The Harvest of the Decade

by Frank Mangio
In 2010 and 2011, the struggles of wineries up and down the state resonated in all corners of the industry.

The weather, front and center, was a force to be reckoned with and it sorted the winemaker pros from the rest of the pack. Too much rain, too much cold, too much heat was the hue and cry, while our friends in France and Europe took advantage of better weather conditions to gain an advantage in reviews and sales. Their current wine releases show bigger imports into the U.S.  The crop for 2012 will change all that.

 A Napa Valley worker sorts a bin of Cabernet grapes to hand remove sticks and leaves,  preparing grapes for the crusher.

From Temecula to Washington, west coast vineyards and wineries are grinning from ear to ear about the results.  The bad news this year is confined to France and Italy.  French wine production has slipped 20% to the lowest in 40 years with the double whammy of bad weather and disease, especially in the Champagne and Beaujolais regions.  Italy had a steaming hot spell.  White sparkling wine grapes suffered a 20% drop in Italy’s most popular sparkling wine varietals. Results are no better in Piedmont, Tuscany, Puglia, Veneto and other grape growing regions.  Add in rising labor, processing costs and the recession, and this year could rival the terrible 2002 crop.

New world wines on the coast will be the best in years.  Washington re-ports the completed growing season was near-perfect. The quality was exceptional and quantities were way up.  Up in Spring Mountain, Napa Valley, they loved the clockwork consistency of the season.  The fruit was beautiful and abundant. Perfect clusters were the norm.

Over in the Dry Creek District of Sonoma, Jim Pedroncelli of Pedroncelli Winery wrapped up the 85th harvest with a “bounty of grapes, and a seamless year.  We were truly blessed to have such a great year,” he joyfully asserted.  His yields were up 20%.

Aaron Piotter is the red Wine maker for Ferrari-Carano, not far from Pedroncelli.  He calls it a “fantastic year, after two very challenging years. We got more heat  but it was never too hot, and it was a longer growing season. There was a huge crop of white grapes, the merlot, zin and  sangiovese were up.”

Aaron Piotter, the winemaker for premium winery Ferrari-Carano in Sonoma, praised the 2012 wine

grape growing season as one of the best in a decade.

Paso Robles reported some spectacular fall weather allowing extra ripeness and development into the vines.  Cass Winery has 150 acres planted, just east of the Templeton Gap.  It specializes in Rhone varietals like Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne. Owner Steve Cass is expecting more grapes for his hand picked estate varietals, now about 35% branded with the Cass name.  The rest is sold off elsewhere in the market.

Jim Hart can speak for Temecula Wine Country and the Ramona Wine Trail in San Diego County.  He makes wine for both Hart Winery, one of Temecula’s oldest, and Milagro Farm, the biggest winery in the Ramona Valley.  “Both wine countries are similar in soil and weather conditions. What grows well in Temecula, does well in San Diego County, and this harvest will turn out to be the best in years.  We are very excited about the crop.”

All this evidence augurs well for the west coast 2012 vintage.  The juice still needs to go through fermenting, aging and bottling and no one can really know, but when you see this great year on the shelves in a couple of years, I would advise you consider buying it by the case.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego has a Rhone Valley Tasting Sat. Nov. 24 from 2 to 8:30pm.  Cost is $20. for 7 samples of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and others.  Call 619-236-0005 for details.

At Vintana in Escondido, a DAOU Wine dinner is planned for Sun. Nov. 25 at 6pm.  Wine makers Georges and Daniel Daou will be there for the 5 course dinner with their wines.  Cost is $85. pp.  Call 760-745-7777 for an RSVP.

333 Pacific in Oceanside has a Hendry Ranch wine dinner set for Tues. Nov. 27 at 6:30pm.  Special guest is owner Mike Hendry.  $75. ea.  Call 760-433-3333 for reservations.

South Coast Winery in Temecula unveils its Tree Lighting Celebration in their courtyard Sun. Nov. 25 at 6pm, with holiday music.  Details at 866-994-6379 x 7210.

The legendary Silver Oak Napa Valley and Sonoma wines will be poured at Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido Thurs. Dec. 6, from 6 to 8pm.  $20. cost includes a selection of gourmet cheeses. RSVP at 760-745-1200.

Taste the Harvest in Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio
We are just days away from the 22nd annual Harvest Celebration in Temecula Wine Country, a two day event on Saturday November 3rd and Sunday November 4th from 10am to 4:30pm.  Over 35 wineries will participate in the self guided tour, where visitors get to sample new and unfinished wines, dine on small bites of gourmet food pairings at the wineries and soak in the autumn sun of the vineyards.

A popular stop on the circuit will be Robert Renzoni Vineyards, typical of the many family owned and operated wineries in Temecula.  They opened their doors in 2008 after planting on the property in 2006.  The family’s history of winemaking dates back to 1886 in Italy.

A recent gathering of Robert Renzoni Vneyards family members included:  Robert Renzoni, Alex Clifton, Janelle McPhail, Fred Renzoni and Julie Renzoni.

I had the pleasure of tasting their peak performance “Sonata Blend” 2009. ($38.)  It flashes the best qualities of Cabernet and Brunello grape varietals, and was a medal winner at the Orange County Fair.

Recently, visitors have been “stomping “around a number of the wineries as harvest season always brings out the partygoers.  If you haven’t got caught up in one yet, it’s not too late.  Mount Palomar Winery hosts one of the final Bacchus-style bashes on Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28.  This one is an Oktoberfest theme with  free admission and goes from 11:30am to 5pm both days.  Register at www.mountpalomar.com.

It was a double celebration at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa  a few  weeks back, with their annual grape stomp and blessing of the wines, and the winning of some 175 wine awards in global competition this year. One of the latest trophy wines from winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores is the 2009 Late Harvest Riesling.  Tropical fruit flavors abound with a honeyed finish, excellent for dessert, or fish and salads. ($18.)

The latest architectural triumph of Temecula’s fast-growing wineries is Lorimar Winery.  Mark Manfield, a former Kansas City restaurateur, completed his vision of a two story Italian Tuscan villa with a bell tower.   Another Lorimar success is former Stuart Cellars owner Marshall Stuart come on board as winemaker-partner. Stuart is a gentleman-farmer with a deeply engrained reputation for skilled winemaking.  He provided Lorimar and other wineries great old-world style wines.  “My partnership here has turned into a great thing,” he declared.

Marshall Stuart, Lorimar’s new winemaker partner toasts the harvest with columnist Frank Mangio.

“We are focusing on a big lineup of wines to create a difference for Lorimar and its wine club members especially.  We have more than 19 wines to choose from to please a lot of palates. My passion has always been to produce high-end, premium red wines and it continues here at Lorimar.”  I asked Stuart about this year’s harvest and what he thought of the results.  “This growing year produced great reds and over 50% more grapes than we had last year,” he revealed.  There is a big quality difference over last year’s crop.”

The Temecula Harvest Celebration Saturday and Sunday November 3rd and 4th is $99. for both days, with other price options.  See the details at www.temeculawines.org, or call 800-801-9463.

Wine Bytes
Bacchus Wine Market in downtown San Diego is presenting only Pinot Noirs Sat. Oct. 27 from 2 to 8:30pm.  Cost is $20.  You will taste 7 from many parts of the world, including the great Burgundies.  Call 619-236-0005.

A Moonlight Dinner is coming to Callaway Winery in Temecula, Sat. Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 9:30pm, with winemaker Craig Larson and Meritage Executive Chef Michael Henry. A 5 course meal is planned, paired with Callaway wines. $120. pp.  RSVP at 951-676-4001.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido is pouring an all-Central California Coast wine event on Mon. Oct. 29 starting at 5:30pm.  $5. ea.  Call 760-745-1200.

Davanti Enoteca in the Del Mar Highlands Center is planning a 7 course Italian style Piemonte wine dinner Tues. Oct. 30th at 6:30pm.  From Sparkling Gavi di Gavi to the red Barbaresco and Barolo, all are premium, classic wines.  The menu promises to be an elegant feast, capped by the Bistecca al Rosmarino, a luscious Italian steak with mushrooms and polenta.  RSVP at 858-519-5060.

Bon Vin, a new concept wine shop in Downtown San Diego, brings in ZD Wines from Napa Valley on Wed. Nov. 7 from 5 to 10pm.  Cost is $20. Find out more at 619-702-8377.

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.

Italian Cuisine is King at Crush

by Frank Mangio

Sangiovese and Barbera are two Italian wine MVP’s on the wine list at the new Crush Italian Restaurant and Wine Lounge on the Coast Highway in Solana Beach.

And why not! These two varietals are closely matched and vital to anyone’s Italian wine inventory. Sangiovese is Tuscany’s home wine, and I will have much more to say about this as I just returned from 4 days in this wine country. Barbera is the home-base grape varietal in the Piedmont area of Italy. Its taste is similar to the Nebbiolo grape found in Barolo and Barberesco, but without the big price.

Owner John Luciano offers the 2009 Luna di Luna Sangiovese/Merlot 2008 and the Venditti Barbera 2007. The rest of the lineup includes: sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. And Crush is selling these wines direct, something of a clear trend in restaurants these days. Take it with you, or take it to table for dinner without a corkage fee.

“We’ve got another restaurant in Chico and I had been looking for an ideal location for my Italian themed restaurant,” Luciano said. “We are diversified in our menu. We offer burgers to seafood, beside our traditional southern style Italian dishes. There are over 160 bottles of wine to choose from.”

A triumphant Chef Jesse Elhart presented his exciting menu items at the new Crush Restaurant in Solana Beach.


The guy behind the menu this evening was Sous Chef Jesse Elhart, who excited diners with his Tagliatelle Bolognese, an “old school” six- hours-cooked ragu with goia ricotta and herbs. He also does a lovely “Mom’s Meatballs” dish with tomato sauce, sheepsmilk ricotta and basil in the Primo part of the menu.

On the salad side of the menu, try the Gorganzola chopped plus romaine, croutons, tomato cucumber and Benton’s Bacon. The Fritto Misto with calamari, lemon,onion & zucchini also drew bravos.

Crush has a happy hour daily from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, then nightly from 10pm to midnight to catch the later crowd. You’ll enjoy $3. drafts, $5. house wines and $7. specialty cocktails. Live music is enjoyed Wednesday thru Saturday from 8pm.

Crush is a lifestyle restaurant, breaking barriers and having fun with dining. The phone is 760-858-481-2787. Visit their website at www.solanabeachcrush.com


Wine Bytes
Wine Styles in Encinitas has a cheese festival Sat. Oct. 29 from 6pm. Specially selected wine accompanies. Call 760-633-0057 for pricing.

Only 90 Point Wines in the next event at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego on Sat. Oct. 29 from 2 to 8:30pm.Seven wines are poured with low price tags. $20 pp. Call 619-236-0005.

The Wedge, A Cheese, Wine and Brew Festival happens in Downtown Escondido Sat. Nov. 5 from 1 to 9pm at Grand and Broadway. A Street Corner Concert with the “English Beat.” Enjoy artisan cheese pairings with wine and beer, brew garden, classes, a seasonal market and much more. Call 760-745-8877 for ticket information.

The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla presents Niner Winemaker Amanda Cramer and a 5 course dinner by Chef Amy DiBiase Wed. Nov. 6 at 6pm. These are extraordinary wines, written up in Taste of Wine on many occasions. The event is produced by Lisa Redwine, advanced Sommelier. Cost is $55 ea. RSVP at 858-456-0600.

Vigilucci’s Restaurant in downtown Carlsbad is planning a Piemonte inspired Dinner with Beni di Batasiolo wines and white truffles on Thurs. Nov. 10 at 6:30pm. This amazing dinner is a repeat of a sellout! Main steak course has shaved white truffle paired with Batasilo Barola Reserve. $90. cost. RSVP fast at 760-434-2500.

Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country has its Winemaker Dinner on Sat. Nov. 12 at 7pm. Winemaker David Vergari presides over a Brandt Beef Tenderloin Filet Dinner at Café Champagne, its 5 star restaurant. Call for reservations at 951-688-0099. $95.

Tommy V’s Catching the Wine & Dine Wave

by Frank Mangio

There’s a new team, a new attitude and a strong wave in place at Tommy V’s Del Mar, across from the polo fields. Owner Tommy Maggiore of Tuscany La Costa fame has placed veteran restaurateur Tyler Willams in place as Manager with Executive Chef Giorgio Loverdi and head waiter Eduardo Laquiz.

I had been to Tommy V’s 3 times to catch the wave of excitement and good times that seemed to be in the air. The latest was a recent gathering of friends, family and guests of the new Gen 7 wines, introduced by owner Tim Bacino at a new release party.

Tyler Willimas,left, manager of Tommy V’s in Del Mar, welcomes Tim Bacino, 2nd from left, and his family and friends at the Gen 7 wine party.

Wine included: Viognier, Muscat Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and an awesome Red Blend( Zinfandel, Cab Franc and Carignane, a rare grape from the south of France) called Road To Zanzibar, $34. at Gen 7’s site.

Bacino is no novice. Members of his family built the Brookside Winery brand in the 70’s to great heights, with 36 retail wine stores in California and elsewhere before selling to a national chain. Gen 7 is named after Bacino’s young daughter, the 7th generation connected to the family business and is off to a great start, being named “Best Micro Winery” in a recent competition in Sacramento.

Earlier in the month I had put Tommy V’s to the test as the Italian Chophouse with classic old world interpretations of that style of cuisine. With Eduardo as our waiter and Executive Chef Giorgio personally superivising we got right into a typical Tommy V’s menu extravaganza of cured meats and cheeses, Arugula Salad, and a beautifully crafted Bistecca Siciliano, a 16 ounce Dry-Aged steak rubbed with herb and cheese crumbs with a side of sauteed mushrooms.

Eduardo’s choice for me to wash the meal down in traditional style was a a Vietti Barbera D’ Asti, 2008. Barbera is a red grape from the Piedmont District of Northern Italy. French Oak Barrels store this wine for 12 months, then in steel tanks for 2 months before bottling.

Head Waiter Eduardo Laquiz and Executive Chef Giorgio Loverdi service a large group of diners at Tommy V’s in Del Mar.

This wine will emit a ruby purple color with red cherry, minerals and a hint of vanilla. The Barbera compliments pasta and breaded veal, pork, chicken and steak, and is an affordable value wine on Tommy V’s list of worldwide reds. Find more information at www.tommyvdelmar.com. Gen 7’s site is www.gen7wines.com.

Wine Bytes

San Diego Restaurant Week is back, Sun. Sept. 18 through Fri. Sept. 23, with over 180 restaurants participating in discounted 3 course prix fixe menus See www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com for a location near you.

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar in Carlsbad has an Italian Tasting with six wines for $14., Thurs. Sept. 15 to Wed. Sept. 21, 2 to 9pm. Call 760-729-7377.

Barolo and Barbaresco wines are featured at Bacchus Wine Market, downtown San Diego Fri. Sept. 16 from 4 to 8:30pm. Some of Italy’s greatest wines will be poured. $40. fee. RSVP required. Call 619-236-0005.

The 2011 Taste of Hope is planned for Sun. Sept. 18 from 4 to 7pm on the terrace at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego. $65. pre sale, $75. at the door. Downtown restaurants will offer cuisine, with an excellent selection of wines. Proceeds to the Cty Of Hope. Call 858-452-6846 for more.

Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula celebrates Calilfornia Wine Month with a Grape Stomp Sun. Sept. 18th. Call for more information at 951-491-6551.

The WineSellar in Sorrento Valley focuses on Brunello Di Montalcino Wines, the elite wines from Tuscany, Wed. Sept. 21 starting at 6pm. $25. pp. Check it out at 858-450-9557

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.

California Wine Festival: April 29-30

by Frank Mangio

Orange Country will be in a buzz Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30 as the California Wine Festival becomes the hottest ticket in town with a quintessential two day wine tasting experience. The organizers, who publish a leading wine trade magazine, present events at the Ritz Carlton Resort Hotel Laguna Niguel Friday starting from 4:30pm with a Riedel Glass Tasting and Seminar, then a Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting in the grand Ballroom from 6:30 to 9pm.

Saturday April 30 it’s the Grand Tasting and Festival from 1 to 4pm, with a VIP pass option from 11:30 to 4pm, at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

I have reviewed the wineries commited to Saturday’s outdoor event and would recommend tasting from: Adelaida, Alexander Valley, Briar Rose, Callaway, Cass, Kenneth Volk, Kiamie, Laetitia, Leonesse, Opolo, Scheid, Wiens, Wilson Creek and Vino Robles. These wines are California fruit-forward, from Temecula Valley, Paso Robles, Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara. We don’t’ want to overlook the restaurants that will be presenting generous samples of their menu items. Popular dining rooms like Smoky’s House of BBQ, Melting Pot, Nirvana Gourmet and a loaf of bread for every Saturday visitor from Sadie Rose Bakery.

The Friday evening wine gathering is billed as rare and reserve wines. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a champagne reception will begin the festivities, followed by rare bottles from Napa, Sonoma, the Central Coast and Santa Barbara. Top regional chefs will serve hot and cold appetizers, while bluesy Jazz keeps things melodic and cool. An 18 ounce wine glass to keep is a delightful bonus.

This same group has a Santa Barbara similar beachside event set up for Thursday July 14 through Saturday July 16.

Several levels of tickets are available and I urge you to access www.californiawinefestival.com as soon as possible. Tickets for both the Dana Point and Santa Barbara events start at $65. each. If you want to speak to someone, call 800-797-7753.

Arterra Unwraps New Rave-Style Restaurant

Arterra, which is defined as “art of the earth,” has the San Diego dining scene raving and wanting more once they discover this stylistic restaurant, bar and outdoor lounge off the lobby of the Marriott Hotel, on El Camino Real at Sorrento Valley Road, Del Mar.

The meet and greet area inside Arterra is really 3 areas. The outdoor lounge is spacious with lots of stand-up and sit down space set around fascinating firepits with low-rise décor walls. The wine bar doubles as a sushi bar, widely known as a chill-out and relaxation station.

Arterra Executive Chef Tony Miller, left, shows TASTE OF WINE columnist Frank Mangio the impressive bar along with Marriott Hotel Del Mar Assistant Manager Jay Ibarolle.

Executive Chef Tony Miller has an impressive portfolio of hotels and restaurants including 11 years with Marriotts. His last one was Hawaii and it deliciously showed in his menu selections.

For starters, try the lobster “mac and cheese” with mascarpone, parmesan, white truffle and orzo chives. Move into flatbreads with “cold pizza” supporting smoked salmon, chili crème fraiche, blanco grapefruit, avocado, watercress and salmon roe.

In the mains, there are many to choose but the honey glazed natural chicken breast, duck confit, scallion pancake and cucumber kim chee was superb. The meal was washed down with Erath Pinot Gri 2009 and a personal favorite, Frank Family 100% Cabernet 2006. Chef Tony has been at Arterra for 9 months and is taking it to new heights of fusion-style food. “What grows together, goes together he said. “We take 4 different cultures and put them together.”

Originality and an element of mystery have made Arterra what it is today… a place to see, and been seen. Check it out at www.arterrarestaurant.com. Call 858-369-6032.

Wine Bytes

§ Red Blends are featured at the next Friday night Bacchus Wine Market event, Apr. 15, from 4 – 8:30pm in the Gaslamp Downtown San Diego. $15. gets you 6 different red wine blends. Call 619-236-0005 for names.

§ It’s a Night of Pinots at Vigilucci’s downtown Carlsbad Thurs. Apr. 21 at 6:30pm. Includes a 5 course dinner paired with California Pinot Noirs for $65. pp. RSVP at 760-434-2500.

§ Its’ a night of small wineries and big wines at the Orange County Wine Extraordinaire at the Anaheim Hilton, Sun. Apr. 17 from 2 to 5pm. Cost is $50. advance, $60. at the door. 80 wineries in attendance. Taste wines in a Riedel Glass. Call 714-708-1636.

§ Sage Grill in Encinitas continues its series of fine wine dinners with a Rutherford Hill Wine event Mon. Apr. 18. Reception at 6:30pm, dinner at 7pm. Four wines, three courses, $59. ea. A Big Wine & Apps tasting is planned for Wed. Apr. 13 from 6 - 8pm. $20. in advance. RSVP at 760-943-SAGE(7243).

§ 333 Pacific in Oceanside is presenting a Chilean Wine Tasting on Tues. Apr. 19 from 5:30-8:30pm, Heavy appetizers included in the price of $20. pp. Details at 760-433-3333.

§ Taste top Italian wines of Italy’s premier Vinitaly Festival at Toast Enoteca & Cucina, downtown San Diego, Thurs. Apr. 21 from 6-9pm. More than 40 wines will be offered with delicious Italian appetizers. Cost is $60. RSVP to Toast at 619-269-4207.

Fizzy, Sweet & Sparkling Wines

by Frank Mangio
One of the missing links to my knowledge of wine has always been the array of before and after dinner champagnes, sparkling wines, ports, and grape-based exotic and vibrant drinks like Grappa,Vin Sante, Sherry and Vermouth.

Port is a beautifully sweet, powerful wine, mostly consumed after dinner and is especially delectable with chocolate. Its genetic home is Portugal but England embraced it as its own and some of the finest brands of port still come from the “mother country.”

The best Port grapes come from the Douro Valley in Northeast Portugal where a town, Oporto, gave it the name. The steep hillsides on both sides of the Douro make the vineyards some of the most challenging in the world. Roots have been known to go some 65 feet into the ground for stability and to survive the blazing hot summer days.

In California, Pedroncelli in Sonoma makes “Four Grapes” 2005 Vintage Port in the Dry Creek area. The most popular Portugese grapes are grown on the estate and aged 4 years before bottling, softening and maturing the wine.





“Four Grapes” Vintage Port from Pedroncelli Winery in Sonoma is a prime California Port, rewarded with a Best of Class in recent international competition.

Alcohol content is 19%, emphasizing ripe berries, caramel and toffee aromas that lead to warm spice, raspberry and cream soda on the palate. This is the ultimate Port value at $18. for a 500ml bottle. Look it up at www.pedroncelli.com.


Madeira comes from the island of the same name off the coast of Africa which is a Portugese colony. It was the wine of choice at the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and considered the most prestigious after-dinner wine at the time. It is a fortified(small amount of Brandy), mostly white wine with a similar 19% alcohol content.

Not all sparkling wine can be called Champagne; only those from the region of Champagne France, made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The method of production, “Methode Champenoise” can be used worldwide, but the Champagne French keep a lid on the brand. Other old world Sparkling Wines that are popular are in Italy: Prosecco and Moscato D’Asti. One of the most respected Champagnes is Dom Perignon. The 2002 which is available now is $149.99 in most retail stores. Fresh almonds and dried fruit capture the palate, along with intensely floral, perfumed jasmine that leads a tropical surge from the Chardonnay base. Some of the best domestic Sparkling Wines come from Oregon and California. Argyle from the Willamette Valley is refined and elegant in its 2000 vintage. ($60.) On the value side, Mumm Napa Valley is just $20. and V. Sattui Brut Napa Valley with ripe flavors of apple pie is just $22.

Just up the road in Temecula, the veteran Sparkling Wine maker, medal and award winner, Jon McPherson, is expanding his skills in this style of wine for South Coast Winery. Long known for his expertise in the “Methode Champenoise”style, he has now released a 2010 Pinot Grigio for sparkling wine. McPherson has long admired the Italian style of winemaking and this time looked to the Alto Adige district of Italy for this bright citrus and delicate apple taste. McPherson recommends it, not just for celebration, but paired to a seafood or chicken dinner.


New drink treats are coming out of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa: A Pinot Grigio Sparkling wine and a Grappa based menu of cocktails.

In South Coast’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant, mixed drinks are made with a grape-based Italian favorite called Grappa, made from the skin of the grape. Grappa has a uniquely different quality about it and no two grappas taste quite the same. Jacobi Poli was chosen as supplier, among the oldest in use today. Over 7 popular drinks are now woven with the popular Grappa., including Margarita and Bloody Mary. Learn more at www.wineresort.com.

Wine Bytes
Il Fornaio in Del Mar opens its 2011 Festa Regionale Series now to Sun. Jan . 16. The regional cuisine is the Friuli-Venezie with local Pastas, Secondi and Dolce. Wines of the regions are also featured. For reservations, call 1-888-ITALIAN.

Meritage Wine Market presents a World Cabernet Face-off Fri. Jan. 7 from 6 to 8pm. $20. fee. Call 760-479-2500 for winery names.

Bacchus Wine Market has its famous Blind Tasting Game, in the Gaslamp District of Downtown San Diego, Sat. Jan 8 from 2pm to 8:30pm. Cost is $15. They brown bag 8 wines and taste each. Prize for closest picks. RSVP at 619-236-0005.

Curds and Wine in Clairemont has a Winemaking Class Sat. Jan. 8 from 1 to 2pm. This is FREE to the public. Call 858-384-6566.

La Costa Wine Company and the Wine Smarties present a “Blind Taste Like a Pro” Seminar, Sat. Jan. 15 from 3 to 5pm. Cost is $40. ea. Taste 5 wines. RSVP at 619-955-8884.

Krupp Brothers Came/Conquered at Dolce

by Frank Mangio
In a spirit of constant discovery, the full house at Dolce Pane E Vino in Rancho Santa Fe sipped, laughed and buzzed about the collection of wines from the revered hills of Napa Valley, from Krupp Brothers. Krupp Brothers actually are brothers, Jan and Bart and 1800 feet above the valley floor, they harvest some of the most valuable land in the area.

It’s called Stagecoach Vineyards, with 600 acres of vines in 100 uniquely different blocks over the past 20 years. This is rugged terrain and any knowledgeable wine aficionado will get excited anticipating wines that build to a smooth boldness that will radiate its taste though front and middle palate, with a long, lingering finish.



Brian Thompson, Regional Sales Manager for Krupp Brothers Napa Valley wines, with Lauryn Weinstein of Dolce Pane E Vino in Rancho Santa Fe.


In speaking with Krupp Brothers Sales Manager Brian Thompson, he revealed that the Vineyard sells grapes to some 4 dozen of the leading wineries in Napa Valley and just 7% winds up in Krupp bottles. We agreed that by far the signature wine was the 2006 “The Advocate.” This wine is a blend of 42% Merlot, 32% Malbec, and 26% Petit Verdot, barreled 15 months in French Oak. Just 628 cases were produced, and the media treated it like I did, with a lot of respect. 92 points was the norm. It goes for a market price of $66. a bottle.

Steve Flowers, who came on board Dolce Pane E Vino recently from Vigilucci’s Italian restaurants, is on a mission to brand the wine bar/restaurant as an upscale, comfortable place to test drive great wines. If you like them, he has a retail component that he can sell them to you. You can drink them there, or take it home.

Other Krupp favorites were: the Black Bart Syrah 2007 and the Krupp Brothers Synchrony 2006. This one has 56% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet, 5% Merlot and 2% Malbec. ( $60.)

Check out more on Krupp Brothers at www.kruppbrothers.com. Dolce has a Caymus Family Wine Dinner on Wed. Dec. 15. It will be

LocalWineEvents.Com for Wine Tastings
This web site is my favorite for finding out about wine events around the nation. It is the world’s largest calendar of food and wine places to go. Yet you can pick your locations and focus in on exactly where you are or where you are going. The information is free. And if you are an owner wanting to get your event out there, it is also a free posting, including a map on how to get to your event, with a link to your website. So, no sending of press releases or phoning in information. What a concept!

Eric Orange is the genius who has the site. He also includes wine information and columns that I have been featured on. Last I checked he had over 4 million events tickets that his service had sold to users. Here is his web site: www.localwineevents.com. For questions, call Eric at 610-647-4888 xt 2.


Wine Bytes
§ Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp district of San Diego has a 90 point wine event, Fri. Dec. 10 from 4 to 8:30pm. They promise to show you that not all highly rated wines cost big bucks. 7 of them will be poured. Fee is $20. Call 619-236-0005

§ Callaway Winery in Temecula presents a Babes in Toyland Holiday Sat. Dec. 11 from 6 to 9pm. Enjoy sparkling wine and appetizers, buffet dinner and Callaway’s best wines. Jazz musicians play seasonal favorites. Photos with Santa for the kids. $60. pp. Kids $30. RSVP at 951-676-4001.

§ Gondola Wine Tasting is on Saturday through the season at Loews Coronado. Next one is on Dec. 11, 6:30-8pm. Sommelier Kurt Kirschneman takes you on a wine flight of 6 varietals. Cost is $45. ea. Call 619-429-6317.

§ Orfila Vineyards and Winery now has Concerts in the Vines with local, talented musicians. Next is Sun. Dec. 12 starting at 6:30pm. $20. cost includes one Orfila wine. Bring blankets and low back chairs. Order tickets at 800-868-9463.

§ The great masters collection of Beaulieu Wines from George de Latour will be featured in a fine wine dinner at the Sky Room of La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, Thurs. Dec. 16 from 6 to 10pm. This is a vertical wine pairing starting with the legendary 1976 vintage! Cost is $175. RSVP at 858-551-3765.

More from Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio
Tesoro Winery Mediterranean Treasures
You might call them the new kids on the block but Buzz and Kimberly Olson grew up fast and now they are among the innovators of Temecula Valley winery owners. Their Tesoro Winery is really three attractions: the Old Town Tasting Room with new release treats and gifts for the holiday; the Club House & Urban Barrel Room, a private center where music and special events take place; and the crowing achievement, a vineyard/winery and bed and breakfast, still being realized in the middle of wine country with a spectacular view reminiscent of old Italy.

The new location will be known as Castellini di Tesoro which will allow up to 10 rooms for a Bed and Breakfast. The Olsons recently purchased the adjoining property, the well-known “Castle” which will be the new Tasting Room and Winery.

Veteran Temecula Winemaker, Etienne Cowper loves to work with smart, small, hands-on wineries that put the wines first. “We lack a distinct identity in Temecula,” he declared. “We must narrow our focus to Mediterranean varietals that suit our terroir. I make some blends that harmonize and gain interest in wines. I bring out the flavors with a longer season.”

Cowper believes in less intervention. “You can tweek a little bit and add a grape for synergy but I don’t believe in covering a wine with barrel manipulation,” he declared. At Tesoro, look for the 2006 Sangiovese, the 2006 Trinita Super Tuscan and 2007 Elio Doro Rhone Blend for great examples of this wine making style.

The Olsons have old friend and former NFL Rams star Vince Ferragamo coming in for a “Guys Night Out” event on Saturday December 4 at 6:30pm in the Club House and Barrel Room to benefit the Pure Aveda Ranch for Autism. It includes: BBQ dinner, barrel tasting, cigar selection, and highlights of Super Bowl XIV, Ferragamo’s big game. Price is $95. Call 951-308-0000. More at www.tesorowinery.com.

Leonesse Cellars Wins Over Rhone Valley Wines
The Temecula Creek Inn hosted a recent “Tale of Two Valleys” pitting Syrah from Leonesse Cellars in Temecula vs. Syrah from the Rhone Valley in a blind tasting. Leonesse was founded in 2003 by Mike Rennie and Gary Winder who had more than 50 years of agriculture and grape-growing experience in the valley. Their offerings are balanced, ripe and concentrated. Well, it was no contest. The Leonesse entries were the near-unanimous choice over the French entries. Temecula Creek Inn executive chef Salvatore Giuliano created pork and lamb dishes that brought out the best in depth and flavor for the Rhone and Temecula selections. For more understanding of Leonesse Cellars, see www.leonessecellars.com.

More Wines to Know
Last week we revealed Wine Spectator’s number 10 to 6 top ten wines. Here are the rest of the 10:
ü 5: Altamura, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Red, 2007. $85.
ü 4: Revana, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Red, 2007. $125.
ü 3: Peter Michael, Chardonnay, Sonoma Ma Belle-Fille, White 2008. $85.
ü 2: Two Hands, Shiraz, Barossa Valley Australia, Red 2008. $55.
ü 1: Saxum, Grenache-Mourvedre-Syrah Blend, Paso Robles, 2007. $67.

In the last two months up to November 1, after some 70 events and many more tastings, I recommend these wines. Most are widely available. Check Google or Bing for others.
ü Banfi, Chianti Superiore, Sangiovese/Cabernet Blend, Tuscany Italy, 2008. $11.
ü Chateau St. Michelle/Dr. Loosen, Eroica Riesling, Washington, 2008. $18.
ü Grgich Hills Estate, Fume Blanc, Napa Valley, 2009. $30.
ü Justin, Justification Cab Franc/Merlot Blend, Paso Robles, 2008. $45.
ü Starmont, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2006. $18.

Wine Bytes
§ Owner’s Picks Wine Party at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego Fri. Dec. 3, 5 to 9pm. Karin pours her faves including Bordeaux, Barolo, Cabernet…only the good stuff with gourmet appetizers. $25. pp. More at 619-236-0005.

§ Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas pours a blind Napa Face-Off Fri. Dec. 3 from 6 to 8pm. $20. fee. Check it out at 760-479-2500.

§ Falkner Winery in Temecula hosts a Holiday Winemaker Dinner Sat. Dec. 11 with a reception at 5:30pm before a 5 course meal and Falkner’s best wines. Cost is $85. RSVP at 951-676-8231 x 109.

§ Old Town Temecula Theatre has the beloved Nutcracker Tues. Dec. 14 through Fri. Dec. 24. Cost and details at 888-363-2852.