Music is in the Wine at Lorimar

by Frank Mangio

Mark Mansfield wants to stimulate your senses. To that end, the ex Kansas City businessman who came here from the hospitality industry, has some good ideas on exactly how to do that with his Temecula Wine Country newcomer Lorimar Vineyards and Winery.

The first time I laid eyes on Lorimar, the winery was revving up for a Kansas City style BBQ Wine and Blues event. With the smokers cooking the tri tips, chicken and pork ribs and the blues band pickin’ BB King, Mansfield was running around, making sure everyone tried the new wines he couldn’t stop raving about.

Taste of Wine Columnist Frank Mangio tastes a Lorimar 2008 “Fusion” blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, with owner Mark Mansfied.

“What you see around you is everything I love about a winery,” he declared. “I love to cook and drink great wine while listening to lively music, surrounded by lovely art…this is the foundation of our winery’s philosophy. You know, we are in the middle of a 150 acre orange grove,” he revealed as he popped open the 2010 Lorimar Riesling that had a distinctive orange blossom aroma and taste to it. “It filters into the wine and gives it that zesty citrus flavor, like candied fruit,” he judged. ( $21.)

Mansfield then showed me his plans for a Tuscan style stone two story building with a high bell tower that will be seen from a distance along the main Temecula Wine Country highway. “Here we’ll have musicians, artists and chefs meeting for memorable gatherings and events…nourishment for the soul,” he murmured. “The patio deck will have a huge state-of-the-art pizza oven with a bridge access from the tasting room. I want fruit-forward wines with an old-world characteristic,” he said as he opened his Lorimar 2010 Sangiovese, an Italian varietal that yielded an intense cherry, rasberry flavor.

By far the best example of a wine set to music was the 2008 “Fusion” blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that hit some high notes for me. It was a simpatico symphony, with Old Vine Zin, linked with the always potent Petite Sirah Late Harvest. An element of pepper laced it all up into Lorimar’s most vibrant wine. ($38). If you join the “Concerto Club of Lorimar” you can expect 25% off the prices shown; more if you purchase a case. See the new web site for more at www.lorimarwinery.com. Or call 951-240-5177. There is a tasting room in Old Town Temecula at 42031 Main Street.

New Bubbly & Jazz in the Vines of Wilson Creek

Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards stands tall as one of the greatest success stories in the Temecula Valley. With over 70 acres of pristine vines, both reds and whites do well here.

A hot air balloon positions itself for a panoramic look at the 70+ acres of Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards over Temecula, before it built a special events center and major restaurant.

Under the watchful eye of winemaker Etienne Cooper, Wilson Creek has nurtured recent gold medals for its 2008 Late Harvest Zinfandel and its blend, Golden Medley.

The Wilson Family is a story in itself, with an extended family of over 21 active members including the family dogs. Matter of fact, Extended Family is what they call their wine club, one of the most active in this wine country, thanks in part to Wilson Creek Almond Champagne, a gold-medal winner and a huge selling white sparkling wine, naturally fermented with a hint of almond flavor, selling at a budget price. It has lifted the winery to national recognition.

Now, the news is out that two new editions of this champagne are ready for an introduction in July: Wilson Creek Peach Bellini and an Orange Mimosa. Both will have hints of Almond. “People have enjoyed our Almond Champagne since day one ten years ago,” beamed Bill Wilson. “It was Almond Champagne that set us apart from the others.”

The two new wines will be rolled out at a special “Bubble Bash” reception at the winery on Thursday July 7 from 5:30 to 7:30PM with the public invited to attend.

And yes, great Sunset Jazz is returning to Wilson Creek, with the premiere show being Warren Hill Saturday July 23 at 7:30pm. The acclaimed Canadian Sax man has sold over 1 million CDs and is as smooth as they come. Dinner seating is available. Other artists include Paul Shilts and Craig Chaquico, and Jeff Golub. Ticket information at 951-699-9463. Or check out www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Wine Bytes

Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego is pouring Rhone Style Blends Fri. July 8, 4 to 8:30pm and Sat. July 9 from 2 to 8:30pm. $15. charge for 7 pours. Call 619-236-0005.

A Benefit Taste of le Tour de France is being presented at Tommy V’s in Del Mar, Thurs. July 14 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. It benefits “Do Something Now” that sends bikes to Third World Countries, currently to South Africa. Taste fine wines and micro brewery beers, hors d’ouvres, music, auction items. Cost is $40. in advance, $50. at the door. More info, call 760-940-0880.

The California Wine Festival 2011 is in Santa Barbara with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Wine Tasting Fri. July 15, 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Pier; and a Beachside Food & Wine Fest Sat. July 16 from 1 to 4pm also at the Pier. Buy tickets at www.californiawinefestival.com.

French Bastille Day is being celebrated at the Westgate Hotel, downtown San Diego, on Thurs. July 14 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Famous painter Avendano will showcase his art to live music, French wine and hors d’ ouvres, in the grand lobby. $15. charge. RSVP at 619-238-1818.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has its Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Sat. July 16 from 4 to 7pm. 11 of the hottest wineries pour their latest releases. $50.pp. RSVP required. 760-479-2500.