Thornton Unveils Champagne Jazz with an Energized Mindi Abair

If I likened the kickoff Mindi Abair  Concert at the beautiful outdoor Thornton Winery  in Temecula to wine, my quote would be:  “I came expecting Merlot and got Zinfandel!”  Mindi, ever seductive charmer with her cooing smooth jazz and tenor sax notes, this time came with two legendary rockers from the 80’s, Jeff Golub who played for Rod Stewart, and David Pack, the lead singer for the hit makers Ambrosia.  This was a brilliant, exciting musical stroke of genius. 

 

Mindi jumped into music by Jimmy Hendrix, the Rolling Stones and James Brown.  What a big moment for the 24th season of Champagne Jazz at Thornton Winery.  It will be hard to top it, but with the lineup coming in, they’ll match it.  Some recommendations:  Chris Botti June 3, Bobby Caldwell and David Benoit June 24, Brian Culbertson and David Sanborn July 15, Dave Koz and Candy Duffer August 18 & 19 and Peter White Sept. 16. The series goes to Oct. 21.

 

Mindi was gracious enough to sip some beautifully crafted Thornton Brut Rosé at a pre-concert press gathering, signed autographs and stayed for photos.  She bubbled over as much as the wine and saluted the Thornton Family on the best orchestrated concert series on the circuit.

 

At Thornton, the audience is offered the “culinary fusion” three course gourmet dinner created by Thornton’s restaurant Café Champagne under the direction of Executive Chef Steve Pickell.  Wines recommended with the dinner included:  Thornton 2010 Viognier, Thornton 2010 Mourvedre and Thornton 2010 Zinfandel, under the direction of winemaker David Vergari. He was in a celebratory mood this night as we found out that the Thornton 2010 Tempranillo ($25.) and  2010 Estate Petite Sirah ($22.) had won Gold at the important Monterey Wine Competition.  It was a dazzling night for the audience and for Thornton Winery.  For details on the concerts and levels of tickets available call 951-699-3021 or visit www.thorntonwine.com.

 

The tempo of new releases has stepped up exponentially as wine events have picked up the last few months, giving brands an opportunity to unveil their latest.  Here are five worth trying:

 

Banfi Centine Rosso Toscana Montalcino Italy, 2009.  $10.  A marriage of Sangiovese and Cab/Merlot grapes offering intensity and spice for such a young Italian red.  Best value on anyone’s list.

Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, Sonoma, CA 2011. $15.  A fresh vibrant white blended wine with a rich mouth-feel.  Subtle oak character.

Orin Swift The Prisoner Red Blend, Napa Valley, CA.  2010.  $38. A Zin-based ripe red spice box. Added varietals include Cabernet, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. 

Sausal Century Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma, Ca.  2009.  $40. Big, powerful, yet smooth on the palate. Well Balanced notes.

Trentadue La Storia Zinfandel, Sonoma, CA. 2010.  $30.  Bright, intense fruit with a touch of Petite Sirah for cherry, blueberry.  Fine oak barrel age for brown sugar, vanilla accent. 

 

•Meritage Wine Market is presenting an Italian Wine & Food event Sat. May 12 from 5 to 7pm, for $50. pp.  North, South, East and West are all represented with premium cuisine and wines.  Call 760-479-2500.

•Mother’s Day dinners in Temecula on Sun. May 13 include: Wilson Creek with a Brunch from 10am to 4pm with piano music, $49.95 ea. Call 951-699-9463; Monte De Oro Brunch includes a free bottle of wine and sweet gift.  Two seatings 10am and Noon.  Go to www.montedeoro.com; Café Champagne at Thornton Winery buffet with live music from 12 to 5pm, includes a glass of Brut Champagne for $49.95.