A Fortress for Pinot Noir + Wine and Dine Radio Hits the San Diego Airwaves

by Frank Mangio

Along the Sonoma Coast, high on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and barely accessible, sits Fort Ross Vineyards and Winery, home of the finest Pinot Noirs in California. It meets all the demands of this “queen” of the wine grapes: high elevation, a coastal strip with plenty of sun and night time fog blanketing the vineyard during growing season.

The Sonoma Coast-Seaview is the region’s newest AVA covering 27,500 acres due to its distinctive identity, a zone that has a maritime flavor to it. The area is teeming with history of a different sort. Fort Ross was a Russian outpost in the western world and two hundred years ago they established the enclave.

Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery on the Sonoma Coast of California makes excellent Pinot Noir and is owned by Linda ( above) and Lester Schwartz.

The Russians thought they were in the Caribbean and liked the area so much they brought in grapestock from Peru. Shortly after, the American government purchased the land from the Russians, along with Alaska, but the Russians fondness for the area carries over to this day.

“We are bottling a special 200th Anniversary of Fort Ross Pinot Noir for the occasion and helping to plan festivities,” said owner Linda Schwartz. The only funding for the celebration is coming from the Russians due to their part in the history of the area.”

Linda and her husband Lester came from Cape Town South Africa and emigrated to San Francisco, he as a practicing attorney. Yearning for a farming life, they purchased the land that is now their vineyard of some 50 acres and found that Pinot Noir flourished along with Chardonnay. All grapes are estate grown . The land gets more rainfall than the Amazon Jungle, averaging 75 inches per year on the 1,800 foot high ridges. All harvesting is done by hand. It is the closest winery to the Pacific Ocean.

You will find vibrant, black colors in Fort Ross Pinot., kept in French Oak barrels. The Pinot Noir production is on 40 acres with 24 blocks. Total production is 4,000 cases per year.

My favorite of the four current Pinot releases was the 2007 Reserve , that proved to me that Pinot can be aged gracefully and mature with a beautiful intensity.

This one had high scores with its black currant and orange pekoe tea complexity. It had mineral notes with a velvet cast. 344 cases were made with barrel aging of 10 months. ( $49. at the winery). Other Pinot Noirs to look for include: 2008 with dark plum and vanilla flavors; 2,064 cases made ($37.), and the 2010 Sea Slopes with boysenberry and raspberry notes; 973 cases ( $26.). Learn more about this fascinating winery at www.fortrossvineyard.com.

Wine & Dine RADIO Has Food/Drink News!

Now into its 2nd month on the air at KFSD 1450 AM on the dial in San Diego, each Saturday from 1 to 2pm, Wine & Dine Radio San Diego is truly a feast for listener’s ears.

Ron James, long-time industry professional moderates a panel of experts of the wine and dine scene who are passionate about food and drink.

Ron James (Co-Executive Producer), left, hosts Wine & Dine Radio, with commentary by show regulars David Nelson, Frank Mangio, Mike Bragg (Co-Executive Producer) and Caron Golden.

The show is lively and leans on guest appearances by Exectuive Chefs and Winemakers with trendy ideas. Food and wine enthusiasts in San Diego and anywhere can hear the show on their computers and smart phones as it is streamed live and available on-demand anytime.

Note: Wine and Dine San Diego Radio announced on Friday, April 13th that Miramar based Fixtures Living will host the Wine and Dine San Diego Radio production team, who will produce radio shows, live from the Fixtures showroom, beginning April 21, 2012

Wine Bytes

Jazz is back at the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo on Sundays from 2 to 5pm. Brunch is also served on Sundays at their Café Merlot from 11 to 3pm. RSVP at 858-592-7785.

A total of 19 Chefs from Del Mar’s best restaurants will be wining and dining guests on Sun. Apr. 22 from 1 to 4pm at the Hilton Del Mar. It’s a benefit to support the fight against child abuse. Sample signature dishes. Tickets are $150. ea. Call 760-754-5500.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos has a Keenan Wine Tasting event Fri. Apr. 20 from 4 to 8pm. Just $10. Call 760-744-2119 for more.

Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula has a Taste of Spring Seminar with the Winemaker, Sun. Apr. 22 from 10 to 12:30pm. Mimosa, continental breakfast and a walk through the vineyard are included, for $88.50. Call 951-676-4001 for an RSVP.

Pacifica Del Mar in the Del Mar Plaza presents Terlato Family Vineyards wines with a multi course dinner, Wed. Apr. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. $85. pp. Call 858-792-0476.

New Dining Critic at San Diego Magazine

San Diego’s leading lifestyle publication, announced today the addition of Troy Johnson to the editorial team as the new Editor-at-Large and Dining Critic. Johnson, a native San Diegan, is an award-winning food writer, nationally published author and writer and host of Crave, a primetime series on Food Network.

“Troy’s expert restaurant and food knowledge is a natural fit for the magazine and our digital platform,” says Jim Fitzpatrick, CEO & Publisher of San Diego Magazine, “We are extremely excited to have him on board and we know that he will be a strong addition to our editorial team.”

Johnson will primarily cover the city’s food scene—from restaurant reviews to trends, essays, and real-deal journalism on food issues. He will also lend his editing style, media savvy and his trademark humor and voice to the magazine as a whole.

“I’ve always read San Diego Magazine,” says Johnson, “When I was a kid, it seemed permanently attached to our coffee table. I’m thrilled to continue focusing on San Diego’s food scene as it is the best of both worlds—it’s finally progressive enough to be interesting, but it’s not oversaturated like New York or San Francisco. There’s plenty of room for weird, funky, creative, innovative plates of awesomeness.”

Previously, Johnson helped launch San Diego CityBeat as its arts and culture editor. He also developed, wrote and hosted an Emmy-winning music TV show, Fox Rox, in addition to writing stories for SPIN, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Surfer. In 2008, he came out with a nationally published memoir, Family Outing. Between 2009 and 2011, he won seven first place awards for food writing for San Diego Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists and the Orange County Press Club. Most recently, he had dual roles in Riviera San Diego Magazine for 4 years as their Senior Editor and food writer.

“He’s become the defining voice of our city’s food community,” says Erin Chambers Smith, Editor-in-Chief of San Diego Magazine. “His writing is whip smart and his perspective on food and dining is insightful, but there isn’t a lot of pretension there—a rare thing among food writers. That’s the thing so ‘San Diego’ about his character that’s going to hit home with our readers. I am thrilled to have Troy and his tweets on our team.”

Top Ten Wine Tastings – 1st Half of 2011

The first half of this year brought to us more wine events than ever, with emphasis on trade and wine country associations banding together promoting their respective regional interests. I counted over 400 that crossed my radar with over 3,500 wines tasted.

On the retail side, a couple of trends developed on my Southern California beat: restaurants and resorts are adding a retail “buy it here, drink it here or take it home” component to their operation causing stress to locally owned wineshops; and county government is actually cooperating with winery associations to promote wine tasting in new or existing AVA’s.

Evidence the opening of some 10 public wine tasting rooms where there were nearly none allowed earlier, in the Ramona Valley of San Diego County.

The following are standout wines that I have tasted and awarded an “excellent” rating, based on flavor, complexity and price point-to-value. The Top Ten are NOT ranked but are listed alphabetically. Prices shown can vary and are what I have noted in web sites and at retail shops. Web sites are inserted for your further research.

§ Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2005. $15. A classic Cabernet from this Carneros District winery, with grapes from 3 vineyards in Atlas Peak and Oakville. www.artesawinery.com.

§ Chateau Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz, Australia, 2007. $18. A French style red with a touch of Cabernet and Grenache to add to the Shiraz body for an old world flavor medley. Australia’s Producer of the Year award winner. www.banfivintners.com.

§ Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel Germany, 2009. $15. World renowned maker of racy, mineral-driven Riesling from the steep, slate slopes of the Mosel River. Crisp, slight sweetness on the palate. www.drloosen.com.

§ Fontodi Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2006. $26. Pure 100% Sangiovese legacy grapes. 12 months aging in small French barriques. Great benchmark for all that is lovely in Tuscany. www.fontodi.com.

§ Marilyn Remarke Grenache, Monterey, Ca., 2008. $45. Meticulous re-creation of Rhone style Grenache. A revelation of old world south-of-France vibrancy. www.remarkewines.com.

§ Niner Twisted Spur, Paso Robles, CA., 2007. $25. Wine maker Amanda Cramer brought out the best of the vineyard in this all-estate blend of mostly Merlot, supported by Cab Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah. www.ninerwine.com.

§ Pedroncelli Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma, Ca.,2009. $20. Remarkable Dry Creek Valley Zin from prized 20 acre family related vineyard for over 50 years. Captures the essence of “California’s grape,” and takes it to a new level. www.Pedroncelli.com.

§ Solis Winery Merlot Reserve, Santa Clara Valley, CA. 2008. $40. Rich Italian family tradition from the 20’s has brought Solis L.A. International Gold, and acclaim to this velvet-lined, regal tasting wine. www.soliswinery.com.

§ Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Oregon, 2008. $39. World-class Pinot from the new world’s authentic footprint of Burgundy, France, the birthplace of Pinot Noir. Its certified organic farming was first in the U.S. www.sokolblosser.com.

§ South Coast Winery Sangiovese, Wild Horse Peak, Temecula, CA., 2006.$34. 100% old-world style Sangiovese in French barrels especially designed for this varietal. A sweeping pedigree of high praise for this best-of-class. A triumph for veteran wine maker Jon McPherson. www.wineresort.

Wine Bytes

Falkner Winery in Temecula celebrates its 11th Anniversary Sat. Ju.y 2 thru Mon. July 4. Free Jazz concerts Noon to 3pm on Sat. and Sun., hourly raffle drawings, outdoor BBQs, tours and deep discount sales on top selling wines. All activities are 11 to 5pm. Call 951-676-8231 for details.

Bacchus Wine Market, in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, is having a Sparkling Wines and BIG Zinfandel Tasting, Fri. July 1 from 4 to 8:30pm and Sat. July 2 from 2pm to 8:30pm. $15. pp. Six tastings promised. For more, call 619-236-0005.

Tesoro Winery Old Town Tasting Room in Temecula is presenting the Two Of Us Plus One concert on Fri. July 8 from 6 to 9pm. Contact phone is 951-308-0000.

TASTE OF WINE regretfully reports that one of the pioneers of the modern wine shop format in Carlsbad is closing its doors the end of June after some 6 years. Carlsbad Wine Merchants, led by Kathy Bankerd, was an honest, creative wine merchant, who fell victim to the bad economy. She will be missed. The shop has some big discounts on wine and accessories before closing. Call 760-804-9994.

Rhythm and Vine is Music, Food and Wine

by Frank Mangio

Indulge all your senses Saturday April 9 from 6 to 9pm at Westfield Center North County San Diego, as Rhythm and Vine comes again for an unforgettable night of hot tunes, hot food and cool, award-winning wine, to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego.

The music lineup includes the Clay Colton Band with Rock, Country and Folk (shown in photo), Simeon Flick with Acoustic Soul, and Anthony Garcia (Flemenco Guitar). Over 60 wineries will be pouring, paired with 35 gourmet restaurants.

Under the professional guidance of Fast Forward Event Productions, with an unbeatable history of success in large wine and other lifestyle events, the Boys and Girls Club has found a singular food, music and wine event to raise funds for the 25,000 plus children of San Diego County who ultilize its services.

A highlight for guests is the optional VIP tent granting VIP ticket holders access to exclusive food and beverage partners, as well as a VIP after-party that will last until 10pm. The cost is $125. in advance and $150. at the door. General admission tickets cost $75. in advance and $100. at the door. A special discount is available for students and the military-two tickets for $99, pre sale only. Purchase tickets at www.rhythmandvine.org. You can call 760-858-0591, x203 for questions.

Most wine countries in California are represented with generous pours of Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Sauvignon Blanc and a host of wine blends.

One of the wines showcased in Rhythm and Vine is Callaway Winery of Temecula, fresh from big wins at the 2011 Winemaker Challenge in San Diego.

Callaway Winery in Temecula has recently won Gold for its Chardonnay and will be at the Rhythm and Vine event in Escondido.

Callaway was Temecula’s first winery and lately has come a long way with recently changed ownership, winemaker and marketing support. They have secured gold with the 2008 Winemaker’s reserve Chardonnay and 2009 Winemaker’s Reserve Late Harvest Chardonnay.

Other wineries worth noting are: Artesa of Napa Valley, Cass from Paso Robles and Michael-David from Lodi.

Wine-Speak from Robert Renzoni

I really enjoy trading comments on wine with the new “millennial.” Say what, you say? That’s’ OK, I had no clue what this new wine force was until I found out it’s a crucial part of the marketing of Paso Robles wine country, and their college and night club events. It’s all the young adult generation who turned 21 in 2000, to the present time.

I was at a wine dinner recently at the Temecula Creek Inn and they were featuring nearby wines by Robert Renzoni, who himself is a young, good looking Italian guy who does wine-speak in an easy-going harmonious manner. He’s all about family. Robert is full of stories about father Fred’s involvement in Italian wines from back east and how they have built up a family tradition of wine since 1886.

Robert Renzoni, left, brought his wines to Temecula Creek Inn to pair up with the tasty Meditteranean small bites of Chef Sal Giuliano

A Pinot Grigio, Julia’s Vineyard, is named after his mother, and La Rosa 2008 Rose’ is named after his grandmother. As he likes to say “alla famiglia!” With this spirit in place, many young “millennials” who came that night listened intently to the wine stories and spoke up about their wine choices. A young, well-dressed lady beside me (who brought her young baby to the event) flashed a winning smile and loved the Robert Renzoni 2008 Sangiovese as a beautifully structured, balanced body of wine with a soft finish. The Temecula Creek Inn event planners scored big-time on this one. Check out future events at www.temeculacreekinn.com.

Wine Bytes

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar is planning a Taste of Bordeaux Sat. April 2 from 2 to 5pm in the Wine Bar, served with chef’s selection of fine cheese and fruit. Five wines will range from an ’09 Blanc to an ’07 St. Emilion. A wine host will be at PAON to educate. $20. pp. Call 760-729-7377.

Falkner Winery in Temecula will have Free Live Jazz on Sundays, starting April 3 from Noon to 3pm. It will be held on the outside lawn area next to the Tasting Room. Saxman Jason Weber will blow.

Lovers of Italian wines will want to get on a plane and go to Verona for this years’ Vinitaly, one of the largest showcases for Italy, Thurs. April 7 to Mon. April 11. Banfi of Tuscany plays a leading role in the event.

Proper, a Gastro Pub next to PETCO Park downtown San Diego will have Anglim Winery of Paso Robles in a wine dinner on Mon. Apr. 4 for $49. ea. RSVP at 619-255-7520. Amglim is a small-lot Rhone style winery.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula brings in the blessing of the Vines Celebration & BBQ Sun. Apr. 10 from 4 to 7pm. Guests take the processional tour through the vineyards for the blessing and chefs cook a BBQ’d meal of Bratwurst, chicken and burgers, with live entertainment and dancing. Call 951-587-9463 for pricing.

RELM Wine Bistro, downtown Carlsbad is hosting Pre-Dating Speed Dating with the next event Sun. Apr. 17 at 5pm and 7pm. Different age groups are matched up so call for details on pricing and demographs. 760-805-5398. Happpy hour is now extended from 3 to 7pm at RELM.

The latest issue of Dining Out San Diego, a free glossy magazine on restaurants and menus, is now on display at hotels, restaurants, wineries and galleries.

Bang the Drum for Temecula Wines

by FrankMangio

My in-box is loaded with optimistic news on Temecula Wine Country. It’s time to catch a rising star in the wine world. (Are you paying attention Wine Spectator ?)

Peggy Evans, Executive Director of the Winegrowers Association just added Krista Chaich to the marketing team to further fine tune the message of Southern California’s home wine country, with 30 some vineyards and wineries that specialize in Mediterranean climate grapes.

Long-time wine marketing pro Karen Lindstrom is now in Catering Sales and Marketing for Callaway Vineyard and Winery, and it looks like the long-awaited Europa Village is headed to reality. I was recently contacted by a spokesman.

Over at Falkner Winery, the irrepressible and suave Angelo Abril is now Restaurant Manager for the premier Pinnacle Restaurant for Ray and Lorreta Falkner. The pair hosted an elegant holiday winemaker 5 course dinner with Falkner’s best wines, including my favorite, the 2006 Amante Super Tuscan style blend.(39.95)

Angelo Abril, Falkner Winery’s Pinnacle Restaurant Manager, and Ray Falkner with his wife Lorreta, are combining to help bring Temecula wines to the next level.

It marries up the flavors of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc. Pinnacle is offering Mediterranean style lunches since executive chef Gianni Ciciliot got his hands on the menu. A leading regional publication has awarded Pinnacle “Best Restaurant” the last 3 years. It will be open for Valentines Day Wine Dinners on Saturday through Monday February 12, 13 and 14 with timed seatings. Call for an RSPV and price at 951-676-8231 ext 1.

Over at Keyways, Terri Pebley and her winemaker David Raffael, introduced me to their latest wine, Traditions, a Merlot varietal from the Woodworth Vineyard in nearby Deluz. It has an irresistible ruby color with rich flavors of plum, cherry and mocha. ($31.) Keyways Voignier is always rich and complex with tropical notes, accents of peach and apricot, and the 2009 version carries this tradition. ($27.)

South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa is breaking new ground with a new release for a new label, from a new vineyard in southeastern Monterey County. Its’ called Saint’s Valley Winery and its first release is the 2010 White Zinfandel with a price starting at $3.99. Master Winemaker Jon McPherson promises a new day for this “blush” historic varietal.

A new book has just been launched by Temecula writers and publicists Tom Plant and Linda Kissam called A Recipe for Temecula Wine Country ( $19.98). It’s a contemporary cookbook featuring recipes from 22 of Temecula’s finest wineries. Vivid color pictures make it a mouth-watering experience, with pairing suggestions and recipes.

The book is already in circulation at local wineries and is coming soon to Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Call Linda Kissam for locations at 951-526-4540.

The next big Temecula winery event is the World of Wine 2011 Saturday March 5 and Sunday March 6. It’s barrel tasting and gourmet food servings in an all-day self guided tour. Limited time pre-sale two day ticket is $89. Check in at www.temeculawines.com for details. www.lacostawineco.com

Wine Bytes

Valentines Day in a winery and vineyard…now that’s romantic! Here are more choices in Temecula.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has a Valentines Wine Dinner on the 14th from 5:30 to 9:30pm. The chefs have a special menu and live music. $95. pp with a select bottle of wine. RSVP at 951-587-9463 ext 7237.

Tesoro Winery has a “Dolce Pomeriggio” ( sweet afternoon) Sat. Feb. 12 from 4 – 7pm. Wine, Champagne, chocolate and love songs with the Deek and Long duo. Cost is $26. ea. Call 951-308-0000.

Oak Mountain has a winemaker dinner Sat. Feb. 12 from 6 – 9pm. Four course Filet Mignon dinner with chef Michael from the Ritz Carlton and Oak Mountain favorite releases. Ticket sales at 951-699-9102.

Thornton Winery has its Romantic Rendevous Sat. Feb. 12 at 7pm. Adults only Valentines Day celebration with strolling violinists. Choice of glamorous venues in the winery. Filet Mignon and Salmon entrée. $85. pp. Call for RSVP at 951-699-0099.

Callaway Winery has a Vino d’Amore Dinner on Sat. Feb. 12 from6 -9pm. It features sparkling wine, live music and dinner in the barrel room. $90 ea. Call 951-676-4001 for seats.

Keyways has two Valentines events: Sat. Feb. 12 with That’s Amore, a 4 course dinner and entertainment from 6:30pm – 9:30pm for $99; and Cupid’s Walk, a romantic winery tour on Mon. the 14th from 3-4pm where you’ll sip wines and learn a little about winemaking for $17. RSVP at 951-302-7888.

Taste of Wine TV Profile: Cameron Hughes, Wine Entrepreneur of the Year

by Frank Mangio
Every so often I am granted an interview with a wine owner and personality that I really look forward to unwrapping. Such was the opportunity to spend some time with Cameron Hughes of Cameron Hughes Wine at the San Diego Press Club holiday party in Point Loma.

“We buy grapes on the spot market and got the company going in 2007,” he began. “We really began to make a lot of wine with various partnerships like COSTCO and that enabled us to grow quickly and flexibly, by focusing on vineyard districts with an established reputation that were having quality harvests. The identities of the vineyards selected are a closely guarded secret to protect their price points.”

Photo: Cameron Hughes

Cameron Hughes bottles and sells the wine at significant discounts. He rightly chose Napa Valley Cabernet to establish a name and early success. “The focus is on fantastic pricing and staying true to the business model. We move quickly to buy at the right wholesale price to fuel growth,” he declared. “We don’t own vineyards. We store, process and bottle at large warehouses, or partner up with a leading winery for their facilities. We look at appellations that have excess capacity and that can take off in sales.” Cameron Hughes pricing sweet spot is the $10. to $25. range. This is a good spot to be in. The low end with a similar model is owned by Fred Franzia and his Bronco Wines of Modesto, founder of boxed wines and the famous Charles (Two Buck Chuck) Shaw with wines at Trader Joes for $2.

A small amount of grapes in this brand come from Napa Valley but most are from the San Joaquin Valley, never a quality choice. (Hughes is also from Modesto, but that’s where the similarity ends.)

Recently Hughes has applied his formula for success to other districts in California like the Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma, and now Oregon and Chile. “We want to bridge the gap between the producer and retail seller,” he revealed. “We provide cash flow to the venture for a percentage and take the wine up the ladder of success. Our goal is always to provide the best high-end wines for a very reasonable price point. I am watching the wine grape market every day.” A prime example of Cameron Hughes quality would be the Lot 200, 2008 Napa Valley Rutherford/Oakville/Stags Leap Cabernet. Hughes calls it “the best deal ever.” Check it out at COSTCO or the website www.www.chwine.com.

Pinot Noir Wineries Pop the Corks in L.A.
Pinot Days comes to Southern California with a Grand Festival on Saturday January 15 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from 2 to 6pm.

Thursday and Friday, January 13 and 14, a “Table Hop” dinner and a Meet the Winemakers”dinner , both in Los Angeles, will complete the extended weekend of Pinot Noir entertainment, food and world-class wines.

Pinot Noir is a Burgundy-inspired wine of French birth. It thrives in the coastal elevations of California and Oregon. Most are hand crafted with great care. I am a huge lover of great Pinot.

Photo: Jim Bernau.

Two California brands showed up in my Top Ten Tastes for 2010 and Oregon Pinots have made the list in the past. Jim Bernau purchased what is now Willamette Valley Vineyards in the fertile Willamette Valley of Oregon in 1983. Now the vineyard has expanded to 250 acres of rich, red soil and sits on slopes with about two tons per acre picked for highest quality. Their 2008 new release Pinot Noir will be a spotlight wine at the Pinot Days Grand Festival.


The producers have kept the price at a very reasonable $60.00 per person base price, plus a complimentary Burgundy-style glass. For tickets and other options, go to www.pinotdays.com, or call 415-246-2967 for further information.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego presents Wines from Spain, Fri. Jan. 14 from 4 to 8:30pm. 7 wines from regions like Rioja, Jumilla, Rueda and more. $15. pp. Call 619-236-0005.

Scott’s Restaurant in Orange County hosts the 8th annual Wine Stars of Santa Barbara produced by Learn About Wine, Tues. Jan. 18 from 7 to 9:30pm. 40+ wineries will be pouring. Advance tickets are $89. Call 310-451-7600 for details.

Meritage Wine Market hosts a Burgundy tasting on Fri. Jan. 21 from 6 to 8pm. Cost is $20. More info at 760-479-2500.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Temecula kicks off a series of winemaker seminars Sat. Jan. 22 from 10 to 12:30pm. Winemaker Craig Larson will begin with A Taste of Winter. A bottle of wine is included. Cost is $88.50 per seminar, with a discount for club members. Call 951-676-4001.

Vigilucci’s Ristorante in La Jolla has a North to South Wine Dinner Sat. Jan. 22 at 6pm. $65. ea. for a three course dinner paired with regional Italian wines. For an RSVP and details, call 858-454-9664.

Ten Wine Tastings for 2010

by Frank Mangio
After a long and winding road, visiting wineries, vineyards, wine shops, restaurants, resorts and wine events, at times I asked myself “are we there yet, have we found the ten best tastes for this year?” I hope not. Tomorrow may bring yet another lovely wine that matches the list below. I will keep up the hunt for bigger, better, luscious tasting prized wines.

As we go public with this list, wine lovers are getting more for their money and are seeking the highest value wines available as competition is keen with new wine shops offering ever more wines, events, wine bars and small-bites restaurant components. My ten include: two from Napa Valley, two from Sonoma, two from Italy, and one each from Monterey, Paso Robles, Washington and Spain.

I attended some 300 events, tasting over 3,000 wines from all over the world, documenting their taste characteristics, ranking them on my 1 to 5 value scale, and considering cost point vs. flavor. Prices vary from discount retailers to wine shops to web site “cart” prices, so it pays to compare. The ten are NOT ranked, but appear alphabetically. Web sites follow the wine descriptions for your further research.

Banfi Toscana Chianti Superiore, Tuscany, Italy, 2008. $11.
Seven thousand acres at the base of the fabled town of Montalcino plus legacy vineyards in South America and other districts of Italy, Banfi makes a statement with this select Sangiovese grape varietal at an inexpensive price. www.castellobanfi.com.

Cantina Zallagnina Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, Italy, 2007. $11.
Comes from the younger vineyards of the Montepulciano district in eastern Tuscany. A splash of fruit flavor complements the gritty, earthy old world taste that accentuates with hard cheese and pasta. www.vivavino.com.

Chateau St. Michelle Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling, Washington, 2008. $18.
Two of the world’s great makers of Riesling, Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Washington’s Chateau St. Michelle, make this bold and forward varietal, with tastes of mandarin orange and sweet lime. www.ste-michelle.com

Duckhorn “The Discussion” 6 Vineyard Blend, Napa Valley, 2006. $115.
An artful blend of varietals from 6 of Duckhorn’s vineyards. It includes 53% Cabernet, 28% Merlot, 14% Cab Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot. The winery’s highest acclaimed creation. Can you detect Truffle Cassis? www.duckhorn.com.

The highly successful RELM Wine Bar in Carlsbad discovered Triton, a Spanish Tempranillo, and one of Taste of Wine’s Top Ten.

Ferrari Carano “Tresor” Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma, 2007. $58.
Old world classic style with new world California flavor. A closer taste finds: 84%Cabernet, with Merlot, Malbec, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot. Tresor means Treasure in France. Indeed, it is. www.ferraricarano.com.

Fog Head Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey, 2008. $16.
Strawberry/raspberry on the nose. Silky, soft tannins are a trait of fine Pinot. Sits at the Santa Lucia Highlands, positioned to take advantage of the fog pattern that settles at Fog Head’s doorstep. www.tastemonterey.com.

Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Carneros, 2008. $32.
Over 200 acres spread over the Valley to choose only the best of estate grapes. Six Frank family members plus two grandchildren pouring their hearts out . www.frankfamilyvineyards.com.

Justin “Justification” Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles, 2008. $45.
Reduced yields pushed up quality. 10 months barrel time dressed up flavor for an unmatched Cab Franc/Merlot marriage. www.justinwine.com

Lewis Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Sonoma, 2008. $65.
A small-lot passion allows constant development with pruning at every stage, from bud break to veraison (fruit coloration) to harvest. Lewis barrel-stores their Chardonnay in French Oak for up to 15 months. www.lewiscellars.com.

Triton Tempranillo, Douro Valley, Spain. 2008. $24.
Named after the Roman God Neptune’s son Triton, who galloped along great seasides and rivers. The Douro River and its soil components play a large role in the sophisticated, elegant flavor of this Spanish creation, with elements of chocolate and delicate spices; a discovery of RELM, the dynamic wine shop in Carlsbad. www.ambassadorofwine.com