This Week’s In-Box to the Wine World

By Frank Mangio
When I was going through San Diego State University as a “late-blooming” student chasing a Journalism degree, I used to ponder the role of the “gatekeepers,” those news editors who had the
responsibility of using press releases for articles, or flushing them into the round file, never to return to see the light of day.

TASTE OF WINE is now my “gate” and I am up to an average 200 e-mails daily that feature information on wines. At times I wish it were less.  But every so often I see fascinating, game-changing news nd I want to share it all.  So, every so often I put a column out that is a sort of roundup of nice stuff that I love to uncork for my readers, like this one. Last night, I had the pleasure of tasting through the current vintage of Castello Banfi wines from Montalcino Italy . The winery’s signature Brunello vintage 2009 has been released after 4 years in barrel. ($58.) The building of Brunello to its most elegant position among the famous wines of the world, is an
inspiring story.

 John Mariani, right, co-founder of Tuscany’s premier winery, Castello Banfi,

with family members as they were honored recently at Cornell University in New York.

As co-founder John Mariani says “It was a revolution that sparked a fine wine renaissance.” Recently, the renowned Cornell University in New York bestowed the 2014 Icon of Industry Award on the Mariani Family for their leadership and contributions both in
industry research and education. I affectionately like to call John my electronic “pen pal” for his comments and insights on my Taste of Wine columns.

Congratulations John and to all members of the Mariani family for all you have done to elevate the quality of wine everywhere.

My friend Claude Robbins, who operates one of the highest quality International Wine & Spirits schools, out of Denver Colorado , found some research on how private tastings for wine club members are much bigger sellers of wine than public tastings. The private gatherings averaged $294. per person compared to a $70. per person sale at public tastings, although it needs to be said that public tasting room fees are growing, generating revenue growth. Caymus Winery in Napa Valley scored a big success with their 40th Anniversary 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet keepsake bottle.  Owner Charlie Wagner shipped the special edition in May and sold 60,000
cases that month alone. ($58.).

The word is spreading up and down California about an early wine grape harvest and what it will mean for the quality of the wines.  At Laetitia Vineyard and Winery in Arroyo Grande, south of San Luis Obispo and makers of premium Pinot Noir, they got bud-break in February, way too early and now are looking at picking their 12 different clones of Pinot, managing sunlight, leaves, soil and water.

 Eric Hickey is the Laetitia Winery President and Head Winemaker,
balancing Old World tradition with cutting-edge California style wines.

Although the current vintage for Pinot Noir, 2012, is getting some mixed reviews due to over production, Laetitia’s lineup is crisp and clean, refined by the winery’s dedication to limited production craftsmanship.  Its best example is the Laetitia Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, with notes of cassis, tobacco and peppercorn with a touch of sweet oak and black tea ($40.).  The delicate berries are removed from the stem prior to fermentation.  The wine is taken to a whole new place
and is a top new pick for Taste of Wine.

Another great new pick from the Central Coast is the Niner Wine Estates 2010 Fog Catcher, a blend of 29% Cabernet, 29% Malbec, 24% Cab Franc, 9% Carmenere and 9% Petit Verdot.  It won gold at the Central Coast Wine Competition 2014. ($65.) The Paso Robles appellation  is getting bigger, expected to be split up into 11 districts within the existing 612,000 acre area.

Wine Bytes
Europa Village Winery in Temecula invites you to its La Tomatina Festival, modeled after Spain's famous food fight, Sun. Sept. 7th from 4 to 7pm.  Tickets are $35. ea.  Music, wine and food. RSVP at: 951-216-3380.

Capri Blu in Rancho Bernardo has an Oveja Negra Chilean Wine Dinner Wed. Sept. 3rd at 6pm. Five course dinner with wine for $55. pp.  RSVP at: 858-673-5100.