Tuesday was an amazing kick-off to what will be an electrifying wine school season here at the SF Wine Center.  Advanced Level Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Meteor Vineyard Jason Alexander lead our first class of the year into the world of tasting and describing wines.  Having the class taste each wine blindly, Jason guided our eyes, noses, and palates to truly utilize our senses in order to understand the wines.  Paying close attention to the wines’ clarity, color, intensity, aromas, notes, body, tannin, acidity, and finish were just some of the aspects that we closely evaluated.  Jason also presented the class with some helpful hints as to the distinct characteristics that certain grape varietals typically depict on the nose and palate.  We also discussed terroir, viticulture, climate, winemaking processes, barrel and bottle aging and how exactly those factors all contribute to what we taste in our glass.

We tasted through a rather diverse flight of wines focusing on both Old World and New World regions.  Without knowing it, since no one was told what any of the wines were, we tasted some elegant Oregon Pinot, crisp German Riesling, earthy Syrah from northern Rhone, green peppery New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, velvety right bank Bordeaux, and more.  Each wine exemplified the particular features that one would find when drinking these wines.

My favorite for the night?

Marchesi di Barolo – 2005 Barolo – Piedmont, Italy

Having spent a whole day at their estate with proprietor Anna Abbona last summer, I naturally have a soft spot for this wine.  But that’s beside the point that this Nebbiolo is dazzling with luscious dark chocolate covered cherries on the nose.  The palate expanded on that while adding in hints of creamy vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nuttiness, and a leathery finish.  Upholding its acidity, bold tannins, and succulent cherry notes, this Barolo drinks lovely now but will continue to impress for many years to come.

Many thanks to both Jason and Brian for a marvelous start to the new year!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1.  JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2007 – Mosel Valley, Germany

2.  Hunter’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 – New Zealand

3.  Joseph Drouhin Chablis Secher 2009 1er Cru – Chablis, France

4.  Holloran Le Pavillon Vnyd Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2005– Willamette Valley, OR

5.  Sierra Cantabria Reserva Rioja 2006 – Rioja, Spain

6.  Bernard Burgaud Cote Rotie 2008 – Northern Rhone, France

7.  Marchesi di Barolo 2005 Barolo – Piedmont, Italy

8.  Chateau Monbousquet Saint Emilion Grand Cru 1995 – Bordeaux, France

The topic of New World vs. Old World wines is an infamous and ongoing debate that is disputed all around the world.  On Tuesday evening here at the SF Wine Center, James Beard Award-Winning Author Jordan Mackay led the class as we explored the many facets of this ever so popular subject of the wine industry.

Jordan began by briefing the class on what exactly New World and Old World mean.  Old World refers to wines that are produced in Europe, while New World refers to wines produced outside of the European continent.  This branding can become tricky with certain countries like Israel because their wine industries are technically far older than that of Europe, but stylistically these wines are classified as New World.

After presenting the class with a basic outline of these two categories, Jordan went on to describe more in depth what the differences between New World and Old World wines are.  The most significant difference is the ways in which the wines are produced.  With each Old World country, the government heavily regulates what can be produced, where, and how.  The governments also regulate the quality of the wines, each country having their own classification system in order to guarantee the production and quality level.  New World countries are given far more freedom to produce what they want and how they want.  In addition to regulatory differences, Old World countries typically have noticeably cooler climates and particular types of terroir that most New World countries don’t have.

As Jordan led the class through this classic debate, we blindly tasted and compared wines of the Old World and the New World.  Jordan explained the certain characteristics to look for that could help the class evaluate which wines are of Old World and which are of New World.  We took note of certain aspects such as Old World wines classically having higher acidity and New World wines typically showing higher levels of fruitiness and alcohol.  Although certain qualities can be successful determinants of New World and Old World wines, it is important to remember that not all wines are created the same and there are many exceptions to the rule.  This concept was most certainly recognized in some of the wines tasted tonight.

My Top Pick for the Night?

Sbragia Gino’s Vineyard Dry Creek Zinfandel 2007 – Sonoma County, CA

This blend of Zinfandel with 10% Carignan and 5% Petite Syrah was a wonderful wine with notes of fresh red cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  The French oak added a slight nuttiness to the wine without overpowering it.  This wine has nice acidity, rich tannin, and a prolonged finish that allows your palate to fully indulge in every characteristic and quality of the wine.

Thank you to Jordan and Brian for another fun and informative class!

Wine List:

1. Ken Forrester Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2009 – Stellenbosch, South Africa
2. Vigneau-Chevreau Cuvee Silex Vourvray 2009 – Loire Valley, France
3. Petaluma Hanlin Hill Vineyard Riesling 2008 – Clare Valley, Australia
4. Dr Loosen Riesling Kabinett Blue Slate 2009 – Mosel Valley, Germany
5. Paul Pernot Les Noizons Pommard 1999 – Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France
6. Calera Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard Pinot Noir 1999 – Mt. Harlan, Central Coast, CA
7. Tomaresca Torcicoda Primitivo Salento 2008 – Puglia, Italy
8. Sbragia Gino’s Vineyard Dry Creek Zinfandel 2007 – Sonoma County, CA

The SF Wine Center took a little twist at this Tuesday’s class on wine collecting fundamentals.  Wine Gavel’s Auction Director Gence Alton joined the SF Wine Center staff as we explored the ins and outs of the world of wine auctions and collecting.  What made this evening’s class so special, besides the extraordinary list of wines tasted, was that this session was less of a lecture and more of a discussion.  Students were able to express their thoughts on collecting and share their personal tips on buying and selling wine.

Gence started the class by providing some basic information not only about Wine Gavel, but also how wine auctioning came about in the world.  These topics lead to discussions about excellent wine buying tools and references like wine-searcher.com and cellartracker.com.  It was so great to have industry veterans lead the conversations, but for the students to be equally involved in the dialog.

We then moved on to talk about the wines themselves and what to do with them.  Between understanding the influence of premox, understanding how to determine a wine’s aging ability, and proper storage of wine, the students were given a helpful crash course to get them in the right direction with their wine collecting.  With a stunning list of wines to pair with all of that valuable information, how could this class be anything but amazing?

My Top Pick for the Night?

Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: 96-99 pts

This wine was a jaw dropper, even after my 4th tasting of it.  Beautifully perfumed with aromas of fresh black plum, lavender, and savory notes, this wine was a favorite in the class well before it was even tasted.  On the palate this wine delivered even more than expected with its black plum, cinnamon, cloves, and the sensational characteristics of Pâté with peppercorns.  With its remarkable fruit and brilliant acidity, this wine will be well worth the wait in many years to come.

Wine List:

1. Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon 2007: 92 pts (6 btls- $125)
2. Kistler Hyde Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay 2008: 96 pts ($120)
3. Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1989 – Saint Julien, Bordeaux: 96 pts ($225)
4. Château Pape Clement Rouge 2005 – Pessac-Léognan; 98 pts (15 btls, 375ml- $150)
5. Antinori Tignanello 2007 – Toscana red (Super Tuscan): 95 pts (48 btls – $75)
6. Colgin Cariad Red 2000 – Napa Valley: 95 pts  ($225)
7. Verite La Muse 2007: 100 pts (24 btls – $300)
8. Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008: 96-99 pts (30 btls – $275)

This past Tuesday’s class on Tasting and Describing wine was atypical and pleasantly unorthodox.  Led by author of the 2011 Food & Wine Magazine Guide to Wine, Marry Burnham had the class blindly taste through 8 different wines from both Old World and New World regions.  From French Chablis to Napa Valley Riesling, the list of wines truly allowed Mary to blindly expose the class to a wide array of wine styles.

During the class it was discovered that not only was the class blindly evaluating wines, but we snuck in a few fastballs at Mary to show the class what true wine evaluation is.  With her prepared list of the wines tasted, we made a couple of switches to the wines without informing Mary.  Sneaky as it was, the class was thrilled to see Mary in action as she called out the discrepancies to the wines listed.  Using the expertise of her palate, Mary quickly discovered that certain wines were not as they were listed and led the class through her conclusions as to what they were.

As unconventional as this tactic of ours might have been, the students were more than delighted for the chance to witness the utter capability of a wine expert like Mary to blindly evaluate wines as if they were a puzzle to be solved.

Thanks for being a good sport Mary and for leading an excellent class!

-Julie Albin

Wine List:

1.  Alphonse Mellot Sancerre “La Moussiere” 2009 – Loire Valley, France

2.  William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2009 – Chablis, France

3.  Stony Hill Napa Valley White Riesling 2004 – California

4.  Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Cuvee Marie 2007 – Alsace

5.  Clos de la Tech Domaine Lois Louise Pinot Noir 2006 – Santa Cruz Mts, CA

6.  Vina Real Reserva Rioja 2004 – Rioja, Spain

7.  Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Cuvee des Cadettes” 2005 – Rhone

8.  Christian Moueix Pomerol 2006 – Bordeaux, France

This past Tuesday was a special evening and off of the beaten path from our usual sit-down wine classes here at SF Wine Center.  Instead, the students arrived to a glass of champagne as we set up three different tasting stations; one of French wines, one of Old World wines, and the last of New World wines.  But before we had the class split into three small tasting groups former Wine Director of Restaurant Gary Danko and Cyrus and current GM of Meteor Vineyard in Napa, Jason Alexander, sat the class down at the table and conducted two blind tastings.  Using a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and a 1996 Barolo, Jason led the class through both tastings and informed them on the techniques used to properly taste and evaluate wine.  Next, we divided the class into groups and sent them on their way to taste.

The first station, led by Jason, allowed the students to taste four French wines; one being a Chablis, another from the Echezeaux commune of Burgundy, another from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and lastly one from the left bank of Bordeaux.  These wines being an excellent example of four of the truly grand regions of France provided an ample opportunity for the students to grasp what makes each of those regions as distinct as they are.

The second station, led by yours truly, featured wines from four distinguished European countries.  The first of the wines was a Gruner Veltliner of Austria, second was a Kabinett Riesling from Germany, third was a red blend from Duoro, and last was a tempranillo from Rioja.  The first two wines offered the students a fine example of the signature whites of both countries, while the two reds were distinguishable to their regions, yet had special characteristics that set them apart of the rest.

The third station was led by Certified Sommelier and freelance wine writer for Sommelier Journal, Joanna Breslin.  Joanna led the students through four New World wines; one representing Chenin Blanc from South Africa, another representing an Oregon Pinot Noir, another exemplifying a shiraz from Barossa, and last but not least, a Malbec from Mendoza.  Each one being the most notable wine from that particular region, the students were exposed to the significant varietals that are responsible for putting these New World wine countries on the map.

My Top Pick for the Night?

Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva 2005 – Rioja, Spain

This tempranillo from Rioja was not only pleasing to the palate as they usually are, but also a powerful experience of red fruit, earthiness, spice, and some nuttiness from the oak.  The tannins were still strong but have begun to smooth out the texture of the wine.  This wine was absolutely splendid to drink now, but with its heavy fruit, tannin, and upholding acidity, I think that this wine would drink well for the next few years.

Thanks to Jason, Joanna, and of course Brian for putting together an exciting, fun, and memorable tasting class!

-Julie Albin

Wine List:

1. Pierre Peters Brut Cuvee Res Grand Cru – Champagne, FR
2. Villa Maria Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 – New Zealand
3. Rocche Dei Manzoni Barolo 1996 – Piedmont, IT
4. Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis 2009 – Chablis, FR
5. Joseph Drouhin Grands-Echezeaux 2004 – Burgundy, FR
6. Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 – Southern Rhone, FR
7. Christian Moueix St. Estephe 2006 – Bordeaux, FR
8. Domaine Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Gruner Veltliner 2008 – Austria
9. August Kesseler Riesling Kabinett 2004 – Rheingau, Germany
10. Casa Ferreirinha Vinha Grande Douro 2002 – Douro, Portugal
11. Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva 2005 – Rioja, Spain
12. Sadie Family Sequillo Swartland Chenin Blanc blend 2007 – S. Africa
13. Lazy River Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2005 – Oregon
14. Pensfold RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 – Australia
15. Luigi Bosca Estate Reserva Malbec 2008 – Mendoza, ARG

On a rousing Tuesday evening, South America was in the air as freelance food and wine writer Mary Burnham channeled us into the exciting world of Argentine and Chilean wines.   As an author of the 2011 Food & Wine Magazine Guide to Wine, Mary has sizable experience in the amazing wines from both of these countries.

Mary started the class off by introducing the students to the major winemaking regions of Argentina and Chile; each region being successful for particular types of wine.  Mendoza is Argentina’s most famous region, renowned by its inky and tannic Malbec wines.  Further up north, Salta is a desert like region that is prominent for its production of Torrontes wines.  Over in Chile, Casablanca is a region that is very significant for its quality Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines.  Maipo Valley is another noteworthy region of Chile that is best known for producing well-rounded reds, particularly noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon.  Some of the most southern regions of both countries, Rio Negro of Argentina and Bío Bío of Chile, are recently receiving a lot more recognition for their exceptional Pinot Noir.

Blessed by unlimited sunshine and the Andes Mountains, both countries have truly ideal grape growing conditions.  The Andes not only act as a rain shield for Argentina, it also provides natural irrigation to both countries through its constant snowmelt.  The Humboldt Current from Antarctica and the Andes Mountains both provide cool breezes that help the grapes retain their acidity after spending all day soaking in the sun.  With all of these beneficial conditions, it is not surprising that Argentine and Chilean wines have created such a stir in the wine industry.

And next, we moved on to the wines.  We tasted some signature grapes from their associated regions, such as Malbec from Mendoza and Carmènere from Colchagua Valley.  We also compared the same varietals from both countries like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other red blends.  After completing our voyage through all 15 tastings, the class was put to a vote to decide which country the majority of the favorites came from.  The winner by a mere point…Argentina!

My Top Pick for the Night?

Archaval Ferrer Malbec 2009 – Mendoza, Argentina

This absolutely stunning Malbec had rich notes of dark chocolate, boysenberries, and blackberries.  To match the opulence, the wine was toughened up by its characteristics of tobacco and cloves.  The most intriguing part of this wine was the aftertaste of dried grapefruit and Puerh tea that allows you to fully indulge in the savory tannins of this Malbec.

Thanks to Mary and Brian for a wonderful journey through South American wines!

-Julie Albin

Wine List:

1. Cono Sur “Visiòn” Block Loma Roja Sauvignon Blanc 2009- Casablanca Valley, Chile
2. Colomé Valle Calchaqui Torrontes 2010- Salta, Argentina
3. Catena Alamos Chardonnay 2009 – Mendoza, Argentina
4. Santa Ema Amplus Chardonnay 2008- Leyda Valley, Chile
5. Luigi Bosca Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 – Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina
6. Casa Marin Lo Abarca Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 – San Antonio Valley, Chile
7. Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda 2006 – Mendoza, Argentina
8. Matetic Corralillo Syrah 2009 – San Antonio Valley, Chile
9. Casa Silva Los Lingues Gran Reserva Carmènere 2006 – Colchagua Valley, Chile
10. Le Dix de Los Vascos 2008 (85% cab, 8% carmènere, 7% syrah) – Colchagua Valley, Chile
11. Clos de la Sieté 2008 (malbec, merlot, cab, syrah, petit verdot) – Mendoza, Argentina
12. Valentin Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – Mendoza, Argentina
13. Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – Central Valley, Chile
14. Altos Las Hormigas Reserva Malbec 2006 – Valle de Ucco, Mendoza, Argentina
15. Archaval Ferrer Malbec 2009 – Mendoza, Argentina

On another beautiful Tuesday evening in the city, we had the privilege of learning about and tasting the great wines of Austria and Germany.  Led by wine veteran Jason Alexander, we had a full class of females eager to gain more knowledge of, and of course taste, these fascinating wines.  It appears that the males thought they could sit this one out on account that these were mostly Rieslings, but boy did they sure miss out on some incredible wines.

Jason started off the class by briefly touching on the interesting history that Austria has within the wine industry.  For those who know about the issues that the country previously faced in the 80’s due to chemically altering their wines, Austria has sure come a long way since those days.  Nowadays, it is very common to find Austrian wines at even the most highly regarded restaurants and wine bars.

While on the topic of Austria, we dove into a Gruner Veltliner wine and continued onto Austrian Rieslings.  To add to the mix, we also tasted the Austrian red varietal known as Blaufränkisch from Burgenland.  Each of these wines expressed their unique levels of fruit, spices, and minerality.

Moving onto Germany, Jason enlightened the class on the German wine laws and how the wines are categorized by their level of ripeness.  He also described in detail the different regions and how their terroir undeniably affects the outcome of their wines.  All of which influences the steep pricing for some of the highly sought after quality German wines.

With that being said, we tasted through our line of four German Rieslings.  Starting off with a Trocken wine, we continued on to taste a Kabinett, Spatlese, and finally an Auslese classified wine.  Within the four wines, we were able to uncover the strong minerality variances between the prestigious regions of Rheingua, Pfalz, and Mosel.

My top pick for the night?

Zantho Blaufränkisch 2008- Burgenland, Austria

This extraordinarily interesting red starts the nose off with the aroma of burnt sugar, similar to the top layer of a warm crème brûlée.  Hints of strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry are nicely intertwined with the sugary characteristics.  The palate closely mimics the nose, while adding notes of forest floor, leather, a bit of herbs and even some green cardamom.  This well balanced wine is medium in body and acidity, making it easily drinkable while allowing the taster to have an exhilarating experience on the palate.

Thanks again to Jason and Brian for another fun and didactic wine class!

-Julie Albin

Wine List

1. Salomon Undhof Von Stein Berglagen Gruner-Veltliner 2009 – Kremstal, Austria
2. Domaine Wachau Terrassen Smaragd Riesling 2009 – Wachau, Austria
3. Zantho Blaufrankisch 2008 – Burgenland, Austria
4. Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvee 2008 – Burgenland, Austria
5. Riesling Trocken, Robert Weil Kiedrich Turmberg 2009 – Rheingau, Germany
6. Riesling Kabinett, Muller Catoir Gimmeldinger Mandelgarten 2004 – Pflaz, Germany
7. Riesling  Spatlese, Dr. Loosen Graacher Himmelreich 2009 – Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
8. Riesling  Auslese,  Josephshofer Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Fuder 6 2005 – Mosel-Saar- Ruwer, Germany

What a great time last night and amazing wines. Thanks again to Instructor Mary Burnham for her energy, wit and expertise – always a pleasure. The wines were amazing and no doubt the winner of the night was  #7 Andrea Oberto Barolo Rocche 1998.

A big thank you as well to SF Wine Center storage member, Greg Pelling, for sharing those amazing Gaja Barbarescos from 1982 and 1986. That was extremely generous and what a great way to finish off the tasting. For those that had to take off right after class, my sincere apologies! The after class tasting was a lot of fun with so many storage members and regular class attendees there to share it.  If you missed it don’t worry, I think we will have to make a little habit out of that.

The wines we tasted were:

1. Fontanafredda Gavi 2009

2. Vietti Arneis 2010

3. Gaja Rossj Bass Chardonnay 2009

4. La Spinetta Ca’di Pian Barbera d’Asti 2007

5. Marchesi di Gresy Barbaresco Martinenga 2007

6. Pira Barolo Margheria 1995

7. Andrea Oberto Barolo Rocche 1998

8. Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 1996