist Jesse Cook.

If you haven’t taken in Mindi Abair’ s concerts, she is like a vintage, velvety bottle of rare wine. Teaming up with “Snoopy” theme song originator Benoit, this concert promises to be memorable.

Mindi started up in 2003 with her own sax version of a Snoopy-linked hit called “Lucy,” part of a CD that hit the top 5 on the Jazz charts. She sings, plays a mean alto sax and has a nationwide radio show. Her new CD just out is called “Stars,” a contemporary jazz and pop collection of love songs. Thornton has a Gourmet Supper Package with a complete selection of their award-winning sparkling and premium varietal wines. For tickets and a full calendar of acts, call 951-699-3021.

Wiens Family Cellars offers the English Beat with Richard Blade on Friday May 8 at 5:30pm, and The Knack on Friday June 19. The 80’s sounds are back, with special tiered pricing. Call 951-694-9892.

South Coast and its Rhythm on the Vine event happens Saturday June 27 beginning at 6:30pm with Sax for Stax, then Jeffrey Osborne at 9pm. It benefits Shriners Hospital for Children. For further news, call 951-587-9463.

Half Bottle-Half Price Wine Menu at Savory
A tip of the cork to Savory Casual Fare of Encinitas, G.M. John Boily and Chef Pascal Vignau for a bold move to increase dining value. On Tuesdays and Wednesday, a new, exciting half wine bottle inventory is being offered along with a half price menu. “This should give our guests a greater opportunity to try new wines from around the world,” said Vignau. Dinner hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm to 9:30pm. Menu selections can be viewed on the website at www.savorycasualfare.com.


Wine Bytes
 Wine Street Carlsbad toasts their Chile/Argentina tasting Fri. Apr. 24 with a guest pourer, from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $15. ea. Call 760-431-8455.
 Bacchus in the San Diego Gaslamp District presents wines from South Africa Fri. Apr. 24 from 4pm to 8:30pm for $15. pp. Sample Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. 619-236-0005.
 Tastes, downtown Encinitas, has an evening with winemaker Patty Green of Patricia Green Cellars, Sun. Apr. 26 at 6pm. Five course Pinot Noir dinner for $120. ea. RSVP at 760-942-9549.
 The Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego offers a Wine, Dine and Design evening on Thurs. Apr. 30 from 5 to 7pm, for a fee of $40. It’s an interactive class with delightful appetizers paired with lovely wines. A floral class adds to the attraction. For more, call 619-557-3655, ext 3619.
 A blind tasting adds to the fun at the Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Mon. Apr. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Just $5. admission. Five Merlots will be offered. Call 760-745-1200.

Best Wine/Dine Value in Vegas

Sure it’s a tough economy and no tougher than for the upscale restaurant business. I get an outpouring of e mails and coupons promoting special pricing and credits to attract the shrinking consumer discretionary dollar.

Many of these restaurants tell me “the bar is keeping us alive,” and that’s where a lot of the deals and “small-portion with wine flights” marketing is going.
Wine/dine linkups are an added value restaurant perk not to be missed.

No better example of this strategy is the “Las Vegas Strip,” and the palatial newer hotels: Wynn Resorts and Encore, the side-by-side gleaming beauties built by Steve Wynn; and Palazzo and the five diamond Venetian, owned by Sheldon Adelson. I wanted to find out how a well-known dining establishment of some 10 years is able to hold its own with the newcomers, so I called on The Venetian’s Canaletto, the largest restaurant at the hotel.

Canaletto is part of the Il Fornaio chain and has an old world sophisticated charm about it. It is a favorite of the Hollywood set, with recent guests that included Sean Connery and Goldie Hawn. The view from some window tables is that of the Venetian’s Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square. Multiple small dining rooms, with old world décor, enhance the Italian experience.


Senior Chef Paolo Pittia, Taste of Wine columnist FrankMangio and Darren Chini, assistant General Manager of Canaletto, tasting a bottle of Machiavelli 2003 Chianti Classico.

I asked how business was after all the stories that Las Vegas has endured a severe drop in tourism. Chef Pittia, who was carefully crafting a wine/food pairing of popular elements of the “primi” portion of the menu, answered that “Canaletto gets better with age, just like good wine. We provide a reasonably priced home-made menu with old world Italian artistry.” Indeed the two menu items: Risotto Funghi with oysters, mushrooms and beef tenderloin, and the Gnocchi Castra with potato dumplings, lamb ragu, pecorino cheese and red wine, both matched up remarkably with the Machievelli 2003 Chianto Classico.

“This is the atmosphere of Venice like nowhere else in the world except for the city itself,” declared Darren Chini, the on-duty manager. “Please tell your readers we have just opened the newest Canaletto in Newport Beach at Fashion Island in Southern California.”

By keeping the quality consistently high along with surprisingly reasonable pricing for such a spectacular location, Caneletto is not only surviving, it’s thriving as the Venetian experience.

For a special occasion, consider the selection of four complete group menus, all artfully blended in five courses, from “anti pasti” (appetizers) to “dolci”(dessert).

There is more to the story and you can get it at www.ilfornaio.com.

German Rieslings Flourish in the New World
Warm weather is just about here, so it isn’t too soon to begin the search for the ultimate cool-down white wine that still tastes like wine. Many of the refreshing thirst-quenching whites are just pale images of their heavier bodied cousins, like Chardonnay and Viognier.

For a garden variety white that makes a statement, I go to a few favorite varietals, and Riesling is at the top of my list. Riesling is the national wine of Germany.

It's Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region has the steepest vineyards in the world along the Mosel River which cuts through the German hillsides until it gets to the Rhine River near the town of Koblenz. Climate conditions are rough on the grapes as it is the most northern of the growing grounds in Germany, so most vineyards are planted facing south. The Riesling is a naturally sweet grape with its own mineral taste. Alcohol content is a low 8 to 12%.

If you are looking for a German native Riesling, look no further than Dr. Loosen with its citrus flavor accenting the stone and slate sleekness that has made this name famous. Closer to home, Chateau St. Michelle and Dr. Loosen collaborated to fashion a “new world” Riesling from western Washington’s Columbia Valley which is the envy of most old world types.

The wine, Eroica, named for Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony, has Germany’s Ernst Loosen and St. Michelle winemaker Bob Bertheau creating a best-of-class example of top shelf Riesling at a winery price of $25. for the 2007.

An even more exciting piece of Riesling news is the success of Falkner Winery in Temecula with its 2007 Riesling. It took a gold medal in the most recent San Francisco Chronicle wine competition. Price is just $16.95. Find out more at
www.falknerwinery.com.

Wine Bytes
 A BBQ and blessing of the vines will take place at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa Sun. Apr. 19 from 4pm to 7pm. Live jazz music accompanies. Take the processional tour through the vines. $40. pp. RSVP a must at 951-587-9463 ext. 7210.
 San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Rd. will be offering their Top Ten Tastings for under $10. Sat. Apr. 25 from 11 – 4:30pm. Cost is just $5. Find out more at 858-586-WINE.
 A music and wine festival in North San Diego County featuring a Neil Diamond tribute band, great wines, silent auction and culinary stars is on for Sat. Apr. 25 from 6 to 9 pm at North County Fair Shopping Center in Escondido. Cost is $75. and it benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. At last count there were 50 wineries and 30 restaurants committed. Optional VIP favors available. Call 858-578-9463 for tickets. Or visit www.rhythmandvine.org.
 Wine Vault near Little Italy in San Diego presents an Andrew Geoffrey Winery 6 year “vertical” with a 6 course dinner Sun. Apr. 26 Reception at 4pm with dinner at 5pm. $59.50 pp. Call for RSVP at 619-295-3939.
 The Palmina Winery of Santa Barbara County and its winemaker owners will be spotlighted at Vivace at Four Seasons Resort Aviara on Fri. May 1 starting at 6:30pm. Palmina celebrates the Italian style of rustic small lot winemaking and food. Five course dinner by Chef Bryant Wigger. $85. ea. Phone 760-603-3773 for your RSVP.

Brix Chix Clixs Debuts at Keyways

TEMECULA, CA --Keyways Vineyard & Winery, which has already made a name for itself as the only women–owned and =-operated winery in Southern California, is about to break new ground.

On April 23 at 7 p.m. the winery will hold the first meeting of Terri’s Brix Chix, one of the first woman-only wine clubs in the nation.

“Terri’s Brix Chix is a wine club for local ladies who enjoy wine to come together for education, inspiration, entertainment and empowerment,” explained Terri Pebley, winery founder. “As far I know, we are the only such club in California.”


Monthly meetings of the club’s Chix Clixs will include wine tasting, food, networking, education on wine and women’s topics and games and fun activities. Occasionally the club will hold events that would include spouses and significant others.

The club gets its name from brix, a unit that measures sugar content of grapes, grape juice (must) or wine.

Pebley was surprised that there were not more women-only wine clubs because woman play such a big role in the wine business.

According to San Diego-based Wine Adventure magazine:

· 80 percent of women prefer wine to other alcoholic beverages.

· 57 percent of the consumers who purchase wines costing more than $20 for special occasion are women.

· 53 percent of those buying wines $15 and more are women,

Terri Pebley has never been satisfied with the status quo. The math major turned CPA and attorney is a successful commercial real estate broker. Wherever Terri has set her sights, she’s made a difference. She oversaw a dramatic $1.5 million makeover of the winery and tasting room that has transformed Keyways into a comfortable and entertaining place for wine lovers to gather in what she calls the “Romantic Side” of Temecula’s Wine Country. She’s particularly proud of the new line of Femina Vita wines she’s creating for women with the help of Winemaker Michael Tingley. With women making 60 percent of the wine-buying decisions, Pebley thought it was time to make a wine that appeals to the female palate.

Keyways Vineyard & Winery sits on about 13 acres at the confluence of the 2,000-acre Valle de los Caballos -- Valley of the Horses – and the southern tier of Temecula’s Wine Country at 37338 DePortola Road.

From the 15 freeway, head out Highway 79 South/Temecula Parkway toward Indio, turn left on Anza Road and right on DePortola Road for about 2 miles. The tasting room is open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. during December.
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Renzoni Vineyards Celebrates a Birthday

TEMECULA, Calif. – Buon compleanno Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery !!!

On Saturday, April 18, Temecula Valley’s newest winery invites wine and food lovers to help the Renzoni family celebrate its first birthday.

The celebration starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m. It includes live music, complimentary tiramisu provided by Rustico and pasta from Crivello’ ristorantes in Murrieta. Birthday goers also will receive a souvenir gift.

The day-long celebration is also a great opportunity to sample Renzoni’s 11 wines, including the 2007 Moscato dessert wine paired with tiramisu.

“We hope everyone can make it out to our winery and help us mark this memorable day,” said Robert Renzoni, co-owner. “What better way to celebrate a birthday than with family and friends.”

Photo: Fred and Robert Renzoni

Robert Renzoni opened its tasting room in April 2008 but its family owners are part of a winemaking tradition that goes back more than 100 years. Its wines can be found in nearly three-dozen restaurants from Oceanside to Lake Elsinore. In the coming year the winery plans to introduce several new wines made from Mediterranean varietals.

The 12-acre estate currently includes a 4,000-square-foot tasting room/production facility and about 9 acres of vineyard planted with the premiere Brunello clone of Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition the winery offers a rose of Sangiovese, Old Vine Zinfandel, Concerto ( a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah and Merlot), Moscato, Bellisimo (Italian style Riesling) and as well as oaked and non-oaked Chardonnay.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery tasting room is located at 37350 De Portola Road and open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery is located near the confluence of the 2,000-acre Valle de los Caballos -- Valley of the Horses – and southern tier of Temecula’s Wine Country. From the 15 freeway, head out Temecula Parkway (Highway 79 South) toward Indio, turn left on Anza Road and right on DePortola Road for about 2 miles. Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery is right next door to Keyways Vineyard & Winery.

For more information call (951) 302- VINO (8466) or go to www.robertrenzonivineyards.com

Wines to Taste Now

These premium wines have recently been released and are superior in taste and value. They all can be opened and enjoyed now:

Caliza Paso Robles 2006 Syrah. $45. A beautiful wine from the west side of Paso. Amazing texture and finish. Big fruity mouth-feel at 16.5% alcohol. Winner Best of Class and Sweepstakes Award best red at the recent San Francisco competition. www.calizawinery.com.

Chateau St. Michelle Washington 2005 Col Solare. $75. Acclaimed blend with the hand of one of Italy’s finest winemakers, Piero Antinori of Tuscany. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Cab Franc, has distinct aromas and taste of black cherry, berry and dark chocolate. A masterpiece. www.ste-michelle.com.

Grgich Hills Napa Valley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. $60. 21 months in French Oak with natural organic and biodynamic growing techniques. Superior balance of acid, fruit and tannins. www.grgich.com.

Justin Paso Robles 2006 Isosceles. $62. The ’05 made my top ten tastings and this release is even better! Isosceles is 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot and is always best when aged beyond its release date. www.justinwine.com.

Thornton Temecula Valley 2006 Nebbiolo. $32. The venerable grape of the legendary Italian wines Barolo and Barbaresco but with a value price. Thornton’s Don Reha nails it with a ripeness and maturity matching the Italians. Best of class at the 2008 California State Fair. www.thorntonwine.com.

The Perfect Fit For Orfila Winery

Article and photo by Frank Mangio
Six weeks ago this column mourned the passing of a winemaking saint who touched the hearts of wine lovers in two continents. Leon Santoro of Orfila Winery in San Diego County’s Escondido brought to market some of the most outstanding wines ever tasted in Southern California. Judges in major world competitions agreed and presented Orfila with over 1,300 awards of excellence.

The winery’s owner, Alejandro Orfila of Argentina and a former official for that government, upon the passing of Santoro, placed many calls to this columnist and others who could spread the word and make suggestions for a successor. At best this was a difficult search. Santoro had sharpened his skills in French Rhone Valley varietals like Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and Syrah, as well as Italian grapes like Sangiovese.

When I learned that the brilliant winemaker from Temecula’s Thornton Winery, Don Reha, had agreed to split his time between Thornton and Orfila, I silently said to myself “I do believe in miracles.”

Reha had been hired by Thornton 6 years ago from Northern California where he had a rich tenure with some household name wineries like Fetzer and Cline. All the while he was honing his skills in the Rhone and Italian style of winemaking, a footprint of what made Leon Santoro so popular in the wine community.

In a recent interview with A Taste of Wine, Reha echoed that thought. “It’s an honor and a privilege to come in to Orfila after Leon and carry on his legacy that will always remain here. My ideas of winemaking are the same ideas he had with him. The quality here has been outstanding.”

I asked him what favorites he had tasted and he quickly replied, “the Viognier Lotus 67 is perfectly structured for this appellation. It screams for more Viognier and we’ll plant more, as well as the Syrah with its great reputation at Orfila the past 10 years. I will be getting comfortable with what has been done and strive to use more estate grapes that will thrive.”

Orfila Vineyard and Winery is in a very good position and I have no doubt that Reha will be putting his skills in full throttle to make this winery even more successful and take it to greater heights. See the new website at www.orfilawinery.com.

Wine Bytes
In downtown Los Angeles, the historic San Antonio Winery has a Wine 101 four course lunch and wines on Sat. Apr. 11 from 12 to 3pm. Hosted by Michael Papalia. Cost is $65. pp. RSVP at 323-223-1401 ext 8745. Taste Maddalena, Luigi Bosca and Ruggeri Prosecco.

A wine & dinner salute to Federal Court Justice Gilbert Nares to benefit the North County Bar donor advised fund will be Thurs. Apr. 16 starting at 5:30pm with a reception. Location is The Crossings at Carlsbad. Orfila Wines will be featured. Cost is $95. pp. Call Mary Cervantes at 760-758-5833 for details.

Sat. Apr. 18 at Vintage Wines on Miramar Rd. San Diego, taste the latest Pinot Noirs from California and Oregon from 11 to 3:30pm. Just $5. Call 858-549-2112 for more.

The new Charlie Palmer inspired Next Vintage Wine Shop at Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa has a Cakebread Cellars Winemaker Dinner featuring Dennis Cakebread of Napa Valley Mon. Apr. 27. Call for prices and times at 714-352-2525.