Carol Shelton of Carol Shelton Wines in Sonoma appears more a cherubic schoolteacher than a wine diva, making and romancing that zesty Zinfandel that is the 3rd most-planted wine grape in California. Last I counted and tasted, she had seven zins on her current list, four of which I had the pleasure of getting to know at a recent event at the Encinitas Wine Merchants.
Before going through this luscious list, it’s important to know that Shelton reportedly has been cited as the most awarded woman winemaker in the U.S. and has been honored as Winemaker of the Year numerous times. After enology studies at UC Davis, she launched her career working under industry greats like Andre Tchelistcheff and Robert Mondavi.
She learned more when she traveled to Australia and went to work for Peter Lehman Wines. It was there she found many union organized workers making a lot of dull wine. “I had enough and came back to California and did some winemaking time in the Central Valley where I found more of the same recipe type wines with a set formula,” she lamented. “I finally found my niche by going back to Tchelistcheff who was chief winemaker at Buena Vista in the Napa Valley. He used to speak to his wines, like ‘Good morning ladies, how are we doing today.’ He was a very dedicated winemaker.”
I asked her why there was so much Zinfandel on her list. “Zin doesn’t have to fight with European wines for an identity and doesn’t have to compete with old world versions. It’s fruit friendly and fruit forward. It’s a happy-puppy kind of wine. Zin show California terroir better than any other varietal.” Shelton shows that better than most by letting the natural flavors speak for themselves. There are no artificial flavors or oak influences, and she takes care that the grapes not become overripe and overcome by high alcohol content.
Here are the Zins to look for: 2008 Wild Thing, an old vine Zin, grown organically from Mendocino with a twist cap.( $19.) “This is the wine we’re most known for,” she said. “It has 78% Zin, 12% Carignane, 7% Petite Sirah and 3% Cabernet.” Others include 2009 Monga Zin from Cucamonga in Southern California and Karma Zin from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma.
Carol Shelton has received many titles over the years, but the most fitting is now “Queen of Zin.” Find out more at www.carolshelton.com.
Elizabeth Huettinger is New Wine Director at the Grand Del Mar
Elizabeth Huettinger is the new Wine Director at Addison.
Elizabeth Huettinger is the new Wine Director at Addison.
The long-awaited replacement for seven-year legendary wine director Jesse Rodriguez has been named at the Grand Del Mar and its Five-Star, Five-Diamond Addison Restaurant.
She is Elizabeth Huettinger, who most recently was Assistant Wine Director at the world-famed Spago in Beverly Hills, working with Master Sommelier Christopher Miller. She has previous
sommelier experience in San Diego and Carmel.
She is currently studying to take the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier exam.
She will be supervising Addison’s 37,000 bottle wine collection and directing the resort’s 13 person credentialed sommelier team, as well as the wine dinners, tastings and educational seminars.
Wine Bytes
Bistro Sixty in San Diego has a Fields Family Wine Dinner, Fri. June 7 at 6pm. A 5 course dinner is offered with wines to match. $70. ea. Call 619-287-8186 to RSVP.
Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula lights up with Cigar Night, Sun. June 9 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Add a 5 course wine/fine dinner and entertainment and it’s a memorable night. Admission $140. including 3 cigars. Call 951-699-9463 for details.
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas is presenting the Napa Valley Cakebread Wine Dinner, Tues. June 11 at 6:30pm. This 5 course dinner is $100. pp. RSVP at 760-635-1066.
La Gran Terraza, in the University of San Diego, invites the public to its Simi Sonoma Wine Dinner on Tues. June 11. Reception at 6pm. Cost is $50. RSVP at 619-849-8205.
The 2nd Annual Baja Bash will happen on Sat. June 15 from 6 to 10pm at the Broadway Pier Port Pavilion. Spend an evening with food, drinks and entertainment. Chefs and wines from both sides of the border will participate. The B Side Players will drive the latin beat. $75. admission. Information at 619-423-8665.
West Steak and Seafood Carlsbad presents a Napa Valley Duckhorn Dinner Tues. June 18 at 6:30pm. $150. Call 760-930-9100
Frank Mangio is a renowned San Diego wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator.
He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web. View and link up with his
columns at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at [email protected].
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