Top Ten Wine Tastes of 2014

by Frank Mangio
Pop the corks, and let the new year of 2015 begin.  2014 by any wine follower’s yardstick was a beauty.  As we noted in an earlier TASTE OF WINE, the price point for a bottle of wine and a night at a favorite restaurant rose per consumer.  Many more household wine names were doing  road shows at restaurants and wine events.

The French wines continued their slide, especially in the U.S. and China , which bought 72% less French vineyard property than 2013, according to a recent Wall St Journal article.  Chinese wine imports from Chile , the U.S. and Italy are rising.  Wine Spectator’s top 100 wines in the world had 19 from the U.S., 19 from Italy and 14 from France . The world wide chain Starbucks projects a billion dollars in wine and beer sales from their menu expansion that includes wine bars.  Their American group President was quoted as saying “female customers in particular enjoy meeting friends for a glass of wine in the evening.”

The new fashion color in 2015 for men and women will be a “a shade of wine with everything” that’s earthy and sophisticated, and is called Marsala , named after a wine capital in Sicily. My  Top Ten Tastes include: 3 from Napa Valley , 3 from Italy and 1 each from Washington , Paso Robles, Sonoma and Monterey.

Varietals include:  3 Cabernets, 2 Chardonnays, 2 Sangiovese, 2 Pinot Noirs and 1 Montepulciano di Abruzzo.

The ten are equally ranked on an excellence scale of one to 5, considering flavor, body and value at the best pricing I could find. The list is alphabetical, all were rated excellent and does not indicate ranking.

Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano Italy . 2012. $19.  Bursting with red fruits, this Tuscan wine has complex hints of rosemary and peppery spices for a hearty taste. Avignonesi.it.

One of the pristine wine cellars at Castello Banfi, Montalcino Italy

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, Italy .  2009.  $60.  The Brunello that put this elegant wine on the world map.  With Banfi, it truly is no Brunello before its time.  Nurtured 5 years before release. A classic Sangiovese grape. Castellobanfi.com.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay, Napa Valley .  2012.  $40.  A fine restaurant white wine with grapes from the Carneros region of Napa Valley . Bright natural acidity. Aged in oak.  Cakebread.com.

Caymus Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley .  2012.  $55.  40th Anniversary keepsake bottle. Fantastic Cabernet from  iconic winemakers, the Wagner Family.  Dense purple color from blackberry with silky tannins.  Enormous response with 60,000 cases sold.  Caymus.com.

Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley Washington .  2012.  $9.95.  Could be the greatest value of the ten.  Consistent quality as in all Columbia Crest wines.  Dark, spicy, smooth tannins. Lingering flavor.  Columbiacrest.com.

Edna Valley Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Monterey .  2012.  $45.  Another great 2012 harvested wine.  18 months in oak.  Dark cherry with notes of caramel, mushroom and earth.  Ednavalleyvineyard.com.

Grgich Hills Estate Grown Chardonnay, Napa Valley , 2012.  $42.  Excellent harvest, even better quality Chardonnay, pioneered by Mike Grgich and made famous at the Paris Tasting in 1976. Complex flavors and natural acidity, all farmed naturally.  Apple notes with hint of melon and cashew nuts.  Grgich.com.
   

Grgich Hills Estate in Napa Valley produced three Chardonnays this year, all harvested in 2012, one of which is a celebration of his world renowned success at the 1976 Paris Tasting.

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles. 2012.  $22.  Welcoming soil and sub-climate make finesse-filled wines at this western-most Paso outpost of fine wines.  Small oak barrel aging, balanced with flavors of black fruit and spice. Justinwine.com.

Sojourn Pino Noir, Russian River Sonoma . 2012. $48.  Big and deep Pinot from the Wohler Vineyard. Classic cherry, cola and earthy flavors.  Sojourncellars.com

Villa Cafaggio Reserva Chianti Classico , Tuscany Italy 2009. $20.  Only hand-picked grapes selected for color, aroma and soft tannins.  Aged 18 months in French oak barriques.  Wine has concentration and depth. 100% Sangiovese grapes.  Villacafaggio.it.                                                                                                                    
Wine Bytes
The new Perfect Pairings Wine Bar & Bistro in Carlsbad at 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. has a Justin/Landmark Wine Dinner, Tues. Jan. 6 at 6:30pm.  5 course dinner for $85.  Five wines will be poured including one of TASTE OF WINE’S top ten tastes, the Justin 2012 Cabernet.  RSVP and details at 760-453-7974.

Solare Restorante at Liberty Station in San Diego presents a Castello Banfi Wine Dinner with 6 Banfi wines and a 5 course dinner, 6:45 to 9:30pm.  Banfi’s own  Luciano Castiello will MC the wine portion of the evening.  Cost is $75.  For all the details, call 619-980-9652.

In Memory of Joe Zazzaro

"Buon Viaggio"

Joe Zazzaro

(January 27, 1936 to January 14, 2013)

We are saddened by the sudden death of our long-time friend, colleague, and fellow wine lover, Joe Zazzaro. Joe was a classy guy and top-notch media expert who helped Taste of Wine TV become a major online source for wine and food information on the west coast. Joe will be missed by us, and the many friends he made while on assignment for Taste of Wine.

Frank Mangio, Mike Bragg

Executive Producers

Taste of Wine TV

Cooking/Home Entertainment Showcase Coming to Del Mar

by Frank Mangio

A two day extravaganza for lovers of gourmet fresh foods, wine and spirits, desserts, oils and vinegars, cheeses, spices and much more will be showcased at the GOURMET EXPERIENCE, set for Saturday October 8 and 9 from 11 to 5pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Over 250 exhibitors offer the best in culinary trends, as well as travel and home products and specialty foods.

There will be 12 specialty pavilions, focused on the latest trends, with “That’s The Spirit Beer and Wine Pavilion” catching the most interest for Taste Of Wine readers. You’ll be able to taste and explore fine wines, craft beer and spirits, with award-winning producers.

John Alonge, who runs the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center will be a key speaker on “5 Steps to Truly Enjoy Wine.” Other pavilions you’ll want to check out include: Gourmet Meats, Spice Alley, Grilling and Outdoor Entertainment, Bounty of the County, and the Gourmet In Action Stage.

A number of well-known chefs from restaurants with superior reputations will keep you asking for samples. These include personal favorites Bernard Guillas from the Marine Room in La Jolla with a fun book on the shelves called “Flying Pans-2 Chefs, One World.” He’ll be walking you through his Stout Beer-Braised Prime Beef Short Ribs.

Another chef with an original delicacy is Jeff Rossman from Terra Restaurant and his book “From Terra’s Table.” He will be cooking Fritters and Plating with Avocado Mango Sauce.

It’s two action filled days for testing and tasting in the kitchen, culinary instruction, meeting and greeting and sipping luxury wine and spirits.

Single day passes are $25. in advance, $30. at the door. Weekend passes are $40. advance and $45. at the door, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds O’Brien Hall. Access www.thegourmetexpo.com. 619-312-1212.

At Dudley’s it’s Back to Wine Basics

Eric Dudley grew up in the ethnic neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York and the close-knit feeling of camaraderie, especially in the neighborhood pubs that the TV series “Cheers” made famous, stuck with him as he carved a future in wine in Southern California. Three years ago, he opened Dudley’s Wine & Gifts in Murrieta. Why gifts? “Because wine is a gift,” is his quick and accurate answer.

“I always wanted to open a place where you don’t have to know the name and description of the wine and come dressed up, and where it’s comfortable and relaxed. Mission accomplished,” he concluded.

I asked him how he presented his wines at his tasting events which are every Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 5:30pm. He said “I want to humanize the wine experience.

There’s just too much techy talk about sugar levels, oak vs. steel. I stay with aroma, flavor and the vine to wine relationship. I tell stories about the wine.” And that Dudley is very good at. He’s been to 20 countries, most of them romantic wine countries and he is a history and geography expert.

Eric Dudley loves to talk about and offer small production wines at his neighborhood wine bar in Murrieta.

He loves to find and discover small production wines and give them a chance. As they begin to grow in popularity, he feels Dudley’s will grow with them. “Price, although still a consideration, will be secondary to the wine experience as loyalty builds,” he commented.

Dudley’s World Wine Club is a well-thought-out incentive benefit- driven customer plan for real discounts on wines and tastings from countries around the world. To learn more about this and other unique Dudley’s customer privileges, go to www.dudleyswineandgifts.com and the phone is 951-461-2225.

Wine Bytes

§ So Diego Tours has introduced Wine Tasting in the Gaslamp with a walk- around to the wine bars in the neighborhood, with a history of the Gaslamp Quarter. $65. pp. Details at 619-233-8687.

§ 80’s Flashback Concert is at Wiens Winery in Temecula, Fri. Sept. 23 with doors open at 5:30pm. Enjoy the Motels, Naked Eyes and Gene Loves Jezebel. Tickets start at $40 ea. E mail info@goldencrownproductions.com.

§ Wines from Sonoma are spotlighted at Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego, Fri. Sept. 23 from 4 to 8:30pm.Taste wines from Russian River Valley and Dry Creek. Details at 619-236-0005.

§ Wine & Chocolate Day to benefit local Hospice is hosted by Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, Sun. Sept. 25 from 4 to 8pm. Wines, food sampling, auctions and live music for $60. pre pay and $70. at the door. Call 951-200-7800 for more.

§ PAON Restaurant downtown Carlsbad is offering a wine and food pairing featuring Puro Uno Wines from Argentina, with winemaker Frank Baroudi on Wed. Sept 28. $24. pp. Phone 760-729-7377.

§ A Taste of Italy is Sat. Oct. 1 from 4 to 10pm in Los Angeles on Main Street in “Little Italy.” Over 20 top Italian restaurants and bakeries will serve. Over 40 wineries will pour. Enjoy live entertainment. Tickets $45. pre sale; $50. at the door. RSVP at 213-485-8432.

Rhythm and Vine is Music, Food and Wine

by Frank Mangio

Indulge all your senses Saturday April 9 from 6 to 9pm at Westfield Center North County San Diego, as Rhythm and Vine comes again for an unforgettable night of hot tunes, hot food and cool, award-winning wine, to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego.

The music lineup includes the Clay Colton Band with Rock, Country and Folk (shown in photo), Simeon Flick with Acoustic Soul, and Anthony Garcia (Flemenco Guitar). Over 60 wineries will be pouring, paired with 35 gourmet restaurants.

Under the professional guidance of Fast Forward Event Productions, with an unbeatable history of success in large wine and other lifestyle events, the Boys and Girls Club has found a singular food, music and wine event to raise funds for the 25,000 plus children of San Diego County who ultilize its services.

A highlight for guests is the optional VIP tent granting VIP ticket holders access to exclusive food and beverage partners, as well as a VIP after-party that will last until 10pm. The cost is $125. in advance and $150. at the door. General admission tickets cost $75. in advance and $100. at the door. A special discount is available for students and the military-two tickets for $99, pre sale only. Purchase tickets at www.rhythmandvine.org. You can call 760-858-0591, x203 for questions.

Most wine countries in California are represented with generous pours of Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Sauvignon Blanc and a host of wine blends.

One of the wines showcased in Rhythm and Vine is Callaway Winery of Temecula, fresh from big wins at the 2011 Winemaker Challenge in San Diego.

Callaway Winery in Temecula has recently won Gold for its Chardonnay and will be at the Rhythm and Vine event in Escondido.

Callaway was Temecula’s first winery and lately has come a long way with recently changed ownership, winemaker and marketing support. They have secured gold with the 2008 Winemaker’s reserve Chardonnay and 2009 Winemaker’s Reserve Late Harvest Chardonnay.

Other wineries worth noting are: Artesa of Napa Valley, Cass from Paso Robles and Michael-David from Lodi.

Wine-Speak from Robert Renzoni

I really enjoy trading comments on wine with the new “millennial.” Say what, you say? That’s’ OK, I had no clue what this new wine force was until I found out it’s a crucial part of the marketing of Paso Robles wine country, and their college and night club events. It’s all the young adult generation who turned 21 in 2000, to the present time.

I was at a wine dinner recently at the Temecula Creek Inn and they were featuring nearby wines by Robert Renzoni, who himself is a young, good looking Italian guy who does wine-speak in an easy-going harmonious manner. He’s all about family. Robert is full of stories about father Fred’s involvement in Italian wines from back east and how they have built up a family tradition of wine since 1886.

Robert Renzoni, left, brought his wines to Temecula Creek Inn to pair up with the tasty Meditteranean small bites of Chef Sal Giuliano

A Pinot Grigio, Julia’s Vineyard, is named after his mother, and La Rosa 2008 Rose’ is named after his grandmother. As he likes to say “alla famiglia!” With this spirit in place, many young “millennials” who came that night listened intently to the wine stories and spoke up about their wine choices. A young, well-dressed lady beside me (who brought her young baby to the event) flashed a winning smile and loved the Robert Renzoni 2008 Sangiovese as a beautifully structured, balanced body of wine with a soft finish. The Temecula Creek Inn event planners scored big-time on this one. Check out future events at www.temeculacreekinn.com.

Wine Bytes

PAON Restaurant & Wine Bar is planning a Taste of Bordeaux Sat. April 2 from 2 to 5pm in the Wine Bar, served with chef’s selection of fine cheese and fruit. Five wines will range from an ’09 Blanc to an ’07 St. Emilion. A wine host will be at PAON to educate. $20. pp. Call 760-729-7377.

Falkner Winery in Temecula will have Free Live Jazz on Sundays, starting April 3 from Noon to 3pm. It will be held on the outside lawn area next to the Tasting Room. Saxman Jason Weber will blow.

Lovers of Italian wines will want to get on a plane and go to Verona for this years’ Vinitaly, one of the largest showcases for Italy, Thurs. April 7 to Mon. April 11. Banfi of Tuscany plays a leading role in the event.

Proper, a Gastro Pub next to PETCO Park downtown San Diego will have Anglim Winery of Paso Robles in a wine dinner on Mon. Apr. 4 for $49. ea. RSVP at 619-255-7520. Amglim is a small-lot Rhone style winery.

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula brings in the blessing of the Vines Celebration & BBQ Sun. Apr. 10 from 4 to 7pm. Guests take the processional tour through the vineyards for the blessing and chefs cook a BBQ’d meal of Bratwurst, chicken and burgers, with live entertainment and dancing. Call 951-587-9463 for pricing.

RELM Wine Bistro, downtown Carlsbad is hosting Pre-Dating Speed Dating with the next event Sun. Apr. 17 at 5pm and 7pm. Different age groups are matched up so call for details on pricing and demographs. 760-805-5398. Happpy hour is now extended from 3 to 7pm at RELM.

The latest issue of Dining Out San Diego, a free glossy magazine on restaurants and menus, is now on display at hotels, restaurants, wineries and galleries.

Ten Wine Tastings for 2010

by Frank Mangio
After a long and winding road, visiting wineries, vineyards, wine shops, restaurants, resorts and wine events, at times I asked myself “are we there yet, have we found the ten best tastes for this year?” I hope not. Tomorrow may bring yet another lovely wine that matches the list below. I will keep up the hunt for bigger, better, luscious tasting prized wines.

As we go public with this list, wine lovers are getting more for their money and are seeking the highest value wines available as competition is keen with new wine shops offering ever more wines, events, wine bars and small-bites restaurant components. My ten include: two from Napa Valley, two from Sonoma, two from Italy, and one each from Monterey, Paso Robles, Washington and Spain.

I attended some 300 events, tasting over 3,000 wines from all over the world, documenting their taste characteristics, ranking them on my 1 to 5 value scale, and considering cost point vs. flavor. Prices vary from discount retailers to wine shops to web site “cart” prices, so it pays to compare. The ten are NOT ranked, but appear alphabetically. Web sites follow the wine descriptions for your further research.

Banfi Toscana Chianti Superiore, Tuscany, Italy, 2008. $11.
Seven thousand acres at the base of the fabled town of Montalcino plus legacy vineyards in South America and other districts of Italy, Banfi makes a statement with this select Sangiovese grape varietal at an inexpensive price. www.castellobanfi.com.

Cantina Zallagnina Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, Italy, 2007. $11.
Comes from the younger vineyards of the Montepulciano district in eastern Tuscany. A splash of fruit flavor complements the gritty, earthy old world taste that accentuates with hard cheese and pasta. www.vivavino.com.

Chateau St. Michelle Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling, Washington, 2008. $18.
Two of the world’s great makers of Riesling, Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Washington’s Chateau St. Michelle, make this bold and forward varietal, with tastes of mandarin orange and sweet lime. www.ste-michelle.com

Duckhorn “The Discussion” 6 Vineyard Blend, Napa Valley, 2006. $115.
An artful blend of varietals from 6 of Duckhorn’s vineyards. It includes 53% Cabernet, 28% Merlot, 14% Cab Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot. The winery’s highest acclaimed creation. Can you detect Truffle Cassis? www.duckhorn.com.

The highly successful RELM Wine Bar in Carlsbad discovered Triton, a Spanish Tempranillo, and one of Taste of Wine’s Top Ten.

Ferrari Carano “Tresor” Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma, 2007. $58.
Old world classic style with new world California flavor. A closer taste finds: 84%Cabernet, with Merlot, Malbec, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot. Tresor means Treasure in France. Indeed, it is. www.ferraricarano.com.

Fog Head Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey, 2008. $16.
Strawberry/raspberry on the nose. Silky, soft tannins are a trait of fine Pinot. Sits at the Santa Lucia Highlands, positioned to take advantage of the fog pattern that settles at Fog Head’s doorstep. www.tastemonterey.com.

Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Carneros, 2008. $32.
Over 200 acres spread over the Valley to choose only the best of estate grapes. Six Frank family members plus two grandchildren pouring their hearts out . www.frankfamilyvineyards.com.

Justin “Justification” Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles, 2008. $45.
Reduced yields pushed up quality. 10 months barrel time dressed up flavor for an unmatched Cab Franc/Merlot marriage. www.justinwine.com

Lewis Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Sonoma, 2008. $65.
A small-lot passion allows constant development with pruning at every stage, from bud break to veraison (fruit coloration) to harvest. Lewis barrel-stores their Chardonnay in French Oak for up to 15 months. www.lewiscellars.com.

Triton Tempranillo, Douro Valley, Spain. 2008. $24.
Named after the Roman God Neptune’s son Triton, who galloped along great seasides and rivers. The Douro River and its soil components play a large role in the sophisticated, elegant flavor of this Spanish creation, with elements of chocolate and delicate spices; a discovery of RELM, the dynamic wine shop in Carlsbad. www.ambassadorofwine.com

Chef Brian Malarkey of Searsucker Does His Own Interview

Taste of Wine TV Visits Chef Scotty Wagner at Eden in Hillcrest

Preview of the Wine Rave Party during this week's San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

Great Holiday Drink Idea Shown at VIP Party by El Vitral

San Diego Bay Warms Up to the Wine/Food Festival

by Frank Mangio
The Thanksgiving holiday is nearly here, an opportune time to gather friends for food, wine and good times. The same can be said for another tradition in San Diego, a week earlier.

From Wednesday November 17 through Sunday November 21, the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival consumes the hearts and minds of all involved with an international showcase of premier wines and spirits, chefs and gourmet foods.

Over 800 wines and spirits, 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants and 30 gourmet food companies will participate in this 7th annual extravaganza, with venues like Macy’s, the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, the Hornblower Inspiration Super Yacht, Embarcadero Park North next to Seaport Village and Roy’s San Diego Waterfront.

New this year is the Tastemaker Dinner Series at various venues Wednesday and Thursday November 17 and 18 with a 6pm start. Restaurants chosen include: Addison at the Grand Del Mar, the Westgate’s Fountainbleau, Island Prime, Kitchen 1540 and Specialty Produce Warehouse. Over 9,000 are expected to attend the 5 day festival which is considered by experts to be in the top 5 of the top 100 events in Southern California for the past three years.

The Celebrity Chef’s Luncheon on Sunday November 21 is a select lineup of the best of… presented by Wine Spectator Magazine including 7 big names to help create a six course meal paired with some first class wines. A big bottle auction will raise funds for the American Institute of Wine and Food, dedicated to raising funds for their scholarship program.

A favorite of mine is the Friday November 19 Master Sommelier Blind Tasting, with host and Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman of Justin Winery in Paso Robles. He will lead a panel as they blind-taste a number of international wines. They will break identify varietal, vintage, location, smell and taste to identify each of several wine challenges. All are local sommeliers in San Diego restaurants. The audience tastes along with the panel. This event is held from 4 to 5:30pm at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center.

Well, after all that you’ve got to ready to roll into all the festival has to offer. Learn more about times, events and pricing at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, visiting the web site at www.worldofwineevents.com. Or call 858-578-9463. We’ll see you there!

Wine Bytes
South Coast Winery Restaurant in Costa Mesa Orange County is having a winemaker’s 5 course dinner Sat. Nov. 13 beginning at 6pm. $95. pp. Call 714-957-1857 to RSVP.

Tues. Nov. 16, 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro in Encinitas has a 5 course winery dinner with Hall Winery of Napa Valley. Start time is 6pm. Cost is $70. RSVP’s at 760-942-2104

Firefly Restaurant in Encinitas is planning a Spring Mountain Wine Dinner Wed. Nov. 17 at 6:30pm. 4 course dinner plus reception. Cost is $89. ea. Call 760-635-1066.

San Pasqual Winery with locations in San Diego and La Mesa now has weekday “Happy Hour” specials from 4 to 6pm. Check out details at 619-462-1797.

Orfila Winery in Escondido presents their 11th annual Futures Dinner, including 4 course dinner, live music and dancing. Merlot and Syrah Futures will be served. $125. ea. Reserve at 760-738-6500.

Wine and Food Event for Boys & Girls Club Rawks Saturday Night!

Fotos by Mojo
Saturday night's wine and food event at Westfields North County Mall was a huge success, if great wine and tasty food had anything to do with it. Check back for complete TV segment coverage.

ABOVE: Even the vendors took some time out to demonstrate their best "grape grins".

ABOVE: San Diego winelovers and foodies catch up to compare vintages and help a great cause.

ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV's own J.T. Meadows took time out from wine interviews to do his own research of a most excellent line-up of Aguirre Tequilla.

ABOVE: Taking time out from a busy evening of wine sampling to spoon up some of the great pasta offered by the friendly folks at Macaroni Grill.
ABOVE: Taste of Wine TV cameraman Ed Stockton calls in a rental truck to haul away some of the top-notch wine finds that he came across at Saturday night's event.