South Coast Winery Named CA. Winery of the Year

by Frank Mangio
For those of us who have been writing on wine in Southern California , watching, visiting and knowing that some day Temecula Wine Country would show its excellence in winemaking, I say that day has come.  I no longer buy the “party wineries”  or the “theme park” stories connected with Temecula Wine Country that have divided the  larger goals of excellent wine, proclaimed by responsible vintners in this community of over 100,000.  The city of Temecula owes a big debt of gratitude to the wineries that have brought in a big surge of wine visitors that helps all. South Coast Winery Resort and Spa is one of the best examples.
 

 South Coast winemaker Javier Flores, owner Jim Carter and Master winemaker Jon McPherson celebrate another California State Winery of the Year Award.

 
A dream of Jim Carter, who planted seeds at 8 years old, convinced himself to buy 400 acres in Temecula in 1981, who in the mid-nineties was inspired by the movie A Walk in the Clouds and found ways to nurture his land by maximizing  water, land and climate.  He brought in expert winemakers who would help him establish the winery’s excellence.  A later chapter would offer villas, a restaurant and world–class spa to visitors….and as he says it, “a complete wine country experience.”

This winery has been awarded over 2,500  medals for its wines, so it’s really no surprise that, for the 4th time in its history, it brought home the California State Winery of the Year at the California State Fair. This, after only 13 years of wine production.

Carter leaves no doubt that major credit deservedly goes to his winemaker team of Javier Flores, Master winemaker Jon McPherson and the winery’s outstanding staff of veteran professionals.  Visit at wineresort.com.

Elegance and Style Served Up at Tasting Room  Del Mar
 In the middle of the Village of Del Mar is a new age, beautifully appointed tasting room featuring “vines, hops and harvest.”

It’s the exquisite, new Tasting Room Del Mar, with  “small bites”dining, craft beer and a premium wine experience.  Over 40 known and loved craft beers sit side by side with a carefully selected small production collection of over 100 wines. It made its debut recently with the hosts  David and Evan Taylor launching the business, with Rusti Gilbert wine Director. Executive Chef is Steven Loma and Chef de Cuisine is Jenny Goycochea.

Tasting Room Del Mar had its Grand Opening recently with delicious appetizers provided by

Service Manager Victoria Abdallah and Champagne by Wine Director Rusti Gilbert.

Gilbert came from the highly acclaimed Addison and most recently The Cork and Craft.  She’s put together a small production, boutique wine list with an eye on the seasonal menu for optimum pairing. The list focuses on France , Germany , Spain and about 40%  California with emphasis on Rhone varietals from the Central Coast , but as Gilbert says, “the list is still evolving as we discover great new challenging wines. Syrah and Grenache are big favorites.”

I spotted a couple of personal favorites from Saxon Brown and winemaker-owner Jeff Gaffner.  His home base is Sonoma but he looks high and low for the best vineyards for his wine grapes.  Check out the 2009 Chardonnay and the 2012 Pinot Noir from Durell Vineyards. Gaffner will be presenting his wines at a Tasting Room wine dinner Monday July 25th.  Contact Tasting Room Del Mar for details at 858-461-0124.

Old Vines Rule in the Land of Zin

by Frank Mangio
Spring has again brought life to the venerable old vines, whose age reach back over 100 years in the root stocks of Mother Clone Zinfandel at the Sonoma vineyards of Pedroncelli. This Spring, the buds that will be concentrated juice are now leaves and showing another year of life. Plenty of “Goldilocks” rainfall, not too much and not too little, support the delicate leaves and shoots that will shape the 2010 harvest.

Jim Pedroncelli watches over his ¼ acre, 1st generation Mother Clone Zin vines like a mother hen would over her eggs. The 2008 vintage is just out, from 30 acres of 2nd generation Zin vines using budwood from the original century-old vines, adding a Pedroncelli flavor to this classic blackberry, spice, black currant beauty. 5% Petite Sirah has been added for color and tannin balance.

Jim Pedroncelli inspects one of Pedroncelli’s carefully cultivated hundred year old Zinfandel vines, which he calls “Mother Clone.”

Old Vine Zinfandel has been planted on the property since 1904. The Pedroncelli family purchased the home vineyard in 1927 in a district of Sonoma called Geyserville. The family scraped through Prohibition by selling grapes to home winemakers with a 200 gallon government mandated limit. It wasn’t until 1934 that Pedroncelli could bottle wine under its own label due to restrictions after Prohibition was lifted.

Fast-forward to this day and this winery is still a personal, family operation with sustainable agricultural practices that preserve the environment, reducing water consumption and keeping the soil healthy for the next generation of family. All pruning, thinning and picking of the 2nd generation Zin vines is done by hand, better to respect the Mother Clone vines that have been among the longest producing of any in Sonoma.

Other wines that are popular with the Pedroncelli Wine Club members and area restaurants are: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose, Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Merlot. The price range is a pleasing $10. for the Rose, to $25. for the Estate Cabernet. The Mother Clone Zinfandel is just $15. Mark Abraham, the Pedroncelli Southern California Sales Manager, is a popular guy when he delivers his latest releases to client restaurants. There is no better value in a bottle, and business has never been better. After all, mother would want it that way. It’s a family tradition. Learn more by accessing www.pedroncelli.com.

More Zins and other Rednecks
After exploring what’s new at the Zinfandel Road Show Tasting and the California Wine Festival in Orange County, then the Rhythm and Vine Festival in Escondido, my tasting notes show a few stand-outs that deserve attention:

Ancient Peaks 2007 Zinfandel, Paso Robles. $16. Sizzling nose, fruit forward and packed with tangy herb accents.

Cakebread 2007 Zinfandel, Napa Valley. $44. Class act, classic Zin with a zesty, super –long finish.

Four Vines 2007 Zinfandel Maverick, Paso Robles. $25. This one jams with super fruity taste and a nutty injection.

Artezin 2008 Zinfandel, Napa Valley. $17. Well balanced fruit, more earthy than most.

Cass 2008 Mouvedre, Paso Robles. $38. Rhone Valley grape usually used for blending. Just a touch of Syrah added here with spectacular results.

Lucas and Lewellen 2006 Petite Sirah, Santa Barbara. $28. Elegant tasting blue-blackberry texture with inky-black look. Big mouth-feel, smooth tannins. Silky finish.

Just reviewed: Zaca Mesa Estate Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 2006. $23. Aged in Oak 16 months, the high altitude, cool climate allows perfect expression of terroir. Syrah sales have tripled year over year at Zaca Mesa. The ’06 should provide more momentum.


Wine Bytes
- South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula is hosting Rhythm on the Vine Benefit Concerts, with Jazz greats Stephanie Mills and Najee Fri. May 14 at 7:30pm and Country great Clint Black Sat. May 15 at 8pm. Full details and pricing at www.wineresort.com or call 951-587-9463.

- Tesoro Winery in old town Temecula opens its newest SOCAL Artist Series with California artist Richard Powers, Thurs. May 13 at 7pm. This free showing includes Tesoro Wine and cheese selections. Call 951-526-4540.

- Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido holds a Vintage Chardonnay event on Mon. May 17 at 5:30pm. California and French vintages compete. Cost is $5. Call 760-745-1200.

- The 12th annual San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts Grand Tasting and Auction is Sat. May 22 from 6 to 9:30pm. The best of California wines will be poured, paired with farm-fresh local dishes from the best restaurants. Auction will include the finest lots of rare wine vintages. Cost is $100. each, with VIP pricing for special feature packages. Go to www.mopavintage.org or call 619-238-7559 x 207.

- The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is the place for the 15th annual Rotary Club of Bonsall Wine, Brew and Blues Festival, Sat. May 22 from 4 to 10pm. Wine, handcrafted beer, tasty bites, dessert court, 2 stages for live blues bands, dancing and a live auction. Tickets are $60. For more information and tickets, access www.bonsallrotary.com or call 800-249-2024.

Amaya Grand Del Mar is Garden-Fresh

by Frank Mangio

The Mediterranean splendor that is the Grand Del Mar has been documented in this column and publications world-wide. The decorative arts of Spain , Portugal Italy and Morocco are perfectly in harmony in this resort and this perfection is extended to the richly appointed restaurants.

We were treated the Addison dining room with its 2,500 bottle wine room under the brilliant leadership of Wine Director Jesse Rodriguz, so it was with great anticipation that the invitation came to review the other, more intimate and seductive Amaya with its delightful herb and vegetable garden just steps away.

Amaya was also unveiling its new summer menu, created by Chef Camron Woods and Food/Beverage director Ekrem Tercanoglu, which included: Grilled Swordfish, Roasted Halibut, Seared Seabass, Braised Short Rib and Whole Roasted Pork.

On the subject of his lovely garden of herbs, Camron said “I will use unusual flavors to mix with our marquee Mediterranean cuisine, like an Asian influence Terragon to accent the Sea Bass in Yellow Tomato Sauce. We cultivate freshness at Amaya.” As evidence, we walked into his expertly prepared garden. “Here you will find lots of Basil, Dill, Parsely Oregano, even tomatoes. It’s a feast for the senses with the emphasis on flavor.”Jesse Rodriguez was also in a celebratory mood as he uncorked his latest wines with an Italian theme. He introduced La Cappuccina, Soave 2007, a white from Veneto; and Morrano, Chianti 2007, a red from Tuscany , to pair with the chef’s creations.

Wine Director Jesse Rodriguez, and Chef Camron Woods, Amaya’s personable team at The Grand Del Mar

On Amaya’s terrace next to the herb garden, luscious pastries deserved the finale with such decadence as Carmelized Apricot with Vanilla Cream, Chocolate Royal Hazelnut, and Vanilla Strawberry Panna Cotta. To wash down dessert, a Banfi favorite was served, the Rosso Regale, a delicious strawberry flavored sparkling dessert wine. A perfect 24 hours would be to enjoy Amaya and taste as many of the fine wines as humanly possible; then stay over at one of the 249 rooms at this world-class resort. See more at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Again Wins Winery of the Year

They’re dancing in the tasting room at South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula as the fashionable estate has again won the California State Fair “Golden Bear” Wine Competition. It remains at the top of the state’s “Best of the Best” for the second consecutive year. Jim Carter, owner/vintner for South Coast declared “we are proud to share this accomplishment and the attention it has given to the entire Temecula area.”

Winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores have assembled some 650 winning wines since the winery started in 2003. and according to Carter “the best wines are being bottled now.” Get more information at www.wineresort.com.

Wine Bytes

* Vino 100 in San Marcos has the mighty Napa favorite Caymus Wine Tasting Fri. July 24 from 5 to 9pm. Fee starts at $15. Call 760-591-9113.

* Carlsbad Wine Merchants in the Island Center features small Italian Family Vineyards Fri. July 24 from 5 to 8pm. Audio League plays. Fee is $20. Details at 760-804-9994.

* Vine to Glass in Oceanside brings in wines from Wiens in Temecula, Sat. July 25 from 6 to 9pm . Six varietals poured for $15. Call 760-757-1037.

* North County Wine Company has two events coming up, including Fri. July 24 with a Pinot Noir and BBQ tasting and July 31 Nothing but Cabernet and BBQ. Call for times and price at 760-744-2119.

* Bacchus Wine Market in San Diego ’s Gaslamp District pours Grenache wines on Fri. July 24 from 4 to 8:30pm . Get seven samples from the south of France for $15. Call them at 619-236-0005.

* Temecula’s best wines will be unveiled in a gala Awards Ceremony and Banquet open to the public on Wed. July 29, 6pm at Wiens Family Cellars. Competition wines will be served. Mix and mingle with the winemakers. For an RSVP, call 951-926-1160.

* The 5th annual “Chocolate & Vino Affair” happens Thurs. July 30 with a 6pm start at Stingaree, downtown San Diego . It benefits San Diego Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Wineries, downtown restaurants and chocolate shops all donate. Pre sale $40 and $50. at the door. Check it out at 619-339-4564 or events@ypcsd.com.

* Bistro West in Carlsbad has “A Night at the Bistro” Tues. July 28, 7-9pm . An exclusive menu plus Beringer wines will be featured. $55. pp. Contact 760-930-8008 for more.

More on Temecula Valley Wines…

by Frank Mangio
Awards keep coming in for the wines of Temecula Wine Country. Examples:

 Double Gold and Chairman’s Award at the ’09 Riverside Wine competition for Maurice Car’rie’s 2008 Sara Bella Blush, a white Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery also got Silver for their ’08 Chenin Blanc and ’08 Riesling. See more at www.mauricecarriewinery.com.

 La Cereza picked up eight medals at the same competition, including a gold for its “Girlfriends” white blend. Visit www.lacerezawinery.com

 Best of Class at the West Coast Wine Competition in Santa Rosa went to Keyways Winery for its ’08 Chenin Blanc and the ’08 White Blend Santa Teresa. More at www.keywayswine.com.

 I was privileged to get an initial release taste of the new Wilson Creek ’07 Viognier, a varietal favorite of mine. It is right up there with the best of the best for this Rhone Valley grape varietal. Brilliantly crafted by winemaker Etienne Cowper, this tropically fruited, exotic wine should not be missed by fans of a summer wine that pops. Bursting with flavor. Check it out at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

 Two Best of Class emerged from the Monterey and Pacific Rim competition….Briar Rose with its ’04 Cabernet Sauvignon and South Coast Winery with its ’07 Riesling.


Wine Bytes
 Four San Diego wineries have banded together for a “Passport to a Taste of San Diego.” For just $20. you can visit Hacienda de las Rosas, Orfila, Belle Marie and Bernardo Winery, each with a full wine tasting experience. Go to any of the wineries to purchase. Use until Labor Day in Sept.

 Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has a Rhone Valley wine tasting Fri. May 29 and a Stars of Spain tasting on Fri. June 5. 6 to 8pm. Call 760-479-2500 for cost and wines.

 The Rotary Club presents the annual Encinitas Wine Festival, Sat. June 6 from 5 to 8pm, at Quail Botanical Gardens. Sample fine wines and beverages from around the world plus dishes and desserts from the finest restaurants in Encinitas. The event benefits local charities. Three ticket options from $100. Look at www.encinitaswinefestival.com.

 Up in Napa, the Vintners Association of 350 members brings you Auction Napa Valley Thurs. June 4 to Sun. June 7. Lots of ways to have a unique and fun time with tastings, auctions and dinners. Look at www.napavintners.com, or call 707-968-4209.

 The Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival takes off Fri. June 5 to Sun June 7 at Lake Skinner in the Winchester area. Mass balloon ascension begins Sat. at 6am. 20 wineries in Temecula will be pouring. 2 day passes for $30. Call 951-676-6713.