Top Ten Wine Tastes 1st Half of 2016

by Frank Mangio

Welcome to the hardest test of my experience as a wine taster and commentator of wine: to select the top ten tastes from many hundreds of bottles of mostly excellent wines that are newly released this year. But somebody’s got to do it so here goes.  Four of the ten came from the center of the wine universe, Napa Valley , 2 from Sonoma , 1 from Italy , 1 from France , 1 from Temecula and 1 from the Sta. Rita Hills north of Santa Barbara. The 10 are treated equally as top tier wines with sensational bouquet, flavor, structure and value.  The list is alphabetical and does not indicate rank.

Banfi Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, 2011. $22.  Could be the best value in the roster.  Brunello-like flavor at a way lower price, from the winery that sets the standard in Italy .  Castellobanfi.com.

Frank Family Pinot Noir, Napa Valley , 2013. $29. Beautiful aroma and flavor with lasting results.  Grapes come from the Pinot-perfect Carneros District of Napa Valley .  Frankfamilyvineyards.com.

Gerard Bertrand Chateau La Clape Rhone Valley France . 2013.  $17. The southern Rhone is a rich mix of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre with a Mediterranean influence. Focus is on quality here.

Wine.com.

Grgich Hills Zinfandel Napa Valley, 2013.  $36.  Mike Grgich celebrated his 93rd birthday on April 1st. His 30 acre Calistoga personal estate has only Zinfandel on it. Fresh flavors of blackberry.  Grgich.com.

Pedroncelli Wisdom Dry Creek Sonoma, 2012, $36.  Premium wine with 90% Cabernet, 10% Malbec. 16 months in French Oak. Tribute wine to the late John Pedroncelli. Pedroncelli.com.

Prodigal Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills CA., 2013, $29. Kudos to COSTCO for discovering this boutique winery only planted to Pinot.  Classic velvet , smooth  coating on the palate.  prodigalwines.com.

Robert Renzoni Sonata Temecula Valley, 2013. $42. A California peer to classic Italian Super Tuscans.  50% Cabernet and 50% estate Brunello di Sangiovese. Aged 20 months.     robertrenzonivineyards.com.

Roth Chardonnay Alexander Valley Sonoma,  2012. $12.  This is the Sonoma coast at its best and at that  price, back up the truck and tuck them away for years  of tasting. Rothwinery.com.

Whitehall Lane Tre Leoni Napa Valley, 2012. $25.  A true-to-form blend with big and bold mouthfeel.  Rich, round and delicious.  Whitehalllane.com.

ZD Reserve Chardonnay Napa Valley , 2013. $46.  From the world class ZD Carneros Estate. 15 months aging for a finer wine. ZDwines.com.

Wine Bytes

Twenty/20  Restaurant  in the Sheraton Carlsbad has its BBQ Summer Series Wednesday nights to August 3rd from 6:30 to 7:30 with star chef Julian  Quinones and special guests.  His secret tips are revealed, with tastes for all. $40. per class.  Call  for an RSVP at 760-827-2500.

Falkner Winery in Temecula is planning an exciting Anniversary and holiday series of parties July 2nd, 3rd and 4th, celebrating 16 years of superior wines.  Includes a free concert on Sat. from Noon to 3pm with 60’s and 70’s music.  Special menu items from the acclaimed Pinnacle Restaurant. The full story at Falknerwinery.com, or call 951-676-8231 x4.

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards in Temecula presents “Wild Child” an amazing concert recreation of the Doors, one of the greatest of the 60’s bands, Fri. July 8th 7 to 10pm.  Admission $35. RSVP and tickets at wilsoncreekwinery.com.

10th Annual Wine/Food Festival Coming to San Diego

by Frank Mangio
The wine/food event of the year is still 3 ½ months away but by the way the talk is going, it may as well be next week.  The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival will be with us November 20 to November 24 for its 10th year.  I’ve seen them all and the stage gets bigger and grander every year.

Local and national wine and food celebrities will gather at over 20 events in the heart of downtown San Diego to fill your appetites for the largest culinary extravaganza in Southern California.  The alert I have for you now is that tickets just went on sale for this luxury wine and food festival.

The Grand Tasting of the four day San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is Saturday November 23 at Embarcadero Park behind Seaport Village, downtown San Diego.

Make sure the Grand Tasting is highest on your list of events to see.  It’s at the Embarcadero behind Seaport Village at the Marina. You will be able to taste over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits and 70 local restaurants and gourmet food companies.  Highlight is the Chef of the Fest Competition where San Diego’s best chefs compete for the title.

New this year is the California Classics Cult Wine Tasting featuring Screaming Eagle & Master Sommelier Fred Dame with commentary education, and the story behind each cult wine.

Tickets are now available for all events online at www.sandiegowineclassic.com. For more information, call 619-342-7337.


The Best of the Recent Crop
The last week in June, the TASTE OF WINE FIRST HALF TOP TEN was unveiled with winning wines from Italy to Sonoma.  So what have I got for you lately?  Here’s my “pick six” for July:

Chateau St Jean Chardonnay, Robert Young Vineyard, Sonoma, 2010.  $18.  Single vineyard in the Alexander Valley, rich in oak aging.

Grgich Hills Merlot, Napa Valley, 2009. $42.  Concentrated flavors, this is a Merlot for Cab drinkers.  Certified Organic and Biodynamic.

Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet, Sonoma, 2010.  $28. 16 months in oak. Blend of mountain, ridge, hillside and beachland grapes.  Best estate vineyards.

Kendall Jackson’s Wine Center in Santa Rosa, home of the interactive wine sensory 

and culinary gardens.

Lava Cap Petite Sirah, El Dorado, Placerville CA, 2010.  $30.  Mountain grown grapes in the Sierra Nevada Foothills.  Rich with full flavors to awaken your senses.

Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Sonoma, 2011.  $17.  Over 100 years of parental care from ancient vines go into the flavor profile of this wine.  Add 12% Petite Sirah for good measure.

Thornton Nebbiolo, Temecula Valley, 2011. $46.  Carefully crafted Italian grape from the gifted Piemonte country of Italy and the premium grape of Barolo and Barbaresco.  Cheers to John Thornton for bringing this master wine to Southern California.

Wine Bytes

Temecula Wine Country continues its musical parade in August as Baily Winery has the band Fandango on Sat. Aug. 24 from 5 to 8pm during dinner.  Call 951-972-9758.  Briar Rose Winery has its Sat. Night Sunset on Sat. the 24th from 6 to 9pm with the Get Down Party Band.  Paninis on Wheels provides the made to order meals.  And Thornton Winery Sat. the 24th has Chris Botti jazz from 7 to 10pm.  Call 951-699-0099 for tickets.

Il Fornaio in Coronado presents a Mondavi Wine Dinner Thurs. Aug. 22. Reception 6pm, dinner 6:30pm.  5 courses, live Neopolitan music and Mondavi wines, including the Napa Valley Cabernet and Carneros Pinot Noir.  Chef Loverde presides over a custom menu.  $65. pp.  RSVP at 619-437-4911.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula will have a “free Cruise Tasting” of its wines Sat. Aug. 24 at 5:30pm.  They will present details on two river boat cruises it is hosting on the Rhone and the Danube Rivers in Europe in 2013 and 2014.  Call in for an RSVP at 951-699-9463.

The 20th Annual Grape Stomp is at Orfila Vineyards and    Winery in Escondido, Sat. Aug. 24 from 4 to 8pm.  Includes a dinner buffet, live dance music, wine tasting, tractor rides and hilarious grape stomping.  Cost is $85.  Phone for reservations at 760-738-6500 x22.

Wine Diva Masters the Zen of Zin

by Frank Mangio
Carol Shelton of Carol Shelton Wines in Sonoma appears more a cherubic schoolteacher than a wine diva, making and romancing that zesty Zinfandel that is the 3rd most-planted wine grape in California.  Last I counted and tasted, she had seven zins on her current list, four of which I had the pleasure of getting to know at a recent event at the Encinitas Wine Merchants.

Before going through this luscious list, it’s important to know that Shelton reportedly has been cited as the most awarded woman winemaker in the U.S. and has been honored as Winemaker of the Year numerous times.  After enology studies at UC Davis, she launched her career working under industry greats like Andre Tchelistcheff and Robert

Zinfandel grapes from many California regions are used by Carol Shelton to make seven styles of Zinfandel wines from her Sonoma Winery.

Mondavi.  She learned more when she traveled to Australia and went to work for Peter Lehman Wines.  It was there she found many union organized workers making a lot of dull wine. “I had enough and came back to California and did some winemaking time in the Central Valley where I found more of the same recipe type wines with a set formula,” she lamented.  “I finally found my niche by going back to Tchelistcheff who was chief winemaker at Buena Vista in the Napa Valley.  He used to speak to his wines, like ‘Good morning ladies, how are we doing today.’  He was a very dedicated winemaker.”

I asked her why there was so much Zinfandel on her list.  “Zin doesn’t have to fight with European wines for an identity and doesn’t have to compete with old world versions.  It’s fruit friendly and fruit forward.  It’s a happy-puppy kind of wine.  Zin show California terroir better than any other varietal.”  Shelton shows that better than most by letting the natural flavors speak for themselves.  There are no artificial flavors or oak influences, and she takes care that the grapes not become overripe and overcome by high alcohol content.

Here are the Zins to look for:  2008 Wild Thing, an old vine Zin, grown organically from Mendocino with a twist cap.( $19.)  “This is the wine we’re most known for,” she said. “It has 78% Zin, 12% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah and 3% Cabernet.” Others include 2009 Monga Zin from Cucamonga in Southern California and Karma Zin from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma.

Carol Shelton has received many titles over the years, but the most fitting is now “Queen of Zin.”  Find out more at www.carolshelton.com.


Elizabeth Huettinger is New Wine Director at the Grand Del Mar
The long-awaited replacement for seven-year legendary wine director Jesse Rodriguez has been named at the Grand Del Mar and its Five-Star, Five-Diamond Addison Restaurant.

 She is Elizabeth Huettinger, who most recently was Assistant Wine Director at the world-famed Spago in Beverly Hills, working with Master Sommelier Christopher Miller.  She has previous
sommelier experience in San Diego and Carmel.

Elizabeth Huettinger is the new Wine Director at Addison.

She is currently studying to take the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier exam. She will be supervising Addison’s 37,000 bottle wine collection and directing the resort’s 13 person credentialed sommelier team, as well as the wine dinners, tastings and educational seminars.

Wine Bytes
Bistro Sixty in San Diego has a Fields Family Wine Dinner, Fri. June 7 at 6pm. A 5 course dinner is offered with wines to match.  $70. ea.  Call 619-287-8186 to RSVP.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula lights up with Cigar Night, Sun. June 9 from 6:30 to 9:30pm.  Add a five course wine/fine dinner and entertainment and it’s a memorable night.  Admission $140. including 3 cigars.  Call 951-699-9463 for details.

Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is presenting the Napa Valley Cakebread Wine Dinner, Tues. June 11 at 6:30pm.  This 5 course dinner is $100. pp. RSVP at 760-635-1066.

La Gran Terraza, in the University of San Diego, invites the public to its Simi  Sonoma Wine Dinner on Tues. June 11. Reception at 6pm.  Cost is $50. RSVP at 619-849-8205.

The 2nd Annual Baja Bash will happen on Sat. June 15 from 6 to 10pm at the Broadway Pier Port Pavilion.  Spend an evening with food, drinks and entertainment. Chefs and wines from both sides of the border will participate.  The B Side Players will drive the latin beat.  $75. admission.  Information at 619-423-8665.

West Steak and Seafood Carlsbad presents a Napa Valley Duckhorn Dinner Tues. June 18 at 6:30pm.  $150.  Call 760-930-9100

Once Around Temecula Wine Country

by Frank Mangio

Every so often, I like to get in my car, take the easy drive up to Temecula and knock on some doors in Wine Country. Strategically located within an hour of 5 heavily populated counties in Southern California, it is a serene 5, 000 acre protected agricultural preserve, with rolling hills covered with vineyards. It has a warm, inland climate with just enough cool-down at night for growing quality estate grown grapes. The number of wineries grows with each passing week, now up to 30+ in the marketing association designed to market the area. Many more backyard operations dot the landscape.

Sonoma winemaker native David Vergari is now making the wines at Temecula’s Thornton Winery

The Association is gearing up for California Wine Month in September, with two special events: purchase a month-long pass to 5 of the 30+ member wineries of your choice, to visit for full tastings at each winery. The cost is $40, a considerable discount and good any time in September.

The other event is CRUSH, a one day event held Saturday September 10 from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Monte de Oro Winery. All association wineries will participate and you can taste your way through over 100 latest release wines. Winery owners and chefs from the food booths of both wineries and local restaurants will be mingling with visitors. Cost is $65. per person. Get all the details on both events at 800-801-9463.

David Vergari is a well-traveled winemaker, landing recently at Thornton Winery. His resume includes the top names in Napa Valley and time in Europe, Chile and Australia. His worldly experience comes to bear in Thornton’s new lineup of 2010 releases which can be summed up as Mediterranean based varietals with a California style taste.

All grapes are grown in the Temecula Valley, which is a clear and encouraging trend for valley wineries. We evaluated some 15 new wines and I was very impressed with: 2010 Mourvedre ($22.), a Rhone Valley grape usually used in blending with a Syrah and Grenache. Finally unleashed, this earthy wine was truly delicious and nicely stood on its own legs.

Here is a drink-now red, perfect for Temecula terroir. Chef Steve Pickell of Thornton’s Café Champagne stopped by our table and we sampled new menu items that paired nicely with the new wine list.

Over at Wilson Creek Winery, 3 new releases caught my eye and palate: the 2008 Estate Reserve Zinfandel, 2008 Reserve Petite Sirah and the 2009 Estate Double Dog Blend (Prices N/A). All had enriched fruit from the hand of Etienne Cowper, Wilson Creek’s veteran winemaker.

More excitement coming from the winery is the appearance of top jazz man Jeff Golub Saturday September 17 at 7:30pm, to climax a successful concert season. Tickets start at $49. Buy them at 951-699-WINE.

Monte De Oro, the Classic Tuscan style

Winery on a bluff with spectacular views of Temecula, has released its new 2009 Chardonnay and reports that bottles are flying off the shelves. ( $21.) You’ll taste traditional toasty oak with notes of peach, pear and pineapple. Classic California.

The Monte De Oro Tasting Room in Temecula Wine Country.

The winery will host CRUSH, with 30 wineries pouring over 100 wines, on Saturday September 10. Its popular Happy Hour entertainment on Fridays has Brazilian Music, drink, food specials and a Cigar Lounge.

The Labor Day Weekend September 3 and 4 has Falkner Winery leading the special events with: lunch specials in the Pinnacle Restaurant, Free Jazz on the lawn both days from Noon to 3pm and new release wines with a BBQ both days. Try the 2008 Cabernet, the 2007 Merlot, the 2007 Amante and the 2009 Viognier.

Oak Mountain Winery with Steve and Valerie Andrews just presented a beautifully produced 2009 Cabernet. ($60.) Luscious black cherry and plum deepens the tasting experience. This, like the others, is an estate wine, something you need to look for in your wine decisions.

On the De Portola Trail, Leoness Cellars Restaurant at Leoness Winery has unveiled fresh Italian and French selections to their menu. World-wise chef Daragh Matheson promises seasonal, artisan style food, with most items under $20. Call 951-302-7601.

Temecula Valley’s 15 hotels saw double digit growth in occupancy for July so the word is spreading for Southern California’s Wine Country. See more at www.temeculawines.org.

Wine Bytes

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents Big, Bold Reds Fri. Sept. 2 from 6 to 8pm. $20. pp. Tasting notes and details at www.meritagewinemarket.com.

Viva Vino Spanish Tapas Wine Bar in Old Town Temecula has authentic Flemenco from DeRumba Sun. Sept. 4 from 8 to 11pm. Cover charge of $10. RSVP by calling 951-506-5953.

Wine, Women and Shoes benefiting Womens Health Services at Scripps Hospital Encinitas is planned for Thurs. Sept. 8 from 3 to 7pm at a private Rancho Santa Fe Estate. Sip, savor, shop and win. Men encouraged to come also. Details at 858-678-6349.

A Wine Dinner with Aurelio Montes of Chile’s Montes Wines is Fri. Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30pm, at The Bay View Restaurant in San Diego. A special 5 course dinner has pairings of wine from the Montes Portfolio. Tickets are $60. ea. Reserve your table at 619-725-6388.

Niner Wines from Paso Robles is coming to Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, Sat. Sept. 10 from 2 to 4pm. $10. charge. RSVP at 760-745-1200.

In Napa Valley, the Mt. Veeder Appellation has its annual Wine Tasting Sat. Sept. 24 from 1-4pm at Hess Collection Winery. Two dozen wineries participate, with food pairings,live music and drawings. Visit www.mtveederwines.com for tickets.

Music is in the Wine at Lorimar

by Frank Mangio

Mark Mansfield wants to stimulate your senses. To that end, the ex Kansas City businessman who came here from the hospitality industry, has some good ideas on exactly how to do that with his Temecula Wine Country newcomer Lorimar Vineyards and Winery.

The first time I laid eyes on Lorimar, the winery was revving up for a Kansas City style BBQ Wine and Blues event. With the smokers cooking the tri tips, chicken and pork ribs and the blues band pickin’ BB King, Mansfield was running around, making sure everyone tried the new wines he couldn’t stop raving about.

Taste of Wine Columnist Frank Mangio tastes a Lorimar 2008 “Fusion” blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, with owner Mark Mansfied.

“What you see around you is everything I love about a winery,” he declared. “I love to cook and drink great wine while listening to lively music, surrounded by lovely art…this is the foundation of our winery’s philosophy. You know, we are in the middle of a 150 acre orange grove,” he revealed as he popped open the 2010 Lorimar Riesling that had a distinctive orange blossom aroma and taste to it. “It filters into the wine and gives it that zesty citrus flavor, like candied fruit,” he judged. ( $21.)

Mansfield then showed me his plans for a Tuscan style stone two story building with a high bell tower that will be seen from a distance along the main Temecula Wine Country highway. “Here we’ll have musicians, artists and chefs meeting for memorable gatherings and events…nourishment for the soul,” he murmured. “The patio deck will have a huge state-of-the-art pizza oven with a bridge access from the tasting room. I want fruit-forward wines with an old-world characteristic,” he said as he opened his Lorimar 2010 Sangiovese, an Italian varietal that yielded an intense cherry, rasberry flavor.

By far the best example of a wine set to music was the 2008 “Fusion” blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that hit some high notes for me. It was a simpatico symphony, with Old Vine Zin, linked with the always potent Petite Sirah Late Harvest. An element of pepper laced it all up into Lorimar’s most vibrant wine. ($38). If you join the “Concerto Club of Lorimar” you can expect 25% off the prices shown; more if you purchase a case. See the new web site for more at www.lorimarwinery.com. Or call 951-240-5177. There is a tasting room in Old Town Temecula at 42031 Main Street.

New Bubbly & Jazz in the Vines of Wilson Creek

Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards stands tall as one of the greatest success stories in the Temecula Valley. With over 70 acres of pristine vines, both reds and whites do well here.

A hot air balloon positions itself for a panoramic look at the 70+ acres of Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards over Temecula, before it built a special events center and major restaurant.

Under the watchful eye of winemaker Etienne Cooper, Wilson Creek has nurtured recent gold medals for its 2008 Late Harvest Zinfandel and its blend, Golden Medley.

The Wilson Family is a story in itself, with an extended family of over 21 active members including the family dogs. Matter of fact, Extended Family is what they call their wine club, one of the most active in this wine country, thanks in part to Wilson Creek Almond Champagne, a gold-medal winner and a huge selling white sparkling wine, naturally fermented with a hint of almond flavor, selling at a budget price. It has lifted the winery to national recognition.

Now, the news is out that two new editions of this champagne are ready for an introduction in July: Wilson Creek Peach Bellini and an Orange Mimosa. Both will have hints of Almond. “People have enjoyed our Almond Champagne since day one ten years ago,” beamed Bill Wilson. “It was Almond Champagne that set us apart from the others.”

The two new wines will be rolled out at a special “Bubble Bash” reception at the winery on Thursday July 7 from 5:30 to 7:30PM with the public invited to attend.

And yes, great Sunset Jazz is returning to Wilson Creek, with the premiere show being Warren Hill Saturday July 23 at 7:30pm. The acclaimed Canadian Sax man has sold over 1 million CDs and is as smooth as they come. Dinner seating is available. Other artists include Paul Shilts and Craig Chaquico, and Jeff Golub. Ticket information at 951-699-9463. Or check out www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

Wine Bytes

Bacchus Wine Market in the Gaslamp downtown San Diego is pouring Rhone Style Blends Fri. July 8, 4 to 8:30pm and Sat. July 9 from 2 to 8:30pm. $15. charge for 7 pours. Call 619-236-0005.

A Benefit Taste of le Tour de France is being presented at Tommy V’s in Del Mar, Thurs. July 14 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. It benefits “Do Something Now” that sends bikes to Third World Countries, currently to South Africa. Taste fine wines and micro brewery beers, hors d’ouvres, music, auction items. Cost is $40. in advance, $50. at the door. More info, call 760-940-0880.

The California Wine Festival 2011 is in Santa Barbara with a Sunset Rare & Reserve Wine Tasting Fri. July 15, 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Pier; and a Beachside Food & Wine Fest Sat. July 16 from 1 to 4pm also at the Pier. Buy tickets at www.californiawinefestival.com.

French Bastille Day is being celebrated at the Westgate Hotel, downtown San Diego, on Thurs. July 14 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Famous painter Avendano will showcase his art to live music, French wine and hors d’ ouvres, in the grand lobby. $15. charge. RSVP at 619-238-1818.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas has its Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Sat. July 16 from 4 to 7pm. 11 of the hottest wineries pour their latest releases. $50.pp. RSVP required. 760-479-2500.

Monte De Oro: A Temecula Hill of Gold & Grapes

by Frank Mangio
Monte De Oro is one of Temecula Wine Country’s most recent showcases for a style of Mediterranean wine making that is rapidly spreading in popularity.

Little rain falls in this warm epicenter of Southern California, yet its only 20 or so miles from the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a near ideal setup for quality, flavorful grapes that are processed into wines that are winning favor with wine buyers, lots of them. More than 10 million people live little more than an hour away from Temecula Wine Country and the striking, palatial Monte De Oro.

In 2002, 67 investors from all over the world founded this winery. The first wine was made in 2005, mostly from four estate vineyards in the area. Wines are available in the tasting room and through the wine club. The winery is on a 16 acre hill with 12 acres of vines. It’s divided into architecturally balanced rooms around the great tasting room that overlooks a glass ceiling underground barrel room, the first of its kind in Temecula. Amber Nelms, the Director of Hospitality pointed out there are 700 barrels in the room.

“We serve 11 different wines in our tasting room that has two wine bars,” she said. “Nearly all are estate grown. I know most visitors are fascinated by lightly stepping over the barrel room, but look at the ceilings, they are all in the shape of a barrel!”

After “wowing” the main dining room that seats up to 180, Nelms took us out on the massive patio that surrounds the building. A cascading water feature and a massive fireplace highlighted a special events venue that recently hosted the Temecula Wine and Culinary Showcase that fit 31 wineries, 16 restaurants and several thousand guests.

The busiest person in Monte De Oro for this showcase event was General Manager Ken Zignorski, who has been in charge since the opening, and is preparing for the next big development at the winery: a gravity fermentation facility that will be easier on the grapes as they mature to wines.

My favorite on the wine tasting menu had to be the 2006 Merlot. It’s 100% estate grown and is from the nearby DePortola Vineyard. Its’ a medium bodied wine with soft tannins and a luscious berry taste through the palate. It was a Silver Medal winner at the 2010 San Francisco International Wine show and won 3 other medals recently. ($28.)

Other wines that nearly matched: the 2006 Zinfandel (30.) and the 2005 Synergy 65 Red Blend. ($33.) Monte De Oro is elegant in every way and deserves an opportunity to be on your list of wineries to know. Start by browsing through www.montedeoro.com.

Other Wines to Know
These wines were tasted and researched during the last 2 months. They are all available and prices shown are the best I have found, but may vary from those that you have seen. Prices are almost always less when you join their wine club.

2006 Ferrari-Carano Tresor Bordeaux Blend, Sonoma CA. $58. A French classic style with California new-world taste. Full bodied and silky.

2008 Jeff Runquist “Z” Zinfandel, Amador CA. $24. Fresh, vibrant and balanced Zin. Awarded Best New World Zinfandel at the 2010 New World International Wine Competition. More complex with time.

2008 Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Washington. $70. Spectacular rare 100% Merlot vintage from 3 vineyards. 15 months in French Oak.

2006 Markham Merlot, Napa Valley CA. $18. Winery established in 1879. Flavors of plum, espresso and raspberry.

2006 Oak Mountain Temecula Hills Compilation Rhone Blend, Temecula CA. $45. 2,900 foot steep hillside vineyard. Rock and granite soil matures the flavor. Outstanding longevity once opened.

2008 Pedroncelli 3 Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma CA. $16. Gold Medal winner Orange County Fair. Flavors fit for fine dining or a quick pizza. Oak notes balance currant and spicy pepper notes.

2008 Ponzi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Oregon. $21. A choice find at the new wine shop side of Sage Restaurant, Encinitas.

Wine Bytes
Callaway Vineyard and Winery Temecula is holding its annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival Sat. Oct. 2 from 5 to 9pm. Live entertainment and dancing. Enjoy a gourmet buffet and silent auction. Callaway is honoring America’s Heroes, our men and women in uniform. Cost is $78. ea. Call 951-676-4001 for more.

Reds of the West are put to the test at Sbicca’s Del Mar Sat. Oct. 2 from 1 to 3pm in a fun, informative seminar on reds from Oregon, Washington and California. $45. fee. Details at 858-442-2749.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula hosts Sip, Savor and Stomp Sun. Oct. 3. Live music, appetizers, grape stomp, hayride and dinner for just $65. pp. Starts at 5pm. Get more info at 951-699-WINE.

Meritage Wine Market is planning a Just Burgundy wine event Fri. Oct. 8 from 5 to 8pm. Call Mark and the team at 760-479-2500.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, to benefit the elementary school children of La Jolla, is the weekend of Sat. and Sun. Oct. 9 and 10, from 11am to 6pm. Location is Upper Girard in the Village. Over 150 juried artists will show, with a fine wine and beer garden. $15. charge for a two day pass. $10. for 1 day. Pay at the event. See more at www.lajollaartandwinefestival.com.

France’s Rhone Valley: Roots are Getting Deeper

by Frank Mangio
It was five years ago that I first heard the Rhone Valley story from an early enthusiast, the late Leon Santoro who made wine at Orfila in San Diego County. He could hardly contain his excitement when talking about Syrah and Viognier, his two favorite Rhone grape varietals from this ever-more interesting wine country in the south of France.

He had joined the “Rhone Rangers,” an organization of mostly Paso Robles winemakers dedicated to showing the wine world that Rhone grapes can be made into rich and satisfying wines. Names to know that are Rhone Valley based include: Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia) the most planted Rhone grape in California. Full flavored berry, with aromas of smoke, bacon and crushed rock. Petite Sirah is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. It’s extremely dark in color with big tannins and needs some lay-down time to flourish.

Grenache is the world’s 2nd most planted wine grape with aromas of red fruit, licorice and black pepper. Lots of cherry flavor.
Carignane produces wine high in acidity and tannin and does best in old vineyards. Mourvedre is the latest ripening grape and is now undergoing a big popularity push. Chocolate, leather and earth aromas. Plum and spice flavors. Viognier is the highly aromatic white wine with excellent peach, apricot and mango flavors and aroma with low acidity. Roussanne has tastes of honey and pear, with rose petal and nutty aromas and moderate acidity. Others to look for are Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Cinsault and Counoise.

The vintage to look for, both in France’s Rhone Valley and Paso Robles is the 2005, considered to an inflection point for southern French style wines. The latest releases are now up to 2007, with some 2008 bottles showing up on the shelves of wineries and wine shops. An elite area in the south Rhone Valley is Chateauneuf-du-pape where a blend of Granache and Mourvedre, grown in the rockiest soil in France, yields ripe, fleshy definition to the wines. This is well known to Jason Haas, whose family combined with a leading vineyard in the south Rhone area, Chateau de Beaucastel, chose Paso Robles in 1989 for a new vineyard. They purchased a 120 acres to grow Rhone style wine grapes, a first for Paso.

They named the new winery Tablas Creek. It took quite a while to plant and develop the old world cuttings and clones. Finally they enough to do business in 1992. Now, they are used not only by their winery, but by some 400 others. Tablas Creek itself sells about 18,000 cases. Easily the most elegant of the Rhone style, the winery chooses to blend, making wines that are richer and better balanced. Its 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel combines Mouvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise and sells for $50. in most shops.

The Rhone Rangers promotional group will have their annual Southern California Tasting in Santa Monica at Pier 59 Studios West on Sunday August 8 from 2 to 5pm. 50 wineries will join in the event. For questions and pricing, check 800-467-0163 or access their web site, full of detailed information about this leading French terroir at www.rhonerangers.org

Wine Bytes
Delicias Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe is kicking off complimentary wine tastings every Thurs. and Fri. from 6 to 7:3opm. General Manager and wine man extraordinaire Gino Campbell is building up his wine cellar and wants customers to tell him what’s great, so come by and try. No RSVP required. For more info, call 858-756-8000.

Belle Marie Winery in Escondido has its summer pre-release party Sat. July 17 from 2 to 4pm in the Barrel Room. Favorite new wines are being served at no charge. Open house format so stay as long as you can. No food served. Try the newest and the best. Call 760-796-7557.

Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas presents a Napa Valley Vintners Tasting Sat. July 17 from 6 to 8:30pm. Food from nearby Bentley’s. Wine names like Lail, Elyse, Frank Family and many more top quality wineries are expected to pour. Cost is $40. pp. Call 760-479-2500.

Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula brings Hollwood U2, the best U2 Tribute Band to its stage Sat. July17 from 7 to 10pm. Cost is $49. ea. $44. for club members. Make contact at www.wilsoncreekwinerycom.

Mille Fleurs in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe is hosting an elegant dinner with award winning Fritz Wines of Napa Valley Tues. July 20. Meet winemaker Clay Fritz. 5 course dinner cost is $95. Details call 619-221-8024.

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill in Old Town Temecula has a fun filled night at its first Fedora Hat Night Wed. July 21 at 6pm. Classic Mediterranean flavors will be paired with wines, with live music to perfect the atmosphere of Fedora hats and 30’s style outfits. RSVP at 951-587-8082.

Carlsbad Wine Merchants has their Wine, Music and New Menu rockin’ on Friday nights. Small bite food offerings are heavy on luscious salads. First music set starts at 6pm. Call 760-804-9994 for this week’s lineup.

Canapes in San Marcos has outdoor entertainment in the patio with a Frank Sinatra Review on Sat. July 24, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Enjoy unique dining selections, smart wine list and great music at James Allyn’s Canapes. RSVP a table at 760-510-2088.

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.

The House That Almond Champagne Built

by Frank Mangio

Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards in Temecula Wine Country stands as a beacon to a wine family’s hard work and an attitude of “let’s make it fun.”

The Wilsons, with patriach Gerry and his energetic wife Rose, gathered themselves together and acquired the 20 acres they first organized in 1996. They sold their homes and businesses, spread out over the country, and came to Temecula to make wine.

As Bill Wilson puts it, “we are right in the middle of Southern California wine country, 20 miles from the ocean".

The decomposed granite soil and climate are perfect for growing grapes and we enjoy the southland lifestyle with about 20 million people to draw from. We want to put Temecula on the map as a major wine country.” Over the years, it’s been Wilson Creek’s Almond Champagne that single handedly has lifted the winery into prominence. This gold-medal winner is naturally fermented, with a hint of almond added, that has enchanted champagne style wine lovers. It has amazed me with its popularity and wide distribution into wine shops up to the largest of supermarkets and discount wine departments.


Bill Wilson, General Manager, toasts his new restaurant, Creekside Grille. (photo by Frank Mangio)

Prices vary, with the wine club at Wilson Creek listing it at $16.95.
“We have tripled our 5 year business plan,” declared Bill. “ It has allowed us to build new facilities that are functional, including our new Creekside Grille which is kind of a Southern California Wine Country Cuisine Menu. It’s an easy to understand lineup of great food and wines…nothing ostentatious, just comfortable food.”

The chef is Clay Blake from the fine restaurants in Seattle before re-locating in wine country. Hours at the new addition are 11 to 5pm daily with a lovely Sunday Brunch. Reservations at 951-699-9463.

Etienne Cowper, the lead winemaker at Wilson Creek, loves to “bring out the personality of the grape to produce an enjoyable wine.” He has increased the breadth of wines presented. I can personally attest to his handicraft with the new release 2006 Zinfandel( $32.95) with just the right balance of concentrated fruit and spice that a great Zin posseses. www.wilsoncreekwinery.com.

2008 Harvest in Temecula Wine Country Successful
Saturday and Sunday October 1 and 2, Temecula Wine Country is planning its 2008 Harvest Celebration with winning wines, barrel tastings and food sampling. They have good reason to celebrate. With wide smiles, the winemakers all feel that the ’08 harvest is among the best ever! “it was an ideal growing season. Just the right amount of early rain and a mild summer. The grapes have gone crazy,” asserted Bill Wilson of Wilson Creek.

Mike Tingley of Keyways exclaimed “so far, fruit quality is excellent.” August was the right time to pick Chardonnay and Syrah used in sparkling wines with red grapes the last to be picked.

Up north the cold snap last spring is going to hurt the ’08 vintage in Napa and Sonoma, so Temecula’s 33,000 acres could be producing an ’08 vintage better than most others in California.

The Local Sip
The Wine Loft in Carlsbad has a Halloween flight going on Fri. Oct. 24 from 5 – 9pm. Sample Bogle Phantom and other “spooky” specials. Details at: 760-434-9463.

Wine Street in Carlsbad is asking support for the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at its Tasting for a Cure on Fri. Oct. 24, 4 to 7:30pm. Great lineup of wines to taste plus raffle drawing. $20. ea. Phone: 760-431-8455.

Alternative Wines on Fri Oct. 24 starting at 6pm presents Pairng Wine and Cheese, featuring fabulous cheeses from Venissimo. Fee is $29. RSVP please at 858-780-9463.

Thornton Winery in Temecula celebrates its 2008 Hallow-Wine Party on Fri. Oct. 31 starting at 7pm. Four Star buffet includes 2 glasses of lovely Thornton wine plus champagne reception. Prizes for best costume. $85. pp. Cal 951-699-0099 for an RSVP.

Explore Australia is the theme of the wine dinner at Tapenade in La Jolla on Tues. Oct. 28 from 6:30 to 9pm. Enjoy D’Arenberg wines such as Viognier, Shiraz, Riesling and the brand’s blends. $92. ea. RSVP at 858-551-7500 x 1.

The famous New Zealand wine Kim Crawford is being poured at an Institute of Wine dinner at Roppongi in La Jolla Mon. Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 9pm. You will taste Rose, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Cost is $90. for members and $105. for non-member guests. 619-297-0951.