Wining Around the San Diego Wine Scene

by Frank Mangio
Some of the most creative people I know are connected to the wine scene. From winemaker to wine server, they get it that wine has a special place in our lives. Wherever people gather, wine plays a role in adding to the success of the evening. So let’s get a taste of some recent wine events that left everyone smiling.

Ferrari Carano, always a quality winemaker from Sonoma, presented its new releases recently at Capri Blu, the Italian Bistro and Winebar in the 4S Ranch area west of Rancho Bernardo. The new and summer-style 2009 Bella Luce was introduced, a light wine of mostly Chardonnay, with 6 other world-class white grapes to produce its own individuality. ($14.) Other winners were the 2008 version of Siena, made of mostly Italian Sangiovese and Argentina’s Malbec ($18.), and the limited release PreVail West Face, a rich-bodied dark ruby red wine of mostly cabernet with a healthy dose of Syrah ($55.).

Up north on the 15 freeway and into Escondido, Holiday Wine Cellar filled its underground wine tasting room with eager fans of Frank Family from Napa Valley. Catherine Uzeta, the Frank Family rep and Jim Kern of Holiday offered 5 Frank Family varietals for tasting and had attractive discounts on sales for that evening. I was most attracted by the 2008 Pinot Noir from the Carneros district of Napa Valley. ($31.99). Fresh strawberry fruit impresses the palate, with hints of hibiscus tea, cinnamon and honey.

Word just in that Jim Carter’s South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in the Temecula Valley has won some 56 medals at the California State Fair, including 15 Best of Class. It’s still another tribute to the determination of Carter to raise the level of quality wines in Temecula, with the expertise and wine wisdom of Master Winemaker Jon McPherson. The 38 acre property also has a world class restaurant and spa, and is a major concert venue.

Many of the awards were for the Wild Horse Peak wines, with grapes grown up in the hills near Palomar Mountain. The 2006 Sangiovese is a distinguished version of the Tuscan great.

The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla, recently rejuvenated by restaurant manager and sommelier Lisa Redwine, presented Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars in the San Francisco Bay area. Five different tasting stations made it a pleasure to participate. There were five Rhone varietals presented including a Granache. Brockway underlines his small production quantities and a hands-on approach as keys to his recent success since 2004 in making pocket-friendly drinkable wines.

Did you know that the family of the late Frank Sinatra now has Sinatra Family Estates wines, starting with a high quality 2007 Cabernet from Calistoga, Napa Valley (79.99). It’s starting to show up at finer wine shops.

The highest quality magazine for searching out the most contemporary information on food and wine is San Diego’s own Dining Out, a complimentary glossy publication available in finer restaurants and wine bars. The Summer/Fall edition is out with fascinating revelations about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as full menus of your favorite restaurants.

Carlsbad Wine Merchants Friday nights are really rockin and getting a fun reputation with live music, small bites cuisine and memorable wine tastings. First music set is usually 6:30pm. Caesar or Berry salad, gourmet pizzas, chicken wings or cheese boards compliment the wine tastings which go from 5pm to 8pm. $10. for wine club members, $20. for non-members. TGIF never felt so good.