Sunday, September 20, 2015

Napa Valley Wine Pours at Rancho Valencia

by Frank Mangio
It’s not every week we can get up to Napa Valley , where wine royalty reigns supreme and Cabernet Sauvignon is the King of the castle. Only 4% of the wine grapes in California come from Napa Valley , one of the smallest wine regions in the world. Yet it is hardly tiny in sales.  Napa Valley generates more than 13 billion dollars annually, 1/3 of all the wine sold in the U.S.

Next week, I will be visiting some 14 wineries spread out over 30 miles of hills and valleys, capped by a renowned benefit event, with premium wines offered for tasting that are legendary around the world.


Linda Neal pours her 2012 Tierra Roja Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for TASTE OF WINE’S Frank Mangio at a Napa Road Show at Rancho Valencia Resort, in Rancho Santa Fe.

Recently, Rancho Valencia , a favorite resort in Rancho Santa Fe, under the expert wine guidance of Sommelier Mitch Price and Food & Beverage Director Justin Wilson, brought in a select group of Napa Valley Vintners on two closely knit occasions, as a kickoff to California Wine month for September.  Each date gave the public an opportunity to go face to face with stunningly big beautiful wines, mostly from the great 2012 harvest. This was all the more important to wine lovers, because most, if not all of these wineries are not open to the walk-in public at their tasting rooms in Napa Valley.

Wines featured included:  Grgich Hills, Hill Family, Staglin Family, Swanson Vineyards, Arrow&Branch, Neal Family, Spring Mountain , St. Supery and the biggest story of the gatherings, Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon of Oakville.

Linda Neal, the owner, did the honors, and poured her Cabernet treasures.  She was kind enough to include her sold out 2011 vintage from her personal collection. But all eyes were turning to the current 2012 Cabernet, a brilliantly crafted master wine from winemaker David DeSante.  He was quoted as saying that “the palate races along with full and robust flavors of dark plums, cedar, cocoa and espresso, to an ethereal finish with toffee-like richness.”  Only 225 cases have been made.(Suggested retail at the winery $145.)  It is a distinct sensation of wine refinement.  Review this wine at tierraroja.com.

It’s Grape Stomping Season in Temecula
 Some wineries in Temecula have some great fun coming in the next weeks, at the Grape Stomp events.  South Coast Winery is planning the Blessing of the Wines, a Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival, Sat. Sept. 20th from 4 to 7pm.  Dining, dancing and games included for $55. each.  Go to southcoastwinery.com for details. Lorimar Vineyards & Winery has its Grape Stomp & Harvest Sat. Sept. 26th from 4 to 8pm.  in the Barrel Room. Live music, hay rides, dinner, wine and a keepsake wine glass for $65. per person.  Call 951-694-6699x4 for tickets.


Grape Stomps are coming to Temecula wineries in the next few weeks.

 Ponte Family Estate has its 13th annual Grape Stomp Sun. Sept. 27th at 4pm.  Prices from $86. to $95. Team competition, gourmet food stations, wine, live music.  Connect at shop.pontewinery.com.

Wiens Family Cellars has a Wiensfest on Sun. Sept. 27th from 4 to 8pm.  German traditional food, music, wine and beer.  Try the Octoberfest costume contest and grape stomping.  Cost is $40.
See wienscellars.com.

Wine Bytes
San Diego County Restaurant week is Sept. 20th to 27th. Over 180 restaurants are discounting their menus. The theme is Go Local. Check out which ones at sandiegorestaurantweek.com.  You can also RSVP at this site.

Il Fornaio in Del Mar is presenting a Hahn Family Wine Dinner Thurs. Sept. 24th at 6pm.  Hahn rep Peter Pons will lead guests on a tour of the wine portfolio.  Highlight will be a Branzino Intrecciato ( Mediterranean Seabass) served with a 2013 Hahn Meritage.  $55. cost.  RSVP at 858-755-8876.

Vittorio’s of Carmel Valley has a Robert Hall wine dinner Thurs. Sept. 24th at 6pm with a 4 course dinner plus dessert. $49.50 pp.  Call 858-538-5884 for a place.

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