A Salute to John and Sally Thornton

by Frank Mangio
John and Sally Thornton, owners of Thornton Winery in Temecula with their son Steve, recently added three more awards to their decades-long accomplishments in wine and hospitality. The Southern California Restaurant Writers bestowed their Golden Bacchus Wine Award and Golden Five Star Sceptre Award to the winery’s Café Champagne after a year-long evaluation from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. Both are the organization’s highest awards in their category.

Kudos to Café Champagne’s top chef, Steve Pickell, who has guided its success for over 13 years. He saluted the Thornton’s “contribution to the culinary vision with their expertise, dedication, talent and integrity.”

The Thorntons were also honored as Humanitarians of the Year due to the constant and major giving to community charities. Their name is on one of the largest medical centers in San Diego. Thornton Winery has a 20 year legacy of winemaking that has brought it world acclaim, especially in blending “Methode Champenoise” Sparkling Wine/Champagne, which created worldwide excitement for its freshness and bursts of flavor as an ideal celebratory drink, best expressed by the Brut Reserve series.

John and Sally Thornton toasting with one of their popular Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne varietals which brought fame to their winery.

The distinguished old world look of the property displays elegant French influence with an overlook of the pristine vineyards that bear the estate fruit of Thornton. Their champagne jazz series is in full bloom and the lineup reads like a who’s who of talent. Yet the best part of this success story is the work of winemaker Don Reha and his movement into Mediterranean style red wines since his arrival in 2003. Latest release names to know are: 2005 Viognier, 2006 Nebbiolo, 2005 Estate Bottled Syrah and the 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel.

You can now pick up a 30% discount on any case purchase with free shipping. Check out this short term offer by calling 951-699-0099 or visiting www.thorntonwine.com.

Concert Season Begins in Temecula Wine Country

A vineyard setting, beautifully crafted wine and food creations, outdoor vineyard setting and some of the coolest jazz and pop music, awaits you this season in Temecula Wine Country. The major winery players in the concert scene this year is venerable favorite Thornton Winery and its 21st annual Champagne Jazz series, Wiens with its pop music, and South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and its Rhythm on the Vine Jazz headliner.

Mindi Abair kicks off the Temecula Winery concert scene at Thornton Winery Sunday April 26.

Thornton’s season includes 22 dates, from Sunday April 26 at 4pm with marquee attractions Mindi Abair and David Benoit, all the way to Sunday October 11 from 4pm with guitarist Jesse Cook.

If you haven’t taken in Mindi Abair’ s concerts, she is like a vintage, velvety bottle of rare wine. Teaming up with “Snoopy” theme song originator Benoit, this concert promises to be memorable.

Mindi started up in 2003 with her own sax version of a Snoopy-linked hit called “Lucy,” part of a CD that hit the top 5 on the Jazz charts. She sings, plays a mean alto sax and has a nationwide radio show. Her new CD just out is called “Stars,” a contemporary jazz and pop collection of love songs. Thornton has a Gourmet Supper Package with a complete selection of their award-winning sparkling and premium varietal wines. For tickets and a full calendar of acts, call 951-699-3021.

Wiens Family Cellars offers the English Beat with Richard Blade on Friday May 8 at 5:30pm, and The Knack on Friday June 19. The 80’s sounds are back, with special tiered pricing. Call 951-694-9892.

South Coast and its Rhythm on the Vine event happens Saturday June 27 beginning at 6:30pm with Sax for Stax, then Jeffrey Osborne at 9pm. It benefits Shriners Hospital for Children. For further news, call 951-587-9463.

Half Bottle-Half Price Wine Menu at Savory
A tip of the cork to Savory Casual Fare of Encinitas, G.M. John Boily and Chef Pascal Vignau for a bold move to increase dining value. On Tuesdays and Wednesday, a new, exciting half wine bottle inventory is being offered along with a half price menu. “This should give our guests a greater opportunity to try new wines from around the world,” said Vignau. Dinner hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm to 9:30pm. Menu selections can be viewed on the website at www.savorycasualfare.com.


Wine Bytes
 Wine Street Carlsbad toasts their Chile/Argentina tasting Fri. Apr. 24 with a guest pourer, from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Cost is $15. ea. Call 760-431-8455.
 Bacchus in the San Diego Gaslamp District presents wines from South Africa Fri. Apr. 24 from 4pm to 8:30pm for $15. pp. Sample Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. 619-236-0005.
 Tastes, downtown Encinitas, has an evening with winemaker Patty Green of Patricia Green Cellars, Sun. Apr. 26 at 6pm. Five course Pinot Noir dinner for $120. ea. RSVP at 760-942-9549.
 The Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego offers a Wine, Dine and Design evening on Thurs. Apr. 30 from 5 to 7pm, for a fee of $40. It’s an interactive class with delightful appetizers paired with lovely wines. A floral class adds to the attraction. For more, call 619-557-3655, ext 3619.
 A blind tasting adds to the fun at the Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Mon. Apr. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Just $5. admission. Five Merlots will be offered. Call 760-745-1200.

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.

Great Chef Award Winner Leads Pala Mesa Upgrade

Article and Photo by Frank Mangio

Homemade recipes, high quality ingredients and management/leadership skills are driving Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook to a new level of dining with its revamped Aqua Terra Restaurant.

Executive Chef Sean Sullivan has placed his hand on a lovely restaurant format that underlines seafood and fine wines. It hasn’t been too long since his graduation from the School of Culinary Arts in Denver in 1998 and he’s been running kitchens ever since. From Italian, Asian Fusion and Latin Fusion and a top seafood operation in Pacific Beach, Sean has bundled his skills to be the executive chef that he is today.

When he got to Aqua Terra, Sean added a sushi bar and a menu that shows cuisine from around the globe. He has a great time in the kitchen. I recommend the Shrimp Stuffed Artichokes for an appetizer, a beet and goat cheese salad with baby Arugula and for the entrée, a vanilla scented Chilean Seabass is sure to please.

Executive Chef Sean Sullivan relaxes in his newly upgraded Aqua Terra Restaurant at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook.

The wine menu needs more selections but I found a brilliantly crafted Zinfandel selection from Clos LaChance, a Central California wine from 2005, with a rare 12.5% alcohol. The lower alcohol content allowed it to pair beautifully with the fish and beef menu selections. I thought so much of it, the wine became one of the Top Ten Wine Tastings for 2008.

Pala Mesa has a Wine Appreciation Club top heavy with member benefits including: six wine tasting events per year, discounted wines and wine dinner events and other unique offerings. Food and Beverage Director Kevin Poorbaugh has crafted this special wine club to feature the most rewards available for the wine aficionado.
The resort is a great escape with its oversized guest rooms, golf and country environment. For more, phone 760-728-5881 or access www.palamesa.com.

Wine and the Economy
Although it’s true that wine and other spirits are somewhat resistant to the bad economy, and sales have held up when other consumption has faltered, some cracks have started to show. Wine shops and wineries have noted slumping “traffic” and high end wine sales slipping.

The Wall Street Journal’s wine columnists Gaiter and Brecher headlined their latest column “It’s a Great Time for Bargain Priced Wines.” The first one they listed was a 2005 Sicilian Nero D’Avola from Rossetti for under $10. I heartily agreed with that choice.

On their websites, some vineyards are spotlighting “One Day Sales Alerts” with free shipping for quantities, so you may want to “Google up” some of your favorites. Locally, wine shops are sending out e-mails on store-wide discounts.
One even had a sale celebrating the “repeal of prohibition” even though that event occurred 75 years ago!

Wine Bytes
A Zinfandel tasting is the feature at Bacchus Wine Market downtown San Diego Fri. Jan. 16 from 4 to 8:30pm. Zins are from: Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso, Lodi and the Central Coast. $15. pp. Call 619-236-. 0005.

Wine Spot in Carlsbad and five domestic and Italian Sangiovese, Barbera, Primitivo and Pinot Grigios to pour Fri. Jan. 16 to Sun. Jan. 18 from 12 to 9pm. $20. charge. Call 760-434-9463.

Vino 100 in San Marcos spotlights blends, both red and white Fri. Jan. 16 and Sat. Jan 17. Taste Meritages, Bordeauxs and Clarets. $15. pp. Details by calling 760-591-9113.

Firefly in Encinitas brings in the legendary Darioush wines from Napa Valley to pair with his fine dining, on Wed. Jan. 21.

A Soups & Stews Cooking Class begins the 2009 series at Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country, Thurs. Jan. 22 starting at 6:30pm. Emphasis will be on the relationships between food and wine. This is hands-on and learn and try. Reservations at 951-699-0099 or on-line at www.thorntonwine.com.

Bene vive!

Salut! To Italian Wines

article and photo by Frank Mangio

I’ve been doing a lot of saluting lately as Italian wines are bursting with new, beautiful releases up and down the peninsula.

There is no country quite like Italy with its varied complexity of varietals, from lovely whites at the northern border district of Trentino-Alto Adige to the dark, deep luster of Sicilian reds. There are over 300 regions sanctioned by the government, making wines from over 2,000 grape varietals.

Wine making has been going on for over 3,000 years. Unlike California which labels its wines by the grape, Italians label their wines by the district. A Sangiovese grape wine is labeled Chianti, a Nebbiolo grape wine is labeled Barolo or Barbaresco, favorite locations for the making of that wine.

Two recent wine tastings had me happily declaring the recent 2006 releases as the best since 2001: a gathering at When In Rome in Encinitas where Italian wine expert Marco Barat was holding court as special guest of G.M. Daniel Shaffer. Marco, in addition to his humorous one-liners, waxed poetic on five wines from Puglia, on the southeastern coast of Italy.


A Taste of Wine columnist Frank Mangio, When in Rome Manager Daniel Shaffer and Italian wine specialist Marco Barat.

As Daniel served Italian courses like “Grillata di Pesce” with halibut cheeks and scallops to add to the “Specialita d’ Puglia,” orichette pasta, broccoli and salcicccia, Marco poured the 2006 Feudi San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino and Ognissole Primitivo di Mandura. Both were beautifully balanced reds with light fruit to accent the floral, honey and coffee-like earthy flavors that are oh-so Italy. The capper was a 2001 Feudi San Gregorio di Aglianico Taurasi, a 94 point Robert Parker favorite. It retails for about $56.

Over to Wine Street in Carlsbad for their “Italian Harvest” of offerings, the two best bets from 2006 were: a Nero D’Avola from Chiaramonte, a delicious red from Sicily and a Taste of Wine previous Top Ten Taste ( $16.99); and a Romitorio Morelllino di Scansano ($19.99). Both are now selling at Wine Street. Ten of the top 100 wines in the world, as named by the influential Wine Spectator are from Italy. The highest rated was Pio Casare Barola, 2004 ( $62.)

A Journey Through Temecula Holiday Wine Country
Christmas and New Years Eve wine dinners, a light festival, hay rides, wine gift shops and much more will make Temecula Wine Country a must-enjoy for the holidays. Now through December 29, Keyways Winery has a holiday light festival from 6 to 9pm daily with hayrides and other activities. As with Ponte Winery which has theirs until December 23, you can marvel at over 200,000 LED lights that stretch over vineyards and rooftops. It’s family style fun and entertainment. For more at Keyways call 951-302-7888. For Ponte, 951-694-8855.

New Year’s eve is memorable as many wineries host special events:
South Coast Winery has its elegant dinner, dance and celebration at Vineyard Rose. You can also stay in one of the luxury vineyard villas. Reserve at 951-587-9463, ext 7230.

Wiens Family Cellars has “Jungle Boogie” with dinner, live music, dancing and animals from the Wild Animal Park. Call for RSVP’s at 951-694-9892.

Keyways has an all-star music concert with its dinner and dancing, including Ambrosia. Details at 951-302-7888.

Wilson Creek Winery has a “Sail Into the New year” extravaganza at their new events center. Call 951-699-9463.

Thornton Winery will have its gala including dinner, dancing and balloon drop. Get the full story at 951-699-0099. A good way to see all the Wine Country fun is by Going Grape and its holiday transportation tour packages. They are local and know the winemakers personally. For reservations, call 951-852-1923.

Wine Bytes
The Fallbrook Visitors Bureau is presenting a Wine & A Bite Holiday Walk through the historic downtown area, 4 to 7pm on Sat. Dec. 13. Sip wine, indulge in great food and shop the distinctive stores. Ten restaurants and Fallbrook Winery are providing nice food and drink. $10. pp, $15. at the door. Call for RSVP’s at 760-451-3282.

Big Bold Reds is the theme of the wine tasting at Vino 100 in San Marcos Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 9pm. Cost is $15. ea. For more, contact Vino 100 at 760-591-9113.

Holiday wine tasting is sure to please at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Encinitas Sat. Dec. 13 from 2 to 5pm. Tasting fee is $10. for 10 tastings. RSVP requested at 760-942-2104.

San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road has its annual top ten values to taste on Sat. Dec. 13 during business hours for just $10. or just $1. with an unwrapped toy or gift card to benefit a childrens fund. More at 858-586-9463.

Fiery Concert Brings New Wine to Temecula

Photo: La Cereza Winery owner Buddy Linn with Benise, the star of the winery’s first concert which was a sellout.

Article by Frank Mangio

La Cereza Winery in Temecula is still buzzing over the bold flamenco style concert by Benise and his bigger-than-life 25 piece band and dancers on August 16th. It was Buddy and Cheri Linn’s first event of this kind and a home run it was!

The opening act by Maston Smith and his wild medieval costuming, electric cello and bizarre dancers sent the crowd into a frenzy.

All this is a prelude to a new wine, created especially for this occasion by the Linns and their eclectic winemaker Gus Vizgirda… the “Benise Private Reserve Sangiovese.” La Cereza is always ahead of the curve with some 33 different wine brands to choose from and this passionate addition adds to the excitement of this Spanish formatted winery.

This wine has a bold flavor with distinctly cherry characteristics, and a slightly pepper, smoky accent. The sangiovese grape is Italian Tuscan originally and winemaker Vizgirda never disrespects that, but the Spanish touches that go into most reds at La Cereza is clearly evident. It pairs nicely with most beef. It’s already picking up medals in several California competitions. Vintage is 2005.

In other Temecula wine news: hats off to Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country for hosting a rare Progressive Dinner featuring three award winning winemakers and one top chef together in one event. Kim Wascher of Hart Winery, Gus Vizgirda of La Cereza and Maurice Carrie Wineries and the host winemaker Don Reha of Thornton provided welcome wine conversation for guests, while executive chef Steve Pickell shared secrets about matching Temecula wines with his exclusive cuisine. His menu items are part of the new selections at the winery’s Café Champagne. See them at www.thorntonwine.com.

Wine & Cuisine Gala of the Season is Sat. Oct. 4
Here is a rare event not to be missed. It’s the Circle of Hope Gala to benefit New Haven Youth and Family Services of Vista, at the Tuscan style, custom built Casa di Fede, a private family estate created by Frank and Claudette Mercardante, just south of Temecula, Saturday October 4. A VIP reception begins at 5 pm with cocktails and formal dinner from 6 to 9pm.

I have the privilege of being one of the selected wine presenters, along with the brilliant winemaker Leon Santoro of Orfila Vineyards and Winery. His wines will be exclusive to this high-level luxurious event. Other rare insights will be provided by Chocolatier Michael Antonorsi and featured guest and the Food Network’s newest star, Chef Jeff Henderson.

Henderson’s is a real-life Circle of Hope journey which took him from the streets of San Diego to prison, where he discovered a passion for cooking. Upon release he pursued a career to Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. He has since published a best selling book and has a movie in the works. A formal Tuscan-inspired dinner will be prepared by Master Chef Carlo Di Gristina, with live music by the Cecilia String Quartet. Tickets for this special occasion are $500. for the cocktails and formal dinner, and $1,000. for the VIP Reception, cocktails and dinner. For a complete summary, call 760-630-4035 or access www.circleofhopegala.org.

Going Grape Temecula Wine Country Tours are Always Events

Going Grape Tour with Ray Falkner of Falkner Winery pouring.

by Frank Mangio

After a number of years in hospitality at Thornton Winery in Temecula, Ginger Giordano saw a space in the personal touring side of the Temecula Wine consumer experience. She knew that most wine lovers who come in to this thriving area, had no idea how to get the most out of this experience. Meantime she developed contacts at the wineries on a first-name basis and conceived a more intimate experience for wine country visitors.

“ I felt it was important to get customers what they wanted…a more personal wine tasting experience in a private or semi-private atmosphere, knowledge of the history and culture of the wines, in a relaxing atmosphere,” she said. “I take care of all the planning and transportation to each wine location. These wines in Temecula are produced on a level with Napa and Sonoma. We can offer you a balloon ride in a ‘fly and taste’ package. I have an association with Vallee d’ Brume for chocolates and desserts; and the Temecula Cheese Company will be happy to provide a platter of their cheeses, fruits and crackers. Our service includes pickup and delivery at your location…we just want the visitors to relax, and leave the driving and all other details to us.” Giordano has other ideas to make that next wine tour unforgettable. Learn more by calling 951-852-1923 or be accessing the web site at: www.goinggrape.com.


Aerate your Wines Without the Wait
It took me awhile to find out the story on the hot new product running around the wine circuit these days. It’s really a simple device that wine is poured through that creates an instant aeration, by drawing in air and velocity. It throws off a fascinating sound, like a waterfall, only it’s a pour of lovely red wine that gets lovelier to drink. It easily fits in the hand, with no power assist needed. It’s called a Vinturi! Made of glass, it eliminates the need to swirl and decant. It’s all done as it pours. The cost includes a stand and travel pouch. Locally, Wine Merchants in Carlsbad carries them for $44.99. There are special discounts for e mail and club members. Call for in questions at 760-804-9994.



Recommended ValueTastes
 Domaine du Caillou Red Rhone from Chateaneuf du Pape, 2005, $35. Beautifully crafted from the best vintage in France in years!
 Red Lava Lake County Syrah Reserve, 2004. $25. Rich tannins and good acidity, jammy blackberry mouth-feel.
 La Cereza Shiraz from Temecula, 2003. $ 18.95. Gold medaled at the Dallas competition. It’s Syrah, with a “down-under” look and feel.
 Peter Lehmann Clancy’s blend from Australia, 2004. $13. 90 point beauty from Wine Spectator. Mix of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot.
 Catena Malbec from Argentina, 2005. $15. From the fertile Mendoza area. 100 year-old family keeps re-defining Malbec at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

Days of Wine and Roses - Valentines Day in Temecula

by Frank Mangio

Romance is alive and well in the vineyards of Temecula Wine Country as those wineries with a restaurant component are busy planning an evening to remember, not only on Thursday, February 14th, Valentines Day, but the day after, and on Saturday night the 16th.

South Coast Winery, Resort and Spa: A romantic setting in the Vineyard Rose with spectacular food pairings for their award-winning Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and “Black Jack” Port. The “cupids” on staff will take care of your every need. $98. per person. Call in the RSVP at 951-587-9463.

Thornton Winery: Three locations to choose from with perfectly paired food and wine, with tray passed appetizers and Thornton NV Cuvee Rouge Champagne. View the menu on line at www.thorntonwine.com. $80. per person. RSVP at 951-699-0099.

Falkner Winery: A spectacular 4 course dinner in the Pinnacle Restaurant with Falkner’s best wines. Choice of beef or fish, plus port and champagne.
$95. per person. Reserve at 951-676-8231.

For Additonal Events, please email Frank Mangio

2008: An Inflection Point for Temecula Wines

by Frank Mangio

As a wine writer and observer, I am constantly on the look-out for movements, new dynamics, and answers to the question “what’s going on here.” It’s like gathering all the pieces of a puzzle together, observing the mosaic and realizing that an inflection point is here. Inflection points are upward movements on a curve at the point of the upward arc; I submit that this point is now at hand with the wines of Temecula.

Task Force Wine Country 2020 is a committee, formed by the Temecula Valley Wine Association to deal with the huge growth of the region as a viable and strong wine country estimating that some 2 million visitors will enjoy the vineyards, lodging and other attractions. The number of wineries is expected to grow to 60, with 15 more restaurants, 25 more bed and breakfast type facilities and 4 more large resorts. Traffic studies are being made with the cooperation of Riverside County to accommodate this growth.

The type of grapes grown, recent winemaker acquisitions and the quality of the wines have been impressive. So much so, the association has been emboldened to present a package of judged “80 points plus” wines from many of the wineries, 18 in all, to unveil to the wine world’s press. They will demonstrate Temecula’s readiness to be represented as a major wine country. I will be reviewing these wines and profiling them in a later column. One thing that struck me as I went through the list was the emphasis on Mediterranean grape varietals, such as Syrah, Sangiovese and Viognier as well as the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon.
Saturday and Sunday January 26 and 27 will be an opportune time to taste test for yourself, as Temecula’s annual Barrel Tasting event offers new releases prior to bottling. (See photo of South Coast’s Barrel Lady). You will be able to meet the winemakers from some 20 wineries and sample bistro style food. Tickets for the 2 day event are $85.00 per person for both days plus a souvenir wine glass. Call 951-699-3626 or access www.temeculawines.org.

While visiting, you might want to stop by a favorite restaurant, Café Champagne at Thornton Winery, where they have a sunset special on weekdays from Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5pm. The big buzz there is the return of Steve Pickell as Executive Chef with his fusion cuisine cooking techniques. He started there in 1993 and was in this position for 12 years where he was twice voted “Chef of the Year” by Southern California Restaurant Writers and California Writers Associations. He is teaming up with winemaker Don Reha for new menu pairing ideas.