Category Archives: Wine Event

Taste of Howell Mountain Spring Tasting 2012

Posted on February 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Taste of Howell Mountain Spring Tasting will take place on Wednesday March 21st, 2012 at the historic Bently Reserve in San Francisco.

Wine tasting

The view from Howell Mountain

30 wineries from Howell Mountain AVA will be on hand pouring their wines and guests will have the chance to meet some of the wine makers as well.

For only $45 a ticket guests will enjoy wines that can run upwards of $100 a bottle. There will also be food pairings.  Some of the more well known wineries in attendance are:  Cakebread, Charles Krug, La Jota Vineyards, Dunn Vineyards, O’Shaughnessy and Outpost.

Other Howell mountain gems on hand include: Black Sears Vineyard, W.H. Smith wines and Cade.

Last June I attended the Taste of Howell Mountain summer event at the Charles Krug winery and I was really blown away by the quality of wines.  It took my palate quite some time to get over the fact that it would be a long time before I tasted that many high quality wines in one day!

Click HERE for tickets

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London International Wine Fair | May 22-24 2012

Posted on February 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

London wine tastingThe London International Wine Fair 2012 is being held in London May 22nd through the 24th, 2012.  This free event is not open to the general public, instead it is a trade only event meant to connect producers with buyers.

Importers, retailers, restauranteurs and trade buyers will be able to sample over 20,000 wines and spirits from 35 countries.  Organizers expect over 20,000 trades people to attend.  In addition to the product samples there will be a number of educational seminars, and Master Classes.

For more information visit the official London International Wine Fair website

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New York Wine Expo | March 2-4, 2012

Posted on January 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New YorkThe 5th annual New York Wine Expo is being held at Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City March 2nd through March 4th, 2012.

The world class event will feature a Grand Tasting showcasing over 760 wines and 190 wine maker on hand pouring wines for you!  In addition to the Grand Tasting there will be wine seminars put on by Wine Spectator, and also one seminar led by author and PBS personality, Mark Oldman.

Several seminars will take place throughout the weekend. Below please find a list of those currently on sale. Please check back for additional sessions to be added. Friday, March 2, 2012

6:00 – 7:00 pm
Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator
Explore grapes and wine styles as you taste eight wines from around the world, learn the tasting techniques used by pros and build a wine appreciation framework that you will use for the rest of your life. Naww… It’s just smushed grapes.) In this lively seminar, Wine Spectator’s Director of Education, Gloria Maroti Frazee, will attempt to cover everything you’ve always wanted to know about wine, but were afraid to ask… including the key buzzwords for describing wine, stemware, decanting and storage as well as tips for saving leftover wine, food pairing and ordering wine in a restaurant. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced wine drinker, you’ll have fun, learn a lot, and take home handouts that you can use to do tastings on with friends. Price: $30.00

8:30 – 9:30 pm
Wine Spectator Presents…Portugal – Discover a World of Difference
Do you enjoy discovering new grapes and new wines? Do you like crisp, refreshing whites and full-bodied, rich reds? If the answer to these questions is yes, you’re in for a treat. One of the world’s most traditional wine countries is seriously stepping up its game and using indigenous grape varieties from diverse regions to produce delicious wines. Join Wine Spectator director of education Gloria Maroti Frazee in this exploration of Portugal and taste for yourself why wine critics are excited about Portugal’s new wave wines. Price: $25.00


Saturday, March 3, 2012

12:30 – 1:30 pm
Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator
Explore grapes and wine styles as you taste eight wines from around the world, learn the tasting techniques used by pros and build a wine appreciation framework that you will use for the rest of your life. Naww… It’s just smushed grapes.) In this lively seminar, Wine Spectator’s Director of Education, Gloria Maroti Frazee, will attempt to cover everything you’ve always wanted to know about wine, but were afraid to ask… including the key buzzwords for describing wine, stemware, decanting and storage as well as tips for saving leftover wine, food pairing and ordering wine in a restaurant. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced wine drinker, you’ll have fun, learn a lot, and take home handouts that you can use to do tastings on with friends. Price: $30.00

1:00 – 2:00 pm
The Rhône Valley: A River Runs Through It…with Mark Oldman
Renowned wine speaker, author, and PBS TV personality Mark Oldman  gives you an insider’s view of the wine of France’s celebrated Rhône Valley, which Saveur magazine recently said “yields some of the most delicious wine on Earth”.   In his charismatic, savvy style that the Aspen Business Journal deems “hilariously entertaining” and sells out audiences across the country, Mark clues you in to a wide variety of Rhone wines that will make you the envy of your wine-passionate friends. Price: $25.00

Tickets for the Friday night event are $75 until Feb 24th and $85 thereafter

Tickets for the Saturday night event are $85 until Feb 24th and $95 thereafter.

*EXCLUSIVE* Weekly Wine Journal Readers enter PROMO CODE “WWJ15″ and get a $15 discount off your ticket.

Buy tickets HERE

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Blue Tooth Wine Society celebrates with JAW cellars

Posted on December 18, 2011 | Leave a comment
Arizona wine broker

The lineup!

The “Blue Tooth Wine Society” celebrated the holiday season this past Saturday night at the home of Jim Wiskerchen.  Jim is the founder of the Blue Tooth Wine Society, a group of people who share a common interest in learning about wine in a relaxed and friendly environment.  The BTWS currently has 275 members.

Arizona wine maker

Jim Wiskerchen

Jim Wiskerchen is also a wine broker for many Arizona wineries.  Currently Jim sells just under 10,000 cases of wine a year for his winery partners, and he plans to double that in 2012.

But wait, theres more!  Jim is also a winemaker!  Jim’s first vintage was released just a few months ago: JAW Cellars “Meritaz”  a play on the Meritage name, containing a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, aged 24 months in New French oak

Jim plans on increasing production in 2012 to over 175 cases.  He also will be releasing more varietals.  His plans include a Malbec, a dry Zinfandel, a Red Bordeaux blend and a white Bordeaux blend and a GSM.  He also is planning a Torrontes, a wine which has done quite well in Argentina.

Rare Jem: '95 Quilceda Creek

The holiday party was attended by a variety of guests, the more die hard fans of the Blue Tooth Wine Society!  Each brought a wine to share.  The variety was incredible.  From The Duro, Portugal to Campo de Borja, Spain.  From Sonoma, Napa and Lodi to Washington State and Arizona.

Some of the rare gems we enjoyed included a 1995 Quilceda Creek Cabernet and a 2005 Caduceus Cellars “Nagual Del

Rare Jem: '05 Caduceus Sensei

Sensei” and a Cameron Hughes Lot 200

Follow Jim Wiskerchen on Twitter

Join the Blue Tooth Wine Society here at Meetup.com

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Arizona Wine Grower’s Association | 2011 awards banquet

Posted on November 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

November 21, 2010 Phoenix, Arizona

Quiessence Restaurant

2011 Arizona Wine Growers awards banquet at Quiessence

This past weekend the Arizona Wine Grower’s Association celebrated its 3rd annual awards banquet and festival.

The awards banquet was held at the AAA Four Diamond award winning Quiessence restaurant.  The cozy little farm house is nestled in the back end of the 10 acre urban Farm at South Mountain.  Executive Chef and owner Gregory La Prad created a stunning 5 course meal paired with the Gold medal winning wine in each category.  Guests paid $125 each to dine with the Arizona Republic Wine Competition winners.  The intimate evening was the culmination of 12 months of difficult work for the wine growers and makers, but made all the worthwhile by mixing with their biggest fans.  I was lucky enough to be invited thanks to Chris Fiscus at Moses Anshell, Patti King at the AZWGA and Peggy Fiandaca president of the AZWGA.

Watch this 2 minute video featuring scenes from the banquet:

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Arizona Wine Festival on the Farm | Nov 19 2011

Posted on November 14, 2011 | Leave a comment
wine tasting farm at south mountain

Arizona Wine Festival on the Farm, held amongst the pecan groves on The Farm at South Mountain, Phoenix Arizona

The 3rd annual Arizona Wine Grower’s Association Festival on the Farm will be held at The Farm at South Mountain this Saturday, November 29th, 2011

The annual wine festival is THE Arizona Wine event of the year – YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT! ;)

The Arizona Wine Festival will feature 20 wineries pouring wines from Arizona’s wine producing regions of Verde Valley, Wilcox, Sonoita and Elgin.  In addition  there will be a People’s Choice wine competition and educational seminars such as Wine Pairings 101.

wine peoples choice award

Wine education seminars and people's choice awards

The Festival will culminate with an amazing auction.  Last year some of the amazing items on the block included dinner for 4 prepared in your home by FnB’s Pavle Milic and Charlene Badman, and the top auction block which fetched $8000 was dinner with Maynard Keenan prepared by Mark Tarbel.

Tickets for the event are still available here:

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Fleming’s 46 Diamonds Debut, October 26th 2011

Posted on October 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

Fleming’s Steakhouse has long been a supporter of breast cancer awareness in the month of October (and year round).   I met with Darrin Visser, managing partner of the Fleming’s on Scottsdale road and he gave me a brief rundown of some of the events and specials.

2 minute video

46 Diamonds Debut
An Evening of Exclusive Wine, Small Plates and High Fashion
Benefiting the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade

Wednesday, October 26
6 – 9 pm
$40

Fleming’s at DC Ranch
20753 N. Pima Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255

Join Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar as it debuts its new private label wine – Forty-Six Diamonds, Toscana 2009. Enjoy a Arizona sunset on the DC Ranch patio while sipping this exclusive red blend created with Salvatore Ferragamo and the Il Borro estate all in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Guests will be able to sample the Forty-Six Diamonds, Cline Cellar’s Cashmere wine, and Fleming’s newest low-calorie cocktail – The Stiletto. Fleming’s newest Small Plates will be passed for noshing and the latest luxury handbags and shoes will be on display.

A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

RSVP with Fleming’s at 480-538-8000.

Also

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Fleming’s celebrates “Month of Discovery” with 100 wines

Posted on September 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

 Newport Beach, California, September 2011 – The annual unveiling of the new Fleming’s 100™, the award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has become a much anticipated event for food and wine lovers.  This year’s “Month of Discovery” and its introduction of the new 2011/2012 list will appeal to both the wine novice and the connoisseur who are in search of the ultimate wine experience.   The month-long celebration in September includes:

The New Fleming’s 100 “Opening Nights” – Opening Nights, a series of wine tastings held Friday evenings in September (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th), will provide guests with a rare opportunity to sniff, swirl, and sip their way through Fleming’s wine by the glass list.  Each Opening Night will feature 20 wines from the Fleming’s 100™.  The first four tastings will be wine selections available at all of the 64 Fleming’s nationwide. The final tasting will feature selections by each Fleming’s local Wine Manager and Operating Partner (please click here for wine selections to be served on each Opening Night).  Each of these five Opening Night events provides 20 different wines to try for just $25, and includes a preview tasting of selections from Fleming’s new Small Plates menu. Space for this popular event is limited and reservations must be made by calling your local Fleming’s location.

Small Plates Introduced on September 21 –   Debuting on the menu are seven all-new selections that are meant to be savored and enjoyed anytime — with a quick glass of wine at the bar, multiple plates shared casually among friends, or at the start of a multi-course dining experience.  Conceived as an avenue for enjoying the gracious service, hospitality and ambiance of Fleming’s, but with an emphasis on lighter, healthier and unique menu items, Fleming’s new Small Plates are more substantial than appetizers, but smaller than full steakhouse entrées. They include:  Sliced Filet Mignon, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Skewers, New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops, Ahi Tuna Skewers, New Bedford Scallops, Filet Mignon Skewers and Fleming’s Lobster Tempura.

Silver Oak Wine Dinner September 13 or 17 – Fleming’s annual national wine dinner is designed to celebrate a single wine producer that has achieved iconic status among its peers. This year, it’s two!  Five superb wines from the “twin sister” wineries of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars will be showcased. These vintages are exceptionally food friendly and pair wonderfully with the richly-flavored ingredients of our five-course dinner menu. The highlight of our evening will be a remarkable side-by-side vertical tasting of the 2006 and 2007 vintages of the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Please visit FlemingsSteakhouse.com for specific locations and dates.

“Winesdays” at Fleming’s – This is the month to find a new wine favorite at a special price every Wednesday in September. Enjoy 25% off** any bottle from the new Fleming’s 100 when you dine on Wednesday evenings.

Fleming’s “Icon Wine” series” now featuring Silver Oak– The Icon Wine series continues in September with Silver Oak 2007 Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which is available for $100 per bottle* (normal list price of $150 – $175) until September 30—or until inventory runs out.  The 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is described by Silver Oak winemaker Daniel Baron as “a profound, fruit-driven wine from a great California vintage. It has a dark ruby color with a purple edge and an inviting nose of ripe black plum, blackberry, baking spices and soy sauce. On the palate, the wine is rich and full, reminiscent of the flavors of a berry cobbler.”

Win a Masterpiece of “Wine Art” – As part of the Month of Discovery, Fleming’s is giving away a signed, limited-edition giclée on canvas by the celebrated fine arts painter Thomas Arvid, who specializes in portraying the wine experience.  Arvid’s masterpieces are showcased on the walls of every Fleming’s restaurant.  To enter to win, please visit FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Arvid†.

* Excluding wine, tax and gratuity.
†† No purchase necessary. Must be 21 to enter. Visit www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Arvid for Official Rules.

About Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining – Prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders — with a unique wine list known as the Fleming’s 100, which features over 100 wines served by the glass.  Fleming’s was launched in Newport Beach, California in 1998 by successful restaurant industry veterans Paul Fleming and Bill Allen.  Today there are 64 restaurants nationwide.  Fleming’s is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Enthusiast’s annual Award of Distinction and Wine Spectator’s annual Award of Excellence.

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Review | Taste of Howell Mountain 2011

Posted on July 1, 2011 | Leave a comment
Charles Krug Carriage house

Taste of Howell Mountain 2011, at the Charles Krug winery

There comes a time in every wine drinkers “career” that they experience wine at a whole new level.  The experience is not a singularity, and the wine lover will begin a new journey in search of repeat adventures on this new plateau.   For me, The Taste of Howell Mountain was one of these events.

The Taste of Howell Mountain was held on June 18th in the carriage house and on the stunningly beautiful and lush grounds of the Charles Krug winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley.  The Charles Krug Winery’s 850 acre estate surrounded the grove of massive oak trees which provided much needed shade.

Charles Krug winery

View from the balcony

Guests paid $125 a ticket to attend the event to raise money for the Howell Mountain elementary school.  There were silent auction items, and even a pinata worth about $400 in wine prizes.  But the real money raiser was the live auction which got underway at 3pm in the grand ballroom upstairs in the carriage house.  Randy Dunn Vineyards had two stunning lots up for auction: a 27 year vertical of 750ml bottles and a 19 year vertical of magnums, both from his Howell Mountain Estate.

In all, 32 Howell Mountain Wineries were pouring including Outpost, O’Shaughnessy, Robert Craig, Robert Foley, Black Sears, Lamborn and Cade.

Outpost winery

Outpost Winery

I experienced a taste overload shortly after visiting my first table, Outpost.  They were pouring  2008 Howell Mountain Grenache, Zinfandel and Cabernet.  All three were absolutely outstanding and are sold out!

One of the things I noticed about a lot of the wines I was drinking was how incredibly rare they were.  Most producers produced less than 1,000 cases of the wines they were offering.  Many producers produce less than 500 cases.  These wines are simply not available in most specialty wine shops let alone a grocery store.  Most are sold exclusively through mailing lists and prices start at around $75 a bottle

carriage house charles krug

The live auction

In addition, the Howell Mountain AVA is quite remote and private.  Most of the vineyards are not open to the public and tastings if done at all, are by appointment only.

Over a wine lovers lifetime they will experience many pivotal moments in wine.  For me a recent moment was ’83 Chateau d’Yquem.  The taste of Howell Mountain was not unlike that life changing event.  Simply amazing wines, beautiful setting, and to benefit children?  It couldn’t have been a better day

Check out my Facebook Page for more photos of the event!

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Behind the scenes at Cameron Hughes Wine

Posted on June 27, 2011 | 2 Comments
Cameron Hughes Wine tasting room

Inside the Cameron Hughes headquarters

On Friday June 17th I spent the morning at Cameron Hughes Wine headquarters in San Francisco.  Having been a fan of many of his wines over the years I was quite excited to see behind the scenes.  Cameron and his wife/business partner Jessica were tied up on business, but they were kind enough to set me up with their on staff Sommelier for a private one-on-one tasting.

San Francisco office

Media Tasting Room

The first thing I noticed is the headquarters are very modest.  There’s a reason why Cameron Hughes is able to deliver exceptional value, and it’s not because he has lavish digs in a posh neighborhood.

I met the sommelier and she brought me into the tasting room, where there was an impressive collection of CH Wines on the wall, as well as a sizeable line up for our morning taste test.

I will post separate reviews of each wine I tasted in future posts, but for now I will give a brief overview.  First thing I noticed was the Riedel stemware.  Very nice, I am a stickler for appropriate wine glasses and I was relieved to see the very best on hand.

Quite a few of the wines had not yet been released so it was nice to get the inside “scoop” as they say in the news business.  Among the collection were some interesting whites, an Albarino from Clarksburg “Lot 240″ and a Chardonnay from Willamette Valley “Lot 215″ as well as a Rose from Napa, “Lot 256″

Cameron Hughes office San FranciscoAfter the whites we breezed through a GSM, a Pinot Noir and a couple of Syrah’s but Cameron is better known for his reds, and in particular his Cabernet Sauvignons.  Which is were the tasting started to get really interesting.

I had a chance to taste the brand new release, Lot 230 from Chalk Hill Sonoma.  This lot is the 4th release from the same vineyard allocation.  It’s drinking very big and bold right now, alcohol is in check, but the wine could use another 6 months in the bottle to calm down a bit.  That would put it ready to pop and pour approaching the Holiday season.  Next up was Lot 211, a Napa Valley Cabernet.  I was lucky to taste it as all 3,100 cases of it are sold out!  The wine won gold at the Critics Challenge and LA International Wine Competition.  More on this wine in the future.

Cameron Hughes Cabernet

2007 Hughes-Wellman Cabernet

My visit to the Cameron Hughes Wine offices culminated in a tasting of the 2007 and the unreleased 2008 Hughes-Wellman Cabernet’s from St. Helena.  These wines are not part of the Lot program.  The wines are a joint project between Cameron’s father and his friend of over 50 years ,Sandy Wellman.  These small production (less than 800 cases made) wines are made with the help of Cameron Hughes winemaker Sam Spencer.  The price tag is by far the most expensive in the CH Wine lineup at over $50 a bottle.   The 2007 was drinking wonderfully, the 2008 could use another year in the bottle.  But having said that, the $50 price tag is an exceptional deal.  Both of these wines drink every bit as good as most of the $100+ wines I enjoyed on my trip to Napa Valley.  Once I get my storage logistics sorted out I will definitely be stocking up on both of these vintages, I just hope there is some left by the time I order!

Cameron Hughes Wine

A 1 minute video of scenes behind the scenes:

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Taste of Howell Mountain 2011 | June 18th | St. Helena

Posted on June 6, 2011 | Leave a comment
Napa wine tastingTaste of Howell Mountain 2011
I will be attending the Taste of Howell Mountain 2011 this year as a guest of the Howell Mountain Vintners and Growers Association.  I just received the press release on the event and have posted it below.  I will be posting a review of the event and will be tweeting live from the event. Follow The Weekly Wine Journal on Twitter for live updates
Angwin, CA – HMVGA President Frank Dotzler of Outpost Winery announced today that a special consumer wine tasting, Taste of Howell Mountain, will be held in conjunction with a charity silent and live auction on Saturday, June 18th at the Charles Krug Winery, 2800 Main St. in St. Helena.  Currently available  wines will be showcased by 32 wineries who are members of the association.

Aside from being the first sub-appellation within Napa Valley to be officially recognized by the federal government, Howell Mountain is also one of the most exclusive and sometimes elusive of appellations.  Production from primarily family-owned wineries is quite small, though of notoriously high quality, and the wines are sometimes hard to find on store shelves.  That circumstance renders this once-a-year only consumer tasting even more special as guests will be able to sample current release wines from nearly all the mountain’s producers.

During the wine tasting from noon to 5 pm, there will also be a silent auction of dozens of wines and other interesting items for bid from noon to 3 pm.  This will be followed by a live auction upstairs in the Carriage House at 3 pm.  The live auction includes a line-up of 29 auction lots featuring many “wine lifestyle events” such as weekends in wine country and special, private events at member wineries, an fly fishing trip at Mammoth Lake, not one but two library vertical collections from Randy Dunn going back to 1982, a great farmer’s-market-to-table Julia/Julie day for foodies, large format wine bottles, etc.

Short List of Auction Items

Proceeds from both the silent and live auction go to the Howell Mountain Education Foundation which benefits the Howell Mountain Elementary School in Angwin where the student population has doubled in recent years.  A major renovation of this tiny school founded in 1886 was completed three years ago, only to find that enrollment filled the new school to overflowing!

Now in its 15th year, the Taste of Howell Mountain will be held in the newly remodeled historic Carriage House at the Charles Krug Winery hosted by the Peter Mondavi family.    With its sweeping lawn and gracious Carriage House building, it is a natural and enjoyable setting for this casual event which includes gourmet appetizers as well as an amazing slate of wines.  This year’s theme is Fiesta! and it promises to carry on the tradition of casual elegance, great wine, and good company.

A full list of the wineries pouring is below.  Tickets are $125 per person and are available now online at www.howellmountain.org or you can order by phone at 707-965-2665.

Wineries Pouring at 2011 Taste of Howell Mountain

Arkenstone Vienyards Black Sears Blue Hall Vineyard Beringer Wine Estate

Bremer Family Winery Cade Winery Charles Krug Winery Cimarossa Vineyards

Cornerstone Cellars D-Cubed Duckhorn Vineyards Dunn Vineyards

Haber Vineyards Highlands Winery Howell at the Moon La Jota Winery

Lamborn Family Vineyards Notre Vin Winery O’Shaughnessy Winery

Outpost Winery Pina Napa Valley Red Cap Vineyards Retro Cellars

Robert Craig Wine Robert Foley Vineyards Roberts + Rogers

Rutherford Grove Spence\ St. Clement Winery

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery W.H. Smith Wines

White Cottage Ranch Winery

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Taste of Howell Mountain 2011 | Auction catalog

Posted on June 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

This is a short list of the items up for auction at the Taste of Howell Mountain 2011.  Tickets to the event are $125, and can be purchased at www.howellmountain.org or by calling 707 965 2665

1 - Spend the day with La Jota winemaker, Chris Carpenter.  Tasting of La Jota’s wines with Chris and he will select 12 bottles for you to take home.  Dinner with Chris at a premier Napa restaurant with a show at one of Napa’s musical venues to wrap up the evening.  Take home a magnum of 2007 La Jota HM Cabernet tonight.  For 4 people.

2 – Two days and two nights of guided fly fishing at Mammoth Lakes, accommodations provided.  Includes a case of Black Sears wine.  For 4 people.

3 – 3 magnums from Araujo, Bressler, & Cain. From HL Vineyards, a 750 ml, 1.5L, and 3L.

4 – Private tour & tasting at St. Clement Winery with winemaker Danielle Cyrot, includes a magnum of Oroppas.  Then, go up Howell Mountain for a “learn to blend” experience at Bremer Family Vineyards.  For 8 people.

5 – Lunch, an ATV ride and a vertical tasting at Cimarossa Vineyards with owner, Dino Dina.  Also, a vertical of 3 magnums from O’Shaughnessy signed by winemaker Sean Capiaux.  For 4 people.

 6 – Dinner with Marc & Janice Mondavi at their home on Howell Mountain with wines from Charles Krug and Rocky Ridge.  Includes a magnum of Krug to take home tonight.  For 8 people.

7 – Three 3 litre bottles of HM Cabernet Sauvignon – Notre Vin, Robert Foley, & Robert Craig.

8 – Robert Craig vertical – 10 bottles of Howell Mountain Cabernet from 1999-2008.  Lunch or dinner for 2 people at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant in the Culinary Institute in St. Helena.

9 – Hands-on cooking class and luncheon at Spence.  Start at the Farmer’s market with Jackie Spence (Spence Vineyards) and Kara Dunn (Retro Cellars) and choose your ingredients.  Go back to Spence for a cooking lesson followed by lunch with wines from Spence, Dunn, and Retro.  Take home tonight a library magnum of Spence HM Cabernet and 3 750ml bottles of Beringer Steinhauser Ranch HM Cabernet.  For 8 people.

10 – Tour at Arkenstone, then a picnic at Blue Hall Vineyards and vertical tasting with the winemaker.  Take home tonight a (three-year vertical ’06 ’07 ’08 of Arkenstone Obsidian magnums and three 750ml bottles of ’08 Arkenstone Sauvignon Blanc.  For 4 people

11 – Steak dinner with the 4 Pina brothers in the Pina Napa Valley cellars. Take home tonight one magnum of 2007 Pina Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn. Buckeye Vineyard.  For 8 people

 12 – Lunch and golf at Meadowood.  Private tour & tasting at White cottage Ranch.  Take home tonight from White Cottage – three 750ml bottles, a 3L and a 6L – all HM Cabernet.  For 2 people.

13 – 25 bottles of library wines from Randy Dunn.  1982 through 2007 – all Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

14 – Picnic lunch and tour at W. H. Smith with WH Smith wines.  For 10 people

 15 – 4 wheeling adventure with the Dunn Family to their special place in the Howell Mountain back country for a Mexican picnic and killer margaritas.  Take home tonight 6 bottles (750 ml) from Retro Cellars (Petite Syrah) and a magnum of Dunn (2006), HM Cabernet Sauvignon.  For 6 people.

 16 – Argentinian BBQ for 20 at Red Cap Vineyards.  Multiple winner lot.  Each ticket is $200 – bid on one or more.  Dinner with winemaker Tom Altemus.  Taste his brand new HM Sauvignon Blanc.  Will occur on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

17 – Two 6L bottles from Duckhorn – 1996 Merlot & 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

18 – Lunch at Redd in Yountville and a tasting at Cornerstone Cellars featuring 5 pre-2000 vintages.  For 4 people.  Take home tonight a 3L of 2005 Cornerstone HM Cabernet.

 19 – A table for 8 at Summit Lake’s annual pig roast.  Winner takes home tonight a full, mixed case of Summit Lake wines.

20 – Three 750’s (Diamond Terrace).  Two magnums (D-Cubed & Del Dotto + cave tour). One 3L (D-Cubed).  One 5L (Dunn Vineyards).

 21 – Tour & picnic for 6 at Lamborn Family Vineyards & a giclee painting of Napa Valley by famed winemaker Heidi Barrett.  Also includes a 3L of Lamborn HM Cabernet & a magnum of Heidi’s La Sirena Santa Ynez Syrah.

22 – One 6L (Shafer Merlot) and six magnums (Abreu, Carver Sutro, Dalle Valle, Gemstone, Jones, & Turley)

 23 – A picnic in the vineyards for 4 at Rutherford Grove Winery plus 8 bottles (750 ml) from Rutherford Grove, Black Sears & Atlas Peak, a magnum from Rutherford Grove, and a 3L from Highlands.

 24 – Dinner for 6 in San Francisco at Up Country restaurant with wines from Cakebread and Howell at the Moon (owner Marc Cohen also owns Up Country restaurant).

25 – 18 magnums from Randy Dunn.  1989 through 2007 of HM Cabernet Sauvignon.

26

 Part A – Wine, Dine, & Dance at Outpost Winery.  Multiple winner lot.  30 seats available at $200 each.    Will occur on Saturday, September 10, 2011.  A wonderful evening of food by Richard Haake and wines by Thomas Rivers Brown.

Part B – One couple can bid on staying at the winery the weekend of the dinner.  Includes 2 night’s accommodations in the winery guest house, a harvest experience, a private tour & tasting, lunch prepared by the evening’s chef and four 3L bottles from Outpost.

27 – Lunch and wine for 4 at Beringer’s Hudson House.  Take home tonight a 3L bottle of Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

28 – Limousine and private picnic lunch at Chappellet meadow overlooking Lake Hennessey.  Vineyard tour and private tasting.  Limousine service to dinner at any of Cindy Pawlcyn’s restaurants in St. Helena (Go Fish, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, or Mustard’s) paired with Chapellet wine.  One night’s accommodation at Hotel Yountville.  For 2 people.

29 – Squaw Valley 2-night stay for 2 people with wine from CADE.  Includes wine with dinner at the Plumpjack Café Squaw Valley.  Additionally, winner is invited to a complimentary tour & tasting at Plumpjack in Oakville and CADE Winery on Howell Mountain.  Take home a 6L of CADE HM Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Posted in News, Wine Event, Wine News, Wine Tasting, Wines over $20

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Ultimate Beverage Challenge 2011 Results

Posted on May 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Ultimate Beverage ChallengeNew York, NY (May 11, 2011) – The winners of Ultimate Beverage Challenge’s (UBC) second annual Ultimate Wine Challenge are announced today after judging was held at Astor Center in New York City on May 2-6, 2011. An extraordinary panel of judges, led by F. Paul Pacult and touting two Masters of Wine, once again proved that UBC’s founding tenets of integrity, method, and credibility can be the driving forces in alcoholic beverage competitions. The top scoring wines in their category were awarded the coveted Chairman’s Trophy and all Trophy winners and Finalists feature tasting notes from the judges along with their rating based on the 100-point rating system. The top awards, ratings and tasting notes from such esteemed judges are invaluable in assisting brands market their wines as well as helping consumers navigate the hundreds of choices they are presented with when it comes time to purchase. In addition, this year Ultimate Wine Challenge results feature wines designated as “Great Value” based on the relationship between their price and final score.

wine challenge new yorkUltimate Wine Challenge judges were led by F. Paul Pacult (Judging Chairman) and Sean Ludford (Assistant Judging Chairman) and included: Lorena Ascencios; Michael Apstein; Christy Canterbury; James Conley; Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW; Mary Gorman; Ed McCarthy; John McClement; Steve Olson; Patricia Savoie; Tara Q. Thomas and Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, MW.  Wines entered were judged on the familiar 100-point rating system in multiple rounds to arrive at the top wine per category. All wines were judged in flights according to price, grape type and region. The judging panels did not know the identity of any of the entered still, sparkling and fortified wines in order to provide a completely level playing field for all entrants.

Wine challenge 2011UBC Managing Partner F. Paul Pacult said, “We are pleased that so many companies entered Ultimate Wine Challenge this year. It proves that people understand the importance and the value of our unimpeachable judging methods, the worth of our Chairman’s Trophy awards and the marketable use of our scores and tasting notes. It takes more than entrance into our contest to win an award, and companies understand—and respect—that. This is only our second year, and we have already established our Challenges as an industry presence. They have grown by leaps and bounds in so many ways, and we’re all looking forward to a long and promising future for all our Challenges.”

For a complete list of results, including all Finalists, scores and tasting notes, visit www.ultimate-beverage.com/uwc2011results

For a selection of downloadable high and low resolution images, visit http://www.ultimate-beverage.com/wine-contest/2011-wine-photos/download/

 

2011 ULTIMATE WINE CHALLENGE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

Red Wine:

  • Altos Nevado Malbec 2008 (Argentina): Malbec-World
  • Beronia Tempranillo Reserva (Spain): Spain-Reds
  • Black Stallion Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (USA): Cabernet Sauvignon-World
  • Cecchi Sangiovese di Maremma Bonzio 2009 (Italy): Sangiovese-World
  • Falua Conde de Vimioso Reserva 2008 (Portugal): Portugal-Reds
  • Franciscan Magnificat 2006 (USA): Assorted Reds-North America
  • Giarrusso Zinfandel 2008 (USA): Zinfandel-USA
  • Sequana Pinot Noir Sarmento Vineyard 2009 (USA): Pinot Noir-World
  • Wakefield St. Andrews Estate Shiraz 2006 (Australia): Shiraz/Syrah-World
  • Wild Horse Merlot 2008 (USA): Merlot-World


White Wine:

  • Clos du Val Ariadne Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc (USA): Sauvignon Blanc-World
  • Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2009 (South Africa): Chardonnay-World
  • La Miranda de Secacastilla Grenache Blanc 2009 (Spain): Assorted Whites- Europe
  • Wagner Vineyards Riesling Semi-Dry Estate Grown 2009 (USA): Riesling-World

Champagne/Sparkling:

  • Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs NV (USA): Sparkling-World

Dessert Wine:

  • Inniskillin Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2007 (Canada): Late Harvest/Botrytisized-North America

Fortified Wine:

  • Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Porto (Portugal): Porto-Portugal

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE – www.ultimate-beverage.com

About Ultimate Beverage Challenge: Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) was founded by F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot and provides expert evaluation of spirits, cocktails and wines for producers, importers and marketers through its three innovative annual competitions – Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Ultimate Cocktail Challenge and Ultimate Wine Challenge. In addition, UBC will host a gala consumer, media and trade tasting event, Ultimate Blast, in NYC on October 14, 2011, to showcase the most noteworthy spirits, cocktails and wines.

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Posted in Contests, News, Wine Event, Wine News, Wine Tasting

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Taste of the Nation Arizona | May 13th 2011

Posted on April 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess foodbank charity Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists — all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.  Taste of the Nation 2011 events are being held in 34 cities across America. This year’s Taste of the Nation Arizona charity event will be held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Friday May 13th, 2011.  100% of the ticket sales will benefit local charities including St Mary’s food bank and the Association of Arizona Food Banks.  Tickets are $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP, which should go a long way to raising money for the hungry in Arizona.  And believe me, there are a lot of people in need of help these days.  Arizona was one of the hardest hit states in the recent economic downturn, which would be more aptly described as a meltdown here in Arizona.

fairmont scottsdale princess charitySo what can guests expect?  Here is an excerpt from Taste the Nation Arizona’s website:   “The evening will begin with a cocktail competition in which 15 mixologists will square off, featuring recipes representative of various cities from throughout the nation. Guests will have an opportunity to sample these liquid creations and vote for their favorite cocktails. Guests will then enjoy a seated meal prepared tableside by some of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s most talented chefs. Each table will sample a different menu from a different restaurant. St Mary's foodbank charity Each table of ten guests will be treated to a five course dinner with wine and specialty cocktail pairings prepared exclusively for their table by one of the featured chefs. As each chef will showcase cuisine from a different part of the country, guests will enjoy a true “Taste of the Nation.” Participating restaurants include: Brittlebush Bar & Grill, Bourbon Steak, Deseo, elements, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, La Hacienda, L’Auberge de Sedona, Province, 5th and Wine, Talavera, T. Cook’s, Smart Kitchen, Chef Aaron May, Fred’s at Barney’s and Nourish. Don’t miss the chance to bid in our exceptional silent and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind trips, wine, culinary experiences, tickets to events and cultural centers, beautiful jewelry, art, and more.”

Taste of the Nation – Arizona General Admission 5:30 – 9:30 PM – $100
Guests are invited to join Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation at 5:30PM for the cocktail party and mixology competition. Taste cocktails made from 15 local mixologists and vote for your favorite! The seated, five-course dinner, paired with fine wines and spirits, will begin at 6:30PM. All guests will receive a gift bag. Tickets will be $125 at the door.

Taste of the Nation – Arizona VIP Admission 5:00 – 9:30 PM – $200
VIP guests gain exclusive access to the cocktail party and mixology competition at 5PM, 30 minutes before General Admission guests arrive. VIPs may request to be seated at the table of restaurant of their choice, based on availability, whereas General Admission guests won’t know which cuisine they’ll enjoy until they enter the dining room on Friday evening. VIPs will also receive an extra-swanky gift bag, in recognition of their generous contribution. Ticket will be available at the door for $225.

Get your tickets HERE

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Posted in Food, Wine Event

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Cooks & Corks Arizona Wine Seminar

Posted on April 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival featured a special event called Cooks & Corks.  Guests paid $65 a ticket to be wined and dined inside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing arts.  Within this special event was an even more exclusive Arizona Wine Seminar.  Seating was limited to just 65 guests who were treated to a run down on the Arizona wine industry featuring guests speakers, Pavle Milic, Todd Bostock and Kent Callaghan.  Bellow you will find 3 videos of the seminar.

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Posted in Arizona Wine, Wine Event, wine maker interview, Wine Personality, Wine Review, Wine Tasting

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