Seated Wine Tasting – Introduction to the New California Wine – Thursday, September 24th from 7-9 p.m. – $25/person…..$20 for Grape Nuts – If you follow wine trends like we do, you’ve surely read an article or two about “The New California Wine” (click here to read more) or the producers associated with “In Pursuit of Balance” (click here to read more). The funny thing is that not all of these producers are new — they’ve been making their wines using minimalist techniques in an attempt to showcase the unique terroir that is California. In doing this, they’ve inspire a young group of winemakers to do the same.
If we’ve lost you, don’t worry as we’ll fill you in on the new trends, wines, and producers that are changing the face of California wine. Cutting edge producers like LIOCO, Hobo Wine Company, and Matthiasson along with veteran producers such as Mount Eden and Calera are producing some of the state’s most exciting and delicious wines, and this is your opportunity to taste and learn about their wines and understand why and how they’re changing the face of California wine.
This is a seated wine tasting and presentation and we’ll cover the basics of wine tasting as well as the more complex topics of farming and winemaking. The tasting includes healthy tastes of eight wines, bread, cheese, and aggressive discounts on all of the wines. To sign up and reserve your seat, please call the store at 828.505.8588 or email us at josh@tablewineasheville.com and we’ll follow up with you. Only cancellations made within 48 hours of the event will receive a full refund or store credit.
The Wines
Prices range from $13 to $80
1. 2013 Matthiasson White Wine (Napa Valley)
One of the most talked about white wines produced in California. 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Ribolla Gialla, 15% Semillon, and 5% Friulano, this wine truly embodies the spirit and innovation of “The New California Wine.” Steve Matthiasson was named Winemaker of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle last year.
2. 2013 Calera Chardonnay (Central Coast)
This is a classic from Josh Jensen, one of the Central Coasts veteran producers. He’s been making balanced, French inspired, artisanal wines for over 30 years. 91 points Antonio Galloni, who called it “absolutely stunning in this vintage.”
3. 2014 LIOCO Chardonnay (Sonoma County)
LIOCO is the joint project of Matt Licklider and Kevin O’Connor, two industry veterans who are making some of the most exciting Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in California. They source fruit from top sites and top growers throughout California and they craft their wines in a way that allows this pristine fruit to shine.
– 90 points Antonio Galloni
4. 2014 Banyan Gewurztraminer (Monterey County, California)
Made by our buddy Kenny Likitprakong of Hobo Wine Company fame, this is simply one of the best domestic Gewurztraminers we’ve ever tried.
5. 2013 Calera Pinot Noir (Central Coast)
Made with grapes from a number of sustainably farmed vineyards scattered throughout the Central Coast, this is California Pinot made using Burgundian tradition. 91 points The Wine Advocate
6. 2010 Neely Pinot Noir “Hidden Block” (Santa Cruz Mountains)
This was a real score for us! Our distributor had almost three cases of this one squirreled away in their warehouse and we bought it all. Jim and Bob Varner make incredible Pinots and Chardonnays that will make your head spin. This tiny production, single vineyard wine has a bit of age on it, and that age has allowed more subtle complexity to come out. 93 points The Wine Advocate
7. 2013 Dashe Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
Mike Dashe makes classic, refined, spice and earth accented Zinfandels that are reminiscent of how Zinfandel tasted during the early days of California wine. We love the stylings of this old school Zin from one of California’s expert winemakers.
8. 2012 Matthiasson Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
This is a super special treat. When Steve Matthiasson isn’t consulting for big name producers like Araujo, David Arthur, Chappellet, and Stags Leap, he makes small batches of beautifully pure, elegant, and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. If you don’t like this, we can’t be friends any more:)!
9. 2011 Mount Eden Cabernet Sauvignon “Estate” (Santa Cruz Mountains)
This is a classic from one of the founding fathers of California wine. Mount Eden does everything by hand, from harvesting and sorting to native yeast fermentations and aging for longer periods than most. Anyone who tries to tell you that 2011 was not a good vintage in California is full of you know what!
95 points Antonio Galloni