Category: Mini Tastings

The last Mini-Tasting of 2024 brought together a selection of 10 exceptional wines from California, Oregon, Italy, Argentina and Australia. With a diverse array of varietals, the tasting highlighted the unique qualities and characteristics of each region, providing a delightful experience for participants. The event was well attended with 90 individuals across six host sites.  A special shout out to the hosts who were able to commit their time during a very busy time of year.

The tasting revealed the diverse strengths of wines from different regions. The standout was undoubtedly the red blend from Stag’s Leap Winery, showcasing the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking. Wines from California dominated the higher scores, but Argentina’s Malbec provided a delightful surprise with its affordability and quality. Overall, the event celebrated the artistry of winemaking, leaving participants eager to explore more from these remarkable regions.

Sign up now for our next Mini-Tasting, which is scheduled for March 1. For that event, we will compare five French wines against five spectacular Italian wines to determine our members’ preference between the two styles of wine.

—Don Mayer, OCWS Mini-Tasting Chair

According to Sam Puzzo, the first Mini-Tasting was 35 years ago this month. The 2024 Gold Medal Mini-Tasting is the largest one we’ve had, with 11 sites (member’s homes) across the county, and nearly 170 people enjoying 10 wines in a blind tasting. The attendees each contributed a dish, and each site voted for their favorite dish and the chef was awarded a bottle of wine as “Chef of the Evening.”  

The Gold Medal Mini-Tasting is unique in that there were 10 different varietals represented, but all were very highly rated by the judges at our commercial competition. The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine, voted for their favorites, and tried to determine the varietal. With such a wide range of wine varietals, the favorites across the 11 sites were pretty varied. Nine of the wines were the 1st place choice at one or more of the sites. The Dolcetto was the only one that didn’t finish as a top choice at any of the sites.

The wines included familiar varietals along with a few that were less familiar to many of our members (Charbono, Dolcetto, and Teroldego). The Charbono and Teroldego tied for fourth place overall across the eleven sites.

The overall winner was Cordon of Santa Barbara’s GSM. It got first place at one site, second place at three sites and third at additional sites. Second place overall was the Peirano Estate Red Blend from Lodi. It got first place at two sites and second at one. Third overall was Sycamore Ranch’s Petite Sirah from Paso Robles with one first place, two second place finishes, and two third place finishes.

The three favorite wines across the seven host sites:

April 2024 Pinot across California Mini-Tasting Results:

The April Mini-Tasting was held at seven sites throughout the county, with 113 people enjoying 10 wines in a blind tasting. The attendees each contributed a dish, each site voted for their favorite dish and the chef was awarded a bottle of wine as Chef of the Evening.

The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine, voted for their favorites and tried to determine the region of California where the grapes were raised. Each of the 10 wines placed in the top three or four at one or more sites and the top two wines did very well at five of the seven sites.

All 10 of the wines finished in the top four at one or more of the sites, with the top two wines finishing in the top four at six of the seven sites. The top three were all California wines, but the fourth and fifth favorites were from Italy and Spain.

The overall winner was Cuvaison Estate’s Cuvaison Pinot Noir from Carneros. It got first place at two sites and second place at three more sites. Second place overall was Black Kite from Kite’s Rest Vineyard in Mendocino. It got first place at three sites and fourth place at two more.  Third overall was Amici Pinot Noir from Amici Cellars in the Russian River Valley.

The three favorite wines across the seven host sites:

Attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:

• Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:

Pam Carter — Beef Enchiladas

 Hosts Carolyn & Damian Christian:

Mary Ann & Don Mayer — Death by Chocolate

 Hosts Mike Del Medico:

Rich Skoczylas — Paella

• Host Julie Good:

Jim Kerins — Cherrywood Smoked Salmon

• Hosts Christy & Robert Hall:

Greg Brett — Neapolitan

 Hosts Steve & Kim Rizzuto:

          George Cravens — Pork Loin with Cherry Chutney

 Hosts Pat & Frank Solis

          Tie –

Eric & Carmen Kaines — Filipino Pork Adobo

Jim Burk — Kumquat Cheesecake

Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to the hosts!

—George Cravens, OCWS Director

The February Mini-Tasting was held at seven sites (members’ homes) across the county, with 111 people enjoying 10 wines in a blind tasting. The attendees each contributed a dish and each site voted for their favorite dish and the chef was awarded a bottle of wine as Chef of the Evening.

The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine, voted for their favorites and tried to determine the wine varietal and if it was from Europe (the Old World) or California. There were two varietals from Spain (Albariño and Tempranillo) and three from Italy (Barbara, Sangiovese and Zinfandel/Primitivo).

All 10 of the wines finished in the top four at one or more of the sites, with the top two wines finishing in the top four at six of the seven sites. The top three were all California wines, but the fourth and fifth favorites were from Italy and Spain.

The overall winner was Carol Shelton’s Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel from Sonoma with the corresponding Primitivo, Torcicoda, from Southern Pugila, Italy coming in fourth overall. Second place overall was a Napa Valley Tempranillo, Parador, with the Spanish Tempranillo, Vina Real, finishing fifth overall. Third overall was a California Barbara from Scott Harvey in Amador County, California.

The three favorite wines across the seven host sites:

In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:

• Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:

         Mary Anne Neutz – Pear Tart 

• Hosts Laureen & Tom Baldyga:

         Susan Clark – Italian Salad 

• Hosts Carolyn & Damian Christian:

         Beth & Craig Stark – Tiramisu

• Hosts Virginia and Karl Kawai:

          Eric Kalnes – Salmon Sushi

• Hosts Betty Jo & Jay Newell:

          Irene Scott – Chicken Lemon Piccata 

• Hosts Cathy & Greg Risling:

          Chris Oullette – Beef Bourguignon 

• Hosts Barb & Dave White

          Debbie Webber – Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to the hosts!

—George Cravens, OCWS Director

The November Mini-Tasting was held at six sites (members’ homes) across the county, with roughly 100 people enjoying 10 wines selected to pair with holiday dishes and comfort food. The attendees each contributed a dish and each site voted for their favorite who was awarded a bottle of wine as “Chef of the Evening.”

The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine and voted for their favorites. There were several proprietary red blends in the wine lineup along with Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

The overall winner was an Estate Syrah from Halter Ranch in Paso Robles, followed by David Phinney’s “Eight Years in the Desert” and two Petite Sirahs. All 10 wines were purchased at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa.

The three favorite wines across the six host sites:

In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:

• Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:

Ronna Rowe – Artichoke Dip

 Host Lora Cross:

Germaine Romano – Salmon on a bed of Tropical Rice

 Hosts Denise Casad & Dan Weddell:

Adrienne Davis – Creamed Corn

• Hosts Beverly Genis & Bob Topham:

Barbara Greenfield – “Super” Salad

• Hosts Virginia & Karl Kawai:

Eric Kalnes – Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Fig reduction

 Hosts Don & Elee Phillips:

          Kathleen Alva & Paul Wooldridge – Ribs

Congratulations to all the winners!  A big thank you to the hosts!

—George Cravens, OCWS Director

The August Gold Medal Mini-tasting was held at 10 sites (members’ homes) across the county, with 165 people enjoying 10 wines that had each been awarded a Double Gold Medal paired with dishes prepared by the attendees. The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine and voted for their favorites. Since there were eight different varietals in the line-up, the attendees also were asked to name the varietal for each wine (a brief description of the varietals was provided on the back of the scoresheet).

Since the Gold Medal Mini-Tasting always features a number of different varietals, all very highly rated, the overall scoring likely has more to do with personal taste and the food being paired than an actual comparison of the wines.

The featured wines started with two Grenache Noirs – Carol Shelton’s and an unusual white wine from Dubost called “White Heart.” The White Heart was 100% Grenache Noir, but had no color from the skins, making it look like a Grenache Blanc. Overall, the two Grenache wines tied for 7th place across the 10 sites.

The overall winner also was the highest-rated wine in this year’s Commercial Competition – the Runquist 2021 Charbono, which earned 98 points and Best of Class. The wine placed in the top four at eight of the 10 sites.

Second and third overall were a pair of Petite Sirahs. Second place went to the Macchia “Rebellious” and third place went to the Bushong “Unknown Pleasures.”  Fourth was the Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel from Hawley.

The four favorite wines across the seven host sites:

In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:

• Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:

Kim & Steve Rizzuto – Blackberry Mousse Cheesecake

•  Host Carolyn & Damian Christian:

Mary Ann & Don Meyer – Berry Pavlova with Lemon Whipped Cream 

• Hosts Kim & Kristyn Grime:

Mark & Alison Godleski – Salmon

• Hosts Kathy Krieger & Lynda Edwards:

Linda Downey – Pork Tenderloin Crustini with Apricot Horseradish Chutney

• Hosts Rochelle Randel & Leslie Hodawanec:

Pam Oneida – Bacon-wrapped Feta Figs

 Hosts Greg & Cathy Risling:

          Janet Peal – Shrimp, Bean & Leek Stew

• Hosts: Rob & Germaine Romano

Kevin Donnelly – Lime Meringue Pie

•  Hosts: Craig & Ronna Rowe

Debbie Renne & Ed Reyes – Nectarine Tart

•  Hosts Frank & Pat Solis:

Denise Scandura – Chicken Pot Pie

• Hosts Dave & Barb White:

Tie – Dave Donated a bottle from his cellar rather than break the tie

Deb Webber – Portobello Penne

Brenda & Robert Scott – Eggplant Parmesan

Congratulations to all the winners!  A big thank you to the hosts!

—George Cravens, OCWS Director

The May Pinot Mini-Tasting was held at seven sites (members’ homes) across the county, with over 100 people enjoying 10 wines paired with dishes prepared by the attendees. The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine and voted for their favorites.

The first flight was a pair of Pinot Blanc wines, one from Oregon and one from California. Pinot Blanc is not widely known but has been used as a white blending grape in France and Italy for many years. Pinot Noir is an unstable clone that occasionally produces white grapes (Pinot Blanc). The next four flights were all Pinot Noir, from different regions. Flight two featured a pair of Pinot Noir wines from Sta. Rita Hills.  The remaining three flights included Pinot Noirs from Oregon, Sonoma, Central California, Chile and France.

Pinot Noir is one of the wines where the “old world” style is noticeably different from the typical California style. The old-world style is typically less fruit-forward and more of a “food” wine.

The top four wines as rated by the attendees were an interesting mix, with one each from California, France, Oregon and Chile. The overall first place wine was in the top three at all seven sites, while the second place was in the top two spots at five of the sites. The wine from Chile finished fourth overall, but while it was chosen as the first, second or fourth place wine at three sites, two sites didn’t have a single guest place it in their top three.

The four favorite wines across the seven host sites:

Chef of the Evening

In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:

• Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce

Scott Lewis – Smoked Ribs

• Host Kim & Kristyn Grime

Cynthia Peterson – Turkey Southern Chile

• Hosts Virginia & Karl Kawai

Dino Amico – Venetian Mac & Cheese

• Hosts Betty Jo & Jay Newell

Irene Scott – Chicken Enchiladas

• Hosts: Wendy & Stacey Taylor

Janet Riordan – Chocolate Pistachio Tart

• Hosts Beverly Genis & Bob Topham

Shelly Cohen – Sweet & Sour Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

• Hosts Dave & Barb White

Deb Webber – First Lady Dip

Congratulations to all the winners!  A big thank you to the hosts!

—George Cravens, OCWS Director

The March Rhone Wine Mini-Tasting was held at eight sites (members’ homes) across the county, with 125 people enjoying 10 Rhone-style wines paired with dishes prepared by the attendees. The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine and voted for their favorites.

The featured wines started with two Rhone white blends – Carol Shelton’s Coquille Blanc and a French Rhone white blend. The Coquille Blanc came in 3rd overall and was the favorite wine at one site, second favorite at another and third favorite at three more sites. It is unusual for a white wine to be so well-liked since many of our members prefer red wines.

The next four flights were all reds, with three from California, three from the Rhone Valley in France, one from Australia, and one from Spain. The California wines did quite well overall, with one from Paso Robles being the overall favorite by a large margin (placing first at six of the eight sites, second at one, and fourth at the final site). The second place wine overall was in the top four selections at six of the eight sites. The three top wines also happened to be three of the least expensive (and one of the most expensive came in eighth, in spite of its 95 point rating by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate).

The four favorite wines across the seven host sites:

1st Place
2020 McPrice Myers
Rhone Red Blend
High on the Hog
Paso Robles, CA
$23.99
The 2020 High on the Hog has a deep ruby color and scents of tar, iron,
underbrush and cured meats with a core of red cherries and potpourri. The
medium-bodied palate is soft, supple
and alluring with a long, floral finish.
This is delicious and very easy to drink!
Best after 2023.
Blend: 48% Grenache, 26% Petite Sirah,
7% Syrah, 7% Zinfandel, 5% Mourvèdre,
5% Malbec and 2% Lagrein
Accolades: 93 RP (Wine Advocate)

2019 Christo
Marietta Cellars
Rhone Red Blend
North Coast, CA
$24.99
A blend of Syrah,
Grenache, Petite Sirah
and Viognier, the 2019 Christo has a
deep ruby-purple color and alluring
scents of blueberry jam and cassis with
accents of loamy earth, violet, coffee
beans and iron. The full-bodied palate
is powerful yet silky with seamless
acidity and gobs of pure violet perfume
on the long, layered finish. It’s easy to
drink now but offers a decade or more
of cellaring potential.
Accolades: 96 RP (Wine Advocate)

2021 Carol Shelton
Rhone Wine Blend
Coquille Blanc
Paso Robles, CA
$25.99
Enticing nose of spicy pears and
white peaches, almond paste/
marzipan, a touch of honeysuckle
perfume. Multi-dimensional
(many layers),
a hard-to-describe range of
aromatics, intriguing, almost
mysterious. In the mouth, it
is crisply dry yet creamy and
round and full-bodied with nice almond
paste on crisp-yet-juicy pear fruit.
Blend: 30% Grenache Blanc, 30%
Roussanne, 30% Viognier, 10%
Marsanne

4th Place
2021 John Duval
Plexus Red
Barossa, South Australia
$40
A classic Barossa blend crafted
from John Duval’s old vine Shiraz,
Grenache and Mourvèdre. Shiraz
provides rich, dark fruits and mid-palate
weight, whilst Grenache delivers
a bright flavor spectrum of red fruits
and spiced notes. Old vine Mourvèdre
is integral to the blend, ensuring
a good firm backbone
of savory tannin and a
long finish.
Blend: 45% Shiraz,
32% Grenache, 23%
Mourvèdre
Accolades: 96 RP (Wine
Advocate)