Wine in the News:
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Robert Mondavi Dies at 94.
Winemaking pioneer and the Godfather of California wine passed away this morning at 9 am at his Yountville home. His legacy is marked by the Wine Spectator, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.
As we reflect on Robert Mondavi's legacy, and with so much being said about California wines in recent weeks, it is fitting for those who make and write about California wine to consider their own legacy to the wine world - whatever its size, nature and impact.
'08 West Coast Wine Competition.
In a
press release today, the winners of the 2008
West Coast Wine Competition were announced. 11 of the Best of Class
wines were from the Central Coast. The competition, whose judging took
place April 16-18 in Santa Rosa, California, seeks to recognize
outstanding wines from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada,
Baja California, British Columbia, Australia and New Zealand. A total of
16 Double Gold, 179 Gold, 600 Silver, and 506 Bronze medals were awarded
to the top scorers out of group of over 1,700 wines.
2008 West Coast Wine Competition
Best of Class Wines from the Central Coast:
-
Cabernet Sauvignon $18.00-$29.99
- Bianchi, 04 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, $22.00 -
Cabernet Sauvignon $30.00 & over
- Sculpterra Winery, 06 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, $32.00 -
Chardonnay $10.50-$17.99
- Edna Valley Vineyard, 06 Chardonnay, San Luis Obispo, $12.00
- Jekel Vineyards, 06 Chardonnay, Monterey, $12.99 -
Merlot <$10.50
- Five Rivers , 05 Merlot, Central Coast, $9.99 -
Other Bordeaux Varietals
- Sycamore Creek , 06 Malbec, Santa Clara Valley, $23.95 -
Other Red Blends
- Vina Robles, 05 Signature (Red Blend), Paso Robles, $36.00 -
Reislings <3%
- Ventana Vineyards, 06 Riesling, Arroyo Seco, $16.00 -
Rhone Red Blends
- 10 Knots Cellars, 05 Atlantis Syrah, Paso Robles, $32.00 -
Sangiovese
- Eberle Winery, 05 Sangiovese, Paso Robles, $22.00 -
Zinfandel $20.00 & over
- Sextant, 06 Holystone Zinfandel, Paso Robles, $27.00
Download the full press release here.
Ortman Family Vineyards Moving.
Ortman Family Vineyards will be moving into a new tasting room in downtown Paso Robles. The new tasting room is located at 1317 Park Street, and is expected to open on Saturday, May 17 - during the Paso Robles Wine Festival.
Founded by Chuck Ortman, the brand's portfolio of wines which reflects his 40 years making wine in Claifornia. His career started at Heitz Cellars in 1968. He is closely tied with regional wine. He started the Charles Ortman label in 1979 . He re-branded the company in 1984, calling it Meridian. In 1988, Wine World Estates (now Beringer Wine Estates) purchased the Estrella River Winery in east Paso Robles and Chuck joined the company, bringing the Meridian brand. In 2003 he retired from his position at Meridian and started Ortman Family Vineyards.
Download the full press release here.
Nathan Carlson is new EOS winemaker.
In a press release sent out yesterday, EOS Estate Winery announced the appointment of Nathan Carlson to the position of Director of Wine making. Carlson is leaving his position as winemaker at Tolosa where he worked closely with Larry Brooks.
In August of 2007 Tennessee - based Sapphire Wines LLC, purchased EOS, as well as approximately 60 acres surrounding the property on Highway 46 in the eastern part of Paso Robles. The Arciero family (who still owns about 600 acres of vineyards in the Paso Robles area) established the vineyards comprising the larger EOS estate in 1983. According to Hopmayer, 30% of the fruit used by EOS will continue to come from the Arciero family vineyards in Paso Robles. “The majority will come from area growers and we are even going to get some west side fruit” he said. Sapphire has also added the Lost Angel label to the portfolio.
Speaking with redwinebuzz.com Founder, Arthur Przebinda on Friday, Sapphire Wines LLC head Jeff Hopmayer said that Carlson will be starting with EOS starting Monday, April 28th. He elaborated that he’d been pursuing Nathan for the position at EOS for some time. “Nathan is so passionate and makes tremendous wines that I believe he is the biggest up-and-coming “Rock Star” for Central Coast wine making. All his credentials make him the perfect fit for a leader and Director of Wine making. His whole history of where he has worked has given him a great background”. When asked about the difference between Edna Valley and Paso Robles climates and ecology and what challenges that might pose for Carlson, Hopmayer said: “A good winemaker understands the environment [in which they work] and if you believe in the vine, you’ll get great juice and make great wines”.
The last time he spoke with redwinebuzz.com, Jeff also mentioned some eco-friendly changes to the EOS estate. EOS expects to be “100% solar powered by mid summer” Hopmayer said on Friday. These efforts have not gone unnoticed as Jerry Lohr has hired the same company to install solar panels at his winery. Additionally, the city of Paso Robles has expressed interest in employing eco-friendly technology for its needs.
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