Temecula Valley Wines Rule Steakhouse Selections

by Frank Mangio
The Temecula wine stars dominate a galaxy of wine selections at one of the really flavorful steakhouses in Southern California , Vail Ranch Steakhouse in Temecula. Only prime wines would be able to match up with a beef dining room like Vail Ranch, one of the very few locations that offer Dry Aged Prime Beef that is processed at the restaurant.

“We have thousands of steaks in a temperature controlled locker just inside the main entrance,” owner Ron Walton told me. “Customers come through the front door and immediately they are attracted by the big bay window showing Angus USDA Prime steaks in a 28 day aging before being served. It dates back to the traditional preparation of top quality beef, that brings out the concentrated flavor of the steak,” he said.


George Kapetsonis is the Executive Chef at Vail Ranch Steakhouse, featuring Dry Aged Steaks.

Temperatures usually range from 36 degrees to freezing, with humidity at 85 degrees to reduce water loss. Maximum juices are locked in place to make sure that flavor is enhanced and the steak is tenderized. The dry aging process takes special care and supervision by someone who is part butcher and part menu chef. At Vail Ranch that responsibility is on the broad shoulders of George Kapetsonis. He recommends the Bone-in Filet Mignon, a rare menu item of unusual flavor.

I chose the T-Bone Steak, another menu selection not normally seen on most steakhouse menus. It was set in Au Gratin potatoes, seasonal vegetables and horseradish butter. A delicious appetizer, the Beef Bruschetta, consisted of sautéed beef tenderloin, herb and garlic, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese. Walton reminded me that “the economy told us to diversify with not just high-end steaks. We have 20 items on the menu for under $20. These are complete meals.”

Back to the wines, which are predominately Temecula Valley and are equally whites and reds. “We are a big supporter of Temecula Wines,” he stated. “In addition to 15 wines by the glass, we offer 19 choices of local wines.”

I had the ’05 Palumbo Family Vineyards Cab Franc, a nice pairing to the dry aged steaks on the menu.

Vail Ranch also offers live music in the casual lounge, lunch and a Sunday Brunch. Phone is 951-694-1475. See more at www.vailranchsteakhouse.com.

Plan a Super Bowl Wine Party
I know tradition holds that Super Bowl parties should be long-neck beer, plenty of chips and salsa, and burgers on the BBQ. Try something different, contemporary and more appealing with wine, cheese, rustic cold cuts and fresh-baked breads.

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, an Argentine Malbec, a regal California Cabernet, a Washington Syrah and a traditional Chianti Classico from Tuscany would be sure to attract a “super” guest list. Top it off with a Portuguese Port with desserts and you have scored more than the winning team.

Here’s a rule-of-thumb on how many bottles to have on hand. One normal size 750 ml bottle contains 25.4 ounces of wine. This should be enough to serve 5 glasses of wine. Calculate 3 glasses of wine average per guest for 2 to 3 hours of partying. Multiply the number of guests by the number of glasses per person and divide by 5, and you will come up with the number of bottles needed. Say you’re having 20 guests, you will then need 12 bottles.

Always provide plenty of non–alcoholic drinks as optional choices.

Wine Bytes
§ Pechanga Casino in Temecula presents a chocolate and wine event Fri. Jan. 29, 7 to 10pm . Over 30 wineries will participate, including many from Temecula Wine Country. Call 877-711-2946 for details.

§ “Exploring Wine” is the first class in the current series certificate programs at San Diego State University . It starts Tues. Feb. 9 from 6 to 9pm on campus. Contact Rhonda Beard at 619-594-6924 or e-mail her at rbeard@mail.sdsu.edu.

§ The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park San Diego is staging a Fine and Rare Wine Tasting at a private residence Sat. Feb. 20 from 4 to 6:30pm . These are the world’s highest rated wines and are at their prime. Contact Sue George with an RSVP at 619-238-7559 x 202.

§ A premier Southern California winery, the new Lorimar Winery, has just opened a trendy tasting room in Old Town Temecula, prior to its Tuscan-style winery location. Well known winemaker Mike Tingley will make the wines. Learn more at 951-270-5177.

Wines to Taste Now

These premium wines have recently been released and are superior in taste and value. They all can be opened and enjoyed now:

Caliza Paso Robles 2006 Syrah. $45. A beautiful wine from the west side of Paso. Amazing texture and finish. Big fruity mouth-feel at 16.5% alcohol. Winner Best of Class and Sweepstakes Award best red at the recent San Francisco competition. www.calizawinery.com.

Chateau St. Michelle Washington 2005 Col Solare. $75. Acclaimed blend with the hand of one of Italy’s finest winemakers, Piero Antinori of Tuscany. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 4% Cab Franc, has distinct aromas and taste of black cherry, berry and dark chocolate. A masterpiece. www.ste-michelle.com.

Grgich Hills Napa Valley 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. $60. 21 months in French Oak with natural organic and biodynamic growing techniques. Superior balance of acid, fruit and tannins. www.grgich.com.

Justin Paso Robles 2006 Isosceles. $62. The ’05 made my top ten tastings and this release is even better! Isosceles is 86% Cabernet, 9% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot and is always best when aged beyond its release date. www.justinwine.com.

Thornton Temecula Valley 2006 Nebbiolo. $32. The venerable grape of the legendary Italian wines Barolo and Barbaresco but with a value price. Thornton’s Don Reha nails it with a ripeness and maturity matching the Italians. Best of class at the 2008 California State Fair. www.thorntonwine.com.

Celebratory Year for South Coast and its Wines

photo and articles by Frank Mangio
Jon McPherson, South Coast Winery Resort and Spa’s savvy master winemaker in Temecula Wine Country, recently sat at our booth to join us for lunch at their posh Vineyard Rose Restaurant . For a few minutes, he relaxed over a few examples of South Coast ’s new releases. Jon came over from Thornton Winery 5 years ago where he gained a solid reputation as a meticulous craftsman of sparkling wine. Prior to coming to the Temecula Valley , he cut his teeth in the wine industry in Texas. At Thornton , he earned the title “ America ’s Most Honored Sparkling Wine Producer.”
A “pyramid” of winning wines surrounds the South Coast Winery’s Golden Bear Award in thebottom row center, symbolic of being best in
California.

Last year, the winery was judged the best in the state a the California State Fair and received the Golden Bear trophy for winning 39 awards including: 1 Best of State, 1 Best of Region, 12 Best of Class, 1 Double Gold and 5 Golds among others. In all, 255 awards were won in 2008 by this premier winery. At the end of the year, my Taste of Wine declared South Coast ’s Wild Horse Peak 2005 Sangiovese, one of its Top Ten Tastings.

I asked Jon how he has been able to extract excellence out of his varietals. He said “it’s about letting the grapes speak. We listen, then carefully nurture the process.” He then went on to describe my Top Ten Tasting winner: the 2005 Sangiovese.

A “pyramid” of winning wines surrounds the South Coast Winery’s Golden Bear Award in the bottom row center, symbolic of being best in California.

“The ’05 Sangiovese was planted near Palomar Mountain in the Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard, Thunderbolt Block. The fruit’s unusual depth of character and style is further accentuated by its exclusive aging in French oak barrels. The oak marries with the Sangiovese and adds a beautiful texture and complexity to its licorice and cherry notes. Supple tannins and racy acidity make it a standout 100% Sangiovese wine. It will age gracefully for the next 3 to 5 years.” Last year the ’05 Sangiovese, in addition to my Top Ten accolade, scored a Best of Class, a gold and 4 silvers.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa sits on 38 acres and is a destination property. Now is a great time to visit. It has a special “Recline in ‘09” promotion for its 76 villas that sit in the vineyard. Sunday through Thursday, a nightly stay is just $149. and it includes a complimentary bottle of wine and many more credit perks. Call 866-994-6379 for reservations through January 31. You may also access www.wineresort.com for information on all its wines and amenities.

This and That
Congrats to Dawn Galante of Galante Wines in Carmel Valley near Monterey on her 38th birthday which was Sunday January 18. To celebrate, her Blackjack 2004 Cab is on sale for $38. a bottle ( regular $50.) Limit 6 and good through January 31. See www.galantevineyards.com.

I was with the master sommelier Jesse Rodriguez at Addison at the Grand Resort Del Mar and we talked about the Anderson Valley in Northern California and their premier Pinot Noir. He recommended Golden Eye and its 2006 vintage. Come to find out it’s one of only two wines served at the President Obama Inaugural Luncheon. You will love the plum, spice, cherry and strawberry notes. It was served with pheasant and duck. The other wine was a Duckhorn 2007 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc served with a seafood stew of Maine Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp.

Wine Bytes
San Diego State University ’s Business of Wine course opens its Spring Semester with “Exploring Wine” starting Mon. Feb. 2, 6 to 9pm , on campus. For fees and registration, call 619-594-6924.

Holiday Wine Cellar of Escondido has “Wine Down Mondays” starting Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30pm for just $5. Enjoy Robert Nenow from his winery in Napa . He’s pouring Cab and his new Syrah/Cab blend. More info at 760-745-1200.

Jack’s La Jolla has a Blind Wine Tasting in the Ocean Room, Tues. Feb. 3 from 7 to 9pm , for $25. ea. Is it a Cab or a Zin? Test your skills. Details at 858-456-8111.

Restaurant Acqua Al 2 in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego launches “AA2 Uncorked,” a new wine tasting series to share the passion of fine Italian wines. The first class is Wed. Feb. 4, 6:30 to 8pm , with the theme of Amore, a Toast to Love. Learn about and try fine Italian wines and authentic Italian appetizers for participants. Cost is $15. pp. Call 619-230-0382 for RSVPs.

Pechanga Casino in Temecula inaugurates its first annual Wine Festival on Sat. Feb. 7 from Noon to 5pm to benefit the Red Cross. In addition to wine tastings with ZD, Miner, Chateau St. Michelle, Erath, Ferrari Carano, Mondavi, Falkner, Keyways, La Cereza, Pedroncelli and more, Pechanga has its great chefs prepare samples of their cuisine. Tickets are $65. ea. A 6 to 9pm bonus of more wineries with a Chocolate Decadence event costs $100. for the two events. For tickets call 877-7112WIN. Or access www.pechanga.com.