Friday, we will sample wines from Burgundy. Burgundy, a fairly small wine region in central eastern France, makes some of the worlds most sought after, expensive, and exquisite wines.  The system of land ownership is complex.  Burgundy has thousands of tiny vineyards, each with multiple owners.  Two varietals dominate.  All top white Burgundies are made from Chardonnay, and all top reds are come from Pinot Noir.  On Friday we will explore wines of Burgundy including the highest classification for Chardonnay, a grand cru!

On Saturday we will introduce you to some great wines from the Rhone Valley in France. The Rhone Valley in Southeastern France is divided into two parts: The northern Rhone and the Southern Rhone. Wines from each region are distinctly different.  Red wines dominate the region.  The most famous northern Rhône’s are Cote Rotie and Hermitage’; the most famous southern Rhone is Chateauneuf du Pape.  Syrah is the sole red grape in the north.  Southern Rhone wines are usually blends of many grapes, the most important of which are Grenache and Mourvèdre.  On Saturday we will explore wines from both parts of the Rhone, be sure to come out and join us.

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, June 14th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, June 15th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, June 14th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

2010 Domaine du Pas de L’escalette Rose ($19.99)

• Carignan and Cinsault with a touch of Grenache and Syrah are pressed and quickly separated from the skins in order to produce a delicate rose. The pale pink color of this rosé foils its vibrantly hued aromatics. Brilliantly perfumed with wild strawberry, thyme and soft florals, the wine is unashamedly inviting. A subtle minerality mid-palate gives depth to the wild aromatics while bright acidity invigorates the sweeter floral and fruit notes and lends uplift. It is this tension that reveals a certain delicacy and complexity.

2008 Patrick Piuze GRAND CRU Chablis Blanchot ($84.99)

• Piuze’s 2008 Chablis Blanchots smells of ocean breeze, and fresh lime. Pronouncedly mineral on the palate, it at the same time exhibits a succulence of grapefruit and white peach that goes beyond the other wines in its collection. A slightly lactic note dissipated after the bottle had been open for a few hours. And while this might not finish with real succulence, it offers a startlingly pungent and piquant burst of fresh lime, cherry, peach, cherry pit, and tenaciously persistent maritime mineral character. I would not be surprised to see this prove worth following for a decade.”  – Neal Martin. Wine Advocate 92 Points! Wine Spectator 93 Points!

2006 Joseph Drouhin Savigny-Les-Beaune ($24.99)

• Savigny is a charming village, tucked away in a little valley between Pernand and Beaune. A remarkable feature of the appellation is that the vineyards are planted on two hills with different exposures : North is the Vergelesses slope, producing delicate, perfumed wines.  Savigny-les-Beaune is a delicate and elegant wine showing intriguing spicy notes as well as wild berries. The spicy character is typical to that area. On the palate, the wine has considerable finesse and elegance.

2006 Domaine Pavelot Pernand-Vergelesses ($29.99)

• Frequently underappreciated, Pernand-Vergelesses often over-delivers and offers Burgundy lovers charming wines at reasonable prices. This is especially true now that a new generation of young vignerons is firmly established in their family domains. Located at the base of the famous Corton-Charlemagne hill on its west facing slope, the village and its surrounding vineyards are home to many exquisitely crafted, mineral driven Chardonnays and Pinots.

2006 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny ($44.99)

• The Drouhin 2006 Chambolle-Musigny’s notes of dark forest floor, roasted meat, bitter-sweet black fruit, clove, and pepper set of flavors renders this far more somber than I anticipated. Texturally, it is quite refined, with a hint of creaminess. Chalky and saline mineral notes and a fresh fruit skin edge lend invigoration and refreshment to a satisfyingly long finish.  This could use a bit of bottle time to explore its potential synergies, but will I suspect be best enjoyed within 3-4 years.

Saturday, June 8th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

2010 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc ($17.99)

• 55% viognier, 20% roussanne, 10% each of clairette and marsanne, and 5% bourboulenc, all raised in stainless steel):  Light yellow.  Fresh, aromatic scents of peach, yellow plum and lemon curd, lifted by a spicy overtone.  Dry and precise, with sappy pit and citrus fruit flavors that put on weight with air.  Closes with good energy and clarity, leaving spice and lemon notes behind.  This is quite suave for the category and would be a great pairing for lighter seafood dishes.” Stephen Tanzer – 89 Points; Wine Advocate – 88 Points; Wine Spectator – 88 Points!

2007 Domaine du Chene Condrieu ($44.99)

• Domaine du Chene is perhaps less familiar to Rhone lovers here in the United States, however this obscurity will certainly be short-lived. Winemakers Marc and Dominique Rouviere are first generation vignerons who have tended their vines and built their domaine from the ground up. This Condrieu is medium bodied with vibrant notes of peach, white flowers and spicy ginger. Judicious use of oak adds very subtle vanilla bean notes, however what makes this Condrieu “pop” is a beautiful acidity that makes each sip more intriguing than the next. Enjoy with smoked salmon, monkfish or poulet a la creme!

2009 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Red ($17.99)

• There are 3.5 million bottles of the 2009 Cotes du Rhone red, which represents an amazing value. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre, it comes primarily from the Plan de Dieu (Plain of God), which is situated northeast of Chateauneuf du Pape. This tank-aged, deep ruby/purple-colored, concentrated, fleshy, medium to full-bodied, supple offering reveals plenty of pepper, kirsch and black currant fruit intermixed with a notion of flowers. It is meant to be consumed during its first 2-3 years of life although I have tasted 10-year-old bottles that are still holding together. (10/ 2011) Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 89 Points; Stephen Tanzer – 90 Points!

2009 Pierre Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($54.99)

• “The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is an exact blend of 82% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Cinsault and Mourvedre. Aged half in cement tanks and the rest in foudres, the wine displays some dusty tannins, which sometimes are an issue with this vintage, but soft berry fruit, roasted herbs and plenty of kirsch, lavender and licorice as well. It is a classic Provencal wine to drink over the next 8-10 years.” Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2010 Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($54.99)

• This has a nice old-school edge, with toasted chestnut and singed juniper notes leading the way for dark cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors. A strong tarry spine drives the finish, where hot stone, lavender and tobacco lurk as well. For the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2025. 100 cases imported. – JM  Wine Spectator – 93 Points!

Hope to see you all at the tasting!

Jason Perry

Young’s Market began in 1888, as a grocery market in Southern California, and is one of the longest continually operating businesses in the US. They eventually dropped the groceries and focused on their growing beverage business. It has grown from a relatively small local distributor servicing Southern California to the fourth largest wine and spirits distributor in the United States.

With a distributor of this size, there are wine choices galore, and we think you will be very impressed with Jordy’s picks!

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, June 14th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

This weeks selections:

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (Regularly $12.99) $10.99 Tonight

• “Honeysuckle and peach blossom aromatics are intriguing, giving way to honeydew melon, Key lime pie and peach flavors, with a vividly bright and very refreshing acidity.” 89 Points – Wine Spectator

Butternut Chardonnay  2011 (Regularly $14.99) $12.99 Tonight

• The 2011 Butternut is a wine that lives up to its name. It has round, creamy notes, hints of hazelnut and a finish that doesn’t want to quit. Grapes from the regions of Napa, Santa Lucia and Arroyo Seco in Monterey broaden the flavor profile of Butternut. The Butternut spent 14 months on 100 percent new French Oak.

Chocolate Box Shiraz 2010 (Regularly $19.99) $16.99 Tonight 

• Rich and ripe, bursting with cherry, floral and, yes, chocolate flavors, this is dark and dense as it drives through the long, deftly framed finish. Shows power, but ultimately comes off as graceful. 90 Points – Wine Spectator

The Rule Cabernet 2010 (Regularly $19.99) $16.99 Tonight 

• Aromas of black cherries and red raspberries, as well as vanilla and toasty oak. On the palate, the Rule has a silky, round mouth feel and a long finish with mild tannins. Tony Leonardini, of the Whitehall Lane family, is the winemaker.  (Hint: ask Jordy where the grapes are from)

Sebastiani Secolo 2007 (Regularly $34.99) $29.99 Tonight       

• Rich and creamy, with up-front tiers of toasty oak, supple plum and blackberry that show touches of mineral and tobacco. Full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish.

We hope to see you at the tasting.

Patrick Campbell

From the Willamette Valley in Oregon to the Santa Rita Hills outside of Santa Barbara, Pinot Noir producers are crafting some of the best wines the world has ever seen. Join us for a comparison tasting of these incredible AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas).

Harvest Ranch El Cajon Wine Tasting:

Friday, June 7th, 2013 – 5pm – 7pm
759 Jamacha Road
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-442-0355
View Map

This weeks selections:

Alexana Pinot 2010 (Regularly $39.99) $33.99 Tonight

• (Oregon) Tangy, focused and juicy, with blackberry, currant and subtle spice flavors, finishing with an open feel to the expressive finish. Shows impressive purity, clarity and length. 94 Points Wine Spectator

Londer Pinot  2007 (Regularly $34.99) $29.99 Tonight

• (Anderson Valley) “Bright, strawberry-like elements merge with the expected varietal themes of ripe cherries and a touch of brushy spice in the nose. These are carried forward in the wine’s rounded, mid-density flavors.” ~ Connosieurs Guide

Lynmar Estate Pinot 2007 (Regularly $34.99) $29.99 Tonight 

• (Russian River Valley) This Pinot Noir is clearly fruit driven, hitting the palate with a pronounced sense of balance that glides to a long finish with no hard edges. This vintage was characterized by a broad, lush quality – offering firm structure and lovely concentration without ever edging towards heaviness. Tannins are perfectly ripe, adding structure and grip to a framework that allows this wine to age well. 

Melville 2010 (Regularly $32.99) $27.99 Tonight 

• (Santa Rita Hills) “This is an especially juicy, yet medium-bodied Pinot built on finesse and elegance. Longtime winemaker Greg Brewer has done a great job with these new releases; the 2010 is simply gorgeous.” ~ RP  92 WS 91 RP 91 WE

Meiomi Pinot 2012 (Regularly $24.99) $21.99 Tonight

• (3 Region Blend) Meiomi gets its fruit from Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara. The wine is crafted lush, balanced and luxurious. California’s most sought after coastal growing regions brilliantly meld together in this deeply flavored, stylish and truly balanced Pinot Noir.

A REMINDER SATURDAY, JUNE 8th, 2013 ALL WINES ARE 20% OFF.

We hope to see you at the tasting.

Patrick Campbell

Unlike most European winemakers, Californian winemakers have always been free to plant whatever grape varieties they want. Most people are aware that grapes like Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Noir dominate production, but there has been a surge of other varietals like Grenache, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Syrah, and Zinfandel. Syrah, in particular has proven so successful that it is well on its way to becoming one of the states most important grapes. On Friday we will taste four different and interesting California Blends. They are all very well received wines with fantastic press. It will not be a tasting to miss!

Argentina ranks fifth in worldwide wine production. For most of its history, Argentina has produced rough, simple, and cheap wines. Argentina followed Chile’s path in producing higher quality wines that appealed to other countries, most notably the United States and Great Britain. Argentina’s most interesting wine is Malbec, a red wine that is far more delicious hen made in Argentina than in its native Bordeaux. However, such international varieties as Chardonnay and Cabernet represent the most rapidly growing segment of the Argentinean wine industry and are intended almost exclusively for export.

Come join us on Saturday to taste an outstanding lineup of fine Argentinean wines.

SATURDAY ALL WINES IN THE STORE WILL BE 20% OFF!

Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:

Friday, June 7th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, June 8th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map

Friday, June 7th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

2010 Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99)

• Chalk Hill’s 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is a gorgeous wine loaded with cool-climate varietal character. Lemon, white peaches, tomato leaf and sage are nicely expressed in this vibrant, focused white. Ideally, the 2010 is best enjoyed over the next year or two, while the flavors remain crisp and lively. This is a hugely attractive wine from Chalk Hill. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.” Antoni Galloni Wine Advocate 90 Points!

2007 Sebastiani Secolo ($34.99)

• “Rich and creamy, with up-front tiers of toasty oak, supple plum and blackberry that show touches of mineral and tobacco. Full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2018. 2,220 cases made. – James Laube – Wine Spectator 92 Points!

2010 Epoch Estate Red ($42.99)

• “Epoch’s 2010 Estate Blend possesses gorgeous inner tension and energy. Dark fruit, licorice and spices flow through to the imposing finish. The Estate Blend is one of the entry-level wines at Epoch, but it has all of the qualitites of the higher-end bottlings, and costs less. This is a great introduction to the Epoch house style. The blend is 56% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre and 7% Tempranillo. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 90 Points; Wine Spectator 93 Points!

2008 Aurelio’s Selection Star Angel ($44.99)

• Marked by complex flavors built around rich mineral, graphite, dried berry, sage and cedar notes that are slow to unfold but offer wonderful depth, focus and length as they do. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2022. 3,000 cases made. –JL

2009 Laird Jillian’s Blend ($44.99)

• “Features a complex mix of savory herb, dried berry, tobacco and mocha, ending with muscular tannins and well-focused flavors. 68 %Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 12% Merlot. Drink now through 2022. 1,470 cases made. – James Laube – Wine Spectator 93 Points!

Saturday, June 8th, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm

Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person

2012 Hermano Torrontes ($17.99)

• “Beginning with the entry-level Hermanos range, the 2012 Hermanos Torrontes from Cafayate in Salta is from 26-year-old vines. It has a superb bouquet of peach skin, pear and a hint of lime flower that has a Riesling-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a precise, mineral-rich finish that shows what Torrontes can do in the right hands. Excellent. Drink now-2016.” Neil Martin – Wine Advocate 92 Points!

2010 Tikal Patriota ($26.99)

• “The 2010 Patriota is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Bonarda aged for 12 months in French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sports an enticing nose of Asian spices, incense, lavender, plum, and blueberry. In the glass it opens to reveal a ripe, plush, savory wine with no hard edges. Drink this well-balanced, lengthy wine over the next 5-6 years. It is also an outstanding value.” – Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 91 Points!

2010 Cuvelier Los Andes Malbec ($24.99)

• “The 2010 Collecion Malbec is my favorite of the single varietal wines. Fragrant black cherries, exotic spices, and floral aromas lead to a plush, ripe, pleasure-bent wine that will drink well for another 8-10 years. It is a fantastic value in Malbec.
  Cuvelier Los Andes is owned by Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier, part-owners of renowned Bordeaux Chateau Leoville-Poyferre in Saint Julien.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 91 points!

2010 Luca Malbec ($36.99)

• “The 2010 Malbec (100%) was sourced from 46-year-old vines and spent 16 months in 60% new French oak. It offers up an inviting nose of exotic spices, incense, cherry cola, wood smoke, and black cherry. On the palate it opens to reveal a plush, moderately structured Malbec that will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age. Drink this lengthy, seamless effort from 2013 to 2022.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 93 Points!

2009 Tikal Jubilo ($49.99)

• “The 2009 Jubilo is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 16 months in French and American oak. Aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, exotic spices, violets, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a savory, structured, layered, incipiently complex offering that will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. Drink this nicely proportioned, lengthy effort from 2013 to 2024.” Jay Miller – Wine Advocate 92 Points!

A REMINDER SATURDAY IS OUR WINE SPECIAL. TAKE 20% OFF ON ALL WINES!

Hope to see you all at the tasting!

Jason Perry

While growing up scents of orange, cardamom and rose water would fill our home when my mother and grandmother baked a Middle Eastern cake that they served often with tea. The traditional cake is dense and eggy with a generous amount of walnuts and soft golden raisins. No matter what time of year, when this cake is in the oven, it smells like Christmas.

Today, my grandmother tells me that the secret to her delicious version is to grind the entire orange in a food processor and add it to the batter; skins, pulp, juice and all. She also never skimps out on any of the sugar and eggs. We’ve had our differences in the kitchen! Let’s just say she doesn’t agree with taking the low calorie approach to desserts and likes to keep it real!

I recently craved the flavors of the cake but changed it up by using the same ingredients and applying a modern twist. Moist cupcakes with hints of orange and cardamom topped with a vanilla rose water frosting and lots of crunchy walnuts on top is what I had in mind. My thoughts became a reality and they turned out just as I expected. Memorable flavors of my childhood converted into delightful mouth watering cupcakes!

A visit to your local Middle Eastern or Ethnic Food Market is necessary to gather the ingredients for this recipe. If you are not familiar with rose water, it smells like heaven and adds an aromatic touch to some of my favorite desserts such as baklava and rice pudding. You will also find cardamom there, a sweet and citrusy pungent flavored spice. It’s best to buy the cardamom whole and grind the desired amount to a fine powder using a coffee grinder. I put the cardamom seeds in with the shell and sift out the chaff after grinding. Before you leave the store, be sure to grab a bag of fresh walnuts, they will make your cupcake topping all the better!

You can frost these cupcakes high and dip your finger in for tastes. The frosting amount is plentiful! Enjoy!

Orange Cardamom Cupcakes with Rose Water Frosting

The inviting scents of cardamom and rose water will make your mouth water for these delightful cupcakes! Treat yourself to one with your afternoon tea!

Ingredients

Cupcakes

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1½ teaspoons Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons finely ground Cardamom
1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
1 ½ cups Sugar
4 large Eggs
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons Rose Water
4 teaspoons Orange Zest (about 2 oranges)
1 cup freshly squeezed Orange Juice (about 2 oranges)
½ cup Whole Milk

Rose Water Frosting

4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 ½ cups Unsalted Butter, softened
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
4 Teaspoons Rose Water
1-2 Tablespoons Whole Milk

Topping

1 cup coarsely chopped Walnuts

Preparation

Prepare Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the center. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent tops from sticking.

Sift flour, baking soda, salt and cardamom in a medium bowl, set aside.

Combine orange juice and milk, set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment beat the butter until soft. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time and beat until well incorporated. Add vanilla extract, rose water, and orange zest and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low, add milk/orange juice mixture and flour mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing batter until smooth, scraping down sides if needed.

Using a ¼ measuring cup evenly distribute batter inside cupcake holders. Smooth tops then bake in the oven until toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

While Cupcakes Cool Prepare Frosting: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment beat butter until soft. Beat in the vanilla extract and rose water. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the confectioners sugar until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed. Add 1 tablespoon milk and beat until combined. Beat frosting on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. (If frosting is too thick, add additional tablespoon of milk and beat a few minutes longer)

Fill a piping bag with frosting and frost the cupcakes starting from the outside and working your way in to the center. Sprinkle tops generously with chopped walnuts.

Makes 24 cupcakes

*Cupcakes keep well in an airtight container for 2-3 days or may be refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

*Grind Cardamom in a coffee grinder until finely ground. (1 Tablespoon yields about 2 teaspoons ground)

Recipe courtesy of Chef Melody at CookingWithMelody.com. See more at her website.

Keenan 2009 Chardonnay

Spring Mountain District – Napa Valley

The finished wine shows citrus, ripe pear and green apple in the nose. Hints of lush white peach are noticed as the wine opens up. The sur-lie aging has added richness and complexity, and plenty of oak character returns on the finish. Like all of Keenan’s wines, this Chardonnay is food worthy wine whose crisp acidity and medium body will accompany a wide variety of fare.

Price: $19.99

Available at all stores.

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