A little old Rose` never hurt anyone . . .

So one of the importers I work with has been cleaning out the cellar lately so whenever I get samples from Northern California, thrown into the box is usually one or two older vintages of wines that we currently represent. This time it was Bergerie de l'Hortus 2000 Rose`.

Showing lovely mature aromas of truffled berries and sweet subtle floral notes, the wine was a showing mature, slightly cooked gritty prune flavors in the mouth but also had a nice warmth, roundness and pretty long finish.

I could actually see this faring pretty well in a tasting alongside older Burgundy of minor quality as color could be confused between the two and flavors, although different, were similar enough to create some doubt in the mind.

Overall, pleasant but definitely proved again to me that your Rose` wine should be drunk within a few years of release!

Cheers.

J

Giuseppe Vaira at the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills

Giuseppe pouring wines from behind the counter.

The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills was nice enough to have Giuseppe come in and run through a series of his wines for about 30 people in the store, after hours, paired with various cheeses and meats selected by Tony Princiotta. The wines were a huge hit (except for the little Japanese lady who vomited into her hand after the tasting . . . but we think that was from the cheese!) and everyone loved Giuseppe's warm and relaxed attitude.

The Cheese Store is packed.

The menu for the evening.

Giuseppe talking about Barbera d'Alba.

Me, Tony P, Giuseppe, and Erik Kelley having a good time.

Giuseppe Vaira of G.D. Vajra at Elvino Thursday Night Tasting

We have the pleasure of welcoming back to Elvino Giuseppe Vajra, scion of the famous G.D. Vajra winery of Piemonte, Italy

From Justin Gallen of Rinascimento Wine Company: The estate of GD Vajra (named for its current operator Aldo Vajra's grandfather, Giuseppe Domenico), is situated in Vergne, the highest village in the Commune of Barolo. Its vineyards are planted with Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera at heights of 350-400 meters, which results in distinctive and aromatic wines. The Vajra family is a group of dedicated, passionate winegrowers, who are also grounded and sensitive to the human role in winemaking. Their philosophy remains faithful to the traditional and authentic wines of Piemonte, and in essence they regard themselves as the instruments that enable nature and the environment full self-expression through their wines.

-Organically Grown-

Taste five wines with the winemaker,
and enjoy fresh baked bread, cheeses and charcuterie provided by
Market Gourmet.

6pm to 9pm Thursday, February 4th

$25.00 per person (An Incredible Value!)

2007 Langhe Bianco DOC (Riesling) $45.00

2008 Dolcetto D'Alba DOC $23.00

2006 Langhe Kyè DOC (Freisa) $45.00

2004 Barolo, Bricco Delle Viole DOCG $75.00

2005 Barolo, Bricco Delle Viole DOCG $75.00

No Reservations Required

Lunch at Bordelet . . .

And he even cooked us a duck! - Michael Sullivan

Including an homage to his friend and mentor Didier Dagueneau, without whose constant encouragement and a more than occasional kick in the pants, Eric would not be where he is today...that is the greatest cider maker in the world. - Michael Sullivan

with Eric Bordelet in Normandy . . .

Today was the semi-annual pilgrimage up to see our dear friend Eric Bordelet on the southern edge of Normandy. Soon we'll be able to call him Johnny Pearseed as he will begin planting a nursery of ancient varieties on their own roots. As he uses fruit from trees that are 150-300 years old, many of the varieties have no name that he is able to find so he has collected the seeds from the interesting fruit, named them, and in 100 years we'll be able to see the results of his efforts. Yes, that's the California flag that flies in front of his house... - Michael Sullivan

Beaune 2010 Trip photos . . .

The temp is pretty cold in France this part of the year.

Some vineyards from Mas de Daumas Gassac.

C. Scott Puckett outside of Mas de Brousses in Languedoc.

Terrasses du Larzac old vines. Look at the rocks in the soil.

So Michael Sullivan is off on his annual buying trip with C. Scott Puckett from Northern California and Chuck Morris of Southern California. They are spending a few weeks shadowing Michael as he goes to see all of his producers and tastes the new vintages and places his orders for last years vintage. I went on this trip last year and sent back a whole bunch of photos and this time, because of the babies, I wasn't able to go. :-(

So what you are going to see are lots of photos from Michael with minimal commentary.

Hope you enjoy.