Echezeaux at Drago Centro in Downtown

First, the food and service are excellent at Drago Centro (downtown L.A.). Spencer Cruse, their "newish" Wine Director, is great.

Much thanks to the Burgundy group that made this dinner possible and a special thanks to Michael for arranging, per usual, the superb flight and tasting menu. I look forward to the next one.

All the wines showed well overall. The first red flight to the second red flight were a major step up in quality, in my opinion. And not having tasted the Rouget wines before, I must say, I was impressed. Great class, balance and density with impeccable texture.

First flight, the Champagne warm-up with passed apps
1996 R.L. Legras Saint-Vincent
Excellent blanc de blanc, vibrant, tight, minerals, citrus, airy and fresh, excellent brightness and brisk feel, my preferred style.
1996 Henriot Cuvee des Enchanteleurs
Smooth, lemon vibilia, biscotti, toast, with nice bright fruit, some butterscotch, round body, plump but refined. Lush.

-Passed apps-
Swordfish, pistachio pesto
Caprese salad "pinwheels"
Veal sweet breads, caperberry gremolata

The White flight paired with the first course
1996 Domaine Leflaive Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Pucelles
A little sulfurous in the nose, great racey acidity, bright lemon, lime, chalk, slight caramel but very lively, still vibrant and nuanced. Good concentration and precision. My preferred wine.
1996 Domaine Caillot Batard Montrachet
Feels much more aged (but not pre-mox) creme caramel with a slight Madeira-like hint (in a good way), citrus fruit, restrained and opulent at the same time, young olives, dark color, opens more with time.

-1st course-
poached lobster salad, fava beans, fennel, holland white asparagus

The First Red flight paired with the second course
1999 Mugneret Gibourg Echezeaux
Tobacco, olive oil, mint, a little skunk (in a good way), medium weight, cherry fruit, great depth. Silky.
1995 Mongeard Mugneret Grand Echezeaux
A step up in quality from the others. Brighter fruit. Grapefruit, pomegranate, dark cherry fruits, roasted intensity but well balanced, currants, long finish. Excellent wine.
2001 Mongeard Mugneret Echezeaux
Shows some oak, bark notes, earth, bright cherry, excellent texture, some tannins but silky, lively, medium-to-light weight, great feel, developing spice, fresh.

-2nd course-
Seared foie gras, wild mushroom spaghetti

The Second Red flight paired with the third course
1996 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Echezeaux
The home run wine for me. Loads of class. Silky texture. Classic. Expressive notes of red and black fruits. Detailed. Intense. Deeply impressive. Good acidity. Fresh and vinous. Rich. Plenty of upside.
1999 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Echezeaux
Still a bit primary in a way. Some Asian spice, cinnamon and toast (but refined), good density. Pure red fruits. Full and brooding. Has many years ahead of it.
2000 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Echezeaux
A little simpler in a way, nice to drink, excellent fruit, pure brightness, silken texture, good cherry and red fruits, complex aromas of earth and dark fruit.

-3rd course-
Duck breast, lentils, sunchoke puree, garlic scapes

Bonus wine
2004 Fevre Chablis Bougros Grand Cru Cote de Bouguerots
Young but lively. Great acidity. Perfect foil for the cheese course. Lemon, lime, citrus dense, lively, bracing fruit, full texture. Classic clean finish.

-4th course-
Il boschetto cheese, truffle honey, crostini

My favorite reds were 1995 Mongeard Mugneret Grand Echezeaux and the 1996 Domaine Emmanuel Rouget Echezeaux, with the '96 getting the top nod.

A great night.

Wine Buying Strategy

As a wine buyer myself, both for my shop and personally, I am keenly fixated on making the right choices. The best possible advice I can give for wine buying are these three ideas:

1) Buy from a merchant you trust
2) Buy by producer
3) Buy by importer

Now, let us elaborate:

1)  Buy from a merchant you trust

Of course there will be times where you find a great online deal or you buy from a big, impersonal "box store" but the majority of your purchases should come from a local merchant you trust. They may know you by name, or not, but all of them make conscientious purchases and once they get to know your palate, you will learn a lot. One of our regular customers likes to say - "since shopping at Rosso our ratio of successful wine picks has gone up dramatically." Take advantage of this.

2) Buy by producer

Once you discover a producer that you like, continue buying their wines. The best producers make the best possible wine in all conditions. Yes, vintages can matter, but if you buy by producer you will discover wines that you might not have normally tried, and learn along the way about how vintages affect wines.

3) Buy by importer

If you enjoy import wines, find out who the importer is (usually listed on the back label) and continue to buy the wines they import. If you like the style of one of their wines, you will find that they choose similar styles within their portfolio, even though the regions and producers are different. You won't be let down.

Wine buying can be a risk, at times, but that is part of the enjoyment. And as you get further versed in the best ways to achieve your goal of finding the best wines for your palate, you will find that these three ideas will matter more and more.

The Tasting Room with Tom Leykis

It is always a pleasure making an appearance on the Tasting Room with Tom Leykis and last night's session at their new studios in Burbank was highly enjoyable. Tom is a consummate pro and definitely enjoys the good things. I chose to bring some of my favorite current picks in the store; some of them are very limited in supply, some are perfect seasonal wines, and some represent the "best in class."

Visit the Tasting Room with Tom Leykis page to stream the radio segment: Tasting Room March 12th 2012

First up: Excellent Spring time wines
2011 Commanderie Peyrassol Rosé Côtes de Provence $17.99 France
2009 Domaine Du Bagnol Cassis Blanc $25.99 France

Next: Classic European selections
2001 Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Rioja $34.99 Spain
2007 Cascina Roccalini Barbaresco $39.99 Italy

 Next: Small Production Artisan California wines
2010 Sandhi Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills $35.99 California
2009 Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill Bennett Valley $44.99 California

 Come visit us to buy any of these wines and check out our website rossowineshop.com to sign up for our free e-mail list to find out about special events, tastings and new arrivals.

Rosso Wine Shop
3459 1/2 N. Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
P: (818) 330-9130

Our 2011 Rosé Story...

Our rosé inventory has steadily increased every year since we opened in 2006; and we are very happy about that. We look for bone dry, crisp and refreshing versions of this great warm weather wine. The flavors of bright fruits like strawberry, citrus and sometimes watermelon coupled with good acidity make for great pairings with all kinds of foods. There are many levels of good rosé but we focus on the best examples between $12-$20 (although we always need to have a higher-end Bandol too).

Over the next few months, April through June, all of our hand-picked rosé selections will begin to arrive. Please come by and start sampling. Not all of these are in yet, but they are planned, with more to be added as we go...

2011 Chateau Routas Rouviere Rosé $12.99 (April 11th)
A refreshing dry rosé from the heart of Provence. Bright red berry and mint aromas with a supple yet dry and crisp finish. This mouthwatering rose-a blend of Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache-is juicy yet elegant, with a orange and cherry flavors carried in a clean line by vibrant acidity.

2011 Domaine Corbilliers Touraine Rosé $14.99 (June)
Made from 100% Pinot Noir. Hand-harvested. Naturally fermented. Elegant style. The result is a pale rose wine, slightly spicy, with a vague hint of pepper. It is a thirst-quenching wine to drink with summer meals, and can also be paired with exotic cuisine.

2011 Chateau La Rame Bordeaux Rosé $14.99 (May 1st)
Equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A rosé wine that shows the classic terroir and composition of Bordeaux in a new light; brisk, clean, mineral and lovely strawberry notes. From vineyards in the hills above Sainte Croix du Mont, another fetching value from the Armand family.

2011 Château Soucherie Rosé de Loire $14.99 (June)
Estate bottled. This beautiful property in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon has a fine touch with the Cabernet Franc grape. Their Rose de Loire is dry with a marked minerality to its flavor and finish. A nice bouquet with strawberry and herb aromas. Perfectly pleasing on the palate with a hint of licorice and long finish.

2011 Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé $17.99 (May 1st)
From the perennial epicenter of rosé wine, Provence, the Commanderie cuvée is always pale rose in color. It is fresh and lively on the palate, nicely dry with a mineral finish. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Hints of strawberry and citrus dance on your palate.

2011 Domaine de la Petite Mairie Bourgeuil Rosé $17.99 (May 1st)
Domaine de la Petite Mairie is owned and managed by Corinne and James Petit, an enthusiastic couple devoted to their little corner of the Loire Valley and its wines so celebrated by Rabelais. They have an uncompromising vision of the expression of the Cabernet Franc grape married to the unique terroir of Bourgeuil. This rose is bright, dry and delicately spicy. Very refreshing

2011 Domaine D'Eole Rosé Provence $18.99 (May 15th)
Made with 55% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise and 5% Carignan, this shining rose, with the color of a pale rose petal with purple reflections, is characterised by fine aromas of red and citrus fruits, followed by its harmonious flavor, full of finesse and surprisingly long lasting. Both its vivacity and fruity flavor will match nicely with all warm weather foods.

2011 Eric Kent Sonoma Coast Rosé Sonoma $19.99 (March 27th)
A gorgeous deep pink, light reddish color, with a nose of pink grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon and hibiscus. One sip and cranberries, fresh red cherries, rhubarb and hints of ripe apple peel take over on the palate. Pure and refreshing with lively acidity, just like a rosé should be, yet with the balance, complexity and pedigree of a much more costly wine. Rosé of 65% Pinot Noir, 20% Grenache and 15% Syrah.

2011 Château Pradeaux Bandol Rosé $26.99 (June)
Some call the Bandol rosé the king of all rosé, and Pradeaux really does deliver. Pradeaux's  major part of the vineyards are planted to Mourvedre, but their Bandol rosé is composed of Cinsault and Grenache as well as Mourvedre. After a short maceration on the skins, in order to extract a light color, the juice is fermented at low temperatures to retain freshness, fruit and bouquet. All tank fermented. Serious. Fresh. And a full-bodied rosé.

Eric Kent Wine Cellars Dinner

  It is always a pleasure to work with and enjoy the wines from Eric Kent Wine Cellars. Kent and Renee were our special guests at this great winemaker dinner. Much thanks to Chef Ruiz for an excellent dinner, the fantastic pictures from Wes Chilton, and of course, the stellar wines by Kent.

Supper Club 15 -- Eric Kent Wine Cellars

Wednesday, March 21st

Menu by SaltButterPork

Chef Michael Ruiz

1. carrot ‘parfait’, crème fraiche, rhubarb, candied fennel.
2011 Eric Kent Sonoma Coast Rosé

2. cured salmon, pickled ramps, cream cheese, mushroom marcel.
2010 Eric Kent Russian River Chardonnay

3. little beets, morbier, poached pear, espellette, molasses.
2010 Eric Kent Small Town, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

4. roast pork shank, ham, bacon, limas, onion confit, smoke.
2009 Eric Kent Kalen's Big Boy Blend Syrah

Making the Case for Elio Grasso

The Grasso Estate in Monforte d'Alba

Elio Grasso is a top notch producer from the Monforte d'Alba region of Barolo. Their cellar vinifies only estate-grown grapes. The classic Nebbiolo that has been cultivated in the area since the early 20th century has been joined by Dolcetto and Barbera planted in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

We recently had the opportunity to bring in some Elio Grasso wines at some great pricing. And tasting these three wines at our bar confirmed the greatness of Grasso. The Dolcetto, Barbera and Langhe Nebbiolo are fantastic wines for their respective categories, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better value at this kind of pricing. You really should try some while they are around.

2007 Elio Grasso Barbera Vigna Martina $22.99
2008 Elio Grasso Dolcetto d'Alba Dei Grassi $15.99
2008 Elio Grasso Langhe Nebbiolo Gavarini $18.99

And if you can find their Barolo, buy them up; either the Gavarini Vigna Chiniera or Ginestra Vigna Casa Maté, aged in Slavonian oak barrels in a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Barolo style; or the Rüncot, made in a more modern idiom and matured in new French oak barriques.

Find your style. Buy by producer.

Spring Risotto with Alsatian Riesling

Spring Risotto with Asparagus, Leek and Shallot

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons of butter

4 cups 1/2-inch cubes asparagus

3 cups 1/2-inch-wide slices leeks (white and pale green parts only)

4 tablespoons finely diced shallot

2 cups arborio rice

4 14-ounces (or more) vegetable broth (home made best)

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese plus additional (for serving)

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and shallot and sauté until they begin to soften, then add asparagus next to soften as well (but no need to cook through yet).

Add rice to pot and stir 1 minute making sure to coat the rice with oil and sauté. Keep broth hot in another small sauce post, and ladle 1 cup of broth in. Simmer until absorbed, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes. Add remaining broth by 1/2 cupfuls, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding next, stirring often, about 15 minutes.

Continue to cook until rice is just tender but still very creamy, stirring gently and often, about 10 minutes longer (about 25 minutes total cooking time). It must still have a bite. Remove from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and finish with a few pads of butter. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.

-- Try this dish with this wine. An excellent pairing. --

2009 Kuentz-Bas Riesling Tradition

This wine expresses a complex nose of bright citrus fruit and orange, finishing with apricot and a menthol-like note. On the palate it is crisp, lively and full of tropical fruit. Great acidity gives it a certain freshness which longs for food. This is one the best values for Alsatian Riesling on the market. -- retail: $16.99