New Wine Releases – Tasting the Future

by Frank Mangio
A wealth of new releases, poured in double the number of wine shows and winemaker appearances in restaurants, resorts and wine bars, have swept into the market.  This has given consumers more choices than ever. In California, the size and value of the wine grape crop in 2012 has been over the top at over 4 million tons, surpassing the record in 2005 by 6.5%. And more importantly, the price of wine grapes rose 20% to $772. per ton.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the price champ at over 5 thousand dollars per ton. By comparison, Chardonnay, the next pricey wine grape is in at a little over 3 thousand dollars per ton.  A good rule of thumb for pricing is to move the decimal point over two places for the average price per bottle.  If we take the 2012 “Cab” price per ton of $5,000. and apply the rule, the typical “Cab” in Napa Valley would be $50.

A trend to watch for in the flood of new releases are the white wine blends.  Pedroncelli  2012  Friends White, Sonoma, $12. is a proprietary blend of Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a smart follow up to the successful red version of Friends, and was introduced recently at Rossi’s Pasta and Sports Bar in San Marcos. www.pedroncelli.com.

So Cal’s Pedroncelli Wine Sales Manager, Mark Abraham premiered the new Pedroncelli “Friends” at Rossi’s San Marcos. Friends is one of a growing number of white blends.

Season’s 52 Restaurants, with locations in San Diego and Costa Mesa Ca. has a trendy attraction with wines.  It’s a “Drink Them Before They’re Famous” list, an insider wine lineup carefully selected by Master Sommelier George Miliotes that changes every season.  Two Pinots, a Sauvignon Blanc and a white blend from Arizona are the spotlights for this Spring.  Other new release wines worth trying are:

      Jordan 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma. $53.  Since 1972, French style with superior California flavor and elegance.  www.jordanwinery.com.

      Mazzei 2010 Badiola Red, Tuscany Italy. $10.  Could be the best value of the group, with 70% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot.  Mazzei has been making wine since 1435.  Aged 9 months in Oak. A “Super Tuscan” with a super price.  www.mazzei.it.

      Norton 2010 Privada Blend, Mendoza Argentina.  $18. 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet, produces a top rated Norton with elements of primal pleasure.  www.norton.com.ar.

      Niner 2009 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo.  $41.  Newest breakthrough wine from world class winemaker Amanda Cramer. Sustainable farmed.  www.ninerwine.com

      South Coast 2008 Wild Horse Peak Sangiovese, Temecula. $34.  An Italian style mountain wine from master winemaker Jon McPherson. The vineyard grapes are selected from a 2,200 foot steep terrain. Competitive with the best of Tuscany.  www.southcoastwinery.com.

      Smokescreen 2011 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley/made in the Napa Valley.  $19.  Here’s the darkhorse of the lot.  An affordable, quality wine that defines the Napa Valley pinot style. Even has a convenient twist-cap.  www.smokescreencellars.com.

Wine Winners Showing at the Paddock, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Sat. & Sun. Apr. 27 & 28

The 2nd annual San Diego Wine Show comes to the Del Mar Fairground’s Paddock, Sat. Apr. 27th from 2 to 6pm and Sun. Apr. 28th from 1 to 5pm.  Make your plans to experience fine wines, gourmet food trucks, food sampling from celebrity chefs, entertainment and a Pinot Noir Blind Tasting by an expert sommelier on Saturday.

A major feature will be wines from the Guadalupe Valley of Baja, in the beautiful outdoor setting of the manicured Paddock area, scene of the parading of the racehorses when in season. Tickets are $55. presale, $65. at the door. Go to  www.sandiegowineshow.com to buy tickets.

Local winemakers Justin Mund of Orfila, left, and Chris Broomell of Vesper, right, with Donato Santarsieri of the San Diego Wine Show.



Wine Bytes

The Campo Railway Museum in Campo has a benefit food and wine festival, Sat. Apr. 20 from Noon to 5pm.  Enjoy locally produced wines from San Diego County.  $25. pre sale, $30. day of event.  Call 619-465-7776.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos invites you to meet the winemaker and drink the 2010 vintage of Powell Mountain, Paso Robles, Fri. Apr. 19th from4 to 10pm.  $15. fee includes appetizers.  760-744-2119.

The Carmel Mt. Ranch Country Club will present a Wine & Chocolate Tasting and benefit auction Sun. Sun. Apr. 21 from 3 to 6pm.  Cost is $50. pre sale, $60. at the door.  Info at 904-477-7084.

Encinitas Wine Merchants has a premium Champagne Tasting Wed. Apr. 24th from 5 to 7:30pm.  Names like Dom Perignon, Clicquot and others, for $38.pp.  Call 760-479-9891.

Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse has a Girard Winery Wine Dinner, Fri. Apr. 26 at 6:30pm.  Feature menu includes Grilled Filet Mignon and porcini truffle sauce, with a 2009 Girard Cabernet.  $80. ea.  RSVP at 760-434-2580.

TOAST Enoteca and Cucina, downtown San Diego hosts an Italian “Vinitaly” with more than 30 award winning Italian wineries, Thurs. Apr. 25th, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Appetizers, antipasti and menu samples.  Tickets $50. pp.  RSVP at 619-269-4207.