South Africa Food & Wine Safari: Success!

South Africa! Our wine and food "safari" earlier this month (Sat. May 14th) featuring Buitenverwachting, Excelsior, Morgenster & Raats, with authentic braai (bbq) from Perky's South African Food & Catering, was a huge success! Pictures from the event are located here: http://www.c3lt.com/Hi-Time/South-Africa-Wine-Food-Safari/

Nugan Estate: Awesome Australian Wines!

 by Tobin Sharp

Nugan Estate is a premium producer of estate grown wine based in Griffith, New South Wales, Australia.

It is part of the Nugan Group, which was founded in 1940 on fruit and vegetable packing and expanded in the 1970s into juice production – later becoming one of the largest exporters of niche juice products to Asia. In 1993 Nugan Group further diversified its operations planting vineyards and selling fruit under contract. From there, winemaking was a natural progression.

Today Nugan Estate owns 590 hectares of vineyards in Australia’s finest wine growing regions of Riverina, King Valley and McLaren Vale – making it the 18th largest vineyard holders in Australia. In addition, Nugan Estate sources premium quality grape from the renowned Coonawarra region.

Family operated by Michelle, Matthew and Tiffany Nugan, Nugan Estate is one of Australia’s Top 20 Wine Exporters and is complemented by a premium wine portfolio, extra virgin olive oil and the award winning Griffith restaurant, Michelin.

Matt Nugan visited our shop not too long ago on a promo tour and, lucky for us, brought his wines along for us to sample. Impressed would be an understatement when it comes to our reaction on the quality of his family wines and their more-than-fair (downright bargain!) pricing. Stunned? That might be it. The wines were fantastic, showcasing Aussie terroir and the amount of sunshine they get (Beautiful ripe fruit? Yes, please!). In American parlance, a clear home run-- in Aussie, an easy "sixer" (in cricket terms, of course!).

Nugan Estate 2012 Riverina "Drover's Hut" Chardonnay $14.95 [378098]
Easy-drinking, balanced, clean Chardonnay. The nose shows tropical fruits, orchard fruits, sweet brown spices and a touch of lemon grass. Great viscosity on the palate with flavors of more stone fruits, mango, white peach, lots of Fuji apple, and a touch of minerality in the finish. Enjoy with or without food-- pairs perfectly with sunny days and easy company.

ANTONIO GALLONI 90 POINTS - "Light yellow. Ripe nectarine, melon and tangerine on the fragrant nose and in the mouth. In a lush, open-knit style, with a jolt of bracing acidity adding lift and focus. Picks up a stony, almost Chablis-like hint of minerality on the finish, which lingers with very good tenacity and focus."
 

Nugan Estate 2013 Riverina "Stomper's" Cabernet Sauvignon $14.95 [381848]
Cherry fruit fills the nose as touches of olive tapenade, black licorice and ripe rapsberry fill in the gaps, all surmounted by a layer of mint and hint of tobacco-- enticing and fairly complex for this price niveau. The palate is lush and loaded with cherries and raspberries but not cloying. Savory touches of forest floor, spice box and black pepper add to the ripe red fruits. The finish is clean and uplifting as bracing acidity and brisk tannins keep it looking up. A great warm weather red, keep a few bottles of "Stomper's" handy when the grill comes out and the company arrives.

ANTONIO GALLONI 90 POINTS - "Brilliant ruby. Fresh, spice-tinged dark berries and cherry on the nose, with notes of floral oils and cured tobacco adding complexity. Bright cherry and blackcurrant flavors show good depth as well as vivacity, with a jolt of black pepper adding spicy bite. Finishes floral and gently sweet, leaving a hint of candied rose behind."

 

 Nugan Estate 2012 Coonawarra "Alcira Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon $21.98 [378428]
Eucalyptus and mint, two classic descriptors for the Aussie terroir, are clearly in the nose as hints of pencil lead and fennel are surmounted by dark red fruits, jammy raspberry and cassis: beautiful, rich and deep. The tannins in this "Alcira" Cab are fine and silky, uplifting broad flavors of dark cherries, cassis and cacao. A pinch of spice and earth lead to a long, smooth finish with, again, lasting deep, dark red fruits.

Nugan Estate 2012 Riverina "Scruffy's" Shiraz $14.95 [378497]
Concentrated raspberry and boysenberry fruit fill the nose, almost a jammy, fruit-leather version, as bits of red licorice, mint, cherry cola and herbal woodiness create a fine supporting cast of scents. In the mouth, fresh fruits reign, sweet berries, cherries and raspberries; light herbals, black tea and incense weave their way between the sweet fruit, adding depth and richness. Easy to quaff, perfectly delightful, great for Spring and Summer.

ANTONIO GALLONI 90 POINTS - "Dark purple. Spicy blackcurrant and cherry aromas are complemented by Asian spices and floral oils. Lively and precise on the palate, offering gently sweet, incisive dark fruit flavors and a hint of spicecake. Finishes on a gentle tannic note, with very good clarity and an echo of candied flowers."

Nugan Estate 2013 Alfredo "Second Pass" Shiraz $19.95 [381882]
The "Second Pass" Shiraz is sourced from the Nugan family’s premium vineyards in Australia. After fermentation, the wine was pressed onto the pomace and yeast lees of our premium “Alfredo” Dry Grape Shiraz adding to the wines’ intensity, á la the Ripasso style found in Italy's Valpolicella region. Thereafter, the wine was matured in French and American oak for 12 months resulting in a wine of concentration and quality.

Dark berries, mint leaf and herbal wood fills the nose as more scents reverberate: black licorice, strawberry tea, mixed brown spices, dark perfumed florals. Sweet fruit buoyed by lush tannins start on the palate with more layers growing with each sip: cherries and berries meet breakfast tea and violet petals, rhubarb, tobacco, dark chocolate and brown earth. Sweet, rich, complex. The tannins and excellent acidity keep it aloft and light on the palate even with all its richness of flavor. Great with grilled meats (from lamb to cow) and game, strong hard cheeses.

ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "Inky purple. Heady, expansive aromas of dark fruit liqueur, potpourri and incense, with a hint of smoky minerality adding vivacity. Offers juicy, penetrating cherry and dark berry flavors and an exotic floral pastille quality that builds in the glass. Shows excellent clarity and thrust on the finish, with silky tannins coming in late."

Quick Sips: Chateau Vannieres with Eric Boisseaux

Eric Boisseaux of Chateau Vannieres in Bandol sharing his great wines with our French wine buyer Josh Hoover, including some with age from '88,'95, '01 and '09. The Rosé was delicious too. -Gary Faust

Italian Winemaker Alessandro Cellai Visits Hi-Time

by Gary Faust
 
It was quite an honor to welcome Italian winemaker, Alessandro Cellai to Hi Time Wine Cellars. He is quite versatile and talented, producing wine from two estates with two very different terroirs.

From Sicily, the Feudi del Pisciotto estate showcases some of the island’s native varietals as well as some “international varietals.” Cellai believes three indigenous grapes from Sicily show the character of the island and what is possible in this unique micro-climate. The Grillo, Nero d'Avola and Frappato are excellent examples of wine with true Sicilian character.

Feudi del Pisciotto includes what is probably the greatest intact example of a gravity-fed winery. Incredibly, this was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks who knew a thing or two about making wine. Photos of the interior of this historic building are amazing. Today, many winemakers are building gravity-fed winemaking facilities, an acknowledgement that the process is still very relevant and results in gentle and efficient handling of their grapes and wine.

The bottles of Feudi del Pisciotto have labels featuring the artwork of prominent Italian designers including Versace and Valentino. The artists agreed to allow use of their art as a portion of the sales go toward the renovation and restoration of historic Sicilian art and culture. In tasting through the lineup, we found the wines were expressive, delicious and surprisingly affordable. The designer series wines are shown on the right side of the photo included in this blog (at the top of the page).

We also tasted the Rocca Di Frassinello wines from the appellation of Maremma in Tuscany. Rocca Di Frassinello is a unique joint venture of two incredible producers coming together to craft wine in the rolling hills of Tuscany. The parties involved are Castellare di Castellina from Chianti and the legendary Bordeaux producer Lafite-Rothschild. Their Rocca di Frassinello project couples Castellare’s experience in growing Sangiovese with Lafite’s experience growing classic French varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Rocca Di Frassinello showcases a stunning winery, most of which is built underground. The modern looking facility contains the largest barrel room in the world. The impressive structure is often host to recitals and performances.

The character of the wine is different than many other expressions of Tuscany such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Nobile Di Montepulciano. These Super Tuscans feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. They are rich, full-bodied wines which give great pleasure!

The Poggio alla Guardia is an over-achiever, which was our Wine of the Month 2 last July. The 2012 is even better than the 2011 so we will be bringing it into the store in a big way. All the wines from this winery were full-bodied with rich, ripe fruit and smooth tannins.

What a treat it was to spend time with such a talented winemaker. Alessandro was very generous with his time and knowledge. His wines from two very different regions share one common trait- they’re fantastic!

May Wine of the Month: Juliette 2015 Vin de Pays de Mediterranée Rosé

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." Of course, we are talking about Dry French Rose season which is just starting; we loved this one so much, we made it our wine of the month. Juliette comes from the Provence region of Southern France, home of the most exquisite and traditional rose wines in the world (and you'll see many more in the next few months!). Produced at the maison of Domaine de La Sangliere, Juliette is a true expression of a traditional Provencal rose wine.

The Style - Juliette is refreshing and elegant, bone dry rose wine, with layers of lively fruit and a bright, smooth finish-just the way a true rose wine from Southern France should be.

Tasting Notes - Elegant and pretty, soft fruits resonate in the nose with layers of mixed melons, plantain, ripe peach and a touch of creme fraiche. The palate is hugely lush yet tempered with acidity. Minerally notes and stone fruits dance with light brown spices and a touch of sea salt/salt air-and the finish echoes with gently receding fruit flavors.

Pairing Notes - Juliette is also an exceptional food wine that pairs with so many different types of cuisines. While Juliette serves an excellent standalone aperitif wine, Juliette is a perfect pair for grilled fish, seafood, steamed fish, lobster, shellfish, bouillabaisse and other traditional Provencal cuisine.

$9.99 750ml [345444] Buy it here.

Chardonnay Symposium May 12-14

7th Annual International Chardonnay Symposium
May 12-14, 2016
 

Please join us at our annual global gathering of the world’s top Chardonnay producers at the 7th Annual International Chardonnay Symposium, hosted by the stunning coastal communities of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and the Edna Valley wine region.
 
Our Symposium showcases the finest wines from the world’s most notable Chardonnay wine producing regions, like Chablis, Russian River, Australia, Napa Valley, Chile, South Africa and beyond. This year’s French Forum will have an expert-led exploration of France’s quintessential Chardonnay regions, such as Chablis Champagne, Montrachet, Pouilly-Fuissé, Languedoc-Roussillon and Meursault. Moderated by Master Sommelier Bob Bath, from the Culinary Institute of America, it includes Claude Rouquet from the Boisset Collection, Bruno Laclotte from Charton et Trebuchet, Bernard Retornez from Maison Louis Latour, Kyle Kaplan from Piper-Heidsieck, and Geoffroy de La Besnardière from Domaine de l’Arjolle.
 
The French Forum is but one of the many fascinating panel discussions. Others include: Wente Clone Comparative Tasting, What’s Oak Got to Do With It?,Pairing Chardonnay With Artisanal Cheeses, Taste the Difference: Exploring California’s Distinct Chardonnay Regions and Hone Your Chardonnay Blind-Tasting Skills. Other exceptional events include The Grand Tasting at Greengate Ranch & Vineyard, Vintners’ Wine Tech Symposium, Sommelier Chardonnay Challenge, La Paulée Dinner & Vintners Awards Ceremony, and this year’s featured  Pét-Nat and Sparkling Wine & Oysters Gala.
 
As one of our preferred subscribers, we have extended our discount code “hitime2016" for you to receive 20% off your Symposium tickets. For more details on this event and to purchase your tickets, click here!
 
This is an exclusive event and we look forward to seeing you!

May 2016 Wine Bar

We have lots of great tastings this month at the wine bar... hope to see you here!

[click the calendar to see a larger version]

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO

by Gary Faust

Patty Quick and I were fortunate to attend the world premiere tasting of the 2011 single vineyard “crus” of the great Barbaresco producer, Produttori del Barbaresco. Produttori is well known for their excellent and affordable Barbaresco, which is a blend of the fruit from their different vineyards. Over the years, they have garnered attention for their Crus, which are smaller in production and show considerable differences.

Produttori del Barbaresco was founded in 1958 by a priest in the village of Barbaresco who believed the only way the farmers could survive was by joining together. Initially, 19 farmers working small plots of land formed the cooperative. The group has now grown to 54 members and 250 acres of Nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each member has full control of their vineyard and collectively they have raised the stature of the appellation.




Many years of working the land and making wine led them to appreciate differences inherent in each of the vineyards. They recognized differing soils, sun exposure and micro-climates produced wines with significant differences. Think of a large family with 9 children. There are definitely familial traits, but each has their own unique personality. This essentially is the concept of the single crus which Produttori began bottling in 1967. Since then, each has achieved DOCG status which is the highest recognition under Italian appellation law.

We learned that each farmer brings their harvest to town where the grapes are carefully inspected and the farmers are paid according to the quality of the grapes as opposed to the yield. This encourages the farmers to focus on quality, not quantity. Each bottle is numbered and the farmers who provided grapes for each cru are listed on their respective bottles. This is pretty cool and shows the importance given to the grapes themselves. It was a treat to try each of the wines and learn more about their differences.

It was great to taste through the lineup and discover the differences amongst the each of the crus. Honestly, they were all delicious and we are fortunate to have several of the bottlings available at the store. Below are some of our observations as well as reviews of the wines we brought into the store.

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO 2011 "PAJE" $49.98 #303196

"Paje" is a small vineyard located in a sloped amphitheater with limestone soils. The wines here are known for having a combination of pronounced tannins and finesse and elegance that come together with a bit of cellaring.

ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 95 POINTS - "One of the highlights in this range, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is also one of the most classic of these 2011 Riservas. Beams of underlying acidity and minerality give the flavors considerable thrust and brightness. Sweet mentholated notes wrap around a core of plush, red-fleshed plum and pomegranate fruit, leading to a brisk, refreshing finish. What is left to say? The 2011 Pajè is absolutely gorgeous. It's as simple as that. Pajè is one of the cooler micro-climates the Produttori work with, and that was a help in 2011."

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO 2011 "ASILI" $49.98 #303192

Wines produced from “Asili” are prized for their elegance, charm and overall finesse. They are slightly lighter in color and express their terroir with great personality as they age. The sweet lifted fruit and silkiness of the wine make this really irresistible.

ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 95 POINTS - "The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is one of the most refined wines in this range. Here the fruit shows more distinctly red-toned notes, with plenty of Asili creaminess, silkiness and overall texture, not to mention considerable density. There is plenty of Asili sexiness and radiance, but at the same time, there is also more tannin and overall brightness than I expected. Not that those things are bad. Far from it. I imagine the 2011 will reward readers with many years of exceptional drinking. This is one of the most polished wines in the range of 2011 Riservas. Then again, it's Asili."

Wines produced from “Asili” are prized for their elegance, charm and overall finesse. They are slightly lighter in color and express their terroir with great personality as they age. The sweet lifted fruit and silkiness of the wine make this really irresistible.

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO 2011 "OVELLO" $49.98 #303194

Ovello is the northernmost vineyard in the village of Barbaresco and is influenced by the nearby Tanaro River. The calcareous soils are rich in clay. The clay and cool microclimate imparts these wines with rich fruit, fresh aromas and flavors along with moderated tannins. Skilled vineyard work is the key here.

ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 94+ POINTS - "The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello, from one of the coolest zones in Barbaresco, is superb. Here it is the wine's precision and energy - both hard to come by in 2011 - that really stand out. Pine, mint, chalk, bright red berries, blood orange and white pepper are some of the signatures in a brilliant, finely-cut Barbaresco that captures the best of both the vintage and this site. Don't miss it!"

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO 2011 "RABAJA" $49.98 #302432

The Rabajà vineyard lies at the conjunction of two main ridges that form the Barbaresco village. The combination of two soils and its warm southwest exposure give Rabajà its incredible complexity, darker fruit profile and richness.

ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 95+ POINTS - "The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is quite backward today, with intense, salivating tannins that cut through the fruit. The trademark Rabajà balsamic flavor profile is there, with notable darkness and plenty of structure that add complexity to a core of crystalline fruit. Energetic and powerful, with searing tannin and exceptional balance, the Rabajà is going to require considerable patience. The only question is how much."

PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO 2011 MONTEFICO $49.98 #303197
ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 95 POINTS - "The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the highlights in this range from the Produttori. Imagine the precision of Ovello, but with slightly darker fruit and more density and power through the middle. That's the Montefico. A regal, towering Barbaresco, the Montefico should provide thrilling drinking for the next several decades. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance on the powerful, structured finish."

Greek Winemaker To Visit Hi-Time April 28th

Next Thursday, April 28... Just in time for Greek Orthodox Easter, Hi-Time will host winemaker Apostolos Spiropoulos who will be present from 5-7 pm (the tasting runs from 4:30-8:30pm) to discuss his family's wines and organically farmed vineyards. $20. We will taste 6 wines-- come down & taste!

The Spiropoulos family has maintained close ties with vineyards and wine since 1860.
The family’s vineyards are located on the Ancient Mantinia plateau in the central Peloponnese at an altitude of 650 meters, and in the vicinity of Ancient Nemea.  Α total of over 86 acres of vineyards are cultivated with grapes ranging from Moschofilero, Agiorghitiko, Lagorthi and Merlot to Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Syrah.

Since 1993, cultivation in Domaine Spiropoulos vineyards has met the “Organic Farming” requirements of EU Law 2092/91, and since 1996 the grapes of Domaine Spiropoulos have been certified for organic cultivation by DIO, the authorized agency in Greece for certification of organic produce.

The target Is producing high-quality grapes and wines, and protecting the ecosystem and the environment.

For more on Domaine Spiropoulos, please visit their website:

http://www.domainspiropoulos.com/

Wine Bar This Week

 Hello!

Tonight (Wednesday, April 20th) we are tasting 7 Sakes with Liloa "Loa" Papa from Young's Market Co. for our monthly Sake Tasting.  It runs from 6-8 p.m. and costs $20.

Thursday, April 21st - Sangiovese
It's not only grown in Brunello and Chianti! While we may take a look at some wines from these famed areas, some other less famous examples may sneak in...
$30, 4:30-8:30 p.m.



Friday, April 22nd - Yalumba
With roots going back to 1849, South Australia's Yalumba is a great intro to Aussie wines, if you're unfamiliar, and a benchmark Barossa winery to the already-converted imbibers. Plus we'll have Yalumba’s travelling historian & story-teller, Jane Ferrari, joining us at the wine bar. She is known for her deep knowledge of Yalumba and sparkling wit. $25, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 23rd - Saint Cosme
This historic winery in Gigondas, in the southernRhône region of France, has roots dating back to the early 15th century and a stable of wines as rich as their history. $30, 2-8:30 p.m.

Hospice du Rhone

Our California (Dan Williams) and French (Josh Hoover) wine buyers are up in Paso Robles this weekend at the Hospice du Rhone... Dan is offering up tidbits and photos on his Instagram which we are sharing here (and on our instagram).

Dan: Concrete fermenters at Epoch Estate in Paso Robles. This winery makes some of the best wines in the region. We just sampled the 2014 Zin out of tank...and it is AMAZING! Let @hospicedurhone begin!

Dan: Some old vines here in Paso Robles. Stoked to be here for the @hospicedurhone event! Over the next few days our French wine buyer @whooever and I will taste countless of Rhone-style wines (Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Chateauneuf du Pape, etc.) from around the world, and bring some real show stoppers back to our store.

 

We look forward to tasting the wines they discover!

South African Wine & Food Safari at Hi-Time

Authentic South African Wine & Braai (barbecue)
With Owners/Winemakers in Attendance

The Wine Estates That Will Be Here:

Buitenverwachting • Lars Maack (Owner)

Raats • Bruwer Raats  (Winemaker / Owner)

Excelsior  • Peter De Wet (Owner)

Morgenster • Judi Dyer (Managing Director) 

Saturday, May 14th

Reservations Required: 2 seatings •  4:30-6:30 or 7:00 – 9:00
Cost is $30.00

RSVP to Patty or Todd at Hi-Time: 800-331-3005
or Reserve your space online at hitimewine.net (links on the times above)

Braai provided by Perky's South African Food & Catering

Samoosas
A thin and crispy wrapped pastry with spicy ground beef filling
mixed with mint, green onions and coriander.

Boerewors
House made farmers sausage consisting of ground beef and pork
mixed with traditional spice from South Africa.

Lamb Chops
Lamb Chops grilled over a bed of mesquite wood charcoal
seasoned with South African spices.

Hi-Time Wine Cellars • 250 Ogle Street • Costa Mesa, CA 92627 • @mrhitime www.hitimewine.net

Wine Bar This Week

We are having a great class on Wednesday, April 13th, as Professor Todd Johnston hosts Cheese 101, a primer on wine and cheese pairing.  The class costs $20 and goes from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 14th: Domaine St. Préfert & Friends
Excellent high-scoring wines from Isabel Ferrando in Châteauneuf-du-Pape & other tasty French wines, all from H. Mercer Imports. $25, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, April 15th: So You Think You Don't Like Euro Wines? & Trivia Night with KissKissBangsBangs!  
Don't like Euro Wines? We will taste eight "modern style" wines from Europe that just might change your mind.  Trivia portion starts at 7 p.m. $25, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16th: Rosé Champagne
More popular than ever, we will sample 9 Rosé Champagnes including faves from Billecart-
Salmon, Laurent-Perrier, Andre Clouet, Gosset and Larmandier-Bernier. $30, 2-8:30 p.m.

Next Week:

Our monthly Sake Tasting is next Wednesday, April 20th, from 6-8 p.m., $20. Our guest host is Liloa "Loa" Papa from Young's Market Co. who will join our regular host and sake buyer Veronica Castro.

Thurs. 4/21: Sangiovese, $30
Fri. 4/22: Yalumba, $25
Sat. 4/23: Saint Cosme, $30 

Hi-Time Wine Cellars presents...

Tuscany Under The Stars
A Night of Tuscan Wines with Producers

At

The Pelican Courtyard
124 Tustin Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Wednesday, May 4th • 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Taste over 20 wines with six producers
Selvapiana • Badia a Coltibuono • Poliziano
Casanova di Neri • Aia Vecchia • Adami

Tray Passed Tuscan Bites
catered by Mark McDonald of Old Vine Café, Costa Mesa

Entertainment Provided by Haddy Music
$40 per person
Reservations Required By Phone (949.650.8463) or Online

For more info please go to hitimewine.net • Dress Code Business Casual

Wine Happenings

Burgundy
Gregory Patriat, winemaker for Boisset pouring some of his white and red wine from Burgundy. Reasonably priced, elegant wines. -Gary Faust

Wine Bar!
Ancient Peaks is a stunning property in Paso Robles. The owner and winemaker will be at our wine bar Thursday evening, April 7th,  pouring their wines, talking about their vineyards, and just having fun! Just $20, open 4:30-8:30 p.m. - Dan Williams

On Friday night (4/8), we will taste some newly released beauties from the Golden State! $25, 4:30-8:30 p.m.


On Saturday (4/9) we are tasting the wines of Herman Story and Desparada-- with both winemakers in attendance!

Both wineries have made HUGE splashes over the years, crafting intense & complex reds & whites from Paso Robles & Santa Barbara County. Tonight we'll have both Russell & Valia, respective winemakers for Herman Story & Desparada, pouring new releases! $30, 2-8:30 p.m.

The Awesome Current & Upcoming Napa Valley Wines

by Dan Williams

For me, February is the best time to visit Napa Valley. Sure, the weather would be better if I went it June, when it gets warm without being super hot... but you just can’t beat Napa in February. And why is that? Because the entire valley parties for 4 days straight for an event called Premiere Napa Valley!

Premiere Napa Valley is a trade-only auction where over 200 of the wineries in the Napa Valley gather together and auction off one-of-a-kind wines. These are wines that the wineries don’t normally produce, and these wines are crafted to be the best examples of the wineries’ capabilities. Quite often, they bottle just a few cases of their favorite barrel of Cabernet, from their favorite vineyard block, that typically goes into their reserve wine. They produce anywhere from 5 to 20 cases, and if a member of the trade, like Hi-Time, wins a particular winery’s auction lot, all of that wine would go to Hi-Time. So we’re talking about super micro-production wines that are simply stunning!

Another benefit of this auction is the fact that most of these wines are barrel samples. In this year’s case, the majority of the 200+ wines were from the 2014 vintage. So we get a chance to taste over 200 wines from producers up and down the valley. This gives us the ability to let YOU, our loyal customers, know if the vintage one or two years down the road is a vintage you avoid, or max out your cards for the next “vintage of a lifetime”! No, but seriously, don’t max out your cards... be responsible.

In addition to the auction, wineries get together and throw parties all week long. They have big spreads of food, and pour all of their current releases, as well as older vintages pulled from their libraries and barrel samples of upcoming vintages. Imagine spending several days tasting wines from some of the best producers in Napa Valley, such as Shafer, Ovid, Continuum, Pulido-Walker, Memento Mori, Far Niente. Yeah... now you know why February is my favorite time to go to Napa.

In regards to Cabernet Sauvignon, since Cab is king in Napa, here is my take on the current and upcoming vintages.

2012 – Delicious wines from a vintage that’s hard to pass up.

As I stated last year, there was no drastic news about this vintage. Mother nature played nice; there weren’t scorching hot spells just before harvest, no upcoming rains that rushed picking, no problems during the flowering and bloom in the spring to mess yields. There was no news. This meant that wineries could pick grapes when they wanted, when grapes were at optimum maturity, with optimum flavors.

The resulting 2012 Cabernets are complex wines with good aromatics, generous fruit profiles that seem to lean more along the red fruit spectrum (think cherries, raspberries, and currants), and integrated tannins. The majority of 2012s I have tasted are drinking very well right now, but should be able to cellar until an age of 10-20 years. They have put on more weight since last year, but I take that to mean that they may have more to show in the future. The only sad thing about the 2012s is that many of them are now sold out.

2013 – BUY THIS VINTAGE!!!

“During my Napa trip in February, I think the worst wine from the 2013 vintage I tasted was really, really good...that was the worst wine.” That’s what I wrote last year. Well this year, I tasted more from the 2013 vintage, and again nothing tasted less than really, really good!

I still feel that this is the greatest vintage of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon since I have been in the wine game, which was when the fantastic 1994s were being released. The 2013s represent everything you want in a Cabernet Sauvignon. They have opulent fruit (perhaps more along the black fruit spectrum like plums, black cherries, cassis) with wonderful aromatics, good structure in the way of fresh acidities and firm tannins, along with expansive and long-lasting finishes. Seriously... some of the finishes on these wines lasted well over a minute, with a few lasting 2-3 minutes... INCREDIBLE! This is a vintage that is going to be hard to top. I’m typically not fond when critics so loosely use the term “vintage of your lifetime”, but if I was going to use it... it might be for the 2013s.

2014 – This makes it 3 in a row...potentially.

2014 marks the 3rd vintage in a row where quality was high. Since last year, winemakers were beginning to speak proudly about their 2014 finished wines, and how they believed they were just as good as the 2012s. After tasting so many of them out of barrel, I feel that 2014 is another very good vintage. How good, though, is hard to tell. The wines were not shy on fruit, complexity, or nuance, but they are currently showing some hard tannins that overshadowed much of that the wines may have had to offer.

As of now, I feel this is a vintage that has the tannin of the 2006 vintage with the fruit of 2004. So, in essence, the real question here is going to be the tannins and how they integrate into the wines over the coming year. If they integrate, then this could, in fact, be just as good as 2012. Right now I’m calling the hierarchy of these vintages, starting with the best, as 2013, then 2012, followed by 2014.

Noteworthy Upcoming Releases

The majority of the Napa Valley Cabernets that coming out are from the glorious 2013 vintage. Below are some wines that should land in our store in the not too distant future. They are not listed in any particular order.

Memento Morii 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon – For the past few years, if this was not my number 1 wine of the trip, then it was still in the top 5! Adam, Adriel, Hayes, and winemaker Sam Kaplan are doing everything right, and everybody in the valley wants to drink this wine! They get fruit from some of the best vineyards in Napa, including Cabernet from a few of the Beckstoffer vineyards! Ripe, juicy black fruits with minerals and crème de cassis. This earned 97 points from Robert Parker.

Continuum 2013 Proprietary Red – This marks the first vintage for Tim Mondavi and his family where this wine is 100% estate grown, produced, and bottled. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon from their Pritchard Hill vineyard in the eastern mountains of the Napa Valley, this wine also has a good percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend. When this was the case in older Opus One and Mondavi Reserve Cabernets, those were the vintages that always aged the best. This earned 97 points from Antonio Galloni.  [ed. Carlo Mondavi stopped by our store last week to taste us (again!) on the 2013-- one of the top two or three wines Dan had on this trip]

Pine Ridge 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – This wine never ceases to amaze me. It retails at our store for $51.98/bottle, but this easily competes with other Cabernets that sell for $100/bottle… no joke! The forward mix of black and blue fruit are balanced by pronounced yet velvety tannins, making this a wine that drinks well on its own, but I always felt a rib eye steak was this wine’s soul mate!

Pulido-Walker 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard – Pulido-Walker has become one of the favorite wines our staff loves to sell, and after one taste you’ll know why! Mark Pulido, Donna Walker, and their winemaker Thomas Brown (who also makes Schrader and Rivers-Marie, among others), make this wine from the Panek Vineyard in St. Helena, a vineyard that is littered with rocks that help the vines' good water drainage, smaller berries, complex flavors, intense aromatics, and distinct texture. To me, this tasted like the quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet! This wine earned 96 points from Robert Parker.

Shafer 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select – One of the most revered Cabernet producers in Napa, and their 2012 Hillside Select from the Stags Leap District is my favorite wine they have produced since the prodigious 2002! Silky, plush red fruits mingle with crushed rocks, framboise, black cherries, plums, and hints of cocoa. I could drink the whole bottle by myself! This wine earned 98-100 points from Robert Parker.

Fontanella 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder – What more can we say about the Fontanella family that we haven’t already said! Jeff and Karen are two of the nicest people in the valley, and the wines they produce are knockouts! Sourced from the western mountains of the Napa area, Mt Veeder is known to produce grapes with intense flavors and nuance. Their 2012 Cabernet is just hitting our sales floor, and it is riddled with cherry, raspberry, plums, black currants, herbs, spice, velvety tannin, and hints of earth, vanilla, and a kiss of oak. The complexity for the money is envied by many, but since Jeff worked at ZD and Opus, you can see how he learned to get the best out of his grapes!

Italy: Terredora di Paolo

by Gary Faust

The wines of Campania are not always on the radar for wine drinkers, but they should be. Wines from this region are distinctive and the best examples focus on varietals indigenous to the area. Great examples can be found in the wines of Terredora di Paolo. They have become a staple at Hi-Time and demonstrate the heights which wines from Southern Italy can achieve. No discussion of wines from Campania is complete without recognizing the important contributions of the Mastroberardino family.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Daniela Mastroberardino to discuss and enjoy the wines of Terredora di Paolo. Chatting over a leisurely lunch, Daniela said Terredora di Paolo focused on rediscovering and restoring Campania’s ancient and native varietals such as Aglianico, Fiano, Greco and Piedrosso. These varietals are key players that have brought about Campania’s wine renaissance and have inspired a qualitative revolution.

Campania is a beautiful region in southern Italy known for its famous cities of Naples and Sorrento, as well as the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. Nestled inland, the Mastroberardino family’s vineyards have taken these wonderful indigenous grapes and elevated them into wine worthy of seeking out.

The wines exhibit a distinctive personality due to the unique microclimate. The climate is Mediterranean along the coast, but becomes more continental in the interior, especially in the hilly and mountainous area as the altitude increases. The days are sunny, which aids in ripening the grapes while the cool nights help maintain acidity. The altitude, volcanic soil and climate yields wines that are intense yet elegant with complex bouquets.

As we progressed through lunch, it became apparent that the wines of Terredora di Paolo are distinctive, food friendly wines. They definitely paired well with the cuisine of Cucina Enoteca. If you have not dined at their Fashion Island or Irvine Spectrum restaurant, you owe it to yourself to do so. The food is fantastic and very flavorful.

The Fiano di Avellino Campo Re is a white wine that is so versatile, going beautifully with the burrata and prosciutto as well as the grilled octopus. Located on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius near Naples, the vineyard name “Campo Re” means royal vineyard and it’s arguably the most famous single site in Campania for the famed DOCGs of Taurasi and Fiano di Avellino. The Campo Re is a complex and compelling wine.

Next we tried wines made with the Aglianico grape. Aglianico is the primary grape of Southern Italy’s most famous wine region, Taurasi, and hails from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius outside of Naples. Sometimes referred to as the “Barolo of the South,” it is the latest ripening grape variety in Italy and often shows significant structure. Terredora’s Taurasi are great wines with impressive stature and ageability. These wines display a fantastic spicy and smoky volcanic minerality.

The Aglianico Campania IGT proved to be a delicious accompaniment to the meat-based dishes which were served. This is an accessible, crowd-pleasing version of Aglianico, which is not over-extracted and is made to be approachable upon release. It has a terrific sense of place and you really know you are drinking wine from the South of Italy.

The short rib with cremini mushrooms over pappardelle pasta was fantastic with the 2010 Taurasi. This also went well with other bold dishes such as the chef’s ragu over creamy mascarpone polenta and the lamb brasato. This wine could be considered the big brother of the previous wine, showcasing more power, breadth and depth.

The Lacryma Christi is a lesser known wine endowed with power and character. Made of 100% Piedrosso, ancient legend has it that God cried as he found a corner of heaven stolen by Lucifer. His tears fell near the Gulf of Naples and the vines that make comprise Lacryma Christi appeared. This wine had good structure and complexity and also paired well with the meat dishes we enjoyed at Cucina Enoteca.

Daniela Mastroberardino’s passion and commitment are evident and she is a great ambassador for Campania and Southern Italy as a whole. That passion is clearly reflected in the delicious wines she and her family craft. These wines are distinctive, worth seeking out and should definitely be on your radar.

 

TERREDORA 2011 FIANO DI AVELINO "CAMPO RE" $31.95 [302655]
This special single vineyard bottling shows creamy lemon-chiffon fruit with acacia and a mellow citrusy edge, like mandarin orange and bergamot. Elements of honey, nutmeg spice and toasty oak lend this Fiano a depth that reminds us of a fine white Burgundy. There is also plenty of volcanic minerality laced throughout the mid-palate sure to please the terroir hunters and purists.

TERREDORA 2012 AGLIANICO $12.95 [301006]
JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS - "A full-bodied red with dried-plum and berry aromas and flavors. Full body, velvety tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Read More...A Taurasi with balance and suppleness. Shows the soul of Campania. Drink now."

TERREDORA DIPAOLO 2010 TAURASI $26.98 [303406]
Intense ruby in color with garnet reflections. The nose is complex with aromas of black cherry, violet, spice, tar, tobacco and mineral notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and round with velvety tannins. Black cherry, plum, spice and smoky minerality linger on the long, flavorful finish. This wine will age well and is approachable with decanting.

TERREDORA 2011 LACRYMA CHRISTI ROSSO 100% PIEDROSSO $18.95 [302369]
 100% Piedrosso and planted from ancient vines planted into the sides of dormant volcano Vesuvio it is aged 8 months in French barrels. It has a dark ruby color with a very ripe berry, cherry and liquorice aromas and flavors. Rounded with loads of spicy black pepper character, medium-full bodied with chewy tannins and a long finish. Great pairings would be spicy roast dishes of roast meats, pork, lamb and cheeses.

Carlo Mondavi, Continuum, visits Hi-Time

Big thanks to Carlo Mondavi for stopping by the cellar and tasting us on the soon-to-be-released (next week!) 2013 Continuum... Our California wine buyer Dan Williams says this release was '...hands down one of the best two or three wines I tasted on my recent Napa trip." As he was there for the Premiere Napa Valley auction, he was tasting top shelf wines only. And today? An easy two thumbs up. Don't miss this wine!

Spring Paella Party, Saturday, March 26th

Wine Bar Notes - Tobin Sharp

Though he now has a proper stand to cook on, we could not pass up a chance to showcase Todd's ability to adapt to & overcome any obstacle attempting to keep him from his paella.

This is a good thing as we have a Spring Paella Party at the wine bar tomorrow, Saturday, March 26! We will drink Spanish wines and seize the day. $30, 2-8:30pm.

Next Week at the Wine Bar:
Ten Dollar Tuesday 3/29 - The Wines of Gérard Bertrand. 6-8pm, $10!

Thursday, 3/31 - California Chardonnays!
Spring is here, and we’ll kick it off by tasting some fantastic Chardonnays! What kind, you ask? Well, let’s taste Kistler, Hudson, Rochioli, Patz & Hall, and many more! $25, 4:30-8:30pm.

Wine Bar: This Weekend

Tonight (Thursday, 3/24) at the winebar it's all about 2011 Barolo!  We will taste a fantastic lineup of classic, classy Italian wines... $35, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday night (3/25) we are tasting new releases from France and it will be another excellent night for wine tasting! $25, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

We don't have the lineup yet but Saturday's tasting (Spring Paella Party with Spanish Wines) looks to be another great time at Hi-Time! ($30, 2-8:30 p.m.).