Road Trip To Temecula

 Saturday, April 3, 2021

3 of us on this trip. Hired a car and driver to take us to Temecula for wine tasting. The driver came with a SUV which had a very high running board. Made it very difficult for me to get in because of my bout with Sciatica. May be a long trip.

We arrived in Temecula about 10:30 am . First tasting was at 11:00. I had not been here in over 15 years. Huge buildings housing the wineries. Looked more like sets for Hollywood. Not sure if I like it. If fact I really disliked it. 

First stop was Doffo winery. Big motorcycle collection. If you are a bike nut this would be right up you alley.  We had a flight of 4 wines. Decent wines but not putting out any money for them.

We were scheduled for lunch and tasting at Avensole.  Went inside for lunch first. It took 2-1/2 hour's so we had to forget the tasting. There was wine at the table for lunch. Tasted decent. Food was very good. We started out with an appetizer of oven roasted Brie cheese with a fruit compote. It was very good, Then a pizza style flatbread which also was very good. At this point I am full and I still have an Ahi burger coming. Burger got packed to go. Ate it the next day and it also was very good. If I would come to Temecula again I would probably eat here. 

We had a 3:00 appointment at Wiens for a Cellar Room tastings. This was held outdoors in a private patio setting. Best wines of the day but so over priced. $115 for a Cabernet Sauvignon from Temecula. I don't think so. Wine was good but should have been in the $45 range. 

On the way out we stopped at Akash. Their tasting stopped at 5:00 but we got a bottle and sat outside. They had a DJ playing music. I was not overly impressed with the wine.

Temecula is not for serious wine drinkers. It is playing to the party buses, birthday girls, bachelor and bachelorette parties etc., Loaded with wannabe's.  I am sure there are exceptions to the wineries. and probably a few really good ones, Wiens being one of them. But on the whole it is party time. Probably be another few years before I am back. 

Williams Selyem Wine Tasting

Saturday, October 17, 2020 Started with 8 people and ended with 5. Illnesses taking its toll. At least it wasn't Covid. Everyone brought their own entree and the host supplied all the sides and appetizers. I brought a boneless rib eye and the host did grill it perfectly. He had sides of risotto, not cooked well at all, a dish he called Paella which was not Paella but just rice with a few veggies and not sure if I saw any seafood in it at all. The roasted beets were good along with the brussel sprouts. Both I suspect came from a takeout because of the containers. And everything was luke warm. An appetizer plate fared better. Ahi Tuna, Shrimp, 3 cheeses and a dollop of loster to put into your lobster bisque soup. Soup was close to being cold. Instead of trying to impress people with the number of dishes people should remember less is less but better. A 2008 Veuve Cliquot Grande Dame Brut was poured. Very good. We had 5 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir wines tonight. My favorite was the 2011 Peay Vineyard. Disappointed in the 2009 Precious Mountian. Could be bottle variation because this vineyard is usually one the of best. Rounding out the line up was a 2012 Russian River Vineyard, 2010 Flax Vineyard, Russian River Valley, and a 2012 Sonoma County. Goods wines. mediocre food but great company.

Multiple Decade Tasting at Chez Lomita

Saturday, August 29, 2020

11 people, 11 wines with 6 feet social distancing between the tables. Poolside. Wines from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's. It was a beautiful evening but unfortunately the wind did not die down early and made for a very breezy evening.  The food suffered from this. Everyone brought a food dish to share. Only one person who had a hot dish put it into one of the crockpots supplied and that was a Beef Bourgeon which very good.   The lamb chops looked great but were over cooked, dry and cold. The duck was lukewarm.  At least my cheese plate weathered the elements in fine fashion.

There was supposed to be 22 wines but the host decided that 11 people and 11 wines would be best. I am glad he made that decision. The wines listed are in the order we tasted them. My scoring in parentheses up to 20 points)

2011 Beaune les Montrevenots Burgundy, Premiere Grand Cru, Pinot Noir (11)

1999 Domiane de Courcel  Pommand Grans Clos des Epenots. Premiere Grand Cru, Pinot Noir (13)

1998 Earl Jean-Paul Versino Cht-du-Pape, GSM (12)

1999 M. Chapoutier Les Varonniers Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone (15)

2010 Vieux Telegraphe Cht-du-Pape  (my favorite of the evening) (16)

2010 Chateau Grand Mayne Grand Cru, Saint-Emilion (second favorite of the evening) (16)

1975 Canon, St. Emilion  (12)

2003 Chateau Leoville Barton Cru Clos Saint Julian (15)

1982 Ducru Beaucaillou, St. Julien (13)

1996 Chateau Lafon-Rochet Grand Cru (13)

1982 Priure Lichine, Bordeaux (13)

1999 Chateau Malescot St. Esupery, Grand Cru, Margaux (14)

1976 Chateau Palmer,  Margaux (15)

2009 Chateau Palmer. Margaux (15)

1993 D' Yquem, Bordeaux Sauternes (18)

1963 Dow's Vintage Port (14)

1st post since Covid hit - Grand Cru Champagnes and Ice Wine

Saturday, June 27, 2020 Interesting tasting today, French Grand Cru Champagnes and Ice Wines. Served with KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) along with various cheeses and nibblies. Since it has been awhile I really cannot remember what I liked etc., so just a list of what we drank. 2002 Louis Roederer, Cristal NV Barnaut a'Bouzy, Grand Cru NV Transcendence, Methode Champonise, Sparkling ( not even French) NV GH Mumm 2008 Clos Cazales, Grand Cru (this was the first bottle emptied - it was good) 2001 Inniskillian, Vidal, Ice Wine NV Inniskillian, Niagria, Cabernet Franc, Ice Wine 2016 Anselmann, Pfalz, Blanc de Noir, Eiswein 2009 Quifera, Niagria, Rielsing, Ice Wine

Bubbles and Bites at Gelsons

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

First time going to the expanded wine bar at Gelsons market. www.gelsons.com. Have not been in this grocery store in years. Wine/Beer bar sits 10 at the higher level and has a low set up for 2 because of ADA requirements.  This was a Champagne tasting on the medium to higher scale. Bottles were available for purchase, which many people did, but I found the "special tonight prices" to be on the high side. The Clicquot Yellow Label special price was $55. Regular price was listed at $65  - I know several places that it can be purchased anytime in the $43 to $45 range.  But Gelsons is a high end market and prices reflect that.

We were served a plate that had 4 cheeses and 4 proteins. Each set was to go with a particular wine.  All the pairings worked well together

First in the line up was Veuve Clicquot Yellow Brut along with Campofrio Jamon Serrano Spanish Ham and Brillat Savarin (triple Brie) cheese.

Veuve Clicquot Rose with Les Trois Petits Cochons Duck Mousse and Emmi Gruyere Cheese.

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial with Creminelli Varzi Salami and La Tur Mixed- Milked Cheese (slightly funky)

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose with Les Trois Petits Cochons Duck Confit and Red Cow Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (too much hard rind that was uneatable)

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc with Lobster Salad Slider.

Ruinart Rose with Chocolate Covered Strawberry (huge).

I preferred the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. All the wines were very good but that one was my favorite of the evening.

The wine bar is a nice set up. You can have lunch there and order a glass or wine or beer (tap). Great if you live in the neighborhood.

Road Trip to Lompoc and the Sta Rita Wine Trail

Saturday, May 18 to Monday, May 20, 2019

First tasting was scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday. Left the Casa about 7:30 and arrived in Buellton at 10:10. Good driving conditions and averaged 40 MPH. Met the group at Ken Brown private tasting room at 11:00.

Ken Brown was our host and we tasted numerous wines. Do like his wines. Had a nice "lecture" from the man himself.  Bought a couple of bottles of his 2014 Radian Pinot Noir.

Leaving Ken Brown the group headed for Pence Winery which I refuse to set on his property. So headed off to Solvang to the Jules Haus to check on Christmas ornaments.  Had lunch at Osteria Grappolo which has been opened for about 2 weeks. Their larger restaurant is in Santa Ynez. Ordered a Risotto al Ragu which was excellent.  But the portion was huge. I made the suggestion that they serve a smaller version for lunch.

Our last tasting of the day was scheduled at Spear Winery. Had a wine dinner two weeks ago at Bacchus in Pasadena so I was familiar with their wines. Open for appointments only. Beautiful building made from reclaimed barnwood.  I was a bit early but they let me in. While waiting for the limo to arrive with the rest of the group I chatted with Kat Galaway, the winemaker for awhile. Good tasting, beautiful surroundings and great views out the massive windows. Bought a couple of bottles of their Gruner Veltliner.

After leaving Spear I checked in at the O'Carins Inn in Lompoc and got ready for dinner. Dinner tonight is at the "Eatery" at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lompoc. We had a private room off the side which I was thankful for. The restaurant was extremely noisy. Seems to be a popular hangout for the young locals.  Menu was interesting for a hotel. Laid back, burgers, sandwiches, tacos.  I ordered the Jalapeno goat cheese grilled sandwich and Chicken Tortilla soup. Both were good

Up bright and early on Sunday morning. Had breakfast at the hotel and then off the Longoria for our first tasting. Rick was our host for awhile then turned the actual pouring of his wines over to staff. 6 wines and then they threw in an extra. I purchased a "mini" flight of his Blues Cuvee which was supposed to be a 14, 15 & 16. When I unpacked at home there were two 16's and no 15. Mistake on their part but an irritant to me. Don't live close enough to take it back and exchange it. But I will send an e-mail to let them know. Also bought  a couple of his sparkling. Made one year and will not be made again. Too bad because I really like it. Rick said it was too labor intensive. 

The nest tasting on Sunday was at LaMontagne in the Wine Ghetto. Tasted 11 wines today. Did buy 3  Pinots / This is where we had lunch. Pizza was brought in. After leaving LaMontagne the group headed back to the hotel and I went to find Morretti. They moved from their location. Found them back in the Ghetto.  Vince told me they would be moving again in July to Los Olivos. Indicated that the city of Lompoc was not supportive of the wineries. 

Dinner tonight is at the Scratch Kitchen in Lompoc. Have eaten there before and food is good. Ordered the Hailbut, ate one small side of it and had them box it up for me. I am still stuffed from lunch.  Way to much food today.

Monday I had breakfast at the hotel and got on the road about 8:30. Need to stop in Newbury Park to visit Norman and Traudl before going home.   Traudl gave me several cuttings form her Orchid Cactus plants so I will try and start them at home. Problem is they should not be in direct sun and my balcony is. Will have to try and figure a way to shade them.

Got home about 3:30. Averaged 37 MPH coming home.  Nice trip but I was really tired by time I got home. Age is catching up with me. Will have to really consider if I want to do Wine & Fire this year.

Stolpman Wine Release Party at L'Opera

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Tom and Peter Stolpman were both present for the release of their wines for this year. Dinner was served at L'Opera in Long Beach. Thankfully there was valet parking. I do  not think there is a street in Long Beach that is not going under some sort of repair or construction. What a nightmare. 

We had a table of eight and strangely enough two of those people were at the Ken Brown tasting at the Enology Club last night. 

We started out with a Le Insalate (salad)  Little Gem lettuce, radishes, Kalamanta olives, cherry tomatoes, toasted hazelnuts, shaved Parmigiano and a garlic lemon dressing. Dressing was excellent. Would love to have the recipe for it.

For the main we had a choice of fish, steak or vegetable risotto.  My choice was the Pesce Del Giorno. Barramundi, champagne leek sauce, patate al parmigiano and grilled zucchini. Sauce was good and I do like Barramundi. I first tasted this species of fish in Australia.

Desserts were a platter of three different mini delectables. L'Opera is known for their mini pastries and desserts.

Stoplman wine grapes are grown in the Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara county. Tom and Marilyn have a huge "Villa" on the grounds. Just waiting for them to retire and move there permanently. Peter and his wife live near by. Big family business.

Several of the wines were pulled out of the barrels. No labels on them yet. Ten wines tonight. I am very partial to the LaCroce which was not poured tonight. It is a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah.

2018 Love You Bunches, carbonically fermented, Sangiovese
2018 GDG Gamay - I am not a fan of the gamay grape but this wine was surprisingly good
2018 Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Para Maria Rose, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache & Merlot
2018 Rose of Grenache
2016 L'Avion, 93% Roussanne, 7% Chardonnay
2017 La Cuadrilla, Syrah, Sangiovese, Grenache. (profits shared with crew)
2017 Grenache
2016 Sangiovese
2017 Angeli, 100% syrah (best of the barrels)

Ken Brown and his wines at the Enology Club

Friday, February 22, 2019

I was invited by one of the members of the Space Park Enology Club to attend the Ken Brown tasting at their monthly event at the Crowne Plaza  Hotel in Redondo Beach.  I know a lot of people who are members but this was the first invite I was offered.  Love Ken's wines so I felt this was a good opportunity for me and the man himself was in attendance.

Tables of eight  were set up, open seating. There were six of us tonight.  I was a bit disappointed in the stemware. Cheap restaurant style glasses. I was very surprised about this. If I had known this I would have brought my own glasses. I did notice that several people did this.  

A large platter of cheeses and fruits were set down along with a tray of bread and crackers. A nice assortment.

Ten wines tonight. For my palate I was taken with the La Encantada Pinot Noir. They did take a vote an the most popular wine was the Rita;s Crown Pinot Noir. I found all the chardonnays had just a bit too much  of an oaky taste for me but paired with cheeses they were winners. The Syrah's were all jammy and fruity.

Wines were heavily discounted tonight but shipping was ridiculously high. Ken did offer to store the wines for 60 days for pick up. Alas it will be 90 days before I am in the area.

2017 Rose of Grenache
2015 LaRiconada Vineyard, Chardonnay
2016 Santa Rita Hills Blend, Chardonnay
2015 Rita's Crown Vineyard,  Chardonnay
2015 Santa Rita Hills Blend, Pinot Noir
2015 LaEncantada Vineyard, Picot Noir
2015 Rita's Crown Vineyard, Pinot Noir
2014 "A" Cuvee, Syrah
2014 Watch Hill Vineyard, Syrah
2014 Thompson Vineyard, Syrah

Champagne Fest at Wine House

Sunday, December 2, 2018

This was the Wine House in Los Angeles annual Champagne Fest. I have gone several years in a row and have always got the VIP entrance ticket, Pay more but gives you a head start on the higher end Champagnes.   A total of 90 Champagnes were poured today. I did taste 26 of them. I made  a point of eating something after every pour otherwise I would not have walked out of there.

Lots of very good appetizers were being passed around along with tables full of cheeses and meats.

The most expensive wine was a 2007 Salon "Le Mesnil" Grand Cru, Blanc de Blanc. At $525 it was a total disappointment to me . Had a 94/96 rating but it was lost on me.

I took some notes but after a bit I stopped so I will list the ones I tasted without any comments.

2006 Paul Bara, Comtese Marie de France Brut - $130\NV Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Extra Brut 1er Cru - $ 55
NV Marc Hebart Brut "Cuvee de Reserve" Premier Cru Cuis - $ 46
NV Rene Geoffory Champagne Brut Premier Cru Saignee Rose - $ 65
NV Vilmart Cuvee Rubis Brut Rose - $ 88
2010 Miniere F & R Champagne Brut Zero - $ 75
NV Dhondt Grellet Le Duo Brut Rose 1st Cru - $ 63
NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve - $ 50 - 91/92
2009 Dom Perignon Brut - $ 170 - 96/98
2006 Le Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot Brut - $ 150 - 94
NV Krug Brut "Grand Reserve" 166th Edition - $159 - 95/96
2005 Henriot Cuvee Hemera Tete de Cuvee Brut - $ 180 - 97
NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Grand Siecle - $ 130 - 93/97
NV Palmer Blanc de Blanc - $ 84
2008 Cristal by Louis Roederer Brut - $ 249 - 100/97
2008 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs - $ 110 - 94/95
2006 Pol Roger Brut Sir Winston Churchill - $225 - 95 - This I liked the best
2013 Hure Freres 4 Elements Meunier - $88
2006 Charles Heidseick Vintahe BNrut Rose - $ 130 - 94
NV Bollinger Brut "Special Cuvee" (magnum) $170 - 93
2007 Bollinger Brut Grande Annee - $125 - 93/94
2008 Delamotte Brut Blanc de Blancs - $ 90 - 93
NV Claude Cazals Cuvee Vive Blanc de Bklancs Estra Brut Grand Cru - $ 70
2006 Clos Cazala Blanc de Blancs Estra Brut Grand Cru Vielles Vignes - $ 136

Williams Selyem Wine Tasting

Saturday. November 14, 2018

Small group in a private home for a Williams Seylem wine tasting. It was bring any Williams Selyem wine you want. No other theme

We had a large array of appetizers, I brought fresh Poke and the hosts made salmon for dinner and one guest brought dessert for Cream Pan.  I had never heard of this place before. She shopped at the main store in Tustin and had such a large array of tortes, cheesecakes, etc., All individually wrapped and all extremely good.  I went on line and Cream Pan has outlets in numerous Japanese stores. I definitely will be checking this out. 

I did leave about 9:30 PM but apparently it was still going after midnight. Stan then brought out a bottle of 1997 Chateau St Jean, Cinq Cepages - not a theme but I did get to taste it on Sunday and it was outstanding.

All the wines were what you would expect from Williams Selyem except for a Rocholi Vineyard. Something was very amiss with this bottle.  The most favored was the Precious Mountain Vineyard.

2008 Russian River Valley,  Litton Estate Vineyards

2009 Russian River Valley,  Rocholi Riverblock Vineyard

2009 Sonoma Coast,  Hirsch Vineyard

2009 Sonoma Coast, Precious Mountain Vineyard

2009  Russian River Valley, Westside Road Neighbors

2010 Russian River Valley, Westside Road Neighbors

2010 Russian River Valley

2011 Russian River Valley,  Block 10 - Mass Selection Estate Vineyard

2013 Russian River Valley,  Estate Vineyard

2014 Anderson Valley,  Ferrington Vineyard

2016 Sonoma Coast, Terra de Promissio Vineyard

Summer Wine Tasting at Arte Cafe

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Arte Cafe in Cerritos hosted their 16th Annual Summer Wine Tasting today.  After doing these tastings numerous times over the years I have seen a big drop off in the number of distributors participating.  Looked to me that there were approximately 8 tonight.

The quality of wines are not there either. Mostly lower end in the $10 to $25 range.  A few in the $40 to $50 but not many.  I was not taken by most of them.  Another big drawback is that if you are interested in buying then it is by the case only and that is not a mixed case either.  I am not interested in buying a case of any one wine.  The rep's kept talking about how much cheaper the pricing was in relation to the store pricing but at the store I can buy one or two bottles and be done with it.

The passed appetizers were very good, spring rolls, deep fried mozzarella sticks, fried tofu cubes, chicken salad on cucumber rounds,  cheese stuffed potstickers, chicken on skewers, prime rib on toast rounds.  And they were very good about bringing them out of the kitchen regularly. 

It was nice weather and the event was held outside so it made for a pleasant evening. Plenty of chairs for sitting and a duo playing music. Approximately 40 wines and food for $35. A bargain.

June's Monthly Gathering of The Flock

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Today's wine Theme was Greek. Interesting selection of wines along with a couple of bubblies and a dessert wine.

What I found is all the reds tasted alike. Did not find anything that really stood out from the others. The whites were a bit more varied but not by much. Most interesting  wine was a "Orange Wine". It was definitely orange. But nothing at all "steller"

Loads of great appetizers and food. Lots of wine and good company. Another beautiful day.

2007 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

Saturday, June 23, 2018

CJ hosted a Cab tasting this evening. 2007 was a stellar year for Napa Cabernets and the evening turned out stellar also. 

We dined are a wide variety of appetizers along with filet mignon and lamb chops. f course the star of the show was the wine.  I brought a 2009 DeMargerie Grand Cru Champagne to start the soiree. It was a good start to the evening. Ended with Cuvee du Cent Cinquantenaire, Grand Marnier

2007 Clos Du Val, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 

2007 Sbragia, Wall Vineyard, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, my second pick

2007 Snowden Reserve, Napa Valley

2007 Chateau Montelena, Calistoga, Napa Valley

2007 Pride, Mountain Vineyards, Napa Valley - my top pick

2007 Karl Lawrence, Reserve,  Gary Morisoli Vineyard

Road Trip

May 18 to 21, 2018

Lest at 9:30 am Friday from Huntington Beach. Traveling to the Edna Valley, outside of Pismo Beach. Margie's annual wine tasting road trip.  Gased up in Pismo before heading inland. 5 gallons of gas that meant 38.5 mpg. Not bad. 

Eleven of us meeting at Baileyana for a tasting at 3:00.  Nice cheese plate, decent wines but nothing spectacular. They seem to be short staffed for as many people as were there. Sun is out but so is the wind. Glad I have a warm jacket with me.

Checked in at the San Luis Bay Resort in Avila Beach. The place is a zoo right now. This resort is getting more popular every year. Looks like something is going to going on this weekend at the golf course next store. Tents are set up along with a stage.  Cleaned up and off to the Quarterdeck in Grover Beach for dinner.   Restaurant was busy. I have not eaten here before so it will be a new experience.  

I ordered the halibut on the light dinner menu. After the cheese and crackers at the winery I do not need big portions tonight. Several people brought bottles of wine but I opted out. We have a weekend of wine tasting so a martini is in order. Purple Rain martini and it was good. On my dinner the halibut was good but not great. The  vegetables were too aldente for me and had no flavor. Expected more from the reviews on Yelp.

Saturday morning up and out the door. Meeting at 11:00 at Talley Winery at the far end of the valley.  I opted out of the limo ride the others are taking. I know the area  well and also can be far more flexible on the timing by driving myself. We have a private room for tasting. Several of the wines were good. I did opt to buy a higher end Pinot since they waived the tasting fee if you bought something. This was a good tasting and informative.

We met at Clairborne and Churchill at 1:00 for a tasting and lunch. My turkey  sandwich was good and I opted for the fresh fruit. Again a winery with numerous groups at one time. A bit hectic getting the table out of the sun and adding another table to accommodate us. If you have a reservation for 11 people why do you have a table set for 8 ??? The Riesling and Gewurztraminer were the best wines of this stop. Not much info on the wine or winery. Just sit down, staff  put bottles on the table and then the staff walks away.

At 3:00 we were at Wolff Family Winery for our last tasting of the day. I am a fan of this winery. Took home 4 bottles.  Again the wind was a big factor in the comfort area. We did have a nice table big enough for us and they did turn on the space heater.  Wines are always good here.

We are all meeting tonight at AJ Spurs in Grover Beach for dinner.  Loud, noisy and busy.  Again I was not overly hungry and also opted out of the wine sharing. Had a Old Fashioned instead. Ordered the veal liver and onions. It was good but again way too much food. If I was home I would take a "doggie bag" but not when I and leaving in a day.

Sunday we had two tastings in Avila Beach which made it very convenient for me. First we went to Sinor-LaValle at noon. Mike Sinor gave us his history in the business. At 1:00 a tamale purveyor set up. One of the best tamales I have had in a long time. After picking up 6 bottles of Mike's 2016 White Label Pinot we are off to the next tasting right down the street. 

Second tasting room is Croma . They specialize in Spanish varietals. Nice wines but did not purchase.
Everyone is going to the Custom House at 5:00 for dinner. I opted out, went back and bought 3 more tamales and headed back up the hill to the resort.

Several things on this outing that I came to realize. Being with the same people for three days is a bit much. All nice people except one who over drank, but I needed a break from everything. Two days is max for me. Opted out of the limo was a really good decision on my part. I left the last stop on Saturday way before the rest did which gave me a lot of time to relax before dinner.  I like myself and  being alone is OK with me.  It gives me time to recharge myself.  I have no need to be surrounded by people all the time.  Last out of town trip Margie hosted we had dinner on Friday night, rode in a limo on Saturday to 3 wineries, had dinner Saturday night and I left on Sunday to come back home. I did not stay and visit more wineries on Sunday. That worked out for me the best. So I learned a lot about my tolerance and intolerance. 

Champagne Fest at Wine House

Sunday, December 3, 2017

115 Champagnes and sparkling's being poured today at the Wine House if Los Angeles.   Lots of interesting appetizers.  Tried numerous wines. Ranged from $480 a bottle to $18.   

I tried the most expensive champagne being poured. A 2006 Salon Brut Blanc de Blancs "LeMesnil Grand Cru -  disappointed, expected much more. Maybe it is just too young.

One of the ones I liked the best was a NV Allimant Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Rose at $18.

Tasted 33 out of the 115 - too numerous to list.  But a great tasting and glad I had a driver.

October's Wine Soiree

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Ghoulish Reds and Ghostly Whites was the theme for today's gathering. That meant anything and that is what we got. The host had requested costumes for people and wine bottles along with themed food dishes because of it being the Halloween "season".

 So it ended up being half and half of those in attendance. Prizes were given for each category. If you are "into it" it is your type of event. And if you are a non-conformist like me you ignore it. Although I will say that Henry's "wine bottle costume" was great. It was hand made instead of "bought". He used a lime for a head, cut a mouth in and put something red inside to make a tongue. Used screws for eyes, wire for "hair", jade plant for arms and a huge nail at the top of the head that went inside the wine bottle for stability.  Looked "frankensteinish"  and was quite creative.

We had a really mixed bag of wine but a few stood out. I brought a Sekthaus Raumland Cuvee Marie-Luise Brut which was welcomed on this extremely hot day.

Other notable wines were 1997 Estancia Meritage,  2012 Alpha Omega II and a 2014 Jean Marie Briolird, 1st Cru, Chablis.

10 Year Vertical of Clos Pepe Wines

Saturday, August 5, 2017

I wandered down the freeway to Venice Saturday afternoon for a Clos Pepe wine tasting.  The host had told Wes he could invite two extra people so Wes decided on Jolie and I. We were both ecstatic  to be the chosen ones.  This was a 10 year vertical of wines.

Unfortunately Wes had to cancel at the last minute due to personal issues. But Cameron the host welcomed us with open arms.  Andrew who is still with Clos Pepe until the wines runs out was there pouring for us. 

I was too difficult to keep notes as space was limited  I did remember that the 2001 HTC Chardonnay was interesting Had a sherry quality to it, Caramel and nutty. I liked it enough to try a second pour. And somehow in my notes I may have missed some of the wines. If I find  a complete list I will edit this post because there was between 39 and  40 bottles on the table.  I do remember that the 2006 Estate Pinot was off.

HTC Chardonnay - 2000,  2001, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

BF Chardonnay - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Estate Pinot - 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

VS Pinot - 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014

Signature - 2012

Dark Side - 2012

Sparkling - 2010

July's Meeting of the Winos

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Time to head up the freeway to Santa Monica. Very hot today and here is hoping the weather will be cooler nearer the beach.

Todays theme is CA Merlots, Sonoma or Napa and CA or French Sparklings. Not a big merlot fan but do have a couple in the cellar.

Managed to find a parking spot right across the street. Tight fit but I did make it. I am always grateful to Officer DeVries who taught me to drive when I turned 16.  Best decision my dad did  having a highway patrol officer teach me.  I can parallel park in small spaces.

The weather here is hotter than I expected. No breeze which is unusual for the area.  Stan brought out a fan and hooked it up in the yard so we could have a bit of cooling.

I drank all the sparklings but only a few of the merlots. Way to hot to enjoy big red wine. We had a big turn out today. Just about everyone in the group showed up. Some really good appetizers and numerous desserts.

NV   H. Blin Champagne
NV   Domaine Denis, Cremant de Bourgoune Brut
NV   Domaine Allimantlauger, Cremant d'Alsace
NV   Roederer Estate, Brut
2001 Gloria Ferrer, Royal Cuvee Brut
2006 Moet Chandon Rose
2013 Schramsberg, Blanc de Blanc

All were good and refreshing on such a hot day.

1996 Matanas Creek Merlot - over the hill
2002 Stags Leap Merlot - good
2003 Pride Mountain Merlot -  good
2006 Shafer Merlot - good
2010 Meeker Merlot - good
2010 St, Supery Merlot - good
2012 Charles Krug Merlot - good
2013 Simi Merlot - did not taste
2013 Duckhorn Merlot - did not taste
2013 Monticello Vineyards Merlot - did not taste
2013 Frogs Leap Merlot - did not taste
2013 Raymond Merlot - did not taste
2014 Stags Leap Merlot - did not taste

Williams Seylem Tasting

Saturday. June 24, 2017

Had been looking forward to this tasting for months.  Hosted by CJ. A very select group of people invited.  The winery itself donated a few bottles,  loads of pinot glass with their logo engraved on the and gobs of logo napkins. 

Good selection of foods but I stayed with the cheeses and crackers.  For myself if I am doing a tasting I am not too inclined to eat dinner.  I nosh my through the evening.

All the wines were excellent. Three really stood out for me. The 2009 Ferrington Vineyard, the 2001 Vista Verde vineyard from the magnum bottle and the 2007 Weir vineyard.

The list is in the order that we tasted,

2012 Russian River Valley

2011 Russian River Valley

2010 Russian River Valley

2009 Sonoma Coast (mary)

2009 Sonoma Coast (cj)  there was a big difference in bottle variation

2015 Westside Road Neighbors

2014 West Side Road Neighbors

2013 Westside Road Neighbors

2010 Ferrington

2009 Ferrington

2008 Ferrington

2002 Vista Verde

2002 Vista Verde (magnum)

2011 Rochioli Riverblock

2001 Rochioli Riverblock

2013 Foss

2011 Terra de Promissio

2009 Precious Mountain

2007 Weir

2004 Allen

June's Wino Soriree

Sunday, June 11, 2017

This months theme for the group is "New Zealand". Not my favorite wines. Cannot handle that overly grassy. acidic flavor they give their Sauvignon Blancs.

Warmest day but the hosts had lots of shade., Main dish was BBQ'd ribs and garlic shrimp. Both dishes were very good. Sherry also made Palova and did a very good one at that.  But what I found strange today was the hosts said they were making dessert, So what did a lot of people bring - dessert.  Only 4 appetizers and about 4 side dishes and the rest were desserts. Poor Margie who doesn't eat seafood had to be content with a cheese plate for an appetizer.  I just found the whole food thing strange.

I brought a New Zealand Riesling and there were a couple of Chardonnays and 3 sparkling's. . That really helped me since I did not taste any Sau Blancs.  Pinots were good. Northing really stood out. I do remember the Jules Taylor was good.