by Frank Mangio
I have reported several times this year on the extraordinary number of wine events and outreach that have been staged in an effort to get before the trade and public. The pace has been dizzying ( no pun intended ) to keep up with all of them and bring you up to date on the newest and best releases.
One of the most influential wine marketing and distribution companies in the world is Wine Warehouse. For 30 plus years it has offered more 10,000 wines other beverages for sale to the retail trade in California. Retail and restaurant customers look to Wine Warehouse for superior wine and related products.
Over 500 new release wines were brought by recently by some 120 wineries from all over the world. Many of the owners and winemakers were at this gathering at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, to engage first-hand with potential and current customers. When I arrived, I went over right away to Temecula’s Thornton Winery to visit with owners Steve and John Thornton with winemaker Don Reha. They were excited about the seven new Spring wines that have just been released that I will be reporting on in a future TASTE OF WINE. Then I moved over to Enrico Nicoletta’s booth. He manages the Italian wine portfolio for Wine Warehouse and was anxious to have me taste the latest from Felsina and Barone Ricasoli, both Chianti Classico front-runners from Tuscany. The Felsina 2007 “Beradenga” with 100% Sangiovese sells for $20. and is made by one of the master makers Guiseppe Mazzocolin. Barone Ricasoli is a bigger winery that is just North of Felsina. Its Chianti Classico 2006 was in the top five wines in the world awarded by Wine Spectator in 2009.
My TASTE OF WINE Top Ten Tastes for 2009 had the Brolio Ricasoli Chianti Classico Tuscany 2003 listed. Price is just $11. if you can find it. Just a dash of Merlot and Cabernet adds great depth to the Sangiovese base.
Finally I want to mention a strong, fruity find in Consilience from Santa Barbara County and its 2006 Syrah. Brett Escalera is the owner-winemaker. Brett also served at Byron and Fess Parker wineries. Normally I don’t think much of wines with over 15% alcohol, but this one is balanced to perfection. It’s a true premium Syrah and one to watch for at just $18. Look it up at www.consiliencewines.com.
Water in Wine is the Purest
Most people know that wine is made up of mostly water but what they may not know is that the water in wine is the purest available. As the wise and humble Ben Franklin once said: “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” In the fermentation for wine, there is a process of boiling, filtering and fermenting. So, enjoy that glass of wine. Not only does it taste good and make you feel good, your body is getting the most healthy irrigation known to man.
Wine Bytes
VINZ Wine Bar downtown Escondido is back with Vinnie Griffin as owner with the wine bar and German beer garden linked up. The V Lounge again has Friday entertainment with guitarist Jimmy Patton from 7 to 9pm. Details at 760-743-8466.
Wine Steals in San Diego, Hillcrest and Cardiff now has a wine cask feature with wine on tap! They are offering great low prices on wine by the glass. Call the location nearest you for more.
St. Germain’s Café in Encinitas has a “Yappy Hour” on Fridays and Saturdays with special incentives for your dog and you from 4 – 7pm. Sat. and Sun. June 18 and 19 enjoy Pannini “Yappetizers” and a glass of local Poway Old Coach Wines. Local music and raffle drawings. Call 760-753-5411.
La Costa Wine Company in Carlsbad has light and refreshing German Riesling wines for tasting Fri. June 18 from 5 to 8:30pm. $15. ea. And on Fri. June 25, Sonoma wines for tasting. $20. pp. Call 760-431-8455.
San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road is pouring ten terrific Pinots for $10. Sat. June 19 from 11-4:30pm. Erath is one of the featured wines. Phone 858-586-WINE.
Island Prime on Harbor Island in San Diego is hosting a Great Fathers Day Wines sale Sat. June 19 from 11:30 to 2pm. Sample select wines and hors d’oeuvres and win prizes with each purchase. Contact Maurice at 619-557-9441 ext 203 for the wine list.
Café Merlot in the Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo extends an invitation to join them for a TAPS benefit dinner and wine tasting to help troubled teens and their families, Sat. June 26 from 6 to 9pm. Cost is $75. per person or $120. per couple. For tickets, call 858-668-2273.
Showing posts with label don reha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label don reha. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Paso Robles West Side Story (Part Deux)
by Frank Mangio
The previous column underlined the growing importance of Paso Robles as a major wine country with its more than 180 wineries emphasizing French Bordeaux and Rhone style wines. After nearly a week-long visit, with mostly West Side wineries in my sights, more needs to be revealed about this fastest growing California favorite.
The West Side is really those wineries west of Highway 101 and generally connected with State Highway 46 West. It is uncongested, rugged, hilly and much cooler, with the western boundaries just 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
The wines are spectacular. You got an in-depth example of this when the celebrated JustinWinery and Vineyard was profiled. We found out that a lot of Justin’s grapes are sourced from two nearby vineyards, so a visit to Denner Vineyards and Halter Ranch seemed to make sense.
Ron Denner has been at the winemaking business since 1997 on 156 acres of rocky, rolling hills on Vineyard Drive, a few miles from the 46 West. He prides himself on the ultra-premium Rhone style varietals that dot the wine list, including his “Theresa,” a white blend of Rousanne, Viognier, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. The 2007 vintage was applauded by Wine Spectator as one of the finest white wines in California. They called it “elegant and refined with pear, citrus and tropical notes…intense and focused.”
I asked him how many grape varietals are grown at Denner. He said “14 types of grapes are harvested here, and we can do that successfully because of the wide diversity of climate and soils. The potential of Bordeaux styles like Cabernet and Merlot are limitless and best expressed by Justin’s Isoscles.
Ron Denner of Denner Winery in Paso Robles pours his top rated white “Theresa.”
We are now experimenting with Carmenere, a grape originally from Bordeaux and getting a reputation in Chile. My son Brian who made wines for 10 years inChile and is now our winemaker at Denner, introduced me to this exciting red wine,” he said.
Denner concluded our visit with a walk-through his Comus Center, a nearly-completed castle for events and Comus Club members. Comus, in Greek mythology, was the son of Bacchus the God of Wine. He was known for his revelry and prodigious appetite for great wines. Those who visit the annual Mardi Gras in New Orleans know the Comus Ball as the biggest and best. Ron Denner knows too. He has made Comus his model for success.
Halter Ranch is the largest vineyard west of Paso Robles, with 250 acres and 15 wineries on its client list. Mitch Wyss runs the operation which dates back to the 1880’s. 60% of the grapes are Bordeaux style, with 40% Rhone. “I treat each block of vineyards as a different kid that needs special attention and treatment to get the best out of each of them,” he said. He took me on a hair-raising ride up and down the steep slopes of the vineyard in what seemed like a runaway four wheel drive tractor- roller coaster. “The soil is the key here,” he yelled. “This is as close as you get to the limestone of the great Rhone Valley of France.” Halter does sell its own branded wines and I would recommend the 2006 Syrah blend, with Syrah, Malbec and Mourvedre.
Other wineries worth noting are Tablas Creek founded by the Haas and Perrin Families from France, a world class Chateauneuf-Du-Pape style vineyard. After years of searching for just the right wine country for this style of wine, they found their location on the West Side of Paso Robles. Robert Haas and his son Jason, are Rhone style wine experts, Robert Haas was recently honored as Wine Industry Person of the Year. A small 40 acre winery to try is AJB Vineyards, with an Italian approach, growing Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Zinfandel.
When you go exploring Paso Robles Wine Country, be sure to check out the palatial La Bellasera Hotel and Suites. Ask for one of the affordable suites with a whirlpool spa in the front room complete with roman columns and scenic backdrop. It fits four if you like company. When finished with your bath, robes are at your fingertips. A dining experience awaits in the Enoteca Restaurant and wine bar, with an extensive list featuring, of course, Paso Robles Wines. For more, access www.labellasera.com. Be sure to navigate the new wine country website at www.pasowine.com. It is a virtual experience unlike any other I have seen.
Wine Bytes
Downtown Fallbrook has its next Wine & A Bite Artwalk Sat. Aug. 15 from 5 to 7pm. Stroll, nibble and taste Fallbrook Winery at participating stores. $20. advance, $25. at the door. Call 877-451-3282.
WineSellar and Brasserie in Sorrento Valley, San Diego is presenting a Mod vs. Traditional Chardonnay Tasting Sat. Aug. 15 from 11:30am to 2pm. Six wines offered for a $32. fee. Reservations at 858-450-9557.
A Sights and Sips Hornblower San Diego Cruise is coming Sat. Aug. 22 from 5:30 to 8pm. It’s a floating happy hour with 4 different wine tastes. $30. ea. Details at 619-955-8884.
Reds, Whites and Green, a Culinary Adventure, happens Thurs. Aug. 27 from 4:30 to 8:30pm at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo. It’s an elegant fund-raiser with gourmet foods, fine wines, microbrew, health and wellness services and products, to benefit the Poway School District. $45. pp in advance, $50. at the door. Contact 858-668-2273.
Orfila Winery in Escondido celebrates their annual Grape Stomp Sat. Aug. 29 from 4 to 8pm. Grape stomping in huge old wine barrels, full dinner buffet, wine tasting and dancing to live music. Meet Don Reha, the winemaker. $85. ea. Tickets purchased at 877-727-9463. or on line at www.orfila.com.
The previous column underlined the growing importance of Paso Robles as a major wine country with its more than 180 wineries emphasizing French Bordeaux and Rhone style wines. After nearly a week-long visit, with mostly West Side wineries in my sights, more needs to be revealed about this fastest growing California favorite.
The West Side is really those wineries west of Highway 101 and generally connected with State Highway 46 West. It is uncongested, rugged, hilly and much cooler, with the western boundaries just 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
The wines are spectacular. You got an in-depth example of this when the celebrated JustinWinery and Vineyard was profiled. We found out that a lot of Justin’s grapes are sourced from two nearby vineyards, so a visit to Denner Vineyards and Halter Ranch seemed to make sense.
Ron Denner has been at the winemaking business since 1997 on 156 acres of rocky, rolling hills on Vineyard Drive, a few miles from the 46 West. He prides himself on the ultra-premium Rhone style varietals that dot the wine list, including his “Theresa,” a white blend of Rousanne, Viognier, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. The 2007 vintage was applauded by Wine Spectator as one of the finest white wines in California. They called it “elegant and refined with pear, citrus and tropical notes…intense and focused.”
I asked him how many grape varietals are grown at Denner. He said “14 types of grapes are harvested here, and we can do that successfully because of the wide diversity of climate and soils. The potential of Bordeaux styles like Cabernet and Merlot are limitless and best expressed by Justin’s Isoscles.
Ron Denner of Denner Winery in Paso Robles pours his top rated white “Theresa.”
We are now experimenting with Carmenere, a grape originally from Bordeaux and getting a reputation in Chile. My son Brian who made wines for 10 years inChile and is now our winemaker at Denner, introduced me to this exciting red wine,” he said.
Denner concluded our visit with a walk-through his Comus Center, a nearly-completed castle for events and Comus Club members. Comus, in Greek mythology, was the son of Bacchus the God of Wine. He was known for his revelry and prodigious appetite for great wines. Those who visit the annual Mardi Gras in New Orleans know the Comus Ball as the biggest and best. Ron Denner knows too. He has made Comus his model for success.
Halter Ranch is the largest vineyard west of Paso Robles, with 250 acres and 15 wineries on its client list. Mitch Wyss runs the operation which dates back to the 1880’s. 60% of the grapes are Bordeaux style, with 40% Rhone. “I treat each block of vineyards as a different kid that needs special attention and treatment to get the best out of each of them,” he said. He took me on a hair-raising ride up and down the steep slopes of the vineyard in what seemed like a runaway four wheel drive tractor- roller coaster. “The soil is the key here,” he yelled. “This is as close as you get to the limestone of the great Rhone Valley of France.” Halter does sell its own branded wines and I would recommend the 2006 Syrah blend, with Syrah, Malbec and Mourvedre.
Other wineries worth noting are Tablas Creek founded by the Haas and Perrin Families from France, a world class Chateauneuf-Du-Pape style vineyard. After years of searching for just the right wine country for this style of wine, they found their location on the West Side of Paso Robles. Robert Haas and his son Jason, are Rhone style wine experts, Robert Haas was recently honored as Wine Industry Person of the Year. A small 40 acre winery to try is AJB Vineyards, with an Italian approach, growing Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Zinfandel.
When you go exploring Paso Robles Wine Country, be sure to check out the palatial La Bellasera Hotel and Suites. Ask for one of the affordable suites with a whirlpool spa in the front room complete with roman columns and scenic backdrop. It fits four if you like company. When finished with your bath, robes are at your fingertips. A dining experience awaits in the Enoteca Restaurant and wine bar, with an extensive list featuring, of course, Paso Robles Wines. For more, access www.labellasera.com. Be sure to navigate the new wine country website at www.pasowine.com. It is a virtual experience unlike any other I have seen.
Wine Bytes
Downtown Fallbrook has its next Wine & A Bite Artwalk Sat. Aug. 15 from 5 to 7pm. Stroll, nibble and taste Fallbrook Winery at participating stores. $20. advance, $25. at the door. Call 877-451-3282.
WineSellar and Brasserie in Sorrento Valley, San Diego is presenting a Mod vs. Traditional Chardonnay Tasting Sat. Aug. 15 from 11:30am to 2pm. Six wines offered for a $32. fee. Reservations at 858-450-9557.
A Sights and Sips Hornblower San Diego Cruise is coming Sat. Aug. 22 from 5:30 to 8pm. It’s a floating happy hour with 4 different wine tastes. $30. ea. Details at 619-955-8884.
Reds, Whites and Green, a Culinary Adventure, happens Thurs. Aug. 27 from 4:30 to 8:30pm at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo. It’s an elegant fund-raiser with gourmet foods, fine wines, microbrew, health and wellness services and products, to benefit the Poway School District. $45. pp in advance, $50. at the door. Contact 858-668-2273.
Orfila Winery in Escondido celebrates their annual Grape Stomp Sat. Aug. 29 from 4 to 8pm. Grape stomping in huge old wine barrels, full dinner buffet, wine tasting and dancing to live music. Meet Don Reha, the winemaker. $85. ea. Tickets purchased at 877-727-9463. or on line at www.orfila.com.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A Salute to John and Sally Thornton
by Frank Mangio
John and Sally Thornton, owners of Thornton Winery in Temecula with their son Steve, recently added three more awards to their decades-long accomplishments in wine and hospitality. The Southern California Restaurant Writers bestowed their Golden Bacchus Wine Award and Golden Five Star Sceptre Award to the winery’s Café Champagne after a year-long evaluation from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. Both are the organization’s highest awards in their category.
Kudos to Café Champagne’s top chef, Steve Pickell, who has guided its success for over 13 years. He saluted the Thornton’s “contribution to the culinary vision with their expertise, dedication, talent and integrity.”
The Thorntons were also honored as Humanitarians of the Year due to the constant and major giving to community charities. Their name is on one of the largest medical centers in San Diego. Thornton Winery has a 20 year legacy of winemaking that has brought it world acclaim, especially in blending “Methode Champenoise” Sparkling Wine/Champagne, which created worldwide excitement for its freshness and bursts of flavor as an ideal celebratory drink, best expressed by the Brut Reserve series.
John and Sally Thornton toasting with one of their popular Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne varietals which brought fame to their winery.
The distinguished old world look of the property displays elegant French influence with an overlook of the pristine vineyards that bear the estate fruit of Thornton. Their champagne jazz series is in full bloom and the lineup reads like a who’s who of talent. Yet the best part of this success story is the work of winemaker Don Reha and his movement into Mediterranean style red wines since his arrival in 2003. Latest release names to know are: 2005 Viognier, 2006 Nebbiolo, 2005 Estate Bottled Syrah and the 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel.
You can now pick up a 30% discount on any case purchase with free shipping. Check out this short term offer by calling 951-699-0099 or visiting www.thorntonwine.com.
John and Sally Thornton, owners of Thornton Winery in Temecula with their son Steve, recently added three more awards to their decades-long accomplishments in wine and hospitality. The Southern California Restaurant Writers bestowed their Golden Bacchus Wine Award and Golden Five Star Sceptre Award to the winery’s Café Champagne after a year-long evaluation from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. Both are the organization’s highest awards in their category.
Kudos to Café Champagne’s top chef, Steve Pickell, who has guided its success for over 13 years. He saluted the Thornton’s “contribution to the culinary vision with their expertise, dedication, talent and integrity.”
The Thorntons were also honored as Humanitarians of the Year due to the constant and major giving to community charities. Their name is on one of the largest medical centers in San Diego. Thornton Winery has a 20 year legacy of winemaking that has brought it world acclaim, especially in blending “Methode Champenoise” Sparkling Wine/Champagne, which created worldwide excitement for its freshness and bursts of flavor as an ideal celebratory drink, best expressed by the Brut Reserve series.
John and Sally Thornton toasting with one of their popular Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne varietals which brought fame to their winery.The distinguished old world look of the property displays elegant French influence with an overlook of the pristine vineyards that bear the estate fruit of Thornton. Their champagne jazz series is in full bloom and the lineup reads like a who’s who of talent. Yet the best part of this success story is the work of winemaker Don Reha and his movement into Mediterranean style red wines since his arrival in 2003. Latest release names to know are: 2005 Viognier, 2006 Nebbiolo, 2005 Estate Bottled Syrah and the 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel.
You can now pick up a 30% discount on any case purchase with free shipping. Check out this short term offer by calling 951-699-0099 or visiting www.thorntonwine.com.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Perfect Fit For Orfila Winery
Article and photo by Frank Mangio
Six weeks ago this column mourned the passing of a winemaking saint who touched the hearts of wine lovers in two continents. Leon Santoro of Orfila Winery in San Diego County’s Escondido brought to market some of the most outstanding wines ever tasted in Southern California. Judges in major world competitions agreed and presented Orfila with over 1,300 awards of excellence.
The winery’s owner, Alejandro Orfila of Argentina and a former official for that government, upon the passing of Santoro, placed many calls to this columnist and others who could spread the word and make suggestions for a successor. At best this was a difficult search. Santoro had sharpened his skills in French Rhone Valley varietals like Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and Syrah, as well as Italian grapes like Sangiovese.
When I learned that the brilliant winemaker from Temecula’s Thornton Winery, Don Reha, had agreed to split his time between Thornton and Orfila, I silently said to myself “I do believe in miracles.”
Reha had been hired by Thornton 6 years ago from Northern California where he had a rich tenure with some household name wineries like Fetzer and Cline. All the while he was honing his skills in the Rhone and Italian style of winemaking, a footprint of what made Leon Santoro so popular in the wine community.
In a recent interview with A Taste of Wine, Reha echoed that thought. “It’s an honor and a privilege to come in to Orfila after Leon and carry on his legacy that will always remain here. My ideas of winemaking are the same ideas he had with him. The quality here has been outstanding.”
I asked him what favorites he had tasted and he quickly replied, “the Viognier Lotus 67 is perfectly structured for this appellation. It screams for more Viognier and we’ll plant more, as well as the Syrah with its great reputation at Orfila the past 10 years. I will be getting comfortable with what has been done and strive to use more estate grapes that will thrive.”
Orfila Vineyard and Winery is in a very good position and I have no doubt that Reha will be putting his skills in full throttle to make this winery even more successful and take it to greater heights. See the new website at www.orfilawinery.com.
Wine Bytes
In downtown Los Angeles, the historic San Antonio Winery has a Wine 101 four course lunch and wines on Sat. Apr. 11 from 12 to 3pm. Hosted by Michael Papalia. Cost is $65. pp. RSVP at 323-223-1401 ext 8745. Taste Maddalena, Luigi Bosca and Ruggeri Prosecco.
A wine & dinner salute to Federal Court Justice Gilbert Nares to benefit the North County Bar donor advised fund will be Thurs. Apr. 16 starting at 5:30pm with a reception. Location is The Crossings at Carlsbad. Orfila Wines will be featured. Cost is $95. pp. Call Mary Cervantes at 760-758-5833 for details.
Sat. Apr. 18 at Vintage Wines on Miramar Rd. San Diego, taste the latest Pinot Noirs from California and Oregon from 11 to 3:30pm. Just $5. Call 858-549-2112 for more.
The new Charlie Palmer inspired Next Vintage Wine Shop at Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa has a Cakebread Cellars Winemaker Dinner featuring Dennis Cakebread of Napa Valley Mon. Apr. 27. Call for prices and times at 714-352-2525.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)