The Clos LaChance Rose is shown at a recent San Diego Restaurant Week promotion. The winery was showcased by Regal Wine’s recent Distributor Trade Show.by Frank Mangio
High over the San Diego skyline and with a heavenly view of the Padres PETCO Park , Regal Wines, a leading distributor of some of California ’s most popular wines, uncorked their latest offerings atop the Marriott.
I’ve always admired Regal and their “book” of fine fruit- forward wines. They blanket the San Diego wine shops, restaurants and hotels with a straight-forward factual presentation of wines like: Byron, Cambria , Clos LaChance, Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, Tablas Creek and a cluster of imports that are at the head of the class.
A review of the most impressive new wines points to a lovely line of Clos LaChance entries. This is a premium estate-based winery from 150 acres n San Martin, in the Santa Cruz Foothills. Standouts were: the ’06 Pinot Noir and the ’06 Zinfandel. Their Hummingbird ’05 Zin was one of my top ten choices for 2008 as a rare version that exhibited European ancestory flavors. Check it out at www.clos.com.
Another Regal showstopper was Byron and their Santa Maria vineyard favorite: the ’06 Pinot Noir from their Bien Nacido Vineyard. A unique micro-climate along with natural farming methods for some 30 years, has produced a benchmark Pinot. It’s smooth as silk with a back palate aftertaste that causes a pause that burns in the full flavor of this wine.
Finally I would recommend the Kendall Jackson Highland Estates Wines from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma , namely the ’05 Cabernet Hawkeye Mountain Vineyard. This is a pure expression of terroir with distinct character; as climate, grape variety, soil and location combine for a rare excellence. Its $55. suggested price makes it a special occasion wine, like right now!
Wine Bytes
From now through June 19, Palm Desert and other desert resort areas are offering Restaurant Week with fine dining low priced three course prix fixe menus as low as $24. Each dining location created its own menu. Check out participating hotels and restaurants at www.palmspringsrestaurantweek.com.
June is an active month for Carlsbad Wine Merchants in the Island Center . Fri. the 18th at 5pm , Halter Ranch of Paso Robles is pouring, with the rockin’ sounds of Audio League. Live music every Thurs. through Sat. Call 760-804-9994 for more.
Tasting on the Terrace happens at the Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego Sat. June 13 from 5 to 7pm for $30. each. Education and tasting of Sonoma wines will liven up the event. Call 619-583-9463.
Bistro 39 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Del Mar shines with a winemaker’s dinner on Sat. June 13 from 6:30 to 10pm for $39.39 ea. Five courses will include wines like Dolcetto d’Alba, Batasiola Barbera and Barolo, all from Italy.
RSVP at 858-720-9500.
Wine Loft in Carlsbad is planning at Costa de Oro Tasting with winemaker Gary Burk, on Wed. June 17 at 6pm . Sample 4 or his wines. $15. pp. Call for details at 760-944-1412.
The Four Seasons Aviara Carlsbad presents 6 Chalk Hills Estate Wines paired with a specially prepared dinner. Date is Thurs. June 18 with a 6:30pm start. Cost is $95. each guest. Call 760-603-3790.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is busy this month with a South African Wine Tasting set for Wed. June 17 and the great Cakebread wines coming Tues. June 23 in a fine dine and wine format. Make your reservation for the Cakebread event at 760-635-1066.
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