MARCH NEWSLETTER:
Spring has sprung and everywhere there are signs. The California Lilacs outside my kitchen window are in full bloom, the vines are experiencing bud break, the markets are filled with giant boxes of Matzo and
Linda Mallut's bunnies seem to be everywhere.
TASTINGS:
Since our last meeting I have been attending tasting events, always looking for new wines and wineries to bring to IDTT.
At the end of February, I travelled to San Diego for the Paso Robles Country Grand Tasting at the McMillin Event Center. It was great to touch base with old friends and meet many new ones.The
SanTasti booth was the first one at the entrance and I was thrilled to hear of the engagement of founders Andrew Macaluso and Nicole Chamberlain! Some highlights of that tasting were: Calcareous - pretty much their entire line-up of Rhones; the 08 "Estate" Viognier from Clautiere; the 08 Estate Blanc of Edward Sellers, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussane and Marsanne; the 07 Treana White (Marsanne/Viognier) and 06 Treana Red (Cab Sauvignon/Syrah); the 07 Minassian-Young Vineyards Black Saint Peter, Zinfandel/Mourvedre/Petite Sirah/Carignan/Viognier blend. Sextant Wines, Silver Horse Winery and Terry Hoage Vineyards got my vote as best overall that I tasted that day.
On the 8th of March, I attended a Bordeaux tasting put on by the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux and held at the beautiful Skirball Musuem, that featured primarily wines that retail between $10 and $20. Admittedly, French winemakers are acknowledging the consumer's desire for quality wine that is table ready and a good value at the same time. In the white category, a stand out was the Chateau Lamothe de Haux, 2009, a crisp, delicious blend of 40% Sauvignon Bland, 40% Semillon and 20% Muscadelle. Price: $13.00. Wonderful summer quaffer. Of the reds, the Chateau de Seguinier, 2006, was immediately approachable with smooth tannins and a long finish. The blend is primarily Merlot at 80% with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to add structure and interest. Retail on this one is about $22. Also tried a delightful rose, Chateau Ballan Larquette, 2008. A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this wine retails between $12-$15.
On March 14, I attended by far the largest event, Family Winemakers of California, held at the Pasadena Convention Center. So much wine - so little time! I did my best and visited about 17 tables in 3 hours. Whew! Let's see...tried some good Cal-Itals from Brutocao Cellars;Sangiovese from Ortman;Navarro Pinot Rose and Muscat Blanc;Lava Cap Chardonnay;Saxon Brown Semillon; Mauritson 07 Dry Creek Zin - just to name a few.
OUR FEBBRUARY 22 EVENTfeatured the wines of DUTCHER CROSSING and the tasting was presented by Debra Mathy, owner and winemaker.Debra generously donated a magnum of Cabernet to our "opportunity drawing". Everyone loved the full-bodied reds and Melody Dosch of Artisan Cheese was on hand to share her cheese expertise with each pairing. Barbara Cohen spoke to us about
Dress for Success and Joel Fisher announced the details for this year's
LA Wine Fest to be held in June 5th and 6th at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood.
2006 Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon BEST OF CLASS - DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNER 2009 NEW WORLD INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION, GOLD MEDAL WINNER 2009 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION, GOLD MEDAL 2009 RIVERSIDE INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION, GOLD MEDAL WINNER 2009 INTERNATIONAL EASTERN WINE COMPETITION AND GOLD MEDAL WINNER 2009 TASTERS GUILD INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION!
While the wine is by definition Cabernet Sauvignon, the Syrah framing brings out the stately elegance of this blend. With classic Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics and hints of cedar and vanilla, this is a great everyday drinking wine.
RELATED EVENT:
One of our members, Rico Mandel of
Fine Culinary Experience, is hosting our dear IDTT friends, Melinda and Joseph Laraneta of
Laraneta Vineyards, at a special event being held at the newly re-designed FABS in Sherman Oaks on April 10th. Rico's got lots of great activities planned for this event so check out his link. Hope to see many of you there!
I'LL DRINK TO THAT'S NEXT EVENT:
Many of you have been wondering if we have a new venue yet for our monthly events. The answer is, we are close to securing a location and hoping to have our next event Monday, April 26. Please save the date on you calendars -we will confirm that date along with our featured winery within the next week.
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I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday shared with friends and family,and filled with delicious food and, of course, great wine. Cheers! Xochitl
