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.

Francois Chidaine wines from Loire highly rated in Wine Spectator

Chidaine Sheep

Francois Chidaine

Some great ratings for a top producer imported by Beaune Imports

Wine Spectator Insider Dec. 16, 2009

François Chidaine Vouvray Clos Baudoin 2007

93 points | $31 | 475 cases made | White

This is loaded with ginger, warm brioche, white peach, chamomile flower, honeysuckle and quinine notes that all ripple through the long, concentrated finish. Ripe, but steely and dry. A beauty. Should age nicely. A three-hectare parcel of 70-year-old vines. Drink now through 2017.-J.M.

François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Clos du Breuil 2007

92 points |$26 | 1,415 cases made | White

Dry in style, with delicious green almond, fig and dried pear notes waiting in reserve, while hints of biscuit, heather honey and orange blossom flitter throughout. The finish is racy. Best from 2011 through 2013.—J.M.

François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Les Tuffeaux 2007

92 points |$28 | 1,690 cases made | White

Still a touch tight, with a core of pure Bosc pear and Jonagold apple notes waiting in reserve. Hints of orange blossom, quince, cardamom and green almond chime in on the lengthy finish, which has latent depth. Should open nicely with brief cellaring. Drink now through 2012.—J.M.

François Chidaine Vouvray Le Bouchet 2007

92 points |$29 | 865 cases made | White

Very bright and floral, with lovely, racy honeysuckle, Jonagold apple and chamomile notes that course from start to finish. Long and mouthwatering, with the fruit offset wonderfully by riveting acidity that offset the 15.8 g/l of residual sugar wonderfully. Drink now through 2014.—J.M.

François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Clos Habert 2007

91 points |$29 | 958 cases made | White

Lovely, focused pear and quince flavors glide along, while honeysuckle and mineral notes extend through the pure, mediumweight finish. Just off-dry in feel, with 12.1 g/l residual sugar. Drink now through 2012.—J.M.

François Chidaine Vouvray Les Argiles 2007

91 points |$26 | 1,680 cases made | White

Though broad, with a wide swath of blanched almond, brioche, dried lime peel and pear flavors, this white is also taut, with an underlying lanolin note that leaves a firm, dry feel on the finish. Drink now through 2012.—J.M.