Wine & Jazz Always Sweeter at Thornton ’s Champagne Jazz Concerts

Those of us who love jazz music with our wine, and there are many, are gladdened that Spring has arrived.  That’s when new wine releases are brought to market, and the new lineup of jazz concerts are revealed at Thornton Winery in Temecula.

When radio abandoned Jazz some years ago, fans in Southern California turned to Thornton to keep the music coming with the star-quality that Thornton has been famous for.  I’m here to tell you that the legend lives on this 2015 season with 22 concerts booked, everyone of them featuring top Jazz

 Thornton winery’s 2015 Champagne Jazz season kicks off with saxman Brian Culbertson,
Saturday May 2nd at 7pm.

In a statement on their web site, John and Sally Thornton, who have guided the fortunes of the winery and the concert series had this to say about the 2015 series. “ Thornton winery continues to build on its national and critically acclaimed reputation as one of the finest outdoor venues. The intimate and acoustically superb Mediterranean fountain terrace, overlooking the beautiful Temecula Wine Country, offers a memorable and unique concert experience.”

The jazz experience begins Saturday May 2nd at 7pm with Brian Culbertson and Elan Trotman.  Lots of ticket options for all concerts, from general admission to gourmet supper packages prepared by the award winning Café Champagne . My go-to wine with just about any supper on the menu is the Thornton Nebbiolo Italian red wine.($42.)  The latest, a 2012 with rich berry flavor reminiscent of Nebbiolo’s home location in Piedmont, Italy .

My excitement over this concert lineup really revs up over the appearance of Jazz Attack, not once but twice:  Saturday May 30th at 7pm, then the final concert Sunday October 18th, at 4pm.  This rare collaboration brings Richard Elliot, the Scottish born Sax player and former member of the band Tower of Power during the ‘80’s.  Peter White is the 2nd member of this unique trio.  Born in England , he gained fame with his stylish guitar playing in the 70’s with Al Stewart.  Completing Jazz Attack is Euge Groove, an American born Sax performer who replaced Elliot in Tower of Power in the late 80’s and had Sax solos with the girl group Expose’ in the 90’s.

Lots of other rocket fuel lights up the Thornton season. Other big names include:  Mindi Abair, Bobby Caldwell, Spyro Gyra, Dave Koz, Michael McDonald, Chris Isaak, Kenny G, Chris Botti and George Benson. My best advice is to get your tickets early.  Order at 951-699-0099 or visit events@thorntonwine.com.  Thornton also has Friday night live entertainment from 6 to 9pm with a local lineup of great live music.  May 1st hey have the Heart of Rock n Roll – a Huey Lewis Tribute.

Wine Bytes
Napa’s premier Hall and Walt Wines will be poured at Il Fornaio in Coronado at a wine dinner Fri. Apr. 24th at 6pm.  Cost is $55. per guest.  The wines will be paired with Chef Lo Verde’s best recipes.  Call 619-437-4911 for an RSVP.

A buttery Chardonnay tasting happens at La Costa Wine Co. Fri. Apr. 24 from 6 to 10pm.  5 pours for $15.  Call 760-431-8455.

A Pour Toward a Cure Benefit is at Morgan Run Golf Club and Resort in Rancho Santa Fe Sun. Apr. 26 from 3 to 6pm.  Cost is $60.  Details at 760-705-3055.

Vine Wine Shop and Bistro in San Clemente is planning a 5 course wine and dine event Tues. Apr. 28th at 6:30pm, with Tantara Winery. Feature entrée is Braised Beef Cheek Sugo, with a 2013 Pinot Noir from Sta. Lucia Highlands .  RSVP at 949-361-2079.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents Rhone and Provence French wines Thurs. Apr. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Learn what makes the Rhone Valley so great.  Cost is $5.  Details at 760-745-1200.

Wine Spectator Names World’s Best Values

by Frank Mangio
If you want to know what question I get asked most, it’s this:  what is the best wine for a cheap “value” price?  There is no more difficult question to answer than this one.  Wine is a matter of personal taste. It’s not unusual to stage a “blind” tasting among wines of all price ranges and have the value wines win out over the premium expensive wines; so many variables to deal with. Eight California wines were named among Wine Spectator’s World Value Wines in the current issue.

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma makes Votre Sante’ Pinot Noir.  Their 2011 vintage was named one of the world’s best value wines

In  the wine industry’s most read publication, these wines had to cost $15. or less and score 85 points or higher; great taste at a great price. The select eight included red wines:  Ravenswood Zinfandel  Old Vine 2011 $9., Francis Ford Coppola Pinot Noir Votra Sante’ 2011 $14., Gnekow Zinfandel Old Vine, $10.  White wines:  Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $12., Baron Herzog Chenin Blanc 2011 $8., Ensemble White 2011 $10., Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $14., Pepi Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2011 $10.

“The United States leads the way with 20 value wines in 4 states from the 100 wines named,” reported Wine Spectator.  “Three Old World regions, France, Italy and Portugal, all did well.”

Spectator also added this: “California released hearty reds made from Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, and zesty whites made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, that were the leading grapes for value.”  Get the complete list in the October 15th issue of Wine Spectator.

By the way, Votre Sante’ was named for movie director Coppola’s grandmother, Maria Zasa, an Italian who spoke four languages.  She was always seen offering a wine toast: “A Votra Sante” – to your health.”  Coppola has completed his “Wine Wonderland” with the opening of Winery Park in Sonoma County, an eye-opening complex with two swimming pools, changing “cabines,” a performance pavilion, four bocce courts and a children’s library.  You don’t want to miss his RUSTIC Restaurant of family Italian recipes, with terraces, two wine bars and a movie museum.  Visit www.FrancisCoppolaWinery.com.

Napa Valley ’s Most Distinguished Wines Choose Il Fornaio
The Napa Valley names that show up on premium wine lists time and time again are Robert Mondavi and Franciscan, and the select wine events at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Coronado recently featured Robert Mondavi and will be offering a Franciscan event Thursday, September 26 with a reception at 6pm and a wine dinner at 6:30pm.

The Mondavi dinner was a special occasion as G.M. Luca Allieri wanted to spotlight what would have been Robert Mondavi’s 100th birthday this year.  It was an amazing journey since the winery’s opening in 1966. After only one year, he created his most popular wine, Fume’ Blanc, and the next year made his first Cabernet Sauvignon.

Taste Of Wine columnist Frank Mangio with Chef Giorgio Loverde of Il Fornaio in Coronado.

In 1970, he and his wine partner, the great French winemaker Baron Philippe de Rothschild, partnered to make the most famous premium wine in Napa Valley, Opus One in the historic 450 acre To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville.  This is where grapes become wine royalty.  When Mondavi first acquired To Kalon he declared “it is the most beautiful vineyard site I have seen in my life.”

Il Fornaio’s Chef Georgio Loverde had 5 courses paired with the 5 world renowned Mondavi wines led by the Mondavi 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  ($44.99)  For the Franciscan event on September 26, Loverde plans a choice of an Ahi tuna or sliced veal as only he can do both, matched with a choice of Franciscan wines. Cost is $65. per person.   Call 619-437-4911.

Wine Bytes
La Costa Wine Company in Carlsbad has an Orin Swift Tasting, Fri. Sept. 27 from 5 to 8:30pm.  5 varietals will be poured including Prisoner.  $25. ea.  Call 760-431-8455.

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce presents the Napa Valley Vintners Grand Wine Tasting hosted by Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas, at Meritage Wine Market Sat. Oct. 12 from 5 to 8pm.  This annual event brings in 10 highly acclaimed wineries, along with gourmet foods.  $50. pp.  RSVP and details at 760-479-2500.

Join  Bistro West, West Steak & Seafood and West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad for OktoberWest, Sat. Oct. 12 from 11am to 3pm.  German favorites and other delicious food plus premium beers and wines. Cost is $35. advance and $40. at the door.  Call 760-930-8008.

The Wine Trail of Don Quixote

by Frank Mangio
Don Quixote is a character in a 17th century novel, a thin country gentleman who studies medieval stories full of knights, cavalry, jousting and castles.  He believes he has been called upon to change the world and goes out to do battle in the name of his lady love who stands for perfection and purity…a very selective vision of the real world.  Welcome to the wine country of Don Quixote’s Spain…La Mancha.

Castilla-La Mancha is a beautiful wine region located in the center of Spain, the largest vineyard in the world with over 1,240,000 acres under vine.  There are 46 grape varieties grown in this massive area, up to now little known in the outside world.  Some are well-known like Cabernet Sauvignon.  Others like Tinto Velasco wait for their time.

Juan Jose Cerdan Gerente offers a taste of his Vina Cerron at the recent Don Quixote Grape Trail Wine Expo Tour in San Diego.

Beside the rich lime and chalkstone soil, there are many more hours of daylight, some 3,500 hours a year, providing a “luminocity” for longer hours of grape ripening without overheating.  This leads to flavor balance without a strong alcohol presence.  These are wines of high minerality and earthiness with a bright acidity.

Two stand-outs, of the 26 wines offered at the showing, were the Vina Cerron “Remordimiento,” a red blend with Tempranillo, Cabernet, Petit Verdot and Shiraz with tasty and smoky flavors; and AurumRed, a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon that has been awarded 97 points by France’s most prestigious wine guide.

Spanish winemakers continue to respect the wisdom of traditional ways of making wine and they benefit from the flavors that result, especially in Castilla-La Mancha, a wine country 100 times larger than Napa Valley.  See more at www.tierradevinedos.org.


Brian Malarky is a Chef on Fire
Super TopChef Brian Malarky, who, faster than a speeding bullet, has recently opened Herringbone in La Jolla, his 5th restaurant with managing partner James Brennan.

It joins Searsucker, Burlap, Gingham and Gabardine in San Diego County in a hip, casual, marketplace-bazaar format, each with their own culinary experience.  All have opened in the past two years. The everyday food operation is under the supervision of chef de cuisine Amanda Bumgarten, a finalist on Bravo TV’s Top Chef Season 7.  Malarky playfully calls the format “Fish Meats Field.”
I asked him about his restaurants in a Q&A recently.

Taste Of Wine:  What’s the idea behind naming your restaurants after fabrics?
Malarky:  Searsucker was named for my love of wearing a seersucker suit to the racetracks. My restaurants designer and I decided to have fun with it and continue naming them after a fabric.
Taste Of Wine:  I love hats and wear them a lot as you do.  What’s your favorite hat?
Malarky:  I’m an old-school Goorn Bros. straw fedora guy.  The more worn and miles it has, the better.

Brian Malarky with his new American Classic Cuisine and one of a kind wines has added a 5th restaurant, Herringbone, in La Jolla.

Taste Of Wine:  When you’re away from your restaurants, what meal with wine would you make for yourself?

Marlarky:  Rotisserie Chicken and a side of artichokes, paired with Brie and a baguette, with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

After several positions in restaurants around the country, Malarky opened downtown San Diego’s Oceanaire as Executive Chef in 2004.  He then starred in Bravo TV’s Top Chef 3 Miami where he advanced to the finals, gaining national fame for his culinary talents and high energy. When I sat down to sample Herringbone, it was with an Alaskan Halibut with farro, oyster mushroom and topped with hazelnut, after a fascinating spinach salad with feta and bacon balsamic.

The star of the wine menu was a Napa Valley Spring Mountain ’08 Syrah called Schoolhouse. All five of the Malarky Restaurants now offer half-off bottles of wine and no corkage fee on Tuesday nights.  Check out Herringbone at www.herringboneeats.com.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego has their Anniversary Wine Tasting Party Sat. Aug. 25 from 5 to 9pm.  They promise a fabulous lineup of wines, food and live music including a 6-liter bottle of Imperial Bordeaux for a $25. fee. Call 619-236-0005.

Europa Village Winery in Temecula is hosting a Fiesta De Noche Musical Wine Dinner, Sat. Aug. 25 from 6:30 to 9pm.  Cost is $85. pp.  RSVP at 951-216-3380.

Bistro West Carlsbad presents an Orin Swift Wine Dinner Tues. Aug. 28 at 6:30pm.  Wine pours include Mannequin, Saldo, The Prisoner and Papillion.  $75. ea.  RSVP at 760-930-8008.

La Costa Wine Company is pouring a Robert Craig Winery Pre Release of Napa Valley Cabs and a Chardonnay, Wed. Aug. 29 from 6 to 8pm.  RSVP only at 760-431-8646.

Belle Marie Wine and Culinary Campus has its Grand Opening Sat. Sept. 1 to Mon. Sept 3 from Noon to 3pm ea. day. Free admission and entertainment, with food available. You can now taste different wines from at least 8 wineries in one place. Details at 760-796-7557.

California Whites and a German in Washington

by Frank Mangio

I can feel it coming. Warm weather is arriving as May skips in, the garden is blooming with a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colors, and my palate is calling for a chilled, white wine at the end of the day. This is happening more frequently when all I seek is a “cool-down” from a garden variety wine, maybe a Chardonnay or a Viognier, but more likely a Riesling.

I know I speak volumes on reds, especially Italian. But even Italians stop, smell and taste the whites they make. California is undergoing a transition from a one-white wine state with oceans of Chardonnay, to a mix of choices that include: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio in Italy), Gewurztraminer, Albarino, Chenin Blanc and Rousanne to name a few.

They all have their followers and I’ve done my share of following Viognier, which originates in the Rhone Valley of France. The complex tropical notes of this lovely varietal has been touted as the successor to Chardonnay for many years, without doing much to move up the ladder.

For my money and pleasure, the real contender is Riesling, and this German midas touch is no better exemplified, not in California but in Washington, with Eroica ($18.). The team of Chateau Ste. Michelle’s master winemaker Bob Bertheau and German Riesling wine guru Ernst Loosen, maker of his own Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett from Mosel, are beyond compare.

Great Riesling has soaring acidity, flavor from down deep in the earth, beautifully balanced with low alcohol. “I have learned from Doctor Loosen, how to protect Riesling fruit purity,” said Bertheau. “This assures a fresh fruit-driven Riesling.”

Expect to enjoy the subtle, dry fruit flavors of apricot, pear, mango and melon. Served cold, 47 to 50 degrees, you will cool down, calm down and hear running water over mountain streams. PROST! More at www.eroicawines.com.

The Brother Act at North County Wine Co.

I don’t know of anyone who enjoys being on the other side of the bar in their own wine shop than Jim and Bill Tobin of North County Wine Company in San Marcos.

Every time I look over their wine tasting “newsletter” I nearly double over with laughter. The “writer” is their intern “Enrico” who skewers his bosses every chance he gets. On a recent choice of a blend at a wine event, Enrico snorted that “a frog with a blender would do better.”

The reality is that the brothers Tobin offer great wines that are exciting and attractive, usually 7 generous tastes on Fridays from 4 to 9pm, plus appetizers, for just $10! On the night I was there, tastes included: Chalone, Rosenblum, Newton, Provenance, Sterling and a “candy bar in a bottle” Desiree Dessert Wine ($15.97), a steal. The Tobin’s motto is: “great wines, great prices, guaranteed.” See their site at www.northcountywinecompany.com.

Bill and Jim Tobin are the proprietors of North County Wine Company in San Marcos.

Wine Bytes

La Costa Wine Company has Orin Swift Wines on Fri. May 13 from 6 to 8:30pm. It’s a blend style winery moving up fast. $25. pp. Details at 760-431-8646.

Make a Wish has its 3rd annual Roll Out the Barrel benefit at Humphreys in Pt. Loma Sat. May 14 from 5 to 8pm. Top wines and chefs participate. Cost is $125., $200. for a VIP ticket. Check out www.makeawishgala.com for more.

Wine Styles in Encinitas is hosting a North County Wine Tour Sun. May 15 from 10:15 to 4:30pm. It starts from their shop. Cost is $60. for transportation, tasting 3 wineries and a special pizza lunch, all included. Limit 25 guests. Call 760-633-0057.

RELM Wine Bar in downtown Carlsbad is bringing in 10 wine reps for an unlimited tasting Mon. May 16 from 6 to 8pm. $25. cost. No RSVP. Details at 760-814-1198.

Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas has booked Pine Ridge for a wine dinner on Wed. May 18 at 6:30pm. Cost is $75. Call 760-635-1066 for an RSVP.

Vigiluccis in Carlsbad by the sea on the Coast Highway has a native Tuscan Wine Dinner Fri. May 20 at 6:30pm. $80. ea. Four courses including Risotto alla Salsiccia and Grilled Bone-in Veal Chop. Wines include Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello Di Montalcino. For an RSVP, call 760-434-2580.

Bravo to the Three New Tenors of Italian Wine

by Frank Mangio
It’s 1990 in Rome Italy: Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti, and Spanish singers Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, begin a concert and record career as the 3 Tenors. It was perfect harmony and musical excitement, crating a popular movement of the highest tradition of Italian operatic bliss.

Recently in La Costa, “Three tenors” of Italian wine were introduced at Kris Garrett’s La Costa Wine Company, generating similar excitement: a 2004 Barolo from Piedmont; a 2006 Amarone style Ripasso from Veneto and a 2005 Nero d’ Avola from Sicily.

Italy is one of the world’s largest producers of red wine with over 1,000 different varietals, and it’s the biggest exporter of wine into the U.S. Weather has a huge influence on the wines. Winemakers with a heritage of personal care, reach back to their roots when wine was carted to market in large kegs, carefully wrapped in heavy straw for protection from the elements. In Italy’s 20 districts, there are some 900,000 vineyards, from backyard Sicilian families to many thousands of acres such as Tuscany’s Banfi Vintners.

The following Three Italian “tenors” make music to a wine lover’s palate:

Renato Ratti 2004 Barolo Marcenasco. Comes from the Ratti family’s Piedmont hillside village of Marcenasco. Steep west-facing slopes provide the Nebbiolo grapes maximum ripening. 15th century abbey serves as the winery. This is a wine suitable for long aging. Smooth and balanced ($54.99).

Masi 2006 Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese. Deep, dark, ruby red and intense. Pleasing spiciness. Soft and well balanced tannins. A drink-now wine from Verona with a remarkable value price ($14.99).

Gulfi 2005 Nerosanlore Nero d’Avola. Spectacular Sicilian red. Beautiful aromatics meld into a taste of dark fruit and spices. 95 points from Robert Parker. To check on inventory of these wines, call La Costa Wine Company at 760-431-8455.

Pinot Noir Harvest Begins in Oregon
Two years ago, vineyards in Oregon knew they had something special. Nature was being very kind to the 2008 crop of Pinot Noir, and a recent multi-year celebration of Pinot was given new reasons to buy the ‘08’s: perfect balance and rich flavors. Wineries like Ponzi, Argyle, Domaine Serene, Erath, Sokol Blosser, Willamette Valley and Four Graces all did well with their releases.

Willamette Valley’s Signature Cuvee Pinot Noir is assessed as the best vintage in two decades with long graceful finishes preceded by bright red fruit and spice.

The summer was so cool in 2008 that there was worrying that the grapes would never ripen. But when October hit, temperatures shot up and the sun stayed out. “It was a nail-biter harvest. We picked all the way to November,” said Luisa Ponzi. “But it turned out to be a dynamite vintage across the board.”

Sokol Blosser, one of the originals in Oregon Wine Country, is starting to prep for the 2010 harvest by dropping fruit and reducing the number of clusters on each vine, for complexity and mature flavors. It understands that Pinot doesn’t allow for cutting corners or letting the details slide. They constantly taste to determine when to begin harvesting the grapes.

At Four Graces, a recently established 110 acre vineyard purchased in 2003 by Steve and Paula Black in Dundee, their goal is rich, complex, hand-made Pinot Noirs. The wines stay true to the region and the local soil found in the Willamette Valley, which is iron-rich, volcanic and well drained, with higher elevation than most other Oregon appellations. Let the harvest begin!

Wine Bytes
The Grand Del Mar’s Addison Restaurant has Wed. Tastings on the Terrace with Red Wine Blends Sept. 22 and Cabernets Sept. 29. Time is 6 to 7pm. Cost is $20. a person. Call 858-314-2000.

Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has an End of Summer Tasting Sat Sept. 18 from 12 to 6pm. Cost is $15. pp. Raffle drawings and a picnic. RSVP at 760-796-7557.

Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse in Carlsbad presents a Darioush Wine Tasting Thurs. Sept. 23 from 5 to 7pm. Darioush is a Napa Valley Bordeaux style winery. $35. ea. includes four wines and complimentary food. Call 760-434-2580.

La Costa Wine Company holds its 2nd annual Wine Expo, Sat. Sept. 25 with over 40 wines to taste and purchase like Cakebread, Newton, Rosenblum and much more. Just $25. RSVP only at 760-431-8455.

A full moon Gondola Wine Tasting is planned at Loews Coronado, 6:30 to 7:45pm on Fri. Sept. 24. $45. cost gets you 6 wine tastings and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. For more call 619-429-6317.

Goldschmidt Premiers Wines at Bentley’s

by Frank Mangio
I love a quality steakhouse. Once through the front door, the décor, the courteous service, the white table cloths on the rich walnut tables, the worldly red wines and steaks on the menu all promise a memorable dining experience.

Bentley’s Steak and Chop House in Encinitas adds one more savory essential for the success story that it is: unbeatable VALUE!
I first learned of this dining oasis when I attended a premium winemaker event to present Nick Goldschmidt and his Goldschmidt, Boulder Bank and Forefathers line of fine wines. Goldschmidt is a globe-trotting, non-stop wine impresario. He led wine production and marketing for world class producers in 8 countries over 20 years including New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile and now in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma in California. He has a PHD in Horticulture and sources his own grapes.

Nick Goldschmidt,left, world-class winemaker and wine new product developer shares a table at Bentley’s in Encinitas with Charlie Plummer of Hess Collection Wines.

Under his name brand, Goldschmidt offers a wide range of labels and varietals including: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz and several blend offerings. All wines are single vineyard, single appellation and single vintage. What stood out for me was his 2006 Vborny Vineyard Alexander Valley Cabernet. The vineyard sits on a knoll just East of Geyserville. This provides excellent exposure for the grapes and allows a long hang time. The cab possesses rich, concentrated flavors, a signature for the skills of Nick Goldschmidt and his most important accomplishment.

Bentley’s has been offering this kind of quality both in their wines and menu items. It’s a product of some 40 years of experience that the owners have in the steak restaurant business. Dave Reese, the General Manager since the day Bentley’s opened in June of 2008, grew up on a 2,000 acre cattle ranch and gets to the heart of Bentleys when he says “we all share the same vision that everything must be of the highest value. We hand cut our USDA prime center cut Filet Mignon. Our presentations must be a perfect fit for the diner and over-deliver on quality. When I select wines for the menu, I refuse to know the price. If I feel it’s a worthy wine then it must come under our price estimates, so we can pass it on to the customer.”
Passing value on to the customer has kept Bentley’s increasing its popularity, even as the restaurant business is hanging on nationwide decreasing numbers and even tougher spending numbers in restaurants and bars, down over 3% last year.

At Bentley’s you can enjoy a “Super Sunday” full dinner of your choice of center cut Filet Mignon, Salmon or Prime Rib including hot bread and a side dish for $15. “Surf and Turf” Mondays are equally generous with a choice of Whiskey Peppercorn Flatiron Steak, Filet Mignon or Prime Top Sirloin for $15. Add $10. more for a “Surf” choice of Lobster, Shrimp Scampi or King Crab Legs. Reservations are suggested for this super popular value combination by calling 760-632-9333.

This same team that owns Bentley’s has operated Carver’s Steak and Chops in Rancho Bernardo. Check for almost-daily wine specials in the bar and dining room, like ½ price wines and free corkage for your bottle. When I last checked, Bentley’s was running a premium bottle of wine with dinner for just $15.

Bentley’s is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and dinner Monday through Sunday at 5pm. Cocktail hour is Monday through Friday 2 to 6:30pm. For the full menu and wine list go to www.bentleyssteak.com. For more on Nick Goldschmidt, access www.goldschmidtvineyards.com.


Wine Bytes

The Crossings Golf Course Country Club in Carlsbad is hosting a Monte Carlo Night Fri. March 6 from 6:30 to 9:30pm to benefit Friends of Aviara Schools. Enjoy wine and other libation tastings, appetizers, Vegas style gaming, and raffle drawings. Cost is $85. pp. RSVP at 760-602-9727.

Become a Certified Specialist of Wine with classes by Charrie Foglio, Wine Instructor for the San Diego Culinary Institute. First classes start Mon. March 8, 6:30 to 9:30pm at San Diego Wine Storage. For details contact 619-244-4224 or email sommelierguild@cs.com.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Wed. March 10, 5:30 to 7:30pm, welcomes Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates with great Portuguese wines including ports. Cost is $20. in advance. Call 760-745-1200.

La Costa Wine Company offers “The Truth About Wine & Cheese,” Sat. March 13 from 3 to 5pm. Learn about textures, aroma and flavors. Four artisan cheeses and 5 wines will be tasted. Public cost is $40. WC members $36. Couples $68. Call 760-431-8455.

The 2nd Annual Rhythm & Vine, a Music Food and Wine Festival in Escondido’s North County Fair Mall off I-15, will be held Sat. April 17 starting at 6pm, to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Diego County. Over 60 award-winning wineries and 35 top chefs from gourmet restaurants will be on hand, including 3 live concerts, all for the general admission price of $75. in advance, $100. at the door. A VIP package is available for $125. in advance, $150. at the door. Silent auction. Applications are still being accepted for wineries, breweries, spirits and restaurants. Space is free with a donation to the event’s silent auction. Ticket information at 858-578-9463, or go to www.rhythmandvine.org.

Island Prime Primed for Flavor

by Frank Mangio
It is a rare occasion to witness a family restaurant group with the singular quality and wide divergence that the Cohn Restaurant Group in San Diego exhibits. During the past 25 years David and Leslie Cohn have brought San Diego County an amazing array of prime-flavor dining in their 11 restaurants.

Well-deserved honors have been bestowed upon the Cohn “obsession with hospitality,” from the original Corvette Diner to the upscale steak and seafood operations: 333 Pacific in Oceanside, and Island Prime on Harbor Island in San Diego .

We have raved over the menu and wine list at 333 Pacific as being original and uniquely flavorful, so we jumped at the opportunity to meet the staff and sample the offerings at Island Prime.

Deborah Scott is the Executive Chef, a top shelf talent with a sense of the “wow” factor. Her resume is impressive, but it’s in the food that she sets the bar high with flavor that can’t be beat.

I would recommend starting with the crab-stuffed artichoke, then the baby beets salad with walnuts and goat cheese. You have to order the Island Prime Filet Trio if you’re a beef lover like I am.

Wine Director and Island Prime Manager Maurice DiMarino shows his wine cellar and his Italian favorites.

Toppings are different on each and include: gorgonzola, wild mushrooms and blue crab. Three different culinary experiences in one entrée…brilliant! Side options include: truffled-creamed corn, green beans, wild mushrooms and lots more. The wine list and operations are run by Maurice DiMarino who is always on the floor, making certain that the Cohn’s obsession with hospitality is in full bloom. For more see islandprime.com or dinecrg.com.

Wine Bytes
West Steak, Seafood and Spirits in Carlsbad and Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago showcase Penfolds Wines of Australia in a wine and dinner event Mon. Feb. 22 starting at 6:30pm . Delicious food will match up with wines like Riesling, Chardonnay, Red Blends and Port. Rack of Australian Lamb is the main entrée of this 4 course dinner. $75. ea. RSVP at 760-930-9100.

La Costa Wine Company in Carlsbad has a limited-space Justin Tasting on Fri. Feb. 26 from 5 to 8pm . This will sell out fast, as Justin from Paso Robles is well known around the wine world. New releases only. $30. pp. RSVP at 760-431-8455.

The 3rd Corner in Encinitas hosts an Ojai Wine Dinner on Tues. Feb. 16 at 6pm. Four course dinner with 4 different wines from Riesling to a lovely Viognier Dessert wine. $65. charge. Reserve at 760-942-2104.

The Paso Robles Grand Tasting Tour is Tuesday February 23 to Thursday February 25. Eleven events are being staged from Cardiff to Pont Loma in a regional showcase of over 40 winemakers. www.FastForwardEvents.com

The Argyle Steakhouse at the Four Seasons in the Aviara Carlsbad now has a Happy Hour. It starts at 4pm with 4.00 drinks, 5pm has $5. drinks and 6pm has $6. drinks. Details at 760-603-3773.