Foxen Pinot Noir "John Sebastiano Vineyard" 2016
Foxen Vineyards was founded in 1985, when partners Dick Doré and Bill Wathen out grew their garage space /winery, and decided to try and make a living out of their passion for wine. The winery now sits in Santa Maria Valley, where they produce an iconic Chenin Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinots, Syrahs, Cabernets, etc. They are blessed by having access to some of the leading and legendary vineyards in California.
In 2007, the owners of John Sebastiano in Santa Rita Hills, broke ground, and gave the Foxen Boys their pick of sites, on the 150 acre vineyard. Aside from the sites, Dick and Bill chose the clones to be planted.
This stunning wine takes no prisoners; it is medium ruby-colored and takes you in with a swirl of black cherries, blueberries and floral notes. The wine is energetic, as the palate explodes with a mouthful of juicy berries and a touch of boysenberry jam. The finish is elegantly concentrated with a racy touch of well integrated fresh acidity…..a textbook Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir.
What to pair with this energetic wine?
Try it with a bowl of sautéed porcini mushrooms (fresh if you can find them) with a garlic and butter sauce over linguine. The porcinis will draw out the earthiness of the wine, and enhance the sweetness as well, and the wine’s finish will lift up the pasta and it’s rich sauce. Or go with a classic Roast Chicken with onions, and see how the wine’s palate tames the gaminess of the dish and draws out even more flavor to the caramelized onions.
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02/04 Barolo Barbaresco Grand Tasting (11am-4pm. Center 415. Trade only)
02/28 Tre Bicchieri Tasting (2-6pm. Metropolitan Pavillion. Trade only)
02/28 10th Annual Tre Bicchieri Dinner at Portale (6:30pm. Reservation only)
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What's New in
Wine Spectator
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While it's impossible to list all TDS events, including sommelier lunches, staff trainings, as well as trade shows, we can still offer you a glimpse of some of the recent consumer wine events organized and hosted by TDS. To know more about our latest events, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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... And wine for all the wine and food lovers who attended our 11th Annual "Fall Frolic" Tasting & Dinner on September 16, 2019, featuring wines from the TDS Portfolio.
As guests hosts of this year's event, Owner/Winemaker Jenny Doré of Foxen Vineyards and Dave Miner of Miner Family shared their top wines with a passionate crowd of wine connoisseurs. These exquisite selection of wines were enhanced by a seemingly endless feast prepared by chefs at Frankies 457.
A true lively and fun evening of great wines and delicious food. And most of all, a memorable night for all wine lovers.
Click on image above to view more highlights from the event.
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Wild Boar,
Sophisticated Wine
On March 1, 2019, Our 9th Annual Tre Bicchieri Dinner took place at Ristoro del Cinghiale, the hot Tuscan venue in town. This sold-out dinner event showcases the winners of Tre Bicchieri Awards 2019, including Terenzi and Cusumano.
This year, Winemaker/Owner Federico Terenzi presented his superb wines from the Maremma, a remarkable land in the southwest corner of Tuscany. This ancient land of Italian cowboys, cattle and sheep was the birthplace of Morellino di Scansano, the finest expression of the noble grape, Sangiovese.
Chef Ben Smallman's Tuscan themed menu also dazzled the lively guests. From Bistecca di Florentina to Roasted Wild Boar, each course was perfectly paired to some of the best Terenzi creations, including Purosangue Riserva and Madrechiesa, the 7th year winner of Tre Bicchieri Award.
The confluence of these passionate and delicious wines, and the intense flavors of each course made for the celebration of senses. A winning night for all.
Click on image above to view more highlights from this special event.
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On the rain soaked evening of September 25, 2018, our 10th Annual Fall Frolic Tasting & Wine Dinner took place at Frankies 457. The wines from the entire TDS Portfolio were tasted by the enthusiastic crowd of food and wine aficionados.
On this milestone year, Miner Family Winemaker Gary Brookman brought Brooklyn some California sunshine, as a selection of fine wines from this dynamic family-owned winery were featured during a four-course feast. Gary conducted a doctoral on pairing Californian wines with Italian cuisine. An ambitious challenge, but a delicious outcome.
Judging by the smiling faces and sound bite in the packed dining room, this is another successful event for TDS, and a memorable night for the wine and food lovers.
Click on image above to view more highlights from this special event.
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While New Yorkers are welcoming the arrival of Fleet Week, another American fleet dropped its anchor in town. "Sailing" all the way from Santa Maria Valley, Winemakers/Owners Dick Dore and Bill Wathen of Foxen Vineyard & Winery, along with Marketing and Business Directors Jenny Williamson Dore and Becky Wathen arrived for a series of tastings and events in NYC, including a special wine dinner at Bouley Test Kitchen on May 24, 2018.
The two "Pinot Professors" charmed the attentive crowd with the fascinating history of Foxen Winery, which dates back to the early 1800's, as well as the uniqueness of their Santa Barbara County vineyards.
Master Chef and culinary icon David Bouley prepared a multi-course menu that paired perfectly with each Foxen wine. The subtleties of every dish was enhanced by the elegance and honesty of the wines. It was an unmistakable harmony of food and wine playing off each other, and the guests met each pairing with thunderous applause.
Anchors up, smooth sailing indeed...
Click on image above to view more highlights from the evening.
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On March 2, 2018, as a vicious Nor'easter pounded the East coast with heavy wind, rain and snow, TDS and Porter House NYC presented our 7th Annual Tre Bicchieri Dinner in honor of three winners of the prestigious awards for Italian wines.
Winemakers/Owners Peter Zemmer, Federico Terenzi from their namesake wineries and Maria Leone from Cusumano brought Italian warmth and sunshine to this otherwise damp and cold Friday evening in New York City.
Chef Michael Lomonaco's exquisite dinner menu paired well with each of the award-winning wines, as three of our Italian wine stars talked about the history of their wineries and the wines chosen for this special event.
It might still feel like Winter, but Spring is already in full session at our celebratory dinner for these deserving award winners.
Click on image above to view more highlights from the dinner.
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On the evening of Jan. 17, 2018, a "Meatball Buffet" was presented at the prestigious Harmonie Club, featuring 5 Italian wines from the TDS Portfolio.
With New York- style Italian cuisines as inspirations, Chef Thomas Piede prepared an array of antipasti, pastas, entrees and yes, some delicious meatballs. Tony DiDio paired this incredible feast with Cusumano Syrah and Nero d'Avola, Peter Zemmer "Punggl" Pinot Bianco, d'Amico "Noe" Orvieto and Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico.
The weather outside did not discourage the crowd from attending this marvelous event, dish after dish, glass after glass.
Click on image above to view more highlights from the event.
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Pairing wines with a typical Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting when side dishes, both sweet and savory, are served simultaneously. On Nov. 21, 2017, Tony DiDio sat down with Rosanna Scotto and Lori Stokes, hosts of Fox 5's award-winning show "Good Day New York", to talk about ways to simplify this seemingly difficult task. Tony selected 5 "versatile" wines from Foxen, d'Amico, Nino Franco, Terenzi and Miner Family that will go well with the mixed flavors on the Thanksgiving table. A good way to start the Holiday season! Happy Holidays!
Click on image above to view more highlights from the show.
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Fall, in Love with Bubbles
The threat of high winds and heavy rain of Hurricane Jose did not dampen the passion of the crowd who attended our sold-out 9th Annual "Fall Frolic" Tasting & Wine Dinner on Sept. 19, 2017.
As usual, this grand annual wine and food fest offered our guests the opportunity to taste an array of wines in the TDS Portfolio, from Napa Valley to Mt. Etna. This year, Primo Franco, Winemaker & Owner of Nino Franco Prosecco hosted our post-tasting wine dinner by talking about the history of his family's iconic Veneto Estate, as well as the Nino Franco wines featured throughout the dinner.
The four-course feast prepared by chefs at Frankies 457 took on a new dimension this year, with the pairing of all sparkling wines. The result proved to each guest that Prosecco is not only good as an aperitif, but also a versatile wine that can be paired with an entire meal.
While Hurricane Jose hardly left any marks on New York City, the beautiful wines showcased throughout this high spirited night definitely left a long lasting impression on the exuberant crowd.
Click on title image above to see more highlights of this wine and food event.
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On the evening of April 26, 2017, Ristorante Morini was magically transformed into a rousing Italian trattoria, this side of Alto Adige.
Peter Zemmer, the third generation Winemaker/Owner of Peter Zemmer Winery, presented a selection of wines from his celebrated portfolio, including the newly-released Pinot Grigio "Giatl" 2014 Riserva. Paired perfectly with a special 4-course menu by Chef Arthur lee, the wines sang out.
From the first Pinot Grigio to the last Pinot Noir, the Zemmer wines tell a beautiful story of their origin and terroir. Influenced by the majestic Dolomite Mountains, the Zemmer wines displayed freshness, honesty and balance. Together they bring the natural landscape and beauty of Alto Adige to an enthusiastic crowd of wine lovers.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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On the evening of March 28, 2017, Winemaker Stacy Vogel of Miner Family Winery conducted a Napa valley celebration with a fine selection of Miner wines at Ritz Carlton New York, Central Park.
As part of the successful "Phenomenal Femmes" Wine Dinner series at the hotel's Auden Bistro, Stacy presented six Miner wines, paired to perfection by Wine Director Marika Vida Arnold. From Viognier to The Oracle, Miner Family's flagship wine, the enthusiastic audience was awed by the depth of flavors and nuance of each wine selection. Stacy proved once again that in the New World, Napa is still king. And Miner definitely has a place in the realm of great wines.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the event.
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Grand Opera of
Wine & Food
On February 10, 2017, while the entire New York City was dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm, Porter House was warmed up by the celebration of two Italian winemakers and their Tre Bicchieri Award-winning wines. Diego Cusumano from Sicily and Federico Terenzi from Tuscany presented their most impressive wines to a cordial and attentive crowd.
Chef Michael Lomonaco's Tuscan/Sicilian inspired menu hit the high notes when paired with these epic wines. Winemakers Diego and Federico were warmly received by the enthusiastic crowd during the four-course Italian feast. With outside temperature falling below freezing point, this grand opera of wine and food surely turned Porter House into the hottest spot in town.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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On November 23, 2016, Tony DiDio appeared on Thanksgiving Special of Fox 5's award-winning show "Good Day New York". Sitting down with Hosts Rosanna Scotto and Greg Kelly and other guests, Tony presented a few selected budget-friendly wines for the Holidays. He also talked about pairing those festive dishes with the right wines. A good day to usher in the Holiday Season. Cheers!
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The weather could not be better and the wines won over the crowd, as TDS celebrated its 8th Annual Fall Frolic Portfolio Tasting & Dinner on September 22, 2016, the first day of Autumn.
Guests got the chance to taste all wines, many of which new releases, from wineries in the TDS Portfolio.The tasting was followed by a wine dinner featuring wines from Foxen Vineyard & Winery and Terenzi Winery, two new members to TDS. Dick Doré of Foxen and Federico Terenzi of Terenzi led commentaries on the wines chosen for this sold-out dinner.
Each course was paired with a Old World (Terenzi) and a New World (Foxen) wine. The chemistry of these wonderful wines not only dazzled the crowd, but also added another dimention to this magical night at Frankies 457.
Click on image above to see more highlights of this event.
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An unexpected late-night storm on June 27, 2016 did not dampen the festive mood inside Racines NY, where our 7th Annual Late Night Ramble took place. This year's theme: Pork Pinot and Prosecco drew many of the young professionals in the wine community. The wines selected from the TDS portfolio were embraced by this energetic group of wine connoisseurs. It might be pouring cats and dogs outside. But inside Racines NY, something more magical were poured, savored and shared. Salute to summer!
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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On the evening of May 18, 2016, Winemaker Diego Cusumano cast a spell on Ristorante Morini on Madison Avenue.
During the four-course dinner, Diego presented four indigenous wines from his family's estate outside of Palermo. Chef Michael White's team put a Sicilian spin on each course, that paired and complimented every wine. From the Cusumano Insolia to the refreshing Moscato della Zucco, there was not a dull moment for this fun evening. Thanks to the delicious Cusumano wines, guests truly got a taste of Sicily. Salute Sicilia!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this event.
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d'Amico Wines Impress NYC
On April 22, 2016, the d'Amico winery debuted a collection of their stunning wines, made with grapes grown in volcanic soil. A special wine dinner at the Columbus Club in NYC, marked winemaker Guillaume Gelly's presentation of d'Amico wines to a group of sophisticated wine lovers. The crowd listened attentively as Mr. Gelly explained the provenance and content of each wines, as well as a description of this breathtaking Estate. These organic and elegant wines from Lazio and Umbria, were the perfect match for Chef John Boden's creative cuisine, paired by Tony DiDio.
Click on image above to see more highlights of this magical evening.
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Wine & Food Sing in Harmonie
On March 24, 2016, the elegant dining room at the Harmonie Club was magically transformed into a grand trattoria for their Italian Wine Dinner featuring six wines from six different regions of Italy: Baracchi, Cusumano, D'Amico, Nino Franco and Peter Zemmer. Opera singers were brought in to set the tone for this wonderful culinary gala. It was true "Harmonie", as each dish prepared by Chef Thomas Piede's cucina sang a high note, paired with the exquisite wine selections. A night to savor!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this harmonious evening.
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"Turtle lollipops anyone?" As you walk into Henry's End Restaurant on the evening of March 1, 2016, this might be the first thing you hear. It was their Wild Game Dinner featuring selected wines of Miner Family Winery. The five-course dinner was a symphony of flavors as Tony DiDio matched each wild game dish with a wildly sensational Miner wine. From ostrich potstickers to elk chops, from Sauvignon Blanc to the Oracle, a harmonious tune was sung throughout the night. It was wild!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this evening.
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Singing Sicilian
on Stage Left
On February 10, 2016, Winemaker Diego Cusumano brought warmth and great wines from his Sicilian Estate to Stage Left Restaurant in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This "Pantheon of American Cuisine" embraced the Cusumano wines and created a menu that complimented these Sicilian treasures. The special event began with guests sampling six selections of Cusumano wines, followed by a four-course dinner that was highlighted by Cusumano Cru wines produced on their versatile and fertile land in Sicily. Belissimo!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this evening.
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A crisp Fall night on Oct.5, 2015 brought out our friends in the food and wine industry to the Late Night Ramble at Untitled Restaurant at The Whitney Museum. This has been our sixth year to present this special event designed to fit the working schedule of many in the food and wine trade. This year we were fortunate to have Winemakers Primo Franco of Nino Franco Prosecco, Diego Cusumano of Cusumano Winery and Jason Gardine of Hanzell Vineyards to pour their special wines for the guests, who got the chance to taste all the wines in the TDS Portfolio while mingling and networking with their colleagues in the business. What could be better than that?
Click on image above to see more highlights of this late night event.
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A beautiful Autumn Moon beamed over the garden at Frankies 457 on September 28, 2015, as we presented our 7th Annual Portfolio Tasting & Dinner. Each of our Portfolio winery showed its best wines to a sold-out crowd of wine and food lovers.
Baracchi and D'Amico wineries were the featured wines at this year's dinner. Importer Peter Baedecker presided over the four-course dinner, introducing each wine with stories of their origins. Each wine sang a high note and carefully paired to each dish by Tony DiDio. Mathew La Sorsa of Heights Chateau, contributed a color commentary of the wines, which added to the nuamce of this magical night.
Click on image above to see more highlights of this event.
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On the evening of June 24, 2015 at Costata Restaurant, Winemaker and Owner Primo Franco of Nino Franco Winery, presided over a Wine Dinner in his honor. The guests were first poured to Primo's iconic Rustico Prosecco during reception. Afterwards, Primo paired each of the four courses with a different "single vineyard" Prosecco. Rare to the world of sparkling wines, each "single vineyard" Prosecco showed intense flavors, depth and typicity, and paired well with the exquisite dishes prepared by Chef Michael White's team. A bubbly night indeed!
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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Columbus Discovers Cusumano
On April 22, 2015, over 90 members of the prestigious Columbus Club gathered for a special wine dinner featuring wines of the Cusumano Winery. Owner/Winemaker Diego Cusumano sprinkled some Sicilian magic and warmth throughout the dinner. Starting with his citrus-bright Insolia, to his signature "broad shouldered" Nero D'Avola, the crowd began to take notice how special these wines are. The true stars of the evening, however, were the newly released Mount Etna wines, Alta Mora, both Bianco and Rosso.
Chefs at the Columbus Club presented an equally exquisite Sicilian menu to compliment these beautiful wines.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the event.
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TDS Events Archive
TDS has hosted numerous tasting events in the past and we simply can not list them all here. If you are interested in seeing some of our recently archived event highlights, pleaseclick here to begin.
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High Elevation Red
In the
January 2020 edition of Wine Spectator's Tasting Highlights, Editor
Alison Napjus awards high scores to Alta Mora Rosso 2017.
91 Alta Mora Etna Rosso 2017
A compact, minerally version, with tobacco and smoke notes leading to
flavors of dried cherry, pomegranate, coffee and spice. Medium-bodied
and fresh, with grippy tannins that should intergrate well with short
cellaring.
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Crushingly Good Lilliano
In her recent article on Chianti Classico, Christy Cantebury, Master of Wine, reviews 3 Lilliano wines.
87 Lilliano 2016 Chianti Classico
Composed of Sangiovese with 5% Canaiolo, this supple, savory and generously fruit-filled wine tastes of black plum skin, red and black cherries and damp iron. Tugging, visceral tannins and zippy acidity give this wine a delightful liveliness. The focus here is on fruit and its terroir translation thanks to exclusive use of cement and stainless steel. This wine will pair with almost any occasion!
90 Lilliano 2015 Chianti Classico Riserva
Nothing but Sangiovese, this is a classy, bright and structured Riserva. Its minerally intensity is highlighted by sandy and leather tannins that frame the supple, fruited and black cherry flavored mid-palate. The lingering, woodsy finish and robust but balance core suggest this wine has time on its side.
92 Lilliano 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
This wine smells very Italian while feeling very American in structure. That's to say that it smells classically of tangy red cherries and mulberries accented by toasted spices and underbrush while its mouthfeel is boldly ample with rounded tannins (surprising for Sangiovese) and integrated acidity. No doubt the warmth of the 2015 vintage contributed to this unusual density and intensity. This will benefit from the patina of time.
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Wine of the Year
In the year-end issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, editors awarded Nino Franco Rustico, as their # 1 wine of the year.
94 Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico
Aromas
of white spring flower, Bartlett pear and citrus waft out of the glass.
The racy, refreshing palate is full of energy, offering crisp
yellow-apple, lemon drops and orange zest flavors balanced with vibrant
acidity. A perlage of small, refined and continuous bubbles provide the
silky backdrop.
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Outstanding Cabernet Decanted
The
editors of the December issue of Decanter Magazine unanimously gave an
outstanding score to the Miner Family Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
2015.
95 Miner Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Good
acidity, alcohol very nicely in check, plenty of freshness in the
fruit, excellent cedar and tobacco undertones, hints of rosemary and
lovely crunchy red fruit. This has real complexity and will reward time.
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Best in Class
On the 100th Anniversary of
Nino Franco Winery, Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships 2019 gave top honors to several Nino Franco Proseccos, including a Gold Medal and "Best in Class" Award to its Riva di San
Floriano. Happy Birthday!
Gold Medal & "Best in Class"
Nino Franco Riva di San Floriano
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Effervescent Expression
In November 2019 Issue of Wine Enthusiast, California wine editor Virginie Boone gives a rave review to this Miner white.
91 Miner Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Light in color this is an effervescent expression of peach, apricot and pear, delicate flavors that are balanced and lovely on the palate. A finishing touch of lime keeps it bright.
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Hot Lava Wines
In the recent issue of Decanter, Editor Stephen Brooks writes an article titled "Etna: Rising Forces", in which he reviews top producers from the volcanic region of Sicily. Two Alta Mora wines by Cusumano received high scores.
91 Alta Mora Etna Rosso 2016
93 Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2017
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Sparkling Success
In her recent article titled "Sparkling Success Story", Wine Spectator Editor Alison Napjus highlights Italy's top sparkling wines. Two Nino Franco Proseccos were given high scores for their outstanding quality.
91 Nino Franco Riva di San Floriano 2017
90 Nino Franco Primo Franco 2017
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Foxen Depth & Nuance
In the October 2019 Issue of Antonio Galloni's Vinous, the famed wine critic writes about wines from Santa Barbara. In his article titled "Santa Barbara's Present and Future", he points out four remarkable wines by Foxen.
92 Foxen Pinot Noir "Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8" 2017
93 Foxen Chardonnay "Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU" 2017
92 Foxen Chenin Blanc "Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard" 2017
90 Foxen Pinot Noir "John Sebastiano Vineyard" 2017
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Dynamic Dolomites
In the latest issue of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Editor Monica Larner exlpores the dynamic Italian region of Alto Adige, and reviews two Riserva wines of Peter Zemmer
92 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Giatl 2017
90+ Peter Zemmer Lagrein Riserva Furggl 2017
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Robert Parker Hails Lilliano Wines
In the most recent edition of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Italian Wine Editor Monica Larner reviews two wines of Tenuta di Lilliano and gives both high scores.
91 Lilliano Gran Selezione 2016
90 Lilliano Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
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Miner Cabernet Well-Built
In the October 2019 edition of Wine Spectator, Senior Editor James Molesworth showers praises on this luscious Miner Cabernet Sauvignon.
93 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard 2015
Well-built, with a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit that is dense and compact, showing flashes of sweet tobacco, licorice snap and loam throughout, hinting at evolution. Fruit saturates the finish but maintains energy for balance.
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Exceptional Zemmer
In the August 2019 Issue of The Tasting Panel, Senior Editor Anthony Dias Blue, awards Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva “Giatl” 2016 an outstanding score.
92 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Giatl 2016
Smooth and lush, with minerality and flavors of ripe pear. Rich, balanced, and creamy, it’s an exceptional Pinot Grigio
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Drink Miner Now
“Winemaker
Stacy Vogel pulls back the oak, and ensures only 50% of this wine goes
through malolactic fermentation, keeping it both zesty and rich. This
wine actually lives on the ledge between rich, luscious, medium-bodied
and elegant.”
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Where Great Wines & Lava Flow...
In the August 2019 edition of Antonio Galloni's Vinous, wine journalist Ian D’Agata awards impressive scores to Cusumano and Alta Mora. 92 Alta Mora Etna Rosso “Feudo di Mezzo” 2015
93 Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2017
92 Alta Mora Etna Rosso 2017
94+ Alta Mora Etna Rosso “Guardiola” 2015
90 Cusumano Grillo “Shamaris” 2017
90 Cusumano Angimbé 2018
90 Cusumano Noà 2015
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Suckling Awards High Scores to Nino Franco
In his recent report on Italian wines, Wine Critic James Suckling bestowed high praises and scores for Nino Franco Proseccos.
92 Grave di Stecca 2014 92 Rustico N.V. 91 Vignetto della Riva di San Floriano 2018 91 Nodi 2017 91 Primo Franco 2018 90 Faive Rose Brut 2017
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Enticing Pinot Bianco
In the August 2019 Issue of Wine Enthusiast, Italian wine Editor Kerin O'Keefe gives high scores to Peter Zemmer Pinot Bianco.
90 Peter Zemmer Pinot Bianco 2018
Delicately scented, this elegant white offers enticing aromas of orchid fruit, alpine herb and a whiff of wet stone. Polished and fresh, the palate doles out creamy yellow pear, ripe apple and almond while a hazelnut note lingers on the finish.
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Landmark Lilliano
Tenuta di Lilliano recently received outstanding scores from Wine Critic James Suckling in his report on Super Italian wines.
93 Lilliano
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ruspoli 2015
There’s a floral
undertone to the aromas of ripe berries and hardwood. Medium to full body, firm
and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A serious structure.
92 Lilliano
Chianti Classico Ruspoli 2016
A firm and silky red
with ripe tannins and pretty cherries, cedar and a black-tea character. Medium
body and a fresh finish.
91 Lilliano
Chianti Classico Ruspoli Riserva 2015
Ripe fruit with smoky
and meaty undertones on the nose. Medium to full body, round and velvety
tannins and a juicy finish. A little jammy but delicious.
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Super Sicilians
In the newly published report on Super Italian wines, wine critic James Suckling awards all high scores to wines by Cusumano. Here are few of these Super Sicilian wines.
94 Cusumano Etna Rosso Alta Mora Guardiola 2015
Bilberries, fruit tea, citrus, oranges, fresh raspberries, orange blossom, nectarines and wild strawberries. So Burgundian on the palate, the fine and silky tannins encasing beautiful, energetic and exciting red fruit. Powerful acidity closes this off nicely. So elegant.
93 Cusumano Etna Rosso Alta Mora Feudo di Mezzo 2015
A beautiful Etna red that shows raspberry tea, lilacs, rose petals and cherry blossom. Medium in body but deep in flavors that range from herbs to orange peel and are supported by a firm yet velvety and fine-tannined structure.
93 Cusumano Grillo Shamaris 2018
A floral and delicious grillo, driven by its floral character of cherry blossom, daffodils and jasmine. Full-bodied and very generous, but with enough acidity to drive on the textured finish.
92 Cusumano Angimbe 2018
I love the ripeness on the nose here, which delivers fresh apricots, nectarines and spices. Full-bodied and very spicy on the palate. Acidity keeps this fresh and on point.
91 Cusumano Insolia Terre Siciliane 2018
Light white flowers, citrus and spices. Medium to full body, bright acidity and a fruity, crunchy finish.
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Decanter Honors Lilliano
In the recently announced Decanter World Wine Awards 2019, three Lilliano wines won top medals.
Silver Medal: Tenuta Lilliano, Chianti Classico Riserva,
2015
Bronze Medal: Tenuta Lilliano, Chianti Classico Gran
Selezione, 2015
Bronze Medal: Tenuta di Lilliano, Anagallis, Colli della
Toscana Centrale, 2015
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Foxen Whites with Altitude
In the June 2019 Issue of Wine Enthusiast, Editor Matt Kettmann is impressed by the flavors of two Foxen whites from two high-altitude vineyards in Santa Maria Valley.
92 Foxen 2017 Block UU Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
A warm butter aroma meets with lemon spray, citirus pith, wet gravel and crushed limestone on the nose of this bottling from a coveted single block in a historic vineyard. There is lots of tension on the palate, where restrained flavors of lime peel and Asian pear make for a tasty experience.
91 Foxen 2017 Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc
Always one of the more distinctive white wines from the region, this vintage starts with aromas of lemon skin, forest herbs and chive. The palate is redolent of yellow grapefruit and rides a tense, tangy structure into the long finish.
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Lip-Smacking Good
In the April 2019 Issue of Wine Spectator, Senior Editor Alison Napjus bestows high marks to Peter Zemmer Riesling 2017. 90 Peter Zemmer Riesling 2017
Honeysuckle
and lemon mint notes waft from the glass of this lip-smacking white.
Light-bodied and lithe, with nectarine, wet stone and pink grapefruit granita
flavors...
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Vibrant Bubbles Rated High by Wine Spectator
In the March 2019 Issue of Wine Spectator, Senior Editor Alison Napjus gives high ratings to two Nino Franco Proseccos.
91 Nino Franco Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 2017
A rich and creamy Prosecco, enlivened by a firm backbone of
juicy acidity, this offers a fine range of baked apricot, pastry cream, almond
biscotti and spiced orange flavors that linger on the mineral-laced finish.
90 Nino Franco Prosecco Superiore
Primo Franco 2017
Vibrant blood orange and passion fruit notes leap from this
glass of this bight Prosecco, layered with racy acidity and fine, zesty mousse.
Spice and mineral details linger on the juicy finish.
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High Scores Given to Cusumano & Miner
In the recent issue of Robert Parker's Wine Adovicate, high ratings were given to wines by Cusumano and Miner Family.
95+ Alta Mora Etna Rosso “Guardiola” 2014
93+ Cusumano Sagana 2014
93+ Cusumano Noa 2015
92+ Alta Mora Etna Rosso 2015
91+ Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2017
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94+ The Oracle 2016
93+ Miner Family Cabernet Sauvignon “Stagecoach Vineyard”
2016
93+ Miner Family Cabernet Sauvignon "Oakville"
2016
93 Miner Family
Chardonnay "Wild Yeast" 2016
90 Miner Family
Cabernet Sauvignon “Emily’s Cuvee” 2016
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d'Amico Scores High
Wine Critic & Journalist James Suckling recently awards remarkable scores to several wines by Paolo e Noemia d'Amico.
93 Paolo e Noemia d'Amico Chardonnay Lazio Calanchi di Vaiano 2016
A delicate and elegant chardonnay with just a whiff of smoke in the nose. A long and very straight finish with some minerality.
90 Paolo e Noemia d'Amico Cabernet Franc Umbria Atlante 2014
Although
these must have been fully ripe grapes, this has nice freshness and
lightness of touch on the medium-bodied palate. I love the sleek and
mineral finish...o
91 Paolo e Noemia d'Amico Chardonnay Lazio Falesia 2016
A
hint of funk (from reduction) in the nose of this medium-bodied
chardonnay, which has some attractive candied-citrus character on the
palate and good length.
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Miner Oracle Tops Best Wine of 2018 List
In the December 2018 issue of Beverage Dynamics, their national panel unveiled their Top Wines of 2018 . Miner Family's Bordeaux blend "The Oracle" 2013 is ranked No.2 on this list.n
97 Miner Family "The Oracle"2013
A lovely red blend, supple and elegant, with a mix of black and some red fruits on the nose. Touches of spice and tannin add to the complexity on the palate.
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Suckling Swoons Over Cusumano
In the
recently published James Suckling Tasting Report 2018, the famed wine
journalist/critic awarded Cusumano /Alta Mora wines superlative scores .
94 Cusumano Sagana 2016
93 Cusumano Shamaris Grillo 2017
91 Cusumano Noa 2016
91 Cusumano Nero d'Avola 2017
90 Cusumano Insolia 2017
93 Alta Mora Bianco 2017
93 Alta Mota Rosso 2016
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High on Miner
In a recent story on Santa Lucia Highlands, Antonio Galloni's Vinous Editor gives high scores to Miner Family's Pinot Noir.
90 Miner Family Garys' Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2016
Vivid red...spice accented by subtle floral and incense nuances that build with air. Juicy focused and energetic on the palate, where a peppery note adds a spicy bite to sweet raspberry and rose pastille. Finishes silky and long...
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Sicilian Seduction
In the October 31, 2018 Issue of Wine Spectator, Senior Editor Alison Napjus sings praises to these Cusumano wines.
90 Cusumano Alta Mora Etna Rosso 2016
An elegant, light- to medium-bodied red, this shows fine balance, integrating light, taut tannins with subtle mesh of ripe raspberry, cranberry and citrus notes, accented by dried thyme and tar-tinged smoke.
90 Cusumano Sicilia Noa 2015
An elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, offering expressive notes of graphite, fragrant smoke and eucalyptus, layered with creme de cassis and fig cake flavors. Well-knit and creamy, with fine-grained tannins firming the finish.
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Five-Bunch Winner
Bibenda, Italy's prestigious Sommelier Journal, awarded its highest honor, "5 Grappoli" (5 Bunches), to Falesia Chardonnay 2016 by Paolo e Noemia d'Amico.
5 Grappoli|Bibenda 2019
Falesia Chardonnay 2016
Complex, delicate and well balanced, with a mineral and delicate creamy finish, Falesia Chardonnay 2016 by Paolo e Noemia d'Amico comes from their vineyard north of Rome, close to the border with Umbria. At an altitude of about 400 meters, the fruit enjoy the gentle climate of Central Italy. The combination of the climatic features with the clayey, moderately fertile volcanic and limestone-rich soil, make this location unique. At harvest, the grapes are picked manually and placed into boxes in order to be taken directly to the stalk remover. After the pressing and the cold settling, the limpid must is fermented in new French oak barrels where it ages for 9 months and settles in bottles for about 5 months.
The result? A fabulous white that truly deserves the top awards, year after year.
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California Dreamin'
In his recent article titled "Santa Babara Dreamin'", wine critic Antonio Galloni reviews a stellar set of Foxen wines and gives all outstanding scores.
92 Foxen Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU 2016
...polished, nuanced and understated, with lovely white orchard fruit and floral character to match the wine's mid-weight personality. As always, this is an especially delicate, perfumed style of Chardonnay from Bien Nacido.
92 Foxen Pinot Noir John Sebastiano Vineyard 2016
...powerful, explosive wine endowed with considerable richness. Layers of fruit fill out the wine's vertical frame effortlessly. There is tremendous depth to the blue/purplish fruit. It will be interesting to see if greater nuance develops over time. Today, the JSV Pinot is a bit one-dimensional, although it is undeniably hugely appealing.
93 Foxen Chenin Blanc Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard 2016
...the most distinctive white in the Foxen range. Ample and creamy on the palate, the Chenin exudes tons of old vine depth. What a gorgeous wine this is.
93+Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 2016
An explosion of aromas and flavors hits the palate in Foxen's 2016 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Block 8. Sweet rose petal, lavender and a host of red/purplish berry fruit opens up in the glass. Exuberant, racy and super-polished the 2016 is virtually impossible to resist.
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Peter Zemmer Scores High with Robert Parker
In the September 2018 Issue of Wine Advocate, several Peter Zemmer wines receive high scores from Robert Parker .
91 Lagrein Riserva "Furggl" 2016
92+ Pinot Grigio Riserva "Giatl" 2016
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Nino Franco's Golden Moment
The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships just announced the winners for 2018. Three proseccos by Nino Franco won this year's gold medals.
Gold Medal Nino Franco Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 2017
Gold Medal Nino Franco Rustico
Gold Medal Nino Franco Nodi 2016
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Foxen's Compelling Chenin
In the August 2018 Issue of Wine Enthusiast, Senior Editor Matt Kettmann gives Foxen Chenin Blanc a remarkable score.
91 Foxen Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2016
Coming from old vines, this bottling is typically one of the more compelling non-Chardonays from Santa Barbara County. This vintage shows light lemon, chalk, white peach and Asian pear on the nose. The palate is grippy as ever, with lemon-lime acidity and a green -pear flavor.
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Cusumano Etna Rosso "Year's Best"
In the June 2018 Issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine, two wines from Cusumano's Alta Mora Collection are picked as "Year's Best Southern Italian Wines".
91 Etna Rosso Alta Mora Guardiola 2014
Fruit from this wine comes from a seven-acre plot of 100-year-old vines on Mt. Etna's northern slope. The vines grow above 2,600 feet, where it's cool enough that the fruit hangs into early November, ripening into deep flavors of soft plum, roasted fennel and ginger. The flavors feel dark and fleshy, warmed by ample alcohol that makes the wine a robust partner for a thick cut of steak.
90 Etna Rosso Alta Mora 2015
Flavors of ripe black plum mingle with black-rock minerality in this fleshy Etna Rosso. Hints of rose petals and cedar add lift, balancing the smoky tones that emerge on the finish.
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James Suckling Awards High Scores to Miner
In the newly published reviews by Wine Critic James Suckling, a number of wines from Miner Family Winery receive remarkable scores. .
91 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon "Stagecoach Vineyard" 2015
...black
licorice and vanilla bean character, highlighting the fruit. Full-bodied and
bright with fruit... palate is quite fresh in the end.
90 Miner Cabernet Sauvignon "Emily's" 2015
A dense
and juicy red with lots of ripe fruit and blackcurrant character. Full body,
round and soft tannins and a flavorful finish.
89 Miner Merlot "Stagecoach Vineyard" 2015
...a big
and rich red with lots of berry and spice character. Full body, hazelnuts and a
juicy fruit finish.
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Award Season for d'Amico & Zemmer Wines
Congratulations to Paolo e Noemia d'Amico and Peter Zemmer for sweeping top Decanter World Wine Awards 2018!
Gold Medal Paolo e Noemia d'Amico Atlante Cabernet Franc 2014 (95 points)
Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio 2017 (95 points)
Silver Medal Paolo e Noemia d'Amico Calanchi Chardonnay 2016 (90 points)
Peter Zemmer Cortinie 2016 (91 points)
Bronze Medal Peter Zemmer Rolhut Pinot Noir 2016 (88 points)
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Robert Parker on Foxen
In the recent publication of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, a number of Foxen wines received remarkable scores .
91 Foxen Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU 2016
The 2016 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block Uu offers up notes of
citrus pith, lime, buttered apples and grapefruit, followed by a
medium-bodied, glossy palate underpinned by bright, mouthwatering acids.
It has a nice sense of completeness and finishes quite long.
93 Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 2015
The 2015 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is quite Burgundian in
profile, wafting from the glass with aromas of wild berries, grilled
game bird, spice and rich soil. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, sappy
and savory, with fine tannins and a penetrating, sapid finish.
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