Hospice du Rhône 2010

It's 5:00 a.m., I am wide awake, and trekking 3 hours north from LA to Paso Robles.  Why?  Only for the greatest wine event on the Central Coast - Hospice du Rhône!  Hello Syrah.  How do you do Grenache!  What's that Chateauneuf-du-Pape?  Your a sexy chick, Picpoul Blanc!  If it didn't click yet, I love Rhône wines.  If you get an invite to attend this event, wouldn't you drop everything to go?


DAY 1

Before the festivities began at Hospice du Rhône, I picked up my good friend and great winemaker (plus weekend host), Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines for a quick trip west on Nacimiento Lake Dr. to visit another good friend and great winemaker, Victor Abascal of Vines on the Marycrest. These two gentlemen are the some of the most generous individuals I know in or outside of the wine industry.  They are the reason I won't hesitate driving hours north to the Central Coast to help pour their wines or work in the vineyard and winery.  I was excited to finally bring these two winemakers together and hear them swap their knowledge about wine (and music).   

When Larry and I arrived at Vines on the Marycrest, Victor was hard at work on Carter's Crest tending to the newly planted vineyard.  It was such a beautiful morning that we all took a ride through the vineyards, chatting about the recent and arduous task of planting Carter's Crest, as well as Paso Robles wines.  Hearing two winemakers talk passionately about their trade is far more interesting to me than a trade tasting, but I got the best of both worlds this weekend.

After a great visit to Vines on the Marycrest, Larry and I headed back into town to set up for the Rhône Rendezvous tasting later that afternoon at the Paso Robles Event Center.  Hospice du Rhône operates as a non-profit business league with the specific purpose of improving the business conditions of the grape growers and wine producers of Rhône varietal wines and grapes throughout the world.  Now in its 18th year, HdR assembles wines and winemakers from France, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington to share, engage and explore the 22 Rhône varietals.

On Friday at 3:00 p.m., volunteers opened the doors to eager wine enthusiasts and foodies to experience a range of Rhône wines from across the world.  I didn't have to venture far from the Tercero Wines booth to sample some fantastic wines.  We stood between Alban and Terry Hoage. You may be asking yourself, "how did Alban get thrown into the "T" section? We're still asking ourselves that same question, but it worked to our advantage.  Now to some of the highlights from Friday's Rhône Rendezvous:

Alban Vineyards - 2004 Reva, Alban Estate (Edna Valley)

Alta Colina - 2007 GSM and 2007 Old 900 Syrah (Paso Robles)

Anglim - 2007 Mourvèdre, Hastings Ranch Vineyard (Paso Robles)

Davis Family Vineyard - 2007 Côte Rosé, Viognier/Syrah (Russian River Valley)

Dragonette Cellars - 2007 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley

Jaffurs Wine Cellars - 1999 Syrah and 2001 Syrah (Thompson Vineyard, Los Alamos) and 2007 Upslope Syrah

Tallulah - 2007 Syrah, Shake Ridge Ranch (Amador County) and 2006 Syrah, Bald Mountain Ranch (Napa Valley)

Terry Hoage Vineyards - 2007/2006/2005 The Pick (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise)

Torrin - 2006 The Banshee, Torrin Vineyard (Paso Robles)

Verge Wine Cellars - 2007 Syrah, Dry Creek Valley

DAY 2

Saturday has arrived, I am a little hung over from the "offline" after the Rhône Rendezvous, but ready for the Grand Tasting.  The throngs of wine enthusiasts descended on the Paso Robles Event Center for one of the most enjoyable wine industry events during the year.

Although my palate was wearing thin after 24 hours of wine tasting, I tried to be as selective as possible during the Grand Tasting.  Scott Hawley, Winemaker of Torrin in Paso Robles (to the right), provided one of the highlights during this round of Rhône tasting.  Hawley poured a vertical of his prized Akasha Syrah. Here are a few of my favorites from the Grand Tasting:

Cabot Vineyards - 2007 Syrah, Kimberly's Vineyard (Humboldt)

Herman Story - 2008 Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard (Santa Barbara County), 2008 Nuts & Bolts Syrah, 2008 On the Road Grenache, 2008 427

Jacob Toft - 2007 Sarah's Cuvee, Syrah/Grenache (Booker Vineyard, James Berry Vineyard and Terry Hoage Vineyards); 2007 Tessa's Cuvee, Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon (Booker Vineyard); 2007 Mary Jane's Cuvee, Mourvèdre/Grenache/Syrah (James Berry Vineyard and Terry Hoage Vineyards)

Keplinger - 2007 Grenache/Syrah, Pelkan Ranch (Knights Valley); 2007 Syrah, Pelkan Ranch (Knights Valley); 2007 Mourvèdre/Grenache/Counoise, Goldbud Vineyard (El Dorado)

L'Aventure - 2007 Côte à Côte, Estate Vineyard (Paso Robles) and 2007 Estate Cuvée (Paso Robles)

Sans Liege - 2008 Pickpocket, Derby and Pipestone Vineyards (Paso Robles), 2008 The Offering, Zotovich Vineyard (Santa Barbara County)

Torrin - 2008 Akasha Syrah, 2007 Akasha Syrah, and 2006 Akasha Syrah (Torrin Vineyard, Paso Robles)

So what was the greatest wine I tasted at Hospice du Rhône??? Terry Hoage Vineyards, 2009 Picpoul Blanc (Paso Robles).  This wine was indescribably amazing!  Full of life and character, and the most distinguishable wine of the entire tasting.

The food award goes to Full of Life Flatbread.  I'm pretty sure I saw the Virgin Mary after eating a slice of their pizza.  Check them out in Los Alamos the next time you visit Santa Barbara County (open Friday-Sunday; hours vary).  

On Saturday evening, Larry and I headed to Thomas Hill Organics in Downtown Paso Robles for dinner.  One of the best culinary experiences!  The Grilled Meyer Lemon Pizza paired with the Tercero Wines Grenache Blanc was amazing.  Thanks to Victory Abascal for helping us score a table!  Make a reservation next time you're in town...you'll thank me later.

I can't wait till next year!  In the meantime, I need to clear the cellar to add some new finds from HdR 2010. Cheers to the HdR staff, vendors and attendees for a spectacular event!  On to the next wine adventure...

2010 Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting in Los Angeles

On April 24th, The Wine House and The Winehound hosted some three hundred wine enthusiasts at the the 2010 Santa Barbara County Wine Futures Tasting in Los Angeles.  Over 50 wineries from across Santa Barbara County participated in the tasting at the Olympic Collection Banquet and Conference Center a few blocks from The Wine House.  Last year's event was held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City and showcased some amazing wines. In fact, I was introduced to one notable winemaker at last year's futures tasting, who has become a great friend - Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

With glass in hand and some small bites, I set out to taste my way through the dozens of '08 and '09 vintages.  A number of my fellow wine enthusiasts/writers/bloggers also attended the futures tasting, some who I met for the first time.  It was also a great opportunity to reconnect with winemakers, such as Larry Schaffer, Dave Potter, Ken Brown, Bob Lindquist, Adam Tolmach, Doug Margerum, Peter Work, Norm Yost, Peter Cargasacchi, and David Yates.

Larry Schaffer, Tercero Wines

Doug Margerum, Margerum Wine Co.

Peter Work, Ampelos Cellars

Ken Brown, Ken Brown Wines

I set out with one goal in mind: try to visit as many wineries as possible, particularly those I consistently buy from, while managing to taste a few new ones.  From my own biased perspective, I thought the selection of wines represented the diverse vineyards and winemaking styles of Santa Barbara County.  More importantly, many wines (some recently bottled or barrel samples) exhibited remarkable structure and complexity.  A few wines were exceedingly tantalizing on the nose and palate.  There is no doubt that these standouts will mature into award winning wines from this acclaimed wine region.  In all honesty, no one wine stood out as a disappointment, but a handful of wines left me asking myself  "where is this going?"  There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your nose or palate, but you can quickly pick up when something is right or wrong about a wine.  Don't infer from that that some wines were "inferior" or "tainted."  Just take it as it is.

I enjoyed 99% of the wines at the futures tasting, but some deserved a little more attention than others.  Also, you will notice that I did not add tasting notes.  I was busy enjoying the wines and chatting up the winemakers.  More importantly, it's about what you discover in these wines if you so choose to taste them or buy them when they are released.  I'm sure you will pick up dark fruit, citrus, smoke, tar, etc.  All I want to do is steer you in the direction of a few standouts and discoveries.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And the Nominees are...

Tercero Wines - '08 Cuvee Loco, Larner Vineyard (Ballard Canyon) and '08 The Climb, Santa Barbara County

Jaffurs -'08 Syrah, Larner Vineyard (Ballard Canyon)

Au Bon Climat - '08 Estate Chadonnay, Santa Maria Valley

Ken Brown Wines - '08 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

Dragonette Cellars - '09 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley

Honorable Mentions

Blair Fox - '09 Vermentino, Fox Family Vineyard, Santa Barbara County

Shai Cellars - '08 Adome Syrah/Cabernet Blend, Santa Barbara County

Kenneth-Crawford - '09 Pinot Noir, Babcock Vineyard and '09 Rhone Blend, Larner Vineyard (Ballard Canyon)

Rey - '07 Syrah Central Coast

Sanguis - '07 Syrah "Backseat Betty"

Harrison-Clarke - '07 Syrah Estate, Santa Ynez Valley and '07 Cuvee Charlotte Estate, Santa Ynez Valley

And the Oscar Goes to...

Clos Pepe - '09 Pinot Noir Estate, Sta. Rita Hills

Cargasacchi - '08 Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Margerum - '08 M5 Reserve, Santa Barbara County

Raising a Glass at the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival 2010

For three hours on Saturday, April 17, throngs of wine enthusiasts descended on River Park in Lompoc for the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival 2010.  Marking its 28th anniversary, the Festival welcomed visitors from across the Central Coast, California and the United States to experience the decadent wines of Santa Barbara County.  By all accounts, this year's Festival was attended by fewer people, yet the crowd was no less enthusiastic to taste wines and meet the winemakers or the attractive blonds or brunettes hired by wineries to pour wines (Wine Marketing 101).

All the members of the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association were represented at the annual Festival, including approximately 112 wineries and 32 food vendors.  While throwing your glass between two warm bodies to the get the attention of those pouring wines seems like a worthwhile adventure, I decided to join my good friend and Santa Barbara County/Rhône wine promoter, Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines in helping fill the glasses of hundreds of wine enthusiasts.  Sure, I was tempted to sneak away for a taste at Margerum or Jaffurs, but the booth was packed with eager wine tasters and someone needed to help quench their thirst with the Tercero Wines '07 Cuvee Christie and the '09 Outlier.  If you are acquainted with Tercero Wines, you will not be surprised with the aromatics, complexity and texture of the 2007 and 2009 vintages.  Much to my surprise, people were gravitating to the '07 Petite Sirah and '07 Thompson Syrah.  I am glad there are people out there that share my palate for bold, elegant, jammy, and meaty red wines.

There's nothing like watching Larry Schaffer talk about wine.  His enthusiasm for his wines and Santa Barbara County is contagious. What set Tercero's booth apart from other wineries was the addition of the newly released iPad.  Everyone came by the booth to check out the iPad, and they were more than eager to add their names to the Tercero Wines email list.  It was a clever marketing tool and surely one that will help him and other wineries expand their reach into the crowded wine market.  You have to set yourself apart at these events, otherwise you're just another winery with a pretty label.

Not surprisingly, some folks came to the booth saying, "oh, I am not fan of that type of wine."  Sure enough, there were hooked after a pour.  Tastings like these are meant to expose you to new wines and winemaking styles, so take the chance of trying something that goes against your own palate and prejudices.

Hopefully the Vintners' Association will move the event to the Santa Ynez Valley next year rather than have people trek all the way to Lompoc.  I know the folks in the Sta. Rita Hills would disagree, but it's good to shake things up a bit.  Up next for the Vintners' Association: Santa Barbara County "Celebration of Harvest" on October 9, 2010 from 1-4 p.m. at Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley.

Ojai Vineyard 2004 White Hawk Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

Background: Honestly, you can't go wrong with Ojai Vineyard.  There's a wine for every palate among the dozen or more wines produced each year (6,000 cases) by owner/winemaker Adam Tolmach.  Ojai Vineyard sources fruit from the finest Central Coast vineyards (Fe Ciega, Bien Nacido, Thompson, Melville, Clos Pepe, Solomon Hills).  Ojai produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Syrah, as well as Red and White blends from barrels that did not make the selection for the single vineyard bottlings.

Stats: Syrah grapes sourced from White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Barbara County.  14.5% alcohol by volume.  Retails for $47, purchased for $26.99 at the Woodland Hills Wine Company.  93 points Wine Enthusiast, 92 points Robert Parker, 92 points Wine Spectator, and 91 points Josh Reynolds (IWC).

Tasting Notes: Dark, elegant, muscular and dense.  A bouquet of blackberry, minerals and jalapeño aromas tingle the nose, while blackberry, dark chocolate and black pepper coax the mid-palate, finishing with a lingering dark fruit finish.  It starts with a bang and ends with an elegant boom.  

The Ojai Vineyard 2004 White Hawk Syrah strikes me as a wine that required very little coaxing in the barrel or bottle.  It seems to have developed its own split personality - monstrous and well-balanced.  Don't get me wrong; this is not a big, bold tannin bomb of a wine.  As far as I'm concerned, this wine offers an abundance of elegance, depth and balance, while leaving a statement. Don't worry; I bought a second bottle of the Ojai Vineyard 2004 White Hawk Syrah.  

The Ojai Vineyard

P.O. Box 952, Oak View, CA 93022

(805) 649-1674

No tours or tasting room

Welcome to the Neighborhood, Municipal Winemakers

Ladies and gentlemen, help me welcome the newest tasting room to the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, Municipal Winemakers.  Tucked behind the Kunin/Westerly tasting room on Anacapa Street a block away from the beach, you wouldn't know a new winery set up shop except for the signs out front.  You can easily second guess whether you are walking down the right path to the tasting room, but stay on the gravel driveway for a few yards, and step inside the modest tasting room to enjoy some creative wine blends.  As soon as you enter, you'll be greeted by the tasting room staff or Owner/Winemaker, Dave Potter.  While not tending to his own wine label, Dave makes up the dynamic winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery (Blair Fox and Larry Schaffer).  Can I join the team?  It seems that everyone at Fess Parker has their own successful label.  I want in!

Municipal Winemakers produces approximately 500 cases of wine and sources its fruit from a variety of vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including Tierra Alta, Camp Four, and Dierberg.  The collection of wines offer youthful, fruit-forward expressions, but there are not overly complex.  You buy these wines to enjoy; not to store in the cellar for many years wondering to yourself, "is it time to open?"  MWs winemaking philosophy (authentic, creative and independent) demonstrates these qualities, and future vintages will undoubtedly evolve into wines with these pure aromatic and tasteful characteristics.  I was impressed with the 2009 Pale Pink Rose (unique blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Counoise) and the 2008 Syrah (smoky, black fruit, smooth texture, and fine tannins; well-rounded in the mid-palate).

Wine Tasting List

2009 Bright White Riesling ($18)

2009 Pale Pink Rose ($18)

2008 Bright Red ($22)

2008 Syrah ($25)

2007 Dark Red ($25)

You might also be interested in these wines, which are available for purchase in the tasting room: 2007 Fizz Sparkling Shiraz ($34), 2008 Grenache ($25), 2007 Cinsault ($25), 2007 Best Barrel Cab ($40) and Thread ($45) - best barrels from winemakers Dave Potter, Blair Fox, Larry Schaffer and Mikael Sigouin.

Municipal Winemakers

28 Anacapa Street, Suite D, Santa Barbara

(805) 931-MUNI (6864)

Open Sat & Sun, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ($10)

Facebook: Municipal Winemakers

Twitter: @muniwine

Email: dave@municipalwinemakers.com