Wine Spectator’s Most Exciting Wines of 2011

by Frank Mangio

Each year Wine Spectator, the most respected wine publication in the world, compiles the top 100 wines reviewed the past 12 months. They were selected from some 16,000 new releases that were blind tasted and placed into a 100 point scale according to: quality ( the wine’s score), value (the price), availability ( cases produced) and what they call the “X Factor” or excitement level.

In this year’s list, 12 countries were represented, with the average wine score of 93 on the 100 point scale. The average cost per bottle was $44.

Before we list the top ten (my editors would balk at giving me two pages for the top 100), a couple of interesting points. Aside from California which had 28 in the top 100, Italy came in 2nd with 20, ahead of the 3rd most popular, France. The most popular grape varietal was Cabernet Sauvignon in a tie with Pinot Noir. What wasn’t clear but was clearly evident was the performance of Sangiovese, the signature wine of Tuscany, the wine capital of Italy. Tuscany had 10 in the top 100. a victory for the wineries that bottle Sangiovese and its premium clone, Brunello.

I also want to note that the annual TASTE OF WINE Top Ten Tastes will publish the week of January 1st. We continue to search for the very best wines for the dollar and will continue to so until the deadline of December 25th.

Wine Spectator’s Top Ten:

1- Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma 2009. $52.

2- Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2008. $90.

3- Domaine Huet Loire Valley France, 2009. $69.

4- Campogiovanni Brunello Di Montalcino, 2006. $50.

5- Dehlinger Pinot Noir Sonoma, 2008. $50.

6- Baer Ursa Blend Columbia Valley Washington, 2008. $35.

7- Quinta do Vallado Touriga Douro Portugal, 2008. $55.

8- Domenico Clerico Barolo Italy, 2006. $90.

9- Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Syrah Rhone France, 2009. $55.

10- Chateu de St-Cosme Gigondas Grenache France, 2009. $58.

Vigilucci’s Piemonte-Inspired White Truffle Dinner

When the world’s leading producer of Italian Barolo Wines comes to San Diego County, that’s Beni di Batasiolo, it chooses the leading Italian Restaurant Group, and that’s Vigilucci’s. This night was special since all menu offerings were laced with truffle mushrooms. These elusive delicacies are at times priced up to $500. per truffle.

The white, or as the Italians call them “Tarufi” Truffles, are the gourmet sought-after treasures in Northern Italy that are served shaved.

Vigilucci’s expertly presented them in dishes such as: Asparagus with Cauliflower Soup, Fettuccine Pasta with Poached Egg, and a grilled Filet Mignon with Polenta.

Stefano Poggi of Beni di Batasiolo, tastes the Barolo Reserva 2004, before serving at Vigilucci’s Carlsbad.

The wine to match the steak was the Barolo Riserva Batasiolo DOCG 2004. This wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape grown on the hills of Serralunga d’Alba in the Barolo District of Piemonte, Italy. It’saged in oak for 3 years followed by a minimum 2 years in bottle prior to release. ($64.). Batasiolo also makes Barbera and Dolcetto, among others. See their story at www.batasiolo.com.

Wine Bytes

Bel Vino Winery, formerly Stuart Cellars in Temecula, has a Jingle and Mingle Holiday Party Fri. Dec. 16 from 6 to 9pm. Live entertainment, appetizers, wines and ports will be served with ice cream. $30. pp. Call 951-676-6414.

Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents their annual Holiday Grand Tasting Sat. Dec. 17 from 3 to 6pm. Over 100 wines will be spotlighted. Advance purchase of $30. Call 760-745-1200.

Wines from Tuscany are being served at Bacchus downtown San Diego Fri. Dec. 16 from 4 to 8:30pm, including some Brunellos and Chianti Classicos. Cost is $25. Find out more at 619-236-0005.

North County Wine Company in San Marcos opens up Wines That Make Great Gifts on Fri. Dec. 16, anytime between 4 pm to 10pm. $15. fee Call 760-744-2119 for details.

Orfila Winery in Escondido celebrates with Holiday in the Vines, with music, entertainment, wine and food, on Sun. Dec. 18 from 6 to 9pm. Classic rock and classic holiday songs from the Aftershock Seven. RSVP at 760-738-6500 x 20.

That’s Amore at il Farro

by Frank Mangio

Domenico Maurici is a huggable former southern Italian villager from Calabria Italy. As a young man, he and his brother worked the fields of his parent’s farm, producing a rare grain called Farro, a very tasty and healthy ingredient for pastas. They learned more at the regional culinary institute and at local Italian restaurants where they developed their home-style Farro based dishes.

Il Farro owner Domenico Maurici, Wine Director Susan Bartoletti and Mission Wine Distributor Ciro Cirillo

Southern California was next and 17 years ago, il Farro was born by the pier in Newport Beach. He was the first to present Italian food with low carbs, low gluten and high fiber with his Farro grains. This recent evening at an Italian wine release from Mission Wines, a leading distributor, il Farro was vibrating with happy diners who loved to hug and kiss as an antipasto.

The Farro grain was presented in the form of Fettuccine di Farro con Ricotta e Noci, Fettuccine pasta with ricotta cheese and walnuts in a blush sauce. The wine was a bold Italian, Casal Moro Rosso Del Veneto 2009. ($15.) The main dish was a Filletto alla Wellington, a beef filet mignon wrapped in puff pastry and stuffed with chicken and mushrooms, served with a porcino mushroom sauce.

The wine that was paired, which earned a top score with me, was the Lume Sangiovese Livio Innocenti. ($18.) from Montalcino. Ciro Cirillo, the wine spokesman, emphasized that the wines were only “small, handcrafted wines, in fine restaurants, and passionately made to pair with food.” For more, contact il Farro at 949-723-5711. www.ilfarro.com.

Cupid Comes to the Grand Del Mar

The Grand Del Mar, with two excellent restaurants, intimate bars and lounges to enhance the award-winning resort, spa and golf club, has mapped out a memorable month of February, the “Month of Love.”

On Monday February 14, Valentines Day itself, Addison invites diners to join in specialties such as Baby Sea Scallops, Lamb Rack Persille and other delights. This is a 6 course feast offering two options for 3 of the courses ( $135. pp; slightly higher with wine pairings).

Valentines Day dinner at Amaya will have chef Camron Woods presenting a 4 course menu with options for each course such as hot smoked salmon, lobster risotto and grilled prime Filet Mignon ( $95. pp; slightly higher with wine pairings). A Chocolate & Wine Tasting happens Friday February 11 from 5 to 8pm in the resort lobby lounge.

Wine Bytes

Central and Southern Italian Wines will be poured at Bacchus Wine Market, Fri. Jan. 28 from 4 to 8:30pm in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego. 7 wines will be sampled from Tuscany to Sicily. $15. ea. Call 619-236-0005.

Morgan’s In the Desert at La Quinta Country Club is planning a Pride Mountain Vineyards Dinner Fri. Jan. 28 with a reception at 6pm followed by dinner. You will be served Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot and a library 2002 Cabernet. $95. pp. For an RSVP call 760-564-7600.

South Coast Winery in Temecula is conducting a Wild Women Cooking Class Sat. Jan. 29 from 11am to 2pm. Learn some exotic menu items paired with delicious wine selections. $35. charge for this fun and charged-up event. Call 951-587-9463 for your RSVP.

The ABC’s of wine from grape to glass is Sat. Jan. 29 from 2 to 4pm at Thornton Winery in Temecula. This informative workshop is conducted by winemaker David Vergari. Appetizers and 3 wines included. $65. inclusive. RSVP at 951-699-0099.

Orfila Winery in Escondido has their next Concert in the Vines Sun. Jan. 30 from 4:40 to 6:30pm. Enjoy the Cory Wilkens Band. It’s Classic Rock with an up-tempo beat. $20. ea. includes a glass of Orfila wine. For details, call 760-738-6500 xt 22.

San Diego County Eases Rules for Wine Tasting

by Frank Mangio
Small wineries and vineyards in San Diego County breathed a collective sigh of relief last week when the County Board of Supervisors eased their choke-hold on wineries in the county and allowed them to present their wines in tasting rooms, without the major use permit that went as high as $250,000. This should coalesce a severely fractured wine industry and boost the profits of an up-to-now struggling group of some 50 wineries in the county.

Chinook Vineyards, founded recently by Elaine Lyttleton and Norm Case on Highway 78 in Ramona, are planting fours acres of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel and currently can only allow “guests” on the property by invitation only. They have cultivated a club member list and “adopt-a-vine” sponsors to develop brand loyalty. “There are 17 bonded wineries in the Ramona Valley,” she declared.

“So far, there is only one tasting room. There are strict rules for these small wineries in terms of hours of operation, events, percentage of estate grown grapes that must go into the wine, but they are all conditions we can live with in order to sustain a viable wine business on Agriculturally zoned land, without bankrupting ourselves in the process,” she said.
There are nearly 3,000 wineries and vineyards in California, up from 1,500 in the year 2000. With the lifting of impossible restrictions, San Diego County could be the next growth area for wine.

It’s Grape Stomping Season
Orfila Winery, a well established vineyard and winery in Escondido kicks off the Grape Stomping season in California with one of the earliest and best organized “stomps” you will see.

The big event takes place on Saturday August 28 from 4pm to 8pm, with grape stomping in a huge 5 foot barrel, full dinner buffet, dancing to live Italian Festa music, hay rides, wine tasting and tours, for $85. per person.

The 70 acre winery has hosted this anticipated event since 1993, when legendary winemaker Leon Santoro created this replica of an Italian “Vino” celebration. Santoro has recently passed away. His successor, Justin Mund is carrying on his legacy. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-868-9463 outside of San Diego County. If within San Diego County, call 877-727-9463. Online, access www.orfila.com.

Wine Bytes
Rancho Valencia in Rancho Santa Fe presents the first of a wine dinner series on Sun. Aug. 22, 5:30 to 8pm for $110. pp. Meet Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji of Miura Vineyards and enjoy a 4 course dinner. Details at 858-759-6216.

Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas hosts a Tolosa Wine and 5 course dinner Wed. Aug. 25 from 6:30-9pm. Taste Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet. Price and menu at 760-635-1066.

A Taste of Italy awaits you on Tues. Aug. 24 at 6:30pm at Bistro West in Carlsbad. All Italian varietals are being poured with cuisine from several districts in Italy. $65. ea. RSVP at 760-664-5850.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has an Italian Wine Expo on Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8pm. $20. fee. Call for wines at 760-599-1200.

Opolo Wines, a premier vineyard from Paso Robles will be pouring at La Costa Wine Company Fri Aug. 27 from 6 to 8:30pm. Cost is $25. Guests will be asked to blend their own version with a special kit. Prize for best. Call 760-431-8455 for details.

Bring in the New Year in Wine Country

by Frank Mangio
Temecula Valley’s Wine Country is a “Camelot” experience anytime, but when New Year’s Eve celebrating is right around the corner, the wineries that can orchestrate the event do an especially exciting production as the vineyards ring out the old year and bring in the new. Seasoned chefs prepare their best and the winemakers pair up each course to match the flavors, from appetizers to desserts. Themed entertainment captures the moment with fun, fun and more fun.

Let’s take a tour of Temecula wineries that are planning some festive New Years’ Eve parties to make your evening memorable. Thornton Winery has a Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Gala. Come in costume or evening wear as the fun starts at 7:30pm with a champagne toast and dancing to the live band “Faultline.” Cuisine includes Lobster Napeleon and Tournedos of Beef. Wines include Brut Reserve, Viognier, Merlot and Zinfandel. $125. each. RSVP at 951-699-0099.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has the Spirit of Carnivale. Rio music and merriment abound with great food and wines in an array of venues throughout the winery. Pricing averages $209 per person. Phone 951-587-9463.

Colorful celebrations and gourmet dinners paired with top quality local wines make up the New Years Eve attractions in Temecula Wine Country.

Wiens Family Cellars is presenting a Vintage Hollywood Soiree, celebrating the golden age of Hollywood. Amazing food, wine and high energy music and dancing. “Old Hollywood glamour” attire is encouraged. $100. each, with an RSVP by calling 951-694-9892.

Wilson Creek Winery has a Mardi Gras Celebration with masks and beads provided by the winery. 4 course New Orleans style gourmet dinner featuring Filet Mignon. Dance to the sounds of Audiocast. Ticket price is $160. each. RSVP at 951-699-WINE.

Keyways Winery turns the clock ahead for a New Year’s celebration, New York time. This event goes from 5:30 to 9:30pm with unique “family style” food service. Entertainment with comedian Ron Ruhman and dancing to Joey P and the Hats. Tickets start at $95. each. RSVP at 951-302-7888. If you want a lift to one of these events, call Going Grape Transportation Service, at 951-852-1923.

Raise that toast to the New Year with champagne and wine at the source - one of the many memorable events in Temecula Wine Country.

Is Merlot the Forgotten Red?
The Top 100 Wine Spectator wine selections are out and as we pointed out, some surprises were woven in, starting with the #1 selection: a 2005 Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon. (if you are looking for that vintage, chances are you won’t find it. Try the 2006 which is available.)

Not one Merlot is listed in the 100 best. This is a varietal that was a household name recently. Two things happened that sunk the brand: too many vineyards growing inferior Merlot, chasing the bubbled market, and the near-fatal blow of a campy movie about saintly Pinot Noir wine, called Sideways. Some unkind remarks about Merlot came out of the movie, and sales dropped over 25%. Merlot still remains in the cellar.

At its best, Merlot is a soft, round and fruitful grape with origins in the Bordeaux area of France. Other appellations that do well are: Washington State, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Chile and Italy.

In Escondido, the Orfila Winery has established a reputation for its “Futures” where customers come from many parts of the country for a November event and the opportunity to purchase the following year’s Merlot release. I tasted the 2007 “futures” wine and I feel it has more going for it, but ’06 is what you will find on most shelves and that is enough to please. Orfila’s Ambassador’s Estate Reserve Merlot is as good as it gets with a price of $28.

Merlot is quirky in that it tastes more refined at cellar temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees than at room temperature, and most are best without aging. Up in Washington State, try the St. Michelle Indian Wells 2005. It sells at retail for about $14. and is a great value at that price.

Wine Bytes
 Il Fornaio in Del Mar has kicked off its last of a series of “Festa Regionale” Wine and Food Pairing events. This time it’s Sicily, now through Sun. Dec. 20. Roberto Gerbino, from Catania, prepares the local Sicilian cuisine, paired with such wines as Nero d’Avola and Scurati Bianco. Call 858-755-8876 for details.

 Wine Styles in Encinitas has a six-pack wine tasting from 10 choices on Sat. Dec. 19 from 1 to 7pm. The tasting is FREE with a any wine purchase or $10. without purchase. Paninis and 4 cheese plates available. For more, phone 760-633-0057.

 Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido presents the “Year’s Best Wine Tasting” Sat. Dec. 19, 3 to 6pm. Bubblies, big reds and dessert wines. $15. pre-sale, $20. at the door. Call 760-745-1200.

 Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has a “pre-release” party Sun. Dec. 27 from 2 to 4pm. Preview their finest just-bottled wines, including 6 new reds. Admission is FREE. Open house format. Get more info at 760-796-7557.