I am sharing this highlight reel with you courtesy of the Crushed Grape Chronicles. Zaca Mesa has turned out a plethora of amazing wine makers, my seminar led a discussion with 4 of the best! Ken Brown, Jim Clendenen, Bob Lindquist & Eric Mohseni – read more in the CGC Article.
They will start releasing the full seminar in segments for you to enjoy on May 20th. This will include the tasting with wine from each of these amazing winemakers.
Need a good reason to buy wine? How about making Mother’s Day an everyday celebration! Think about it: Who says honoring your mother, mother-in-law, or the mother of your child has to be reserved for one day of the year? Instead, take advantage of the great opportunities you have to exceed expectations by introducing her to tasty new styles of wine on a regular basis. To make it even more fun, you add these experiences to bigger packages that include fine dining spa treatments, and visits to wineries in the near future. In any case, the key is to not be skimpy, but instead focused and alert to learn more about the styles of wines she likes to drink.
With these ideas in mind, here are five new springtime picks and food pairings for mom. Just like SawyerSomm and Feast It Forward, the producers of these remarkable wines will be involved at the upcoming Bottle Rock festivities in Napa, May 29-31. For more information, visit www.bottlerocknapavalley.com.
Pick #1: Brut Rosé Sparkling Wines
Why buy mom flowers when you can give her roses in liquid form? For a delicious example, try the Schramsberg 2011 Brut Rosé, North Coast ($43). Crafted with Pinot Noir and a smaller percentage of Chardonnay grapes grown in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Marin counties; this sparkling gem features tiny bubbles and a dazzling pink hue. In the flute, the wine offers lovely aromas of ripe red berries, dried cranberry, citrus rind, brioche, mineral, and spice. The flavors are lavish, with notes of wild strawberry, watermelon, fresh squeezed citrus, ginger, a hint of vanilla, and a crisp, dry finish. Overall, it’s an elegant sparkler with enough power, complexity, and natural verve to make mom blush with each sip.
SawyerSomm food pairings: Lox & bagels, sushi, oysters with tangy mignonette, Bouillabaisse, pomegranate chicken, pork tenderloin with fresh cherry chutney, custard with fresh berries.
Schramsberg Vineyards 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515. www.Schramsberg.com.
Pick #2: Aromatic White Wines
If mom likes aromatic white wines, reward her with a bottle of fresh 
and tangy Pinot Gris. A classy example is the Goosecross 2013 Pinot Gris, Napa Valley ($27). With fragrant aromas of spring flowers, fresh citrus, melon, ripe tree fruits, sandalwood and subtle spices, the wine features elegant flavors of tangerine, ripe white peach, Asian pear, red apple, and a burst of vibrant acidity. Clean, crisp and refreshing—it’s a wine that keeps on giving.
SawyerSomm food pairings: Tangy cheeses, fresh appetizers, stuffed figs, spring rolls, fish tacos, wild rice salad, grilled chicken skewers with tangy aioli dip, and various styles of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine.
Goosecross Cellars, 1119 State Lane, Yountville, CA 94599. www.goosecross.com.
Pick #3: Fresh, elegant styles of Chardonnay
With all the fresh fruits, produce and vegetables now so abundant at the farmer’s market, it’s a great time of the year to taste fresh 
Chardonnays that is bright and vibrant instead of buttery and oakey. One of the tasty new releases is the Miner Family 2013 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($30). Made with fruit grown primarily at the revered Hyde, Hudson and Genny’s vineyard properties in the Carneros District of southern Napa Valley, the wine features lovely aromas of ripe stone fruits, exotic melon, fresh citrus, and cinnamon. In the glass, the flavors expand with notes of crisp apple, coconut, lemon, grapefruit, sage, mineral, racy acidity, and a long, engaging finish.
SawyerSomm food pairings: Medium cheeses, gourmet salads, grilled fish with fruit salsa, seafood pasta with a tangy white sauce, risotto with lemon and fresh herbs, grilled chicken and pork chops.
Miner Family Winery, 7859 Silverado Trail, Oakville, CA 94562. www.minerwines.com.
Pick #4: Smooth and complex Merlot is back
For mothers who prefer drinking sophisticated red wines with smooth texture, a great choice is Merlot. Over the past decade, 
Merlot-based wines from the New World have suffered setbacks due to the rising popularity of Pinot Noir and the misunderstood statements from the film Sideways. Thankfully, the worst is now behind us and the end result is bright, fruit-forward wine with more backbone and layers of flavor. A charming example is the Clos du Val 2012 Merlot, Napa Valley ($35), which includes lofty aromas of ripe plum, red berries, espresso, and spice; robust flavors of cherry, plum, raspberry and dark chocolate; smooth velvety tannins; and a long finish. If mom doesn’t say a word for a few minutes, she’s probably just enjoying the elegant and sophisticated profile crafted by gifted winemaker Kristy Melton.
SawyerSomm food pairings: Gourmet Mac n’ Cheese, grilled vegetables, grilled salmon, seared Ahi with espresso rub, fresh pasta with truffle, gamey meats, deluxe burgers, and slow roasted beef brisket.
Clos du Val Winery, 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94557. www.closduval.com.
Pick #5: Classy Red Wines with power and finesse
If mom prefers full-bodied red wines, a magnificent new release is the Jamieson Ranch 2012 “Double Lariat” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60). Highlighted with aromas of wild berries, licorice, fresh tobacco and roasted black walnuts, the wine expands in the palate with generous flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, fresh currant, cassis, allspice, and fine French oak. The mouthful is plush with chewy tannins, firm structure, and a long, elegant, and rewarding finish.
SawyerSomm food pairings: Blue cheese, tartlets with wild mushrooms, seared duck breast, roast lamb, grilled steaks, and braised meats.
Jamieson Ranch, 1 Kirkland Ranch Road, American Canyon, CA 94503. www.jamiesonranchvineyards.com.
I am excited not only to share this piece I wrote, regarding delicious wine and Mexican food pairings for Cinco de Mayo festivities, but also to introduce you to BuyWine.com.
I have been writing in-depth appellation descriptors for the site over the last year in preparation for them to go LIVE!!! Take time to read my article and peruse the possibilities for your wine purchasing future. . .
Cheers!
Christopher
On April 14th & 15th I helped judge the North Coast Wine Challenge in Santa Rosa. The judging compares select California North Coast AVAs including Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Marin and parts of Solano County. As recently announced the 2015 winner is. . .
ROCHE 2013 Carneros Chardonnay French Oak Reserve!
Congratulations to all the winners, search the List and follow-up with a summary in this Press Democrat article.
Now you have a chance to taste over 80 Gold Medal winners at the North Coast Wine Challenge Tasting hosted by the Press Democrat on Sunday May 17, 1-4pm, at The Barlow in Sebastopol. It will feature the highest scoring wines from the 2015 judging.
This year, the event will include Storytellers & Innovators. Guests will be able to hear from and meet pioneers of the past and today’s innovators to learn what’s new in winemaking in California’s North Coast. There will also be a pre-event seminar, 11:30 – 12:30 pm:
A Conversation with Gold Medal Wine Makers and Award-Winning Chefs
Time for a spring awakening with a pink twist: I’m happy to say that the results are in from the Rosé Wine Competition I judged on March 25 at Simi Winery in Healdsburg. Started by my pal, Napa-based wine and travel writer Bob Ecker, this is the largest competition of pink wines in the United States. Of the 192 entries, 155 received medals.
The Best in Class from the “Dry” Rosé Category was won by Martin Ray Vineyards of Santa Rosa, California. The Best in Class from the “A Little Sweet” Rosé Category was a Rose from Truett Hurst Winery from Healdsburg, California. These wines were from 19 different states and all the unique interpretations of pink wines were tasted blind.
My fellow judges at the competition included Denise Gill, Debra Del Fiorentino, Sue Straight, Debra Parker Wong, Rick Fraga and Ray Johnson. The full list of awards can be found at The Rosé Competition.
The Gold Medal winning Rosé wines will be featured at a special tasting at Simi Winery on May 30th. Stay tuned for more details about the event. In the meantime, don’t forget to drink pink!
The Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend and Festival is nearly here and tickets are almost sold out for the Friday night Vintage Party and Saturday morning wine seminar.
FRIDAY NIGHT VINTAGE PARTY
First join me at the Vintage Party, a traditional La Paulee style dinner hosted by the Santa Barbara Vintners and Mattei’s Tavern to welcome Spring Weekend visitors to Santa Barbara Wine Country on the evening before the Festival. In the La Paulee tradition, attendees will bring their favorite Vintage 2009 or older wine from Santa Barbara County or beyond to share.
THE SANTA BARBARA WINE SEMINAR
Next I will be moderating this engaging wine seminar on Saturday morning before the Festival at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. This year it will feature winemakers whose wine careers were influenced by their time working at Zaca Mesa. 
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This month leads into a collection of treks that keep me moving throughout April! So many exciting events that I want to share some details. Perhaps a few of you will be joining me along the way. . .
Begining this week, on Thursday April 16th, I will be at the Mt. Veeder Spring Tasting, discussing the 25-year anniversary of the appellation at their media luncheon.
This is an exciting event so take advantage to participate in their public tasting, tickets are available at Mt Veeder Appellation.
Even sooner, I will be judging two prestigious wine competitions. The first is the Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge, April 
14-15, at the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country Hotel at Fountaingrove in Santa Rosa. Winners of the event will be announced in the Press Democrat. On May 17, many of these award winning wines will be featured along with dishes made by some of Sonoma County’s top chefs at The Barlowe in Sebastopol.
Then, for the long haul south, I will be at the Sunset International Wine Competition judging between April 26-28. Besides being one of the top wine competitions in the nation, this year also marks the last time the competition will be held at the expansive Sunset Headquarters in Menlo Park. For that reason, the other judges and I will be sure to make the most out of this experience, before final sale of the property. Entries for this competition end on April 17th.
You can continue to follow these exploits by virtual means, on my Social Media outlets; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There will be fun pictures and daily updates.
Last note, don’t forget that Friday, April 24th is International Sauvignon Blanc Day! When posting use #SauvBlanc, #nzwine, etc, and don’t forget to spread the word! -CS
It’s time to taste through some of the finest new releases California has to offer at the 33rd Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend, April 23-26. For starters, guests will be able to visit 12 wineries involved in the Vintners Visa festivities going on from Thursday to Sunday. But for foodie lovers, the fabulous weekend kicks off with the Friday Night Vintage Party at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, where star sommelier Eric Railsback and I will help serve 
magnificent cellar selections from Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards, Qupe Wine Cellars & Verdad Wine Cellars, Turiya Wines, Dascomb Cellars, Presqu’ile Winery, Imagine Wine, Rusack Vineyards, Melville Winery, and Martellotto Wines.
On Saturday morning, I’ll be leading a special seminar focused on the history of the Santa Ynez Valley, a legendary appellation established in 1983, through the eyes of gifted wnemakers who all worked at Zaca Mesa Winery during the early stages of their careers. Then, it’s time for the Grand Tasting at the River View Park in Buellton. This popular afternoon will feature offering from over 120 wineries paired up tasty bites from the best chefs in the county.
For more information, visit Vintners Spring Weekend.
At the recent Academy Awards, the thrilling victory of the underground gem Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) as Best Picture over the large-production blockbuster film American Sniper was yet another testament to the power of independent films.
On stage to help accept the award was Michael Keaton, an extremely talented performer who was nominated for Best Actor as the lead role in the film. The achievements of this film were not a surprise to annual patrons of the Sonoma International Film Festival; many of whom met Keaton when he was honored for his achievements at the film festival a few years ago. Same has been true for Robin Williams, Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Danny Glover, Lauren Hutton, and a wide range of other talented actors participating at the festival over the past two decades. 
On March 25-29, the stars align again at SIFF with a special guest appearances by actor David Arquette; a screening of the directorial debut by Alan Rickman; a new indie film with Julia Louis-Dreyfus; opportunities to watch potential contenders for Oscar nominees in the special categories of Best Short Film, Best Foreign Film and Best Documentary; and much more!
In addition to the focus on chefs, winemakers and swanky parties happening at the festival, the Feast It Forward team and I are getting ready to play a big role at this year’s festivities by having our Airstream next to the VIP, to do interviews and share wines and tasty bites with the talented actors, directors and producers on the rise who will be attending the magnificent four-day event in Sonoma. For more information about the line-up of films, parties and special events, visit http://www.sonomafilmfest.org/home/sonomafilmfest/pdf/2015/siff_guide_2015.pdf. And don’t forget what’s happening via Twitter at @SawyerSommelier @FeastItForward and @SonomaFilmFest.
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As a preview of the exciting week ahead at the Sonoma International Film Festival 2015, here are my pairings of local wines with the eight films nominated for Best Picture at the 87th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. -CS
Directed by Wes Anderson, the main character in this comedy is Zero Moustafa (Ralph Fiennes), a peasant boy who began working at the prestigious hotel in 1932. Over the next four decades, Zero moves his way up the chain of command and eventually becomes the owner of the hotel by courting a series of wealthy older women. Along the way he encounters interactions with other unique characters played by a mixture of talent, that include Adrien Brody, F. Murray Abraham, Jude Law, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, Harvey Keitel, and Tilda Swinton.
SawyerSomm Pairing: Lively, whimsical and quirky, The Grand Budapest Hotel sparkles with characters which are entertaining to follow onscreen. To match the graceful, playful, and romantic nature of the film, try the Gloria Ferrer NV Va de Vi, Sonoma County ($22), an elegant sparkling wine with attractive aromas of ripe fruits, citrus, and honey. The flavors are equally dazzling with notes of fresh melon, peach, crisp apple, Meyer lemon, and long thirst-quenching finish. An easy crowd pleaser made with 89% Pinot Noir, 8% Chardonnay and 3% Muscat. Classy and fun! www.gloriaferrer.com.
Spread over a twelve year period, Boyhood follows the life of Mason (Ellar Coltrane), a spirited boy who literally grows up to be a young man in front of our eyes. Patricia Arquette, who won the Best Actress award for her role as Mason’s mother Olivia, does everything she can to hold herself, her son, and her daughter Samantha together while facing hard times. Ethan Hawke’s masterful performance as the father adds an enlightening perspective of what it’s like to try to help raise a child from the outside looking in. Of note: Patricia’s brother David Arquette will be in attendance at the SIFF 2015.
SawyerSomm Pairing: To match with the youthful components of this film, try the Muscardini 2013 Rosato di Sangiovese, Alice’s Vineyard, Sonoma Valley ($20). This classy, dry, Italian-style wine with a pretty pink hue and alluring aromas of fresh rose petals, watermelon, ruby red grapefruit and red berries. On the palate, the wine explodes with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, nectarine and cranberry, a burst of zippy acidity on the mid-palate, and a long dry finish. It’s worth noting that this wine won Double Gold at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2015 and the Best Show Rose at the Wine Channel TV International Wine Competition 2014. Lesson learned: Youthfulness does have its virtues. www.MuscardiniCellars.com.
Based on the turbulent times of racial inequality in the 1960s, this film is focused on the rallying crusade and historic march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists from the small town Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Captured beautifully on the screen, this epic three-month journey led to the Civil Rights Act being signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965.
SawyerSomm Pairing: Filled with courage, soul and sweetness, Selma is an ideal movie to watch while sipping the Gundlach Bundschu 2013 Dry Gewurztraminer, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Valley ($22.50). Made with world-class fruit from the winery’s estate property in Vineberg, this classy new release features vibrant aromas and lively flavors of fresh citrus, grapefruit, nectarine, papaya, jasmine, coriander, ginger and mineral; a burst of bright acidity; and a long crisp, refreshing finish. In addition to providing you with a fresh perspective of what a classy Gewurztraminer tastes like; the wine pairs exceptionally well with spicy and tangy styles of southern cuisine like gumbo and fried chicken, as well as Vietnamese, Cantonese, Spanish and Indian cuisine. www.gunbun.com.
At the ripe age of 19-years old, aspiring drummer Andrew Neiman follows his passion for music to the highly touted Shaffer Conservatory of Music. But his ambitions meet conflict when his high-energy jazz teacher Terence Fletcher (played by J.K. Simmons, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor) uses techniques of fear and intimidation to get his point across.SawyerSomm Pairing: To match the combination of high-energy, power and finesse of the film, try the Patz & Hall 2012 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($46). Like the synergy of a tight band in motion, this impressive Pinot Noir is made with a mixture of clones grown at special sites near the Pacific Ocean. The end result is an expressive wine with persistent aromas of fresh red fruits, wild herbs, smoked meats, earth, and spice. On the palate, the flavors expand with explosive notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, ripe cherry, dark plum, mineral, and allspice. With a silky texture, firm tannins, a burst a fresh acidity and a memorable finish; it’s a wine that peeks your interest and doesn’t let go until the bottle is finished. www.patzhall.com.
If you’ve never heard of computer pioneer Alan Turing, you’re not alone. While working for Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cipher School during World War II, Turing created the world’s first legitimate computer that was able to break the famous Enigma encryption code used by the German army. Surrounded by a crew of other intellectuals, Turing used this powerful tool to save an estimated 2 to 3 million lives and helped stop the war two years early.
The film features a terrific cast with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead, and Keira Knightley, Mathew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance and Allen Leech (the chauffer in Downton Abbey) as his associates. Beyond exploring his accomplishments with science and computers, the film also looks into the darker side of Turing’s personal life, which was heavily influenced by a turbulent period as a teen and his post-war conviction for a now outdated criminal offense. As a result, he died at an early age and was not honored by the government for his services until 2013. (Note: SawyerSomm saw this film at the Napa Valley Film Festival in November 2014).
SawyerSomm Pairing: Although its impact isn’t nearly as great as Turing’s invention of the computer; a lesser known grape of great importance is Pinot Meunier, a fairly obscure red variety planted primarily in the Champagne region of France. Known for its deep flavors and ability to grow in wetter conditions, the varietal is often blended with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to make some of the world’s finest Champagnes but rarely bottled separately.
In the United States, an exception to the rule is the Domaine Chandon 2012 Pinot Meunier, Carneros ($35), an elegant wine with lively aromas of red fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg, and earth. On the palate, the flavors expand with notes of dark plum, cherry, pomegranate, wild mushroom, black tea and clove. Great with fine cheeses, grilled winter vegetables, fresh salmon, pork chops, and roasted chicken. And like the film, it’s a secret worth investigating! www.domainechandon.com.
In his Oscar-winning performance for Best Actor, Eddie Redmayne plays legendary British physicist Stephen Hawkings, who falls in love with fellow student Jane Wild while attending Cambridge in the 1960s. After being diagnosed with an incurable disease at the age of 21, Stephen marries Jane. And although his health gets worse, Stephen’s focus on science doesn’t falter. As a result, his theories of the origin of the universe, galaxies and the Black Hole would go on to make a lasting impact on the world.
SawyerSomm Pairing: Hawking’s expansion of the theories of relativity has similarities to the wine industry. This is particularly true with the relationship between two unique red grape varieties: Syrah and Petite Sirah. The rich history of Syrah can be traced back thousands of years to near the city of Shiraz in Persia. Whereas, Petite Sirah—a hybrid of Syrah and a more obscure grape called Peloursin—was developed in France by Dr. Francois Durif in the 1880s. A tasty example of the fusion of these flavors is the Enkidu 2010 Humbaba, Sonoma & Lake Counties ($28), which contains 62% Syrah, 35% Petite Sirah and 3% of Rhone white varietals Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc. This Rhone-style blend features enchanting aromas and rich flavors of dark cherry, boysenberry, sarsaparilla, seasoned meats, black olive, white pepper, sage, rosemary, eucalyptus and cardamom. In short, it’s a great thinker’s wine and a pleasure to drink young or cellar for up to a decade. www.enkiduwines.com.
Based on a true story of Navy Seals officer Chris Kyle, the most prolific sniper in American history with 160 confirmed kills; American Sniper explores the hardship of Chris’ life on the battlefield and upon returning home to his family in Texas, after his honorable discharge from the military.
SawyerSomm Pairing: Due to the serious nature of the film, a wimpy wine will not cut it! Therefore, to match the intensity of Kyle, try the Highwayman 2012 Proprietary Red, Sonoma Valley ($48), a powerful reserve-style wine made by Highway 12 Winery. With enticing aromas of wild berry, dark cherry, fresh violets, cocoa, fine leather, cigar box and smoke, the wine immediately captures your attention. In the glass, the flavors continue to expand with deep notes of brambly blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, black currant, ripe plum, dark chocolate, vanilla, and subtle nuances of spice; supple tannins; and a long, gracious finish. www.highway12winery.com.
In the award-winning dark comedy directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Michael Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, a fading actor who is trying to reinvigorate his career by directing, acting and co-producing an interpretive Broadway theater performance of Raymond Carver’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. To fill the supporting male role, he hires rising star actor Mike Shiner (Ed Norton), who brings his own emotional baggage to the set. On the side, Riggan also has to deal with his daughter (Emma Stone), who recently returned home from rehab. For help, he relies on the voice of wisdom from Birdman, the iconic superhero he played on screen before his midlife crisis began.
SawyerSomm Pairing: In addition to the raw talents of Keaton, Norton and Stone, the all-star cast of Birdman includes naturally gifted performers Zach Galifianakis and Naomi Watts, adding extra layers of spice and nuance to the plot. To match these dynamic characters, try the Chateau St. Jean 2011 Cinq Cepage, Sonoma County ($80), a dazzling Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The latest release feature rich flavors of wild berries, plum, blueberry, cassis, fresh violets, dried herbs, clove, mocha and roasted walnuts. To maximize the experience, decant the wine an hour before starting the DVD. Then pour it for your guests, press play, and enjoy how the wine and the characters develop more personality as the movie proceeds. www.ChateauStJean.com.