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]

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.

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.

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.).

Winemakers Visit Hi-Time Wine Cellars

Gary Faust reports: Winemakers David Duband from Burgundy and Jean-Louis Dutraive of Domaine de La Grand'Cour from Beaujolais, visited Hi-Time from France (...and lucky for us, they brought some of their wines with them! -ed.).

Winemaker Mark Fincham from Maison Marchand-Tawse Visits Hi-Time

Winemaker Mark Fincham from Marchand-Tawse, no stranger to the Hi-Time wine bar, was back again as we tasted through their Burgundy lineup, seen here with our own Gary Faust.  We had a nice crowd here last night (Thursday, 3/3) but that's not a surprise as it's a. Burgundy and b. Marchand-Tawse (always a crowd favorite).  Keep up with our wine bar schedule here.  Cheers!  -Tobin Sharp

Hi-Time Invades San Pedro!

by Tobin Sharp

What?!? Hi-Time invades San Pedro? Well, not really.  But I was up there on Saturday night (Feb. 27th) to take part in an annual activity for me. Many moons ago I worked at a Boy Scout camp on Santa Catalina Island, Camp Emerald Bay; each year, our alumni group (Emerald Bay Association) puts on a charity wine tasting in order to provide funds for Boy Scouts who otherwise would not be able to attend our camp due to financial hardship.  The camp has been operating on Catalina since 1925 (with a break for a few years during World War II when it was used by the Navy) and I spent my summers from 1984-1994 there.  As I now work in the wine biz, it was natural for me to help with the 'wine' part of the wine tasting (which I have been glad to do each year).

This year we are very fortunate in that the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club invited us to use their facility to host the tasting.  We met last Saturday to help select the wines we would taste for our upcoming (April 30th) event.  The club itself is gorgeous and appointed beautifully; we had the chance to meet some of the club board members (who tasted with us) who were down-to-earth, gracious and interested in what we do at camp.  We look forward to returning there in April.

Relatively inexpensive and offering much "bang for the buck" in terms of quality, we selected five of the 12 I brought (though I was very happy in that there wasn't a "stinker" [or corked wine] in the bunch):
Gerard Bertrand 2013 Reserve Chardonnay
Riff 2014 Pinot Grigio
Valentina 2012 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Entresuelos 2012 Tempranillo
Delas Esprit 2013 Côtes du Rhône.

Wine Bar: This Week (Through 2/28)

by Tobin Sharp

Once again we have another excellent lineup of events and tastings at our wine bar.

Tuesday, Feb. 23rd: Ten Dollar Tuesday!
6-8 p.m. and only ten bucks-- this week we have Epic Wines with Mona so there should be some good sippers in this mix.

Wednesday, Feb. 24th: Peter Neptune Wine Class - Burgundy - SOLD OUT!
This class is sold out but we have more scheduled through July of this year!
*** Peter Neptune is one of only 147 individuals in North America to hold the wine industry's most prestigious title: Master Sommelier.  He is a 31-year veteran of the wine business, beginning as a sommelier in New York City, where he trained and worked for 10 years. Upon returning to his native California (he was born on 10 July 1956 at Newport Beach, CA), Peter entered into Wine Education full time, and has established a nationwide reputation as one of the premier wine educators in the USA. In addition to his MS Diploma, Peter holds the title of Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators (for which he was recognized with the Banfi Award for Excellence in 2003), holds a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in London, and is an Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits. He also holds the credential French Wine Scholar, with Highest Honors. Peter is one of the teaching Masters at the Court of Master Sommelier Intro and Advanced Courses, and is an examiner at the Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier Examinations.

Class Schedule -  Classes run from 6:30-8:00 and cost $30.00 - Reservations Required
2/24 Burgundy
3/30 Rhône Valley
4/27 Bordeaux

5/25 Loire Valley
6/22 Sud
7/27 Champagne/Alsace

Thursday, Feb. 25th - Australia: New Arrivals
Taste wines from a land down under-- where women glow and men plunder! $25, 4:30-8:30pm.

Friday, Feb. 26th
Kiss Kiss Bangs Bangs Trivia Night
With wines from around the world. STAR WARS NIGHT! $25, 4:30-8:30pm

Saturday, Feb. 27th
California Cabs & Blends
This time around we’ll focus on regions outside of Napa Valley, like Sonoma and Paso. We’ll pour the likes of Mount Eden, Denner, St. Jean Cinq Cepages and Halter Ranch Ancestor! $30. 2-8:30pm.



Sunday, Feb. 28th - German BEER Tasting
It's out monthly beer tasting and we're looking to old world Germany to get into some tasty lagers and who knows what else?!? 1-5 p.m., $25.

Thanks for Tasting with Aurelien Suenen on Saturday! #Champagne

We had a great turn-out of Champagne and Suenen fans last Saturday (2/13/16) and just wanted to say thanks!  The Champagnes and crowd were fantastic... cheers!

This Week's Wine Bar at Hi-Time: February 10-13

We always have something going on at the wine bar and this week's lineup looks fantastic-- including our pre-Valentine's Day Deluxe Champagne tasting on Saturday featuring The Champagnes of Aurélien Suenen (hint: ladies love bubbles!).

Tonight (2/10) we start with our Wednesday Wine Workshop: "Under the Radar" Spanish wines with Connor Clarke. $20, 7-8:30 p.m. Come learn and taste!

Thursday 2/11, 4:30-8:30pm: Oregon Wine Trail
Oregon is on a hot streak of vintages, and we’re going to pour some show stoppers tonight! Mostly Pinot Noirs, but a few whites to start. $20

Friday 2/12, 4:30-8:30pm: Loire Valley, France
This French region along the Loire River is mostly known for white wines from the Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc and Melon de Bourgogne grapes, there are excellent red wines made (especially around the Chinon region) from Cabernet franc.  We will try a mix of whites & reds. $25.

Saturday 2/13, 2-8:30pm: The Champgnes of Aurelien Suenen
"...one of the up and coming stars in the world of grower Champagne." -John Gilman, View From the Cellar. Aurélien will be here (from 2 to 5 p.m.) to pour and discuss his Champagnes; we will taste seven in all. $25

About Aurélien
Semi-pro basketball player Aurélien Suenen made an about-face in the mid-2000s, leaving basketball and returning to the family estate to help his ailing father. And he hasn’t looked back since. He farms five hectares of Chardonnay vines in the Côte des Blancs (in grand cru AOCs Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry), and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in the St. Thierry hills, due northwest of Reims. Approaching sustainable viticulture with the same zeal as his athletic training, he has been seeing to the revitalization of his soils—implementing mostly organic practices.

Heavily influenced by Burgundian winemaking, as well as the savoir-faire of mentors Anselme Selosse and the Agrapart brothers, he seeks slow, gentle, temperature-controlled vinifications and a separation of cuvees by individual parcel to achieve rich, ripe, layered, vibrant and mineral-driven champagnes. Beyond those memorable traits, Aurélien’s wines are filled with a character that goes beyond mere taste. Seeing how ardently he directs his passion, it is clear that these wines are destined for greatness.

Quick Sips: Gaja!

On Tuesday we were fortunate to taste the amazing wines of the renowned Italian producer, Gaja!  Although primarily known for his iconic Barbarescos, we enjoyed trying the Brunello and Tuscan wines as well.  They were tasty!  Playing the role of photo-bomber, the Il Poggione Brunello snuck in and is pictured third from left.

-Gary Faust

Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux 2013 Vintage Preview 1-29-16

by Gary Faust

Last week, Connor Clarke and I attended the Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux event in Santa Monica. This was an opportunity to taste through various bottlings from the 2013 vintage. By all accounts, 2013 was a very challenging year in Bordeaux.

Cool and damp conditions in Spring persisted with rain greatly inhibiting flowering. July was very sunny and August was also very pleasant-- but those months could not compensate for the rough start. Humid conditions and rain in September brought the threat of rot, forcing many to start the harvest early. Yields were down at least 25% with the quality also being affected.

Our observation is that some of the wines showed tannins that were not phenologically ripe. A number of wines showed an astringent quality while several wines were generally thin. There were, however, many standouts that over-performed for the vintage.

From the Right Bank, Canon la Gaffelière showed very well with admirable concentration and balance. Troplong Mondot had good fruit with grippy tannins that should benefit from some age. In Pomerol, Château Clinet possesses a solid fruit core with lots of toasty oak. Château Gazin was full-bodied and quite delicious. On the Left Bank, Château Giscours in Margaux was a complete wine while Pauillac estate Clerc Milon possessed a full body with significant structure and pure fruit flavors.

The whites and Sauternes wines were another story entirely. Although yields were also down for the white wines, the limited number of whites available for tasting showed freshness buoyed by nice acidity. These well-balanced wines are approachable now, but will also age nicely.

After a string of very good to excellent vintages through 2010, the last several years serve as a reminder that Bordeaux is still subject to considerable vintage variation. The good news is the Bordelaise have become more sophisticated. Attentiveness in the vineyards and improvements in grape selection and vinification mean most are able to make good wine even in difficult years.