1. July 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

 In April, I met with Eben Sadie, winemaker for the Sadie Family at a presentation he was giving in Las Vegas at Aquanox.

Eben was presenting his new releases, from South Africa and Spain.

For those whom are not familiar with the Eben Sadie, he grows and makes most of his wine naturally. Self sustained viticulture (no watering), uses mules to plow, hand picks all the grapes and does not use sulfates to make the wine. Eben believes that the most important component in winemaking is the grape itself. The rest is secondary.

Now let’s get to the wine:

Sequillo 2005 South African Red Wine from Swartland region made of a blend of Syrah (68%), Mourvedre (26%), and Grenache (6%).

Bright, deep ruby color, resembles a Rhone wine from the Vaqueras region, with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, prune, thyme, leather and cedar. Some minerality with acidity on the plus side.

Elegant and surprisingly smooth finish for a wine which I expected to be much more tannic.

Columella 2005, South African Red Wine from Swartland region made of a blend of Syrah (80%), Mourvedre (20%). All grapes are berry selected!

Dark ruby/purple color, with aromas of blackcurrant, morello cherry, prune, cedar or wood box cigar, tobacco, leather, and a herbal note maybe eucalyptus. Some minerality, medium acidity, tannins on the plus side. This wine should age beautifully. Oh I forgot to mention that this is the only South African wine to ever get 95 points on WS (Wine Spectator).

Terroir Al Limit, 2005, Spanish red wine, Priorat region, my favorite of the Spanish selection. A blend of Carrigan and Grenache varietals.

With aromas of young red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant), Mon Cheri (liquor infused cherry covered with chocolate), dark chocolate, prune, smoke with a hint of woody spice.
Good balance, well structured wine.

Next blog will be about Domaine Dujac and Jeremy Dujac’s visit to Deluca Wine & Liquor.

Cheers!

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25. May 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

This was the 15th annual Great Match; Wine and Tapas, which previewed more than 250 wines Spanish wines, representing large variety of Spain’s 67 denominations (DO). This tasting was exclusively open to food/wine professionals and to the press, giving them a first-hand look at the latest wines from Spain. This event was extremely well organized and I already look forward to next year’s event.

As you can imagine, I did not sample all of the 250 wines. I narrowed my selection to about 100 wines, which were either recommended to me by my peers or which I had read reviews about.
From the moment I started the tasting till the time I left to attend another tasting (Moet & Chandon at the all new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Las Vegas), almost 5 hours had passed. It gave me plenty of time to talk with the Spanish wine representatives and winemakers.

Now let’s talk about wine: I will not go in detailed analysis of the wines I tasted as it would take days for me to do so; however you are welcome to contact me should you wish to know about a particular wine. Instead, I am categorizing them into wine types, my personal favorites in NO PARTICULAR ORDER. All wines listed are wine I am considering to buy for my personal consumption and will recommend to my clients. There will also be a section called “Funky Aromas” which will feature a list of wines with very “different/unique” aromas.

The MSRP below was provided to me at the tasting by Great Match.

Cava (sparkling):
Mont Ferrant, Blanes Nature, 2003, Do Cava, MSRP $19.99

White Wines: (Albarino wines are to be drunk young or they will lose their appeal. 2-3 years at most.)

- Terra Firme, 2007, DO Rias Baixas, 100% Albarino, MSRP: $55.00
- Albarino Santiago Roma, 2006, DO Rias Baixas, 100% Albarino, MSRP: $55.00 (note: Unique style; handpicked, grapes are cryo freezed to delay fermentation process, malolactic fermentation cut at 70% via temp. control, ages 3 month on its lees and finishes the fermentation process once bottled. No Oak.)
- Paco y Lola, 2007, DO Rias Baixas, 100% Albarino, MSRP: $55.00 (note: Most refreshing, crisp and well rounded Albarino I ever had. Only 30% of the best harvested grapes are used to make this wine. Plenty of floral aromas, good acidity and no oak. Can’t wait to have this wine again with Asian Cuisine or just to sip on my patio.)

Rose Wine:

- Gran Feudo Rosado, 2007, Bodefas Julian Chivite, Navarra, Grenache, MSRP: $19.00

Red Wines:

- Montecastro y La Planeta 2002, DO Ribera del Duero, 100% Tinto Fino (local Tempranillo), MSRP: $55.00
- Pasanau Finca La Planeta 2002, DOCa, Priorat, 80% Cab. Sauvignon, 20% Grenache, MSRP: $60.00
- Finca Antigua Crianza, 2004, DO La Mancha, Tempranillo Blend, MSRP: $15.00
- Mascun, 2005, Bodegas Osca, DO Somontano, 100% Syrah, MSRP: $25.00
- Matamangos, 2003, Agricolas Santa Rosa, DO Almansa, Blend of Garnache/Monastrell, MSRP: $29.00
- Fra Guerau, 2003, DO Montsant, Grenache/Syrah, MSRP: $15.00
- Rento, 2003, Grupo Matarromera, DO Ribera del Duero, Tinto Fino (local Tempranillo), MSRP: $75.00
- Val de los Frailes, 2003, DO Cigales, Fino (local Tempranillo), MSRP $70.00
- Campo Viejo Reserva, 2005, Juan Alcorta, DO Rioja, 75% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo (Carignan) MSRP: $12.99
- Ysios, 2001, DO Rioja, Tempranillo, MSRP; $29.99
- Navarro Lopez Old Vines Crianza, 2002, DO Valdepenas, Tempranillo, MSRP: $12.99
- Rentas de Fincas, 2003, DO Rioja, Tempranillo, MSRP : $14.00
- Earth 2.0, 2003, DO Navarra, 50% temp. 50% Merlot, MSRP : $21.00

Dessert Wines:

- Seleccion Especial, Jorge Ordonez, 2005, DO Malaga, (Muscatel), MSRP: 20.00
- Don PX Gran Reserva 1979, Bodegas Toro Albala, DO Montilla-Moriles, Pedro Ximenez, MSRP: $60.00
- Sandeman, Character Medium Dry Amontillado, DO Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Palomino Fino and a hint of Pedro Ximenez, MSRP: 19.00
- Lustau Peninsula Palo Cortado, Emilio Lustau, DO Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Palomino Fino, MSRP: 21.00
- Sandeman, Royal Esmeralda Amontillado VOS Sherry, DO Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Palomino, MSRP: 22.00
- Donecq Venerable, Vintage 30 years, DO Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Pedro Ximenez, MSRP: 45.00

Funky Aromas:

- Protos Verdejo 2007, DO Rueda (white), MSRP: $12.00 has not only floral aromas as expected but some funky arm pit like aromas too, making this wine my funky pick of the tastings.
- Don Olegario Albarino 2005 (white), DO Rias Baixas, MSRP: $22.00 has a chimney like taste/aromas all over it. Similar to what you find in a Haut Brion blanc, even though the wine characteristics are completely different. Worth the experience.

Looking to build up your wine collection or to start one? Most Spanish Red wines, especially Sherries age very well. I recommend that you slowly start stocking up on a few cases of Spanish wines before they become more popular, hence more expensive.

Cheers!  

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12. May 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

J&P Wholesale proudly presented E. Guigal portfolio tasting at Mesa Grill.

Philippe Guigal, the estate’s oenologist and Eve Ryckewaert, E. Guigal’s marketing manager personally presented E. Guigal’s current vintage and new releases.  For those who don’t know, E. Guigal is both a grower and negociant. The estate has vineyards in Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage and Saint Joseph.  All other AOC are not estate grown.  The turnout was incredible for this tasting. Almost everyone in the industry (locally speaking) was present or represented. Dana Hanusova, Mesa’s sommelier was my tasting partner for this event.

My top six picks of the tasting are:
Condrieu “La Doraine” 2006: This 100% Viognier is aged for 9 months in new oak barrels.
This white wine has a complex bouquet with aromas of acacia, linden, apricot, white peach, roasted almonds and a touch of vanilla.  Rich, full bodied, nicely rounded and well balanced.  One of my favorite whites of the tasting. Ready to drink.

Ermitage Ex-Voto 2001: This 95% Marsanne, 5% Roussanne, is aged 18 month in new oak barrels.  Personally it had the characteristics of a wine aged a lot longer in new oak to me.
For your information, I was told that this wine was only made in the greatest vintages.
This white wine has a complex bouquet and aromas of acacia, peach almost white peach, quince, honey, oak, toast, clove, vanilla and roasted almonds.  Very rich and fatty, with a long spicy finish. Should be ready to drink within the next 3-5 years.

St. Joseph “Vignes de L’Hospice” 2004: This 100% Syrah is aged for 30 months in new oak barrels.
This deep red wine, ruby colored with purple hues, has aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, a hint of prune or over-ripe cherry, wood spices, coffee, leather, oak, vanilla pod and toast. Big yet elegant tannins and well-rounded. Long smooth finish. Ready to drink.

Cote Rôtie “La Turque” 2004: This 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier is aged for 42 months in new oak barrels.
This deep red wine, ruby colored with dark hues, has aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, morello cherry covered with dark chocolate, violet, coffee, spicy wood, maybe even truffle, oak, vanilla, toasted seeds… Full bodied, elegant, well rounded with an unctuous texture and a lingering finish.  Should drink beautifully in 3-5 years.

Côte Rôtie “Château d’Ampuis” 2004: This 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier is aged for 38 months in new oak.
This ruby red wine has a complex bouquet, with aromas of raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, prune, dried herbs, violet, and hints of vanilla, coffee, toast and smoke. Medium bodied, elegant and well structured with no overpowering tannins which gives it a nice and lengthy finish.  Ready to drink and will age well for the 10+ years to come.

Côte Rôtie “Château d’Ampuis” 2000: This 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier is aged for 38 months in new oak.
This garnet red wine has a complex yet delicate bouquet, with aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, maybe even raspberry, prune, musk or leather, dried herbs, violet, hints of vanilla and toast. Medium bodied, well structured with good tannins which gives it a smooth finish.  Ready to drink. 

That’s it for this tasting.

Cheers!

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9. April 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

The tasting was hosted by Diego, Wing Lei’s sommelier. Wing Lei is located inside the Wynn Resort & Casino and its décor is simply stunning.

Willie, the tasting’s MC, had selected the tasting’s topic: any French reds, excluding, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Cotes du Rhone.
Now what kind of tasting is that? A great one if you ask me as it puts your knowledge to the test. Alsace, Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, South West of France, Corsica and Provence are about all of the possible selections. The most interesting thing, for me, about this tasting is how rarely we actually drink these wines.

This is where your knowledge comes into play. One needs to recognize particular characteristics or aromas to overcome such a challenge. I will give you an example of what I mean. If you smell aromas of strawberry, raspberry and rose in a particular wine, you know that strawberry is a typical aroma characteristic of Loire Valley and of Languedoc-Roussillon wines. Raspberry is present in all wines of the above mentioned regions so we can say that the wine is either from Loire Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon. Now we go to the next aroma, rose. Flowers scents such as rose and violet are characteristic of Loire Valley but not of Languedoc-Roussillon, hence the wine must be from the Loire Valley. It sounds simple but it takes lots of practice, hence the importance of taking time to train your nose. This is a part of the methodology which I use to uncover where a wine is from when blind tasting.
The color, viscosity, alcohol also play a great role, especially when you are at a tie break with the aromas.

Now a practical breakdown of a new wine:
Red Wine, ruby color, pink rims, medium viscosity, clear, bright with aromas of blackberry, raspberry, clove, dark chocolate and smoke, meaty in mouth with medium plus to plus acidity, not quite balanced.

Let’s analyze:
Red wine, ruby in color with pinkish rims, clear and bright puts this wine in a 2004-2005 bracket.
Clove, dark chocolate and smoke put it in the Languedoc-Roussillon Region and the blackberry hints us that it is probably a blended wine, possible Carigan and/or Syrah as varietal(s) and quite possibly some Grenache too.
Meaty in mouth with medium to medium plus acidity, maybe a wine from Corbieres AOC.

Result: 2004 Sainte Eugenie
AOC: Corbieres (Languedoc-Roussillon).

In a nutshell, that is how it’s done.

The next tasting will be classic wines from the world over. I will unfortunately not be attending that tasting as I will be tasting some wines in Switzerland and Italy! I will update you on my trip soon.

Cheers!

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8. April 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

This was probably SWS last call for Grape Nutz.  SWS is thinking to take Grape Nutz on the road. 
SWS facilities on Jones were just perfect for this kind of event.  The turn out was the most I had seen so far. It was almost like people knew that it was the last time they might be coming to SWS’s HQ for this event, paying their respect to the premises for one last time. Moet Hennessy USA was presenting their portfolio of wines.  New like old world wines were featured.
Seth Box, MH USA’s portfolio manager for their Italian wines presented Ceretto, Capezzana, Monsardo and Livio Felluga wines.  Seth used to be a winemaker at Ceretto, which explains his passion and extended knowledge when presenting Ceretto’s wine.  Ceretto makes an interesting blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Nebbiolo) called Monsardo.  Each variety’s vilification process is carried out separately.  First fermenting in steel for 12-15 days and then transferred into barriques for malolactic fermentation.  After the malolactic fermentation is completed, then only are the wines blended.  This wine has a rich bouquet of red fruits.  The wine displays a certain structure which is immediately noticeable in mouth and has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, fresh tobacco, and roasted coffee.  Oak (barriques) plays an important role as vanilla and spice flavors are present.  Well rounded with mellow tannins, this wine is very enjoyable just by itself and was the wine of choice for the most of the people present.

As usual, Ira Harmon had the generosity to introduce a few of us to something he called “special”.  A 2002 bottle of Wedell Cellars Edna Valley Chardonnay was uncorked. Once poured, one could immediately notice that this wine was unfined and unfiltered by its color.  On the nose, typical aromas found in new oak fermentation could be scented. Oak, lots of toast, roasted hazelnut, butter, new leather and other aromas all came together to created a popcorn/stinky new sneakers bouquet.  Overall well balanced, I was very impressed by this wine and would recommend it to anyone whom lives by the ABC rule (Anything But Chardonnay).  Don’t expect to find it at your local wine store; you might need to do a little research to find it. Ira finished the evening by pouring us a glass of Santo Domingo Albarradas. This mezcal, a distilled spirit from Mexico made from the agave (maguey) plants, has aromas of citrus fruits and bruised pears.  More tropical in mouth, with noticeable woody-spice aromas and a clean, dry finish. For those whom are not familiar with Santo Domingo Albarradas, it is located in the high Mixe region south of Oaxaca. In this sub-tropical climate, plants and fruits grow along the rushing mountain streams.  The production is limited due to the fact that all transportation is done by horses and burros.

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17. March 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

Chardonnay from the world over was the theme and the tasting was hosted by Jeff Wyatt, owner of the hip, off-the-strip restaurant Marché Bacchus.
Surrounded by thousands of wine bottles, the setting could not have been more fitting for a tasting.  We took refuge at the kitchen bar where Wille of Aureole, the event’s Maitre de Ceremonie ordered the first wine poured.Once all wines were poured and accounted for, we had visited Sonoma County, Chablis (Burgundy), Casablanca Valley (Chile), Macon (Burgundy), Treiso (Italy), Austria and finally we finished the evening with a Chassagne-Montrachet 1er cru (Burgundy).
It was not a simple blind tasting. I do not remember having to focus so hard on aromas to be able to place wines in a regional context. Things got tough at times, especially when we tasted a chardonnay from Austria, which was one of the evening’s most interesting and challenging wines. I personally never had a Chardonnay from Austria. The straw golden wine with an brilliant, almost oily texture of medium plus viscosity, presented aromas of mango, guava and passion fruit and a hint of sulphur on the nose (not in a faulty context) and balanced flavors of oak, vanilla, lees and furfural. Typical acidic characteristic of cold climate wine (medium plus acidity), this Prager had a nice complexity and pleasant lingering finish. If it wasn’t a Chardonnay tasting, I would have placed it as a Riesling blend due to the noticeable mineral (flint) content, acidity and tropical fruit aromas. Needless to say that I was not able to place it to Austria. A great buy if you can find it or keep it in mind next time you dine at Areole.
What to find out more about the other wines, just email me. I took full notes on most of the wines tasted and will be glad to provide them to you.
The next event on Tuesday evening, March 25^th, at midnight, and the location has not yet been selected. The theme is ANY French red excluding, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone valley wine! This ought to be an interesting tasting and for those attending, surprise us!

Until next time, Cheers!

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29. February 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

Two blind tasting in one day is almost too good to be true. 

Willy S. of Aureole, Las Vegas organizes every other Tuesday night a blind wine tasting session for industry people. The tasting is composed mostly of sommeliers or MS, wine buyers and aficionados. The formula is pretty simple, a new venue for each tasting, and one type of grape varietal or wine style.  Each participant must bring a bottle of the selected varietal or style. This particular event was hosted at the Vox Wine Lounge in Henderson, NV. Patrick Pretz, Vox’s sommelier was the host of this event and we owe him a great thank you for his wonderful hospitality.

This is the first time I participated in this style of tasting.  I have participated in numerous blind tastings before; where we would share notes once we had finished examining the wines.  Unlike regular blind tastings, here, each participant plays a distinct role examining, describing, and analyzing only one aspect of the wine.  From there the next taster moves on to the next aspect of the wine.  The participants each take turns critiquing a specific aspect of the wine, from color, nose (aromas & bouquet), taste (aromas), structure, assessing where the wine comes from, the vintage and finally its producer. 

This might all sound complicated, but is actually very entertaining and you learn abundantly when working in a group, sharing a wealth of knowledge.  To show my point, out of the 14 wines sampled, the group was able to pinpoint 95% of the wine geographically.  Of those 95%, 50% to a region or area, 20% to an AOC or AVA and 15% to the actual producer.  60% of the time, the vintage was correct.  The only 2 wines we failed to place were a Pinot Noir Cava (sparkling wine) from Argentina and a Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley in France.  This further validates my opinion that one always learn more about a wine’s characteristics when discussing it openly with other tasters.  The next tasting will be hosted on Tuesday March 11^th, 2008 at Marche Bacchus in Summerlin.  The grape varietal for the tasting will be Chardonnay, and the wine can come from anywhere in the world.  Be creative and bring something everyone can enjoy. Cheers!

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29. February 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

Nevada Wine Agents presented a California blind tasting at Company American Bistro, located inside the Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas.  What a beautiful location and my compliments to the chef on preparing us such mouth watering hors d’oeuvres.  Dieberg & Star Lane Vineyards organized the event, featuring 5 well known Californian Cabernets. The purpose of this tasting was of course to promote their wines and show that their wines can stand up against some of California’s most “reputed” wineries.With about 20 sommeliers and wine industry tasters participating, the Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, ranked 2^nd. Hourglass Cabernet 2004 ranked 1^st, Caymus 2003 ranked 3^rd, 100 Acres 2004 ranked 4^th and Opus One 2003 ranked 5^th.  On a price/quality ranking, Star Lane ranked 1^st.  At a third of the price of the other wines tasted, the Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon makes for a great buy.  Now on a more personal level, when blind tastings are performed to compare wine of the same varietal and region, I like to see a more horizontal tasting.  All of the wine featured should have been of the same year as Star Lane’s or 2005 in my opinion.

Cheers!

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5. February 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

Steve Morey of Vin Sauvage presented the “What’s New in Vin’s Bin for 2008”.  The event was hosted at Louis’s Osteen’s new restaurant, Fish Camp, located at Town Square.

Approximately 30 different vineyards where presented, representing wines from Germany, Italy, France, Chile, Argentina and the US.

This tasting had a great atmosphere, and was attended by most of the city’s sommeliers.

 I was asked by one of Vin Sauvage’s sales representative if there was anything new or interesting that intrigued me. I immediately replied Alligator. I don’t think I have ever had gator before and that was the first thing I was served arriving at the tasting. First I thought it might be a joke; however I quickly realized that this was no chicken I was eating. Although not so different from chicken, the meat was fattier and almost a hybrid of chicken and fish. Now back to the important stuff: wines…..

Today I decided to go by country, and as usual name the wine I preferred from select winemaker.

Italy was represented by no less than 16 different properties.

Carlo Lavuri came all the way from Tuscany to present Fortediga wines, made by no other than Carlo Antonini’s son, Alberto.  Sodamagri, a 2005 Syrah from Maremma, Tuscany was the highlight of Carlo’s selection. Even though this wine is still young, it shows great structure, hence great potential.
Selvapiana’s Vin Santo (dessert wine), was a true delight. This 1999 blend of Trebbiano/Malvisia, of Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, has golden amber tones, with aromas of dried apricot, roasted almonds, honey and caramel. Incredibly rich and complex and very well balanced with a lingering finish. Well priced considering the work that goes into making such a wine.

France was represented by an American, yes that’s right! His name is Bob and his wine is called Vin de Bob which means Bob’s wine! Bob is a banker -turned-winemaker. Anything is possible these days. Bob makes a solid wine from Bergerac (Cabernet Franc) and only time will tell how Bob’s conversion to winemaker works out.

Finally, from the USA, we will talk about the Morgan’s 2006 Cote de Crows. This Syrah has a beautiful nose and well balanced. In the quality-for-price category, it’s a great deal for all.

In addition to these, there were so many other fine wines at this tasting.  Unfortunately I will not be able to comment on all of them.

Cheers!

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30. January 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

The event was hosted at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, located inside the Forum Shoppes at Caesar‘s Palace.

24 Californian Vineyards where represented at this year’s first WineStock.

Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the 80 plus labels that were featured, as there is no way I could do so objectively. So instead I am only going to talk about 5 wines which left me with a lasting impression.

In alphabetical orders:

Chateau Boswell:

I asked Joshua Peeples if there was only one wine we had to feature which one would it be? He eagerly replied Jacquelynn! I immediately responded by asking him if that was the name of his wife. He responded YES. After a few seconds of silence and then a knowing understanding, we concluded that love is beautiful…Made from 50% Semillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc, this Bordeaux style white wine is Josh’s first personal label (half Jackie’s if you know what I mean) and I could understand his pride as he successfully blended the love he had for his wife with the other love of his life, wine.

Derbès Wines:

Cecile Lemerle-Derbès, the winemaker of Derbès wines, makes an very interesting Pinot called Les Pinots (50% pinot noir, 50% pinot meunier).  This wine has a beautiful bouquet both delicate and solid at the same time. Inoculated with Burgundy yeasts, the wine is aged in Barrels for 17 months. Like burgundy’s best, the wine displays finesse and has aromas of strawberries, raspberries, fresh tobacco, and roasted coffee. This wine has a defined oak touch to it.
A great and unique wine, priced reasonably.

Detert Family Vineyards:

2005 Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Franc with a 5% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon has great potential. While still young, this is a rich and intense wine with aromas of black cherry, green pepper, sage and black currant. You are left with a baked chocolate taste to your palate.

Stanton Vineyards:

Doug Stanton’s 2005 Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch (7%) of Petite Syrah is delightful and well rounded. The Petite Syrah gives this wine a nice, rather smooth finish. One of my favorite cabernets of this tasting.

Tin Barn Vineyards:

In the Price Quality Ratio category, Tin Barn’s Zinfandel is this tasting’s champion.  I am not a Zinfandel fanatic as you might already know, however I never turn down a good wine. Tin Barn’s 2004 Russian River Valley Zinfandel sourced from Gilsson Vineyard, shows aromas of raspberry, cherry with American oak derived aromas of vanilla pod, new leather and toast. Well balanced and very well priced! The only thing I did not like on this Zinfandel was the label. But that can be remedied very easily.

That’s all for this tasting. Cheers!

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21. January 2008 by Sebastien Gavillet.

As every 3rd Thursday of each month, Southern Wines & Spirit hosted Grape Nutz, and as expected it was a great success.

Being the first event since Nov. 2007, the attendance reached record levels. Most of the Wines featured were from the Willamette Valley, OR. represented by the following vineyards:  Adelsheim Vineyards (Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir), Bethel Heights (Casteel Reserve Pinot Noir), Chehalem (Pinot Gris), Cristom (Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir) and Domaine Drouhin (Drouhin Pinot Noir). The wine in the brackets are the ones I preferred of those wineries

Luis de Santos, MS (Asian Portofolio Manager SWS) presented in collaboration with Tsushima Kitahara (The 13th generation of Shichiken’s Sakes founder), Rice Nutz.
~Bigin Bigin~, Junmai Daiginjo (aged 3 years in bottle) caught not only my nose but soothed my palette. With a production of only 1500 bottles a year, do not expect to find it at your local wine store. For more info, please contact info@sakeatpil.com as this sake is not featured on their website.

Spirits of Serendipity presented Slovenia’s “It’s not Champagne, It’s Bubbly.” sparkling wines. With 4 different cuvees, you are sure to find one to fit your personal preference. For more information, please visit: www.enjoyserendipity.com

Finally, Brain Harlan of Loosen Bros. USA presented a delightful selection of Dr. Loosen wines. I don’t know why but I am always caught by surprise at how the wines from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer sometimes manages to maintain such delicate balance. I very much enjoyed Dr. Loosen’s Wehlener Sonneruhr Auslese 2006, the nose is light and simple (due to the low alcohol content) with aromas of white peach and a light touch of lemon (fruit). Refreshing with a very clean finish, too bad it wasn’t 90 degrees on the patio last night.

Should I have forgotten to include anyone, please let me know so that I can update the blog. Until then, Cheers!

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