Photo and Article by Frank MangioI recently viewed the movie Bottle Shock, an attempt to capture the essence of the wine event that catapulted the Napa appellation into world prominence: the Paris Wine tasting of 1976, when French judges declared two Napa wineries, Stags Leap with its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Montelana with its Chardonnay, to be the winners against a group of established French counterparts. It was another disappointment by movie makers who only deal in what may make money, with disregard for the truth and beauty of the matter.
If you want to know what really makes Napa-Sonoma the crown jewel of winemaking, you have to walk the walk and get up there. It’s the only place I know where the heady odor of grapes fill the air and the senses with the scent of sweet Cabernet and Chardonnay perfume-like vapors. These two varietals rule.
Cabernet Sauvignon is really a hybrid grape, originally a Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc that thrives in both Sonoma and Napa.
The same for Chardonnay, California’s most popular white wine with many styles to choose from. You can get a toasty, full-bodied “chard” or a lean mineral-like version. The traditional barrel fermented kind will give off a butterscotch and toast quality, while the newly popular un-wooded types will go toward a citrus and mineral-like profile.
A good place to begin your Chardonnay tasting tour would be Grigich Hills on Napa’s Highway 29. You may see 82 year old Mike Grgich in the tasting room talking up his latest lovely Chardonnay, the 2006 and the first one certified organic and biodynamic, a natural process without chemicals of any kind. Mike was the winemaker of the Chardonnay that won it all at the famous ’76 Paris Tasting.
Grgich Hills is one of the most visited wineries in Napa, home of 50 year winemaker Mike Grgich.
It gets a little more complicated when it comes to “best Cabernet Sauvignon” as both Sonoma and Napa have champions. Sonoma Cab was recently complimented in a recent article by my friends at Wine Spectator, the world-best wine publication. In it, the top Cab was from the Knights Valley area of Sonoma, a 2005 Les Pavots which scored 97 points. 11,000 acres are devoted to Sonoma Cab, but Napa devotes 19,000 acres. The argument can be made though that with Sonoma closer to the ocean and cooler, Cab grapes feel more at home in that environment. One thing you can count on when you go: the wines you taste will be among the world’s best.
Frankie’s Steak & Seafood in TemeculaFast becoming a local favorite in Temecula, Frankie’s Steak & Seafood delivers with delicious entrees, big town ambience and some cool jazz and other entertainment in the busy bar.
Sinatra, Sammy and Dino of the Las Vegas “Rat Pack” are in full evidence with a piano, martini bar and images reminding customers of the fun and decadence of the “good old days.” Owner Frank Vessia features aged New York steaks paired with an extensive wine list. Wine Tasting Wednesdays from 5-7pm are a must.
Five wines paired with rustic appetizers are just $20. per person. Vessia has his own vineyard and produces Italian style in-house wines. For a reservation call 951-514-5212.
The Local SipCongratulations to
Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas on being awarded “Best Wine Shop in San Diego,” by ABC TV San Diego’s Channel 10. They cited Meritage’s ability to provide the best of the personal and business wine needs of the community. Contact number is 760-479-2500.
Vino 100 in San Marcos is staging a “Wicked Zin” Halloween party on Fri. Oct. 31. $15. ea. Call for details at 760-591-3113.
Celebrate the Craft is a two day art,wine and food celebration at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, Sat. and Sun, Nov. 1 and 2. For more information please call 858-777-6635.
Meet winemaker Pablo Fallabrino with wines from Uruguay at
Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego Sat. Nov. 1 from 5 to 8pm. Fee is $10. ea. Signature wine is Angel’s Cuvee Ripasso from Tannat. Details call 619-236-0005.
When in Rome Restaurant in Encinitas has its annual Harvest Wine Dinner Thurs. Nov. 6 from 6:30pm. Five wines from Puglia, Italy will be served, including Primitivo and Aglianico. $75. pp. Call 760-944-1771.
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Note: Taste of Wine TV will be on location at the 2008 San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. We are looking for an experienced on-camera co-host to interview chefs and winemakers. In exchange, we will provide an entry ticket to the event, and access to the wine, food, and fun that comes with this world-known festival. The time committment for helping us will be around 90 minutes, then you are free to enjoy the event. If interested, please e-mail Mike Bragg at: WineNews@TasteOfWineTV.com
You won't want to miss the 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine tasting classes, olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, personalities, and whew, more food and wine than you know what to do with! 
Now in its fifth year, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has quickly grown into a world-class wine and culinary extravaganza. The five-day festival features wine tasting seminars, cooking classes by James Beard award-winning chefs, and an elegant Reserve Tasting & Silent Auction. The festival culminates on Saturday, November 15 at the star-studded Grand Event and Fine Wine/Lifestyle Auction.
