Once Around Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio

Every so often, I like to get in my car, take the easy drive up to Temecula and knock on some doors in Wine Country. Strategically located within an hour of 5 heavily populated counties in Southern California, it is a serene 5, 000 acre protected agricultural preserve, with rolling hills covered with vineyards. It has a warm, inland climate with just enough cool-down at night for growing quality estate grown grapes. The number of wineries grows with each passing week, now up to 30+ in the marketing association designed to market the area. Many more backyard operations dot the landscape.

Sonoma winemaker native David Vergari is now making the wines at Temecula’s Thornton Winery

The Association is gearing up for California Wine Month in September, with two special events: purchase a month-long pass to 5 of the 30+ member wineries of your choice, to visit for full tastings at each winery. The cost is $40, a considerable discount and good any time in September.

The other event is CRUSH, a one day event held Saturday September 10 from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Monte de Oro Winery. All association wineries will participate and you can taste your way through over 100 latest release wines. Winery owners and chefs from the food booths of both wineries and local restaurants will be mingling with visitors. Cost is $65. per person. Get all the details on both events at 800-801-9463.

David Vergari is a well-traveled winemaker, landing recently at Thornton Winery. His resume includes the top names in Napa Valley and time in Europe, Chile and Australia. His worldly experience comes to bear in Thornton’s new lineup of 2010 releases which can be summed up as Mediterranean based varietals with a California style taste.

All grapes are grown in the Temecula Valley, which is a clear and encouraging trend for valley wineries. We evaluated some 15 new wines and I was very impressed with: 2010 Mourvedre ($22.), a Rhone Valley grape usually used in blending with a Syrah and Grenache. Finally unleashed, this earthy wine was truly delicious and nicely stood on its own legs.

Here is a drink-now red, perfect for Temecula terroir. Chef Steve Pickell of Thornton’s Café Champagne stopped by our table and we sampled new menu items that paired nicely with the new wine list.

Over at Wilson Creek Winery, 3 new releases caught my eye and palate: the 2008 Estate Reserve Zinfandel, 2008 Reserve Petite Sirah and the 2009 Estate Double Dog Blend (Prices N/A). All had enriched fruit from the hand of Etienne Cowper, Wilson Creek’s veteran winemaker.

More excitement coming from the winery is the appearance of top jazz man Jeff Golub Saturday September 17 at 7:30pm, to climax a successful concert season. Tickets start at $49. Buy them at 951-699-WINE.

Monte De Oro, the Classic Tuscan style

Winery on a bluff with spectacular views of Temecula, has released its new 2009 Chardonnay and reports that bottles are flying off the shelves. ( $21.) You’ll taste traditional toasty oak with notes of peach, pear and pineapple. Classic California.

The Monte De Oro Tasting Room in Temecula Wine Country.

The winery will host CRUSH, with 30 wineries pouring over 100 wines, on Saturday September 10. Its popular Happy Hour entertainment on Fridays has Brazilian Music, drink, food specials and a Cigar Lounge.

The Labor Day Weekend September 3 and 4 has Falkner Winery leading the special events with: lunch specials in the Pinnacle Restaurant, Free Jazz on the lawn both days from Noon to 3pm and new release wines with a BBQ both days. Try the 2008 Cabernet, the 2007 Merlot, the 2007 Amante and the 2009 Viognier.

Oak Mountain Winery with Steve and Valerie Andrews just presented a beautifully produced 2009 Cabernet. ($60.) Luscious black cherry and plum deepens the tasting experience. This, like the others, is an estate wine, something you need to look for in your wine decisions.

On the De Portola Trail, Leoness Cellars Restaurant at Leoness Winery has unveiled fresh Italian and French selections to their menu. World-wise chef Daragh Matheson promises seasonal, artisan style food, with most items under $20. Call 951-302-7601.

Temecula Valley’s 15 hotels saw double digit growth in occupancy for July so the word is spreading for Southern California’s Wine Country. See more at www.temeculawines.org.

Wine Bytes

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents Big, Bold Reds Fri. Sept. 2 from 6 to 8pm. $20. pp. Tasting notes and details at www.meritagewinemarket.com.

Viva Vino Spanish Tapas Wine Bar in Old Town Temecula has authentic Flemenco from DeRumba Sun. Sept. 4 from 8 to 11pm. Cover charge of $10. RSVP by calling 951-506-5953.

Wine, Women and Shoes benefiting Womens Health Services at Scripps Hospital Encinitas is planned for Thurs. Sept. 8 from 3 to 7pm at a private Rancho Santa Fe Estate. Sip, savor, shop and win. Men encouraged to come also. Details at 858-678-6349.

A Wine Dinner with Aurelio Montes of Chile’s Montes Wines is Fri. Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30pm, at The Bay View Restaurant in San Diego. A special 5 course dinner has pairings of wine from the Montes Portfolio. Tickets are $60. ea. Reserve your table at 619-725-6388.

Niner Wines from Paso Robles is coming to Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Sat. Sept. 10 from 2 to 4pm. $10. charge. RSVP at 760-745-1200.

In Napa Valley, the Mt. Veeder Appellation has its annual Wine Tasting Sat. Sept. 24 from 1-4pm at Hess Collection Winery. Two dozen wineries participate, with food pairings,live music and drawings. Visit www.mtveederwines.com for tickets.

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Jazz & Pop Music with Supper at Anthology

by Frank Mangio

The downtown San Diego night time scene grew up exponentially when real estate developer Howard Berkson, a Chicago businessman, who grew up with first class dinner show operations, decided to open Anthology recently.

“There’s a demographic niche in this town that wants a first class experience in food, wine, and music,” he said. “That’s what we provide with our renowned chef, Todd Allison and his farm-fresh menu, and three levels of unobstructed views of top musical acts, 6 nights a week with two shows nightly.”

The digital sound system is among the best I have heard. There are two bars and lounges for those who want just a cocktail or glass of wine. 300 seats for dining and many intimate booths, provide for the comfort of diners.

Warren Phelps manages the Anthology Supper Club and Todd Allison is Executive Chef

From unplugged solos to large bands, there is always an exciting array of local and national artists, playing blues, jazz, pop, classic rock and Latin.

On the night I was reviewing Anthology, their band featured vocalist Rebecca Jade, a sultry, smooth Jazz singer who’s emotional style and resume of San Diego appearances commands attention. Her debut CD is now out. Check it out at www.thejadeelement.com.

The menu of food and wines is second to none downtown. This night, Chef chose a grilled lamb chop as the appetizer. It was supported by roasted cauliflower, herbed spaetzle and a tzatziki sauce. An asian pear and wild arugula salad followed, laced with blue cheese, cranberry and pistachio pesto.

Anthology’s sultry “house” vocalist is Rebecca Jade, a smooth companion for dinner club patrons.

The main course was a roasted garlic-crusted tenderloin of beef, with grilled new potatoes, asparagus tips, with a black pepper bordelaise sauce. I left it up to the table manager for a wine choice and he came up with a 2007 Leal Meritage, perfectly balanced with 60% Cabernet, 23% Merlot, 11% Cab Franc and 6% Malbec.($50.)

Big time talent loves to play this intimate venue , so reminiscent of the 40’s and 50’s supper club scene in L.A., New York and Chicago.

The 13,000 square foot restaurant club extends vertically to three levels, including a mezzanine and VIP Dining Room. On the upper level there are indoor/outdoor spaces including a Fireside Lounge, outdoor Bayside Balcony and a private dining room.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Anthology is closed on Monday and open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30pm. Find out more at 619-595-0300 or visit www.AnthologySD.com.

Wine Bytes

§ San Diego Wine Company is planning a German Wine Tasting Sat. Aug. 27 from 11 to 4:30pm. $10. fee. Call 858-586-WINE.

§ Grape Stomp 2011 at Orfila Winery in Escondido is Sat. Aug. 27 from 4 to 8pm. $85. Admission includes wine tasting with appetizers, dinner buffet, grape stomping, music by Java Sounds, tractor rides and more. For details, call 760-738-6500 x22.

§ Bacchus Wine Bar and Market in the Gaslamp San Diego has their Anniversary Party Sat Aug. 27 from 5 to 9pm. Prepaid RSVP for $20. Call 619-236-0005.

§ Gen 7 Wines is having a new release party at Tommy V’s in Del Mar, Sun. Aug 28 from 2 to 5pm. Wine, food and fun are promised from winemaker and owner Tim Bacino. $50. pp. RSVP to theclub@gen7wines.com.

§ The Vault: Contemporary Art and Fine Wine is the name of a special event at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel downtown San Diego Sat Sept 3. from 6 to 8pm. Over 30 wineries are promised, with over 500 works of art from around the world. Cost is $25. ea., $35. at the door. For more, call 619-312-1212 or www.artsandiego2011.eventbrite.com.

§ The 2011 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is Sept. 2 to 4. Winemaker lunches, dinners and BBQ throughout. Main event is a Taste of Sonoma on Sat. Sept. 3 from 11 to 4pm at McMurray Ranch in Healdsburg. All details 800-939-7666. Or check out www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com.

A Toast to South Coast Orange County

by Frank Mangio

This column has been privileged to applaud the accomplishments of South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula over the years. So it was with a fair amount of interest and curiosity that we took the drive up to the recently opened South Coast Winery Restaurant and Tasting Room near South Coast Plaza in Santa Ana.

I was warmly greeted by General Manager Michael Sumeracki and Executive Chef Ulises Navarrete. The wait help for my table turned out to be a brilliantly smart wine aficionado, Sasha Alms, who has a successful high-end wine party planning business when he’s not dazzling restaurant diners.

South Coast Winery Restaurant & Tasting Room in Sant Ana key management team is led by Michael Sumeracki and Ulises Navarrete.

My South Coast wine tastings were chosen based on the menu selections that evening, and they were many and varied, displaying an eclectic menu that chef had crafted from his special take on salads, seafood, pastas, beef and chops.

But here’s the special offer only South Coast has in this area. You can taste five premium reserve South Coast wines of your choice for just $15., ranging from Petite Sirah from the winery’s Wild Horse Peak Vineyard high in the hills of Temecula, to the French style, 30-month aged Estate Private Reserve Cabernet.

Another exclusive feature that makes this location a winery as well as a restaurant is that you can buy any of the lineup of South Coast Wines here. The selections especially chosen for my enjoyment: 2009 Gewurztraminer, 2008 Estate Fume’, 2007 Grenache and the 2007 Wild Horse Peak Il Temporale (mostly Sangiovese with some Cabernet, Petit Verdot, and Merlot).

Master Winemaker Jon McPherson recently picked up nine awards for his nine entries in the Sparkling Wine Beverage Tasting Institute; and the San Francisco International Wine Competition awarded South Coast Double Gold for its 2009 Late Harvest Semillon and 2008 Wild Horse Peak 2008 Syrah. Gold was awarded for the 2009 Chardonnay and 2010 Sauvignon Blanc.

With South Coast Restaurant and Tasting Room, coastal customers can now stay on the coast and sip the benefits of a great Southern California Temecula vintner, South Coast Winery See www.SCWRestaurant.com. or call 714-957-1857.

Other Stand-Out Summer Taste Treats

It’s warm out there and I usually lip-lock on to some lovely whites, a few of which I thought were outstanding, so they are counted in on the big ten list which this August went like this:

Attems Pinot Grigio, Collio District Italy, 2010, $19. Frisky white with penetrating acidity, impressive fruitiness and a lively taste.

Briar Rose Cabernet Franc, Temecula Valley CA., 2005. $42. Lots of muscle in this private reserve great from the hands of Les Linkogle. Small lots, limited production, where only the most intense grapes make the bottle.

Chateau St. Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley WA., 2010. $6. A thirst quencher made for summer. Ripe peach and juicy pear make the day worth while. Heading toward sweet.

D’arenberg Viognier/Mousanne, Mclaren Valley Australia. 2009. $12. A white Rhone Valley Blend… brilliant stroke. Complex, long lasting taste.

Fontodi Chianti Classico, Tuscany Italy, 2007. $25. The 2006 made my Top Ten Tastes. This vintage might be better. Only naturally grown wine grapes. All Sangiovese.

Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley CA., 2008. $35. A home run for the venerable history-making winery. Bio-dynamically grown grapes in Calistoga. A touch of Petite Sirah dropped in.

Headstand Gewurztraminer, Sonoma CA., 2011. $13. Ok, got to say it…you’ll flip over this German bred grape. Low alcohol so drink with abandon. Perfect summer cooler.

Hogue Reserve Merlot, Columbia Valley WA., 2006. $14. Hogue is well known to my readers as it recently commited totally to screw cap closures. This Merlot shows a pattern of fresh flavor, days after the first open. Winery Of The Year by a leading wine and spirits magazine.

Thornton Nebbiolo, Temecula Valley CA., 2007. $22. Bravo to the new winemaker David Vergari for this Italian heritage wine with a California influence. The big “steal” on the list.

Vietti Barbera D’Asti, Piemonte Italy, 2008. $22. Grown and bottled in the middle of the “Langhe” area of Piemonte where Barolo and Barbaresco command hundreds of dollars each for their top bottles. Good reason to buy a case of this wine.

Wine Bytes

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido has B Cellars of Napa Valley present their wines Sat. Aug. 20 from 2 to 4pm. Cost is $15. Details at 760-745-1200.

Vinz Wine Bar and Lounge in Escondido has Jimmy and Enrique with hot Latin Rhythm, Sat. Aug. 20, 7 to 10pm. Dinner while you listen. RSVP at 760-743-8466.

Viva Vino in Old Town Temecula has a tour of Spanish Wines and Tapas Wed. Aug. 24 from 7 to 8:30pm. Check it out at 951-506-5953.

An evening with Justin Wines of Paso Robles with Justin Baldwin is planned at Antonello Restaurant at South Coast Plaza Village in Santa Ana, Fri. Aug. 26 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Cost is $135. pp. Call 714-751-7153.

An Introduction to Wine and a 5 course lunch is yours at San Antonio Winery in Los Angles, 1 to 4pm Sat. or Sun. Aug. 27 or 28, for $52. ea. RSVP at 1-888-223-1401.

Bacchus Reigns in the Gaslamp District

by Frank Mangio

Bacchus is the God of Wine in Greek mythology. Also known as Dionysus, he represents the intoxicating power of wine, and its social and beneficial influences. He is also known as a liberator, bringing an end to care and worry.

Karen Kiser and Jeff Sullivan know well the extraordinary magic of the wine experience. Their Bacchus Wine Bar and Market in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego casts a knowing atmosphere of the international charm of wine. It is an experience of discovery, with wine events twice weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. One week it could be Italy, next the Rhone Valley, then Chile and Argentina; or big Zinfandels and unusual grapes. Karin brings years of study and training to the Bacchus. Here is a true Wine Bar and Market in downtown San Diego that offers many wine discoveries.

“We offer something different and want the customer who wants to try something new,” she said. “As wines grow in popularity, we grow with that success. We look for a wine that is not a household name, but carefully choose one that has cultivated the highest quality while keeping case count under control.”

I asked her what she drinks at the end of the day. “It changes a lot. I have a wide-ranging palate. Right now, I’m on a Bordeaux kick but it could change next week when we do our next tasting. I may find a new favorite.”

I asked then if her customers still search around for value with a low price. “Not as much as last year,” she answered. “Our customers want to find a relationship with a great bottle of wine. Most of our wine events are offered with wines under $20. a bottle.” The event I attended was a Rhone-Style Blend Flight, with 7 beautiful wines for just $15.

Most wines reflecting this style were from the south of France, with my favorite being a 2009 Domaine des Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone with 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Carignan.($14.99)

Hours are Monday thru Saturday 12 to 9pm and Sunday 12 to 6pm. Call 619-236-0005. www.bacchuswinemarket.com.

Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards

The leading wine/food trade publication, Wine Spectator, just released its 2011 awards for their excellent wine programs.

The Addison at the Grand Del Mar was a Grand Award Winner, with Wine Sellar & Brasserie in San Diego.

Jesse Rodriguez is the Wine Director at Addison and Amaya Bistro at the Grand Del Mar, both 2011 award winners from Wine Spectator Magazine.

Other awards went to the following restaurants in San Diego: Acqua Al 2, San Diego, Amaya Bistro at the Grand Del Mar Bertrand’s at Mr. A’s San Diego, Clay’s La Jolla, Donovon’s Steak & Chop House San Diego, Mistral Coronado, Ruth’s Chris Steak House San Diego, Toast Enoteca & Cucina San Diego.

North San Diego County included: Argyle Steakhouse Carlsbad, West and Bistro West Carlsbad, Delicias Rancho Santa Fe, Firefly Grill and Wine Bar Encinitas, Firenze Trattoria Encinitas, Flavor Del Mar, Mille Fleurs Rancho Santa Fe, Pacifica Del Mar, Paradise Grille Del Mar, Sbicca Del Mar, Vivace Park Hyatt Carlsbad.

Wine Bytes

§ Viva Vino Tapas Wine Bar in Old Town Temecula has Dylan Carbonne and the Latin Connection Sat. Aug. 13, from 8 to 11pm. Thurs. is Salsa Night. $10. a lesson after 8pm. Phone 951-506-5953.

§ Sage Grill Encinitas presents d’Arenberg wines from Australia, matched up with a three course dinner Mon. Aug. 15. Cost is $59. RSVP at 760-943-7243.

§ Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido brings in Rudi Wiest, German wine expert, Sat. Aug. 13 from 2 to 4pm. RSVP at 760-745-1200. $10. charge.

§ San Diego State University resumes its schedule of extension wine classes with “Exploring Wine” Tuesdays starting Aug. 16 to Sept. 13 from 6 to 9pm on campus. The goal is the Business of Wine Professional Certificate. More at www.neverstoplearning.net/wine, or call 619-594-6924.

§ Rossi’s Pizza and Sports Bar in San Marcos has a Rotta Wine Dinner featuring owner Mike Giubbini, from Paso Robles, with award-winning Zinfandel and other wine varietals. The date is Sat. Aug. 20 starting at 5:30pm. Four course dinner with four Rotta special wines. Cost is $40. Call 760-727-4747 for an RSVP.