Flights Wine Blog Inc.

Are you following your passion? Do you like the Smurfs?

2010-10-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Oenophiles,

This video is old but I watched this clip with Gary Vaynerchuk. What I got from this is that you should follow your passion using social media and it could possibly lead to something big.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNM9kA1bSHk

I love this quote, "It's word of mouth on steroids"

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy Gamitian

Founder & CEO

Flights Wine Blog, Inc.

ZAP Launches Scholarship

2010-09-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Zinfandel Advocates and Producers, known to wine lovers around the country as ZAP, launched the Donn P. Reisen scholarship for Wine MBA students at Sonoma State University.

For full press release click on the link below.

http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=78115

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy Gamitian
Flights Wine Blog Inc.
Founder & CEO
www.flightswineblog.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/flightswineblog
Follow me on Twitter
www.twitter.com/flightswineblog

Sonoma State University names Ray Johnson as Wine Business Institute's Director

2010-08-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

I want to congratulate a dear friend of mine, Ray Johnson, as he has been named the Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. I met Ray Johnson as my first wine professor at the U.C. Berkeley Extension in San Francisco. Many years ago, I took his class the Fundamentals of Wine: California and Europe, which he still teaches. See the link below.

http://extension.berkeley.edu/cat/wine.html

It's a great class to establish a foundation for your knowledge of wine, tasting wine and learning about the wine regions.

Here is a link to the entire press release on this positive move forward for Ray Johnson and Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute.

http://www.winebusiness.com/people/?go=getPeopleArticle&dataid=77830

The Wine Business Institute can help you make a transition into a new career in the wine industry. It can also allow you to improve your wine business or to even start your own wine business. Additional background and advantages of the Wine Business Institue are also available at their website which is listed below.

http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/

California Family Wine Makers

2010-08-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Oenophiles,

If you're in the Bay Area, you'll have to check out the California Family Wine Makers tasting at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Don't miss out this Sunday from 3pm - 6pm there will be over 300 wineries pouring. You can taste from over 1,000 wines.

To buy tickets click this link

http://familywinemakers.eventbrite.com/

Underdog Wine Merchants TV Show

2010-08-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Oenophiles,

Tempra Tantrum from the Tierra de Castilla region of Spain who will host a virtual wine tasting on Thursday August 19, 2010 at 6:30pm PST, streaming on Underdog TV http://underdogwinemerchants.com/underdog-tv. It’s a fun way for wine drinkers to interact with vintner Rocio Osborne

Have a Nice Fight!!!TM

Andy Gamitian
Flights Wine Blog Inc.
Founder & CEO
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
Connect with me on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/flightswineblog
Follow me on Twitter
www.twitter.com/flightswineblog

A Hidden Gem in Livermore Valley in California

2010-02-14T17:30:00.001-08:00

Behold, there is a hidden gem in Livermore Wine Country. McGrail Vineyards and Winery is a family owned and operated winery. They focus on high quality wines including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. I'd like to thank Heather McGrail for sending me samples of their 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvigon. They have a beautiful tasting room as seen to the left. They hold many events open to the public. On July 24, 2010, they will be holding a release party for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon so don't miss it.

Their 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has a Garnet color with medium density. The aroma has dark cherries with a little bit of black pepper. Also there is low to medium oak on the nose. The wine is medium to heavy body. On the palate it's fruit forward with dark cherries, plums and strawberries with a medium level of tannins which makes it very complex. It has moderate balance and moderate to good intensity. This wine has a long finish that is pleasing to the new world wine fan. It should age well for the next 5-7 years. I would rate this wine an A. Alcohol level is 14.3% and sells for $36. You can purchase their high quality wines at the winery or online at http://www.mcgrailvineyards.com/purchase.html . Also, here is a link where you can find McGrail Wines at retail locations and restaurants. http://www.mcgrailvineyards.com/resellers.html

I hope your palate takes off when you indulge yourself with McGrail Wines.

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy Gamitian

Flights Wine Blog Inc.

Founder & CEO

Zin in Paradise - 19th Annual Zinfandel Festival

2010-02-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

The 19th Annual Zinfandel Festival attracted thousands of Zinfandel fans. There were over 300 wineries pouring at two buildings at Fort Mason. Wineries A-G in one building and H-Z in the other.

As I walked into the Zinfandel Grant Tasting Event, there were thousands of Stolzle wine glasses set up to hand out to attendees.

After grabbing my wine glass, I came across a table full of baguettes. They definitely hit the spot for soaking up all the wine that everyone was going to taste.

After grabbing a baguette, I went straight for my favorite winery, Seghesio. Their wine would probably be the first to run out so I wanted to make sure I got to taste their new releases. I tasted the 2008 Sonoma, Sonoma County ($24), the 2007 Cortina, Dry Creek Valley ($36) and my favorite the 2007 Old Vine, Sonoma County (90 year old vines, $36). After tasting the

Seghesio wines I went back to the A-G Building and stumbled across Frank Family Vineyards. They pour their 2007 Napa Valley Zin which was fruit forward full of blackberries and dark

cherries. Great structure and complexity. Another thing that caught my eye was the Centellino Decanter as shown below. I thought this decanter and pourer was a very creative invention.

In addition to the tasting was a Silent Auction benefiting America's Heritage Projects which

supports programs that benefit Zinfandel research, preservation, scholarships and wine education.

Some of the well known producers I visited include Chateau Montelena (2006 Estate, Napa Valley $30, 2007 Estate, Napa Valley $30) , Folie a Deux (2007 Amador County $18) ,

Cakebread Cellars (2006 Snow's Lake Vineyard, Red Hills, Lake County $41) , Gundlach Bundschu (2007 Sonoma Valley $38) , Peju (2006 Napa Valley $28), and V. Sattui Winery (2007 Bar 49 Vineyards Napa Valley $27, 2007 Black Sears Vineyard, Howell Mountain $40, 2007 Gilsson Vineyard, Russian River Valley $35, 2007 Ramazzotti Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley $40, 2007 Old Vine Pilgrim Vineyard Lodi).

One winery that caught my eye was Rockwall Wine Company, Inc. The winemaker is Shauna Rosenblum, daughter of world renowned winemaker Kent Rosenblum. Kent is also a consulting winemaker to Rock Wall.

Their wines were impressive. 2007 Sonoma County Reserve, Monte Rosso, Sonoma County $35, I rate it an A+. The 2007 Sonoma County, Windsor Oaks Vineyard/Monte Rosso, Sonoma County $25, I rate it an A-. Finally, the 2008 Jesse's Vineyard, Duarte Vineyard, Contra Costa County, $28, I rate an A.

I'll see you at the 20th Annual Zinfandel Festival.

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy Gamitian

Flights Wine Blog Inc.

Founder & CEO

Double O Secret Agents Olson Ogden

2010-01-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Olson Ogden is an exceptional winery that specializes in making quality wines. I have to thank Tim Olson, John Ogden and Margaret Ryan for sending me these wines to taste and review. First up is the 2007 Syrah from the Stagecoach Vineyard in Napa Valley.

This wine has a beautiful garnet and deep purple color. The aroma shows berries specifically raspberries and strawberries. It also has an aroma of smokiness and a low amount of oak. On the palate it's tastes like blackberry and cherry jams. Very low amount of tannins. It's fruit

forward and full bodied with a long finish. Good complexity and moderate to good balance. It also has a hint of black pepper. Great structure. This has 14.7% alcohol and should age well for the next 3-5 years. I would rate this wine an A+. Available for $52.

Next up is the 2007 Syrah from the Unti Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley.

It has a stunning garnet and purple color.The aroma has dark cherries and blackberries along with a bit of black pepper. On the palate there are a low amount of tannins which makes this a fruit forward wine. The palate also has dark cherries and blackberries. It's full bodied and has a long finish with lots of fruit and a hint of tannins. This has 14.5% alcohol and should age well for 3-5 years. I give this wine an A. You can purchase this wine for $38.

The last of the Rhone varietals is the 2007 Syrah 72% Sonoma County

and 28% Napa County.

It has a picturesque ruby red and garnet color. It's medium density with the aroma of blackberries, cherries, black pepper, earthiness and a touch of oak. On the palate it's very smooth, silky and fruit forward. The tannin level is very low which follows with long fruit fruit forward finish including blackberries, blueberries and cherries. The alcohol level is 14.8%. I would rate this wine an A-. This wine is available for $28.

Next we're onto the delicious Pinot Noirs. The 2007 Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley. It has a shade of red and purple with a light to medium density. The aroma is floral like roses along with cherries and strawberries and a hint of spice. It's light to medium bodied and low to medium oak. On the palate there are low tannins with medium acidity. Lots of fruit including cherries, strawberries and raspberries. It has a smooth medium to long finish and fruit forward. Moderate to good intensity. Good to excellent complexity. Ready to drink and should age well. 14.7 alcohol and I would rate this wine an A. It's available for $42.

To conclude we have the 2007 Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast.

This wine paints a picture of red and ruby red. Medium bodied with aroma of cherries, strawberries, raspberries and low to medium oak. A bit herbal and a hint of spices. On the palate, low to medium tannins and lots of fruit including strawberries and cherries. A medium to long finish with good complexity and well balanced. Low to medium acidity. I would rate this wine an A-. The wine is available for $32.

All wines are available at the Olson Ogden website www.olsonogdenwines.com .

Hope you're palate takes off with these luscious wines.

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy Gamitian

Flights Wine Blog Inc.

Founder & CEO

Wine Future 09 was like "Back to the Future"

2009-11-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

I received a scholarship at Sonoma State as an MBA Wine Business student to attend the Wine Future 09 conference November 12th and 13th in Logrono in the wine region of La Rioja, Spain from the Wine Academy of Spain.

I felt like Marty McFly in the movie “Back to the Future” because the conference showed me what the present point of the wine industry is in but then it sent me to the future of where we’re going due to the steps we are all taking to get out of this slump. The only person missing was “Doc” to provide me with a DeLorean time machine.

The two day conference had an attendance of over 1,000 people in the trade. It also included a wine tasting of wines from Rioja, Spain and France and Brazil using Reidel wine glasses. We listened to panel speakers from industry leaders like world renowned wine writer Jancis Robinson as seen below.

Also, Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV who basically said that this is the time to capitalize on your passion with wine and if you’re not on Facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn then you’re not in the game. In the Q & A session the controversial wine critic Robert Parker spoke about how restaurants are not as busy mainly because they are marking up wine by about 300%. I was hoping to meet Robert Parker but the private tasting that he was conducting sold out. The video link below give more color on the conference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eHjIBwpTSs&feature=player_embedded

As they say a picture is worth a thousand words but I say a video is priceless, just ask Gary Vaynerchuk who turned Wine Library TV into a $60 million dollar business.

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy B. Gamitian

Founder & CEO

Flights Wine Blog Inc.

Spottswoode Right on the Spot. Smith-Madrone Is Not A Clone.

2009-09-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

On September 26th, I was invited by Julie Ann Kodmur, a Publicity & Marketing Consultant, Russ Beebe of California Wine Hikes, and Beth Milliken of Spottswoode, as a guest blogger to visit the wineries Smith-Madrone and Spottswoode. I was familiar with Smith-Madrone's Rieslings because I really enjoyed tasting them a long time ago in the UC Berkeley Extension course of Fundamentals of Wine Studies I: Wines of California and Europe. This class is still available and taught by Ray Johnson, my first wine educator/professor. If you're new to wine you should pick up his book, The Good Life Guide to Enjoying Wine. The photos are brought to you by Robb McDonough. In this photo is Ray Johnson on the left and Russ Beebe on the right.

I've heard of Spottswoode's Cabernet Sauvignon, but I've never tasted their wine or heard their story of how they became so successful.

Right below in this photo is Stuart Smith loading grapes to be destemmed and crushed.

Smith-Madrone winery was founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith. They produce over 4,000 cases of estate wine per year. Stuart Smith is the Managing Partner and Enologist. His brother Charles F. Smith III, as seen in the photo below, is the winemaker.

After our tour of the winery and estate vineyards, we sat down and tasted the following wines. 2007 Chardonnay ($30) , 2008 Chardonnay, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon ($45), 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 "Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon" (which is pending a name), 2008 Riesling ($27), 1993 Riesling and the surprise was a 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon as seen below.

Here is a group photo of all the bloggers invited.

We then departed to down to Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, which is owned by CEO

Mary Novak.

One of her daughter's, Beth Milliken is President. As seen below, Beth gives the group the history and background of Spottswoode.

Joining the tour was Jennifer Williams the Winemaker and Director of Vineyard Operations and Aron Weinkauf the Assistant Winemaker and Vineyard Manager. Spottswoode is known as one of the first to adopt organic farming. Spottswoode has been certified by the California Organic Farmers since 1990. We started off the hot day (high 90's to low 100's) with their 2008 Lyndenhurst Sauvignon Blanc. Then we were welcomed by Chef Misty Phelps for lunch which included Pomegranate Braised Shoulder with Natural Jus, Cool Herb Organic Marble Potato Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burratta and we topped it off with Chocolate Shortbread Cookies and Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies. We continued the tour to the room where they hold all their tanks. We then tasted the Cabernet Sauvignons from vintages 1994, 1999, 2001, 2006 and 2007.

The only other Cabernet Sauvignons from the 1994 vintage that I have had are Caymus and Joseph Phelps. I was very honored to be a part of this day.

A Legend Teaches the Novice

2009-09-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

It was almost like Jack Nicklaus teaching the young Tiger Woods all about the world and life of golf except that Joel Peterson makes world renowned Zinfandel and I write a wine blog. A man with over 30 years experience in the wine industry compared to a man with almost 3 years experience in the wine industry. I was invited to have dinner with Joel Peterson (the founder and winemaker of Ravenswood), Virginie Boone of the Press Democrat, Lisa Klinck-Shea of Folsom & Associates, and Ziggy "The Wine Gal" Eschliman (but she wasn't able to make it) at the restaurant Syrah Bistro in Santa Rosa.

Thanks to Angela Saunders and Lisa Klinck-Shea of Folsom & Associates for making it a reality. This was the first time I had dinner with a winemaker or interviewed a winemaker. I woke up in the morning and wondered, “Is this real or am I dreaming that I’m going to meet Joel Peterson of Ravenswood?” I just moved to Sonoma County a few weeks ago, I’m almost at a loss for words (and I’m a blogger who is supposed to write about this once in a lifetime experience?) I walked into the restaurant and there was Joel, hanging out and waiting with a glass of Bruno Paillard, Premiere Cuvee, Reims-France NV. He basically said that everyday he trys to always start a great meal with Champagne/Sparkling wine. Now that’s how to do it right!! I informed him that I just started the MBA Wine Business Program at Sonoma State . It's the first MBA Wine Business Program in the US. He also told me he’s thinking of writing a book but he’s hesitating because he doesn’t feel he’s a good writer. I say if “Jose Canseco can write a book, anyone can!!!” Go for it Joel!!!

So one of the reasons for this meeting/dinner was to showcase and taste the upcoming release of the Ravenswood Vineyard Designate wines, which I never knew existed nor tasted until now. So I was respectfully informed that he’s been making these wines since 1976 (a year after I was born). Now I heard about Ravenswood back in my Wealth Management days of the “Dot Com” years of the 90’s because one our advisors was trying to advise him as a client but I never knew Ravenswood went public. Joel informed me that in 1999 they went public at $10.50 a share and raised $10.5 million in cash for only 20% of the corporation. Those days, we were wondering if the Nasdaq was going to hit 5,000. My early experience with Zinfandel was with Rosenblum Cellars in Alameda for their new release tasting events only because I used to live in the East Bay. I remember going to the Rosenblum new release tasting events and seeing a table set up to seek investors to help Rosenblum expand their business. Back then I thought, “Invest in a winery? How about a tech stock?” Later I hear, Rosenblum is sold to Diageo for $105 million. Joel kindly informs me that they sold Ravenswood to Constellation Brands for $148 million and he’s Senior Vice President and a member of the Senior Executive team of Constellation Wines US. A true entrepreneur!! Click here for the press release of the transaction.

So we ordered our food and then we started tasting the wines.

2007 Dickerson Vineyard Zinfandel - 100% Zin. Vines from the 1920's around prohibtion time. You could only make wine at home. On the palate - Raspberries, Spices, and Eucalyptus. 1,060 cases. Retail is $35.
2007 Big River Zinfandel - 100% Zin. Vines from early 1900's in Alexander Valley. On the palate - Plums and jammy. 980 cases. Retail $35.
2007 Belloni Zinfandel - 78% Zin, 22% Mixed Blacks (Alicante Boschet, Carignane, Grenache, Petite Sirah). On the palate - Spicey, (I love spicey Zin and spicey food, this was one of my favorites) 1,300 cases. Retail $35.
2007 Barricia Zinfandel - 76% Zin, 24% Petite Sirah. Vines from the 1850's. On the palate - lots of berries, spices. 1845 cases. Retail $35.
2007 Old Hill Zinfandel - 76% Zin, 24% Mixed Blacks (15 total varietals). Vines from 1889 Organically farmed. On the palate - Blackberries, spices. 1180 cases. Retail $60.
2007 Teldeshi Zinfandel - 76% Zin, 22% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane. Vines from 1900-1910. On the palate - Black cherries, vanilla. 3560 cases. Retail $35.
2007 Icon Mixed Blacks - 36% Carignane, 27% Petite Sirah, 25% Zin, 12% Mixed Blacks. Vines from 1905. Joel mentioned that this should've been California's unique wine. This will age very well. On the palate - raspberries, blackberries, rich. 1070 cases. Retail $75.
2006 Pickberry - 74% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. Joel mentioned that these wines are like high end Bordeaux style wines and a better price of $50 per bottle. 1600 cases.

In this photo from left to right, Virginie Boone, Josh Silvers (Chef/Owner of Syrah Bistro), Joel Peterson and me. Thank you Lisa Klinck-Shea of Folsom & Associates for taking the photos. We forgot to take one with you.

My favorites were the Belloni and the Teldeschi. The Grilled Lamb Sirloin was really good. An unforgettable night. Highly recommend Syrah Bistro if you're coming up here in Wine Country. The only downside of the night was that we had to use a bucket to dump out the excess wine that was poured. You can't drink 8 glasses of wine during one dinner!! Joel Peterson is a man full of life, a family man and a man living a dream. I hope to join this club someday.

And of course... the highlight of the night...No Wimpy Wines!!!

Hey Joel!! If you're reading this...write that book!!

I hope your palate takes off with these wines. I know mine did.

Have a Nice Flight!!!

Andy Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/

Winery of the Month: Paraduxx

2009-03-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

We visited Paraduxx in Napa. Paraduxx is part of the Duckhorn Family. Paraduxx specializes in Zinfandel-Cabernet Sauvignon blends. We hope you enjoy this clip.

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!tm

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
*A Business division of ABG Capital Group, LLC

Winery of the Month: Darioush

2009-02-28T01:20:00.000-08:00

This month we visited Darioush in Napa. As you will see, the winery is an amazing site to see. The architecture is Persian just as is Darioush himself. Hope you enjoy the video below.

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!tm

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
*A Business division of ABG Capital Group, LLC

Winery of the Month: Duckhorn Vineyards

2009-01-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

This month we share our experience with Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley. The tasting room staff was very generous and knowledgeable about their wines. We were told that the Sauvignon Blanc and the Golden Eye Pinot Noir were served at the Inaugural Luncheon.

Click here to view the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon Wines and Menu.

With that said here is the video footage. Enjoy!!!

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!tm

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
*A Business division of ABG Capital Group, LLC

18th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Festival

2009-01-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

The Grand Zinfandel Tasting is this Saturday January 31st at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Tickets for ZAP members are $49 and General Admission tickets at the door are $69. Members are able to taste wines from 1pm to 5pm. General Admission tasting begins at 2pm until 5pm. Also with your ticket you'll take home a commemorative wine glass.

With admission you'll be able to taste Zinfandel from over 275 wineries, including Seghesio Family Vineyards. Seghesio was ranked #10 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines of 2008. Here's a description from Wine Spectator, "The Seghesio family has been making wine for a century in northern Sonoma County and farms more than 400 acres of Zinfandel in Alexander and Dry Creek valleys. They make a range of vineyard-designated Zinfandels, such as Home Ranch and Cortina, and a bottling from the oldest vines. But for this Sonoma County 2007, winemaker Ted Seghesio tapped his diverse grape sources for a more widely available, well-priced wine. Aged 11 months in 75 percent American oak, it's complex, with a supple texture and a spicy finish".

This will be our first attendance at the Festival so we hope to see you there and hope we make your palate take off!!!

Have a Nice Flight!!!tm

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com
*A Business division of ABG Capital Group, LLC

Winery of the Month: Robert Mondavi Winery

2008-12-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Below you will witness our experience at the Robert Mondavi Winery. If you've never been there, then I hope this video footage will encourage you to visit the winery. As you will see, we had a great time walking the grounds and tasting some delicious wines.

Feel free to leave a comment on the blog or email me at gamitian@yahoo.com with any questions or comments about the video. This is new to us so we welcome any feedback.

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

A Flight of Cabernet Sauvignon

2008-10-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

We begin our flight of Cabernet Sauvignon by stopping at Langtry Estate. The 2005 Guenoc is from the appellation of Lake County, California (sixty miles north of San Francisco). This vintage of Cab was blended with 8% Petit Verdot and 4% Petite Sirah for depth and complexity. It was aged in a combination of French and American oak for 20 months. The aroma has a scent dark cherries. On the palate, it's well balanced and complex with blackberries and dark cherries. It's got a rich long finish. I would definitely enjoy this with a steak. You can grab this at BevMo.com for $15.99.

Next, we visit Louis M. Martini in Napa. This year Louis M. Martini is celebrating 75 years in family winemaking. We will take the pleasure in the 2004 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet has berries, dark cherries and chocolate. On the tongue it's well structured and balanced with cherries, strawberries and blackberries. The finish lasts for over 15 seconds like rich dark chocolate. The supply of the 2004 vintage is low so visit BevMo.com or your local wine shop. Or you may have to try the 2005 vintage (which I'm sure it's just as good as the 2004).

The third leg of our flight lands us at Slingshot in Napa Valley. Wine consultant Stephen Test (graduate of UC Davis Mater's Program in Viticulture and Enology) contributes to this family effort headed by James Stewart (one of Napa Valley's next generation winemakers). The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of dark cherries, blackberries, plums and coffee. The aromas are illustrated on the palate. The finish lasts for over 20 seconds which means this wine has high acidity but the finish is fabulous. You can find Slingshot at K & L Wine Merchants for $19.99.

Well, unfasten your seatbelt, extend your legs and enjoy the flight. Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!tm

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
*A Business division of ABG Capital Group LLC

A Flight of Pinot Noir

2008-04-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

To start off our flight of Pinot Noir we will visit Waterstone of Carneros, California. Waterstone was formed in 2000 by Philip Zorn and Brent Shortridge. They are known to make luxury wines at reasonable prices. The 2006 Waterstone Pinot Noir is light to medium bodied with aromas of dark cherries, oak, and earthiness. On the palate I taste cherries, strawberries, oak, soft tannins and some acidity to make my mouth water and make me want to drink some more. Hmmmm!!! The 2006 Waterstone Pinot Noir can be purchased directly from the winery at $22 a bottle. A pretty good deal for this luxurious pinot noir. http://waterstonewines.com/orderform.pdf

Our next stop is Oregon where we visit Firesteed Cellars. Firesteed Cellars is based in Willamette Valley in the Eola Hills region. Firesteed is the third largest winery in Oregon and Oregon's largest producer of Pinot Noir.

The 2005 Oregon Pinot Noir is medium to full bodied with aromas of oak, berries, and cherries. I tasted berries, dark cherries, oak and some tannins with a great long finish. Not your typical Oregon Pinot Noir. Most Oregon pinot noir are low bodied and have less fruit similar to the Burgundian style. Since my palate favors fruity wines, this is pretty good. You can find the 2005 Firesteed Pinot Noir at BevMo for about $13.

Next, we fly to New Zealand for our last taste in our Flight of Pinot Noir.

Aurum Wines is located in Central Otago, New Zealand. The 2006 Aurum Pinot Noir, which comes with a screw cap, is medium to full bodied. Again, this wine has much more fruit than the Burgundy style. The aroma is full of raspberries, blueberries, dark cherries, oak and earthiness. On the palate this wine is great. It's complex with flavors of strawberries, dark cherries, a bit of oak, very soft tannins and a long finish which balances out to a very tasty wine. The 2006 Aurum Pinot Noir can be found at K&L Wine Merchants for about $26.

I hope your palate takes of with this Flight of Pinor Noir. Enjoy the Pinot, Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flighttm

Andy B. Gamitian

Founder

Flights Wine Blog*

gamitian@yahoo.com

http://www.flightswineblog.com/

*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

Silver Oak 2003 Napa Valley Release Party

2008-01-31T01:56:00.000-08:00

Here comes the Super Bowl and so is the 2003 Silver Oak Napa Valley Release Party. That's right!!! This Saturday, February 2, 2008, Silver Oak is pouring the 2003 Napa Valley Cab. So carpool up to Napa and bring $20 for the tasting which includes a complimentary Silver Oak glass. Pouring begins 9am and ends at 3:30pm. Hope to see you there.

Click Here for directions.

Here are the Winemaker's notes.

The 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex and concentrated wine that deftly balances intensity and finesse. The wine has a dark garnet color with a deep purple edge, and displays aromas of blackberry jam, dark chocolate, rose petal, black pepper and cedar. In the mouth, the attack is quite rich, expressing notes of brown sugar and nutmeg, and the flavors proceed seamlessly to a long finish of fruit and ripe tannins. Properly cellared, this wine should give drinking pleasure until 2027.

A Flight of Port

2007-09-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

This time we're taking a flight to Portugal to taste some Port. I picked out a few that I have not tasted before. So here goes...

First Port of our flight is W&J Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Porto. This Port is dark red and is medium to full bodied with raspberries and blackberries. This Port makes my mouth water with a silky long finish. You can pick up this Port at K&L Wine Merchants or Beverages & More for around $17.00.

The next Port in our flight is Smith Woodhouse Lodge Reserve Porto. It has the aroma of dark cherries and oak. This Port is full bodied with a smooth long finish. I'd love to pair this one with some chocolate. This Port is available at Beverages & More for about $20.00.

The final Port in our flight is Dow's 10 year Tawny Porto. Tawny Port is one of my favorite types of Port. This Port is medium bodied and has lots of caramel and honey on the palate. This Port pairs well with bleu cheese or gorganzola cheese. You can pick up this Port at K&L Wine Merchants or Beverages & More for about $25-30.

I hope your palate takes off with this Flight of Port. Until next time...

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice FlightTM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com/
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

Silver Oak Release Party

2007-07-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are looking for something to do on August 4th, why not head to Silver Oak Cellars. Silver Oak is hosting their annual release party. They will be pouring the 2003 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at both their Oakville and Geyserville Estates. Yours truly will be at the Oakville Estate enjoying the party. Silver Oak Cellars will be hosting the event from 9am-3:30pm. There is a $20 tasting fee which includes a Silver Oak wine glass. Click here for more information.

Hope to see you there.

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

A Flight of Sauvignon Blanc

2007-06-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Just in time for a hot Summer so let's take a Flight of Sauvignon Blanc (also known as Fume Blanc). SB, short for Sauvignon Blanc, has become one of my favorite white varietals because it can be an apertif or it can match well with salads, chicken and seafood.

We'll take off and land at Geyser Peak Winery in Alexander Valley, California.

The 2006 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc has floral aromas, lemon, lime and grapefruit. The aromas also match the palate. It is a great example of a balanced Sauvignon Blanc with lots of grapefruit, lemon, lime and light to medium acidity on the palate. The SB is 100% aged in stainless steel and has a 13% alcohol level. You can purchase the 2006 Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc at either Beverages & More or K&L Wine Merchants.

Next wine region, we fly to Graves, Bordeaux in France. Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux is also known as White Bordeaux. Steve Bearden, a Bordeaux expert at K & L Wine Merchants, recommended a Right Bank White Bordeaux, the 2005 Clos Floridene by Denis & Florence Dubourdieu.

The 2005 Clos Floridene is clear in clarity and has aromas of honey, grapefruit, lemon, vegetables and a little bit of earthiness which all is found on the palate along with a long finish. It's a blend of 44% Sauvignon Blanc, 55% Semillon and 1% Muscadelle and has a 12.5% alcohol level. You can purchase this at K & L Wine Merchants for $19.99. A good price for a complex White Bordeaux.

Our last stop for our Flight of Sauvignon Blanc lands us in Marlborough, New Zealand. The 2006 Kim Crawford is a screw cap SB. Don't let the screw cap scare you away.

It has strong aromas of tropical fruits, grapefruit and a bit of herbaceousness. The palate has medium intensity and a medium body with flavors of grapefruit, honey, lime and a great balance of acidity to make your mouth water and ask for more. The alcohol level is at 13%. The 2006 Kim Crawford can be consumed up to five years from now, but I'd rather drink it now. : ) . You can find the 2006 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc at Beverages & More or at K & L Wine Merchants.

We hope your palate took off and you enjoyed your Flight of Sauvignon Blanc. We look forward to you taking another Flight and exploring the world of wine.

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

Pinot Daze in the Big Apple

2007-05-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

On April 29th in the Big Apple, I was in a daze as I walked into the Pinot Days event. I couldn't believe my eyes or contain my excitement. A convention room full of Pinot Noir and I said to myself "I bet Miles from Sideways would love to be here. Maybe a Sideways II is in production here?"

As I walked in, Crushpad had set up their table with barrel samples and TV's to showcase their ability to help you make your own wine. I plan to work with Crushpad to help create Flights Wine Club so that we can all learn more about wine.
To the left of Crushpad I had the pleasure of meeting Gary Pisoni of Pisoni Vineyards. He's a very energetic, passionate and genuine person. I tasted the Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir for the first time and I have to say it's definitely on my list of my favorites.

As I continued my journey, I happened to stop at J. Jacaman...The NEW Pinot Noir. Danielle Jacaman poured me a taste of their single vineyard Pinot Noir. It was full bodied, fruit forward and had lots of black cherries with a great long finish. It made my palate take off!!!

I was surprised to see a New York based winery Lakewood Vineyards. Chris Stamp, Winemaker/Owner/Operator/Prisoner, poured some tasty Pinots from the Finger Lakes. I had no idea wine was being produced in that region of New York. By the way, I highly recommend their Rieslings too.
I couldn't resist to make a visit to Miles' favorite, The Hitching Post. I met with Gray Hartley, co-founder of Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post wines. The Highliner is rich with complexity to make any palate take off. If you're in San Francisco from June 29th - July 1st, I highly recommend attending one of Pinot Days' events. It'll not only be an education for all but it will make your palate take off!!!

Thank you and ...

Have a Nice Flight!!!

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

A Tribute and Toast to Tiny Bubbles

2007-04-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Oenophiles,

I wanted to respectfully pay tribute to a man who will never be forgotten. Don Ho passed away last weekend at the age of 76. If you never heard his song "Tiny Bubbles", well here is a clip with the lyrics below.

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1075927893&fr=yfp-t-501

Tiny bubbles
In the wine
Make me feel happy
Make me feel fine
Tiny bubbles
Make me warm all over
With a feelin' that
I'm gonna love you till the end of time
So here's to the golden moon
And here's to the silver sea
And mostly here's a toast
To you and me
Tiny bubbles
Make me warm all over
With a feelin' that
I'm gonna love you till the end of time

Here are a few of my favorite "Tiny Bubbles" for you to toast to Don Ho for this upcoming weekend. You may find these recommendations at K & L Wine Merchants, Beverages & More or Whole Foods Market.

Bollinger Special Cuvee
1985 Charles Heidsieck "Champagne Charlie" Cuvee Presitge Brut
Laurent Perrier Demi-Sec Champagne
Laurent Perrier "Grand Siecle" Champagne
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut
Roederer Estate L'Ermitage 2000
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2003
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

So buy a bottle or two, call your friends and family to celebrate Don Ho's life

Have a Nice Flight!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog
http://www.flightswineblog.com

I Left My Heart at COPIA, Not In San Francisco

2007-04-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

As soon as I parked my car at COPIA on Saturday, March 31, 2007, I knew I was on my way to something big. I walked up to the building and couldn't resist to take a photo to remember this moment.

Last year, I was advised by Mulan Chan at K & L Wine Merchants to enhance my education and advance my career in the Wine Industry by enrolling in COPIA's Wine & Spirits Education Trust Certificate Program. I said to myself why not, what do I have to lose. It's helped with this start up. By the way, I'm looking to hire staff writers. I just hired Heidi Andersen in Singapore. She will be covering the wine regions of Australia and New Zealand. Heidi believes in my dream to one day go global and open up a wine bar (in Armenia). She can really write well and with great humor. She is developing her palate and I'm looking into having her take the Intermediate Certificate course remotely in Singapore. Maybe COPIA will work with my company and Google to develop a platform for my global plan?

As you walk into the building on the right wall there is a powerful message to those who visit.

As I sat down and got comfortable in my seat, I introduced myself to my surrounding Oenophiles. I believe things happen for a reason and it's all about timing. I met with Linda Carucci and she immediately said "You're Armenian!" I said "Yes, my last name ends with an" ian"." I told her that "I've always wanted to try pairing wine with Armenian Food. That's one of the reasons I'm here too." Linda conducts cooking classes at COPIA and has written her own cookbook, "Cooking School Secrets For Real-World Cooks". You can purchase copies from Amazon on this site on the right column below the Links List, right below Ray Johnson's book (which I also highly recommend if you're beginning your wine education). The class began with the keynote speaker, Peter Marks, Master of Wine. Peter Marks is the first Master of Wine I've ever met. What a tremendous achievement to become a Master of Wine.

Below, Peter discusses Food and Wine pairing.

The Master of Wine is considered the Ph.D of Wine. Peter Marks, who is the Director of Food and Wine at COPIA and an alumnus of UC Davis, has been teaching the WSET for 4 years and has worked in the retail wine industry for over 16 years. Peter asked the class "Please introduce yourself and tell us who you are and why you're here." The class was made up of many wanting to learn more about wine or looking to transition into the Wine Industry. There were a few lucky retired individuals looking to start small businesses. Corporate employees in the Wine & Food Industries looking to enhance their learning experience and advance in their careers. Naturally, I stood up and I said passionately, "My name is Andy Gamitian. I just started my own business just a few weeks ago. I'm here pursuing my passion with wine. Someday, I'd like to take my company public on the NYSE. With a percentage of the profits, I hope to donate funds to Armenian Wine Programs." Did I get your attention?

Below in this picture, Peter explains the winemaking process. Later, he also discusses the barrel making processes adopted by Silver Oak Cellars and Opus One.

I asked Peter, "Have you ever tasted Armenian wine?" He replied "Not yet."

The two day course, you will have 48 tastes (24 each day) including wine and spirits. Covering traditional varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Champagne, Syrah/Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. You will learn the tasting techniques that will come in handy for your own education and maybe for your career transition into the Wine Industry. Kari, who has a Marketing background, covered Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. She asked to the class, "How many of you are in the Wine Industry? If you're not, then you should be!" What a smart woman! Couldn't have said it better myself.

If you're interested in becoming a member of COPIA, it's a $50 tax deductible donation. So go ahead and click here to help COPIA. It'll be a life changing event.

Stay tuned. I'm working on several tasting events. What kind of varietals are you looking to taste?

I thought this was a little funny so I had to mention this. It reminded me of the Apple TV commericals. The Windows Operating system crashed twice on Peter. I wonder if Bill Gates or Steve Ballmer are reading this? Maybe Steve Jobs will read this too and donate some iMac's and iPod's to COPIA and set up COPIA with some Podcast technology to help COPIA raise their membership and enrollment for the WSET program. Hmmm!! What a great idea? Hey, maybe Steve Jobs and I could meet someday and discuss some of my other ideas. Like funding my company. Comment below or email me your thoughts on that one at gamitian@yahoo.com .

Have a Nice Flight!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

Job Opportunities

2007-03-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Oenophiles,

Things are moving fast. We're headed to NY for a Pinot Tasting at the end of April. We're looking for someone who wants to be part of a dream. If you have a passion for the Wine and Food Industries please send us your resume with a cover letter and list Job Opportunities in the subject line of your email.

Thank you.

Have a Nice Flight!!!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Founder
Flights Wine Blog*
gamitian@yahoo.com
http://www.flightswineblog.com
*A Business Division of ABG Capital Group LLC

It's a Tasting so Don't Get Toasted!

2007-03-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got news that I could hardly contain myself. I will be attending the Wine Enthusiast Toast of the Town this Thursday here in San Francisco. The event, which will be held at the War Memorial Opera House, is showcasing top rated restaurants in San Francisco, over 500 wineries and... a few jazz bands. A silent auction of fine wines and wine accessories will take place to benefit Second Harvest: The Nation's Food Bank Network.

A VIP Tasting ticket will grant you entrance at 5pm and then followed by the Grand Tasting at 7pm and sadly ends at 10pm. I recommend maping out your plan of attack. Hopefully, you'll have enough time to make it around to taste new vintages from your favorites and find some new ones too. Tickets are still available for Will Call. So grab a glass and let's taste and please... don't get toasted! If you accidently get toasted, please grab a taxi or another form of public transportation to get you home safe. See you there!

Andy B. Gamitian
Flights Wine Blog
Founder
http://www.flightswineblog.com

Hobbs is Quality

2007-03-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

"Paul Hobbs wines are focused on quality," said Bill Wiebalk, Sales Manager of Paul Hobbs Winery, and he was right. Paul Hobbs, a masters graduate from UC Davis and a former member of the Opus One team at Robert Mondavi, started his own label in 1991. He's expanded to Argentina and now working with wines in Hungary as well. Paul Hobbs wines, which are hard to find, are harvested and sorted by hand with emphasis on quality.

Last night, I attended the Monday Night Winery Event at California Wine Merchant, one of my favorite wine bars in San Francisco. After a long day of watching the stock market rally from negative deep red to positive black territory and improving the blog, I was so ready to try out Pauls Hobbs' wines. I heard so much about his single vineyard high end Cabs but they weren't there last night. However, I did taste some of his Argentinian wines. The standout was by far the 2004 Bramare Malbec, Marchiori Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina. It was deep purple in color with great complexity and packed with silky tannins. I never had such an amazing Malbec. My only other tasting of a Malbec was an Elsa Malbec, which is your everyday Malbec for $6.99 at K & L Wine Merchants. Bramare is a bit pricey for me at $97.95 but for Paul Hobbs' quality it's worth it. Did I say quality again? I think there is a theme here. His other line of Argentinian wines are called the Nativo Series. I really enjoyed the 2005 "Cocodrilo" Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina. This was my first Argentinian Cab I've tasted. Not an over the top Cab that I would take to a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion but something I'd definitely share with friends and family to experience an Argentinian Cab. A pretty good price too for a Cab, $25.95. Another standout was the 2004 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. I'm a chocoholic and there was mocha in here along with cassis and some silky tannins. A well made interpretation of a California Napa Cab. This one goes for $89.95.

Paul Hobbs' wines are mostly sold direct from the Paul Hobbs Winery mailing list but they are available at California Wine Merchant. Do you have any Paul Hobbs wines in your collection? Or have you tasted his wines too? If not, I highly recommend them. Let me know! Keep an eye out for his single vineyard Cabs which are due to be released sometime in May and October later this year.

Have a nice Flight!TM

Andy Gamitian
Founder
www.flightswineblog.com

Witness the Beginning of a Dream

2007-03-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!! You are now a witness to the beginning of a dream. For many years I’ve wanted to share my education, experiences and passion with wine. I’ve taken several wine courses and trips to the wine country to enhance my education and experiences with wine. I’m very passionate and interested in learning more about wine and international cuisines. I’m on the path to accomplish my dream and I’d like to thank you for your support.

Flights Wine Blog is an educational and sophisticated wine blog that I’d like to share with all my friends and fellow oenophiles (lovers of wine). Each month I will cover a particular varietal and share my experiences with you. The wine selections will come from regions around the world to illustrate the winemakers interpretation and provide an understanding of the grape. I believe that to truly understand a varietal one must taste it from several regions. A flight is several tastes of a particular varietal of wine. So why not taste a flight of wine?

I hope you enjoy Flights Wine Blog and continue to learn more about wine with me. I’m always looking to improve the learning experience with wine. Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, and or comments. Fasten your seatbelts because your palate is about to take off!!

Have a nice Flight!TM

Andy B. Gamitian
Flights Wine Blog
Founder
www.flightswineblog.com