Grape Encounters Wine Radio

PERFECTION TO THE 5TH POWER

It’s an achievement that most winemakers only dream of… earning a perfect 100 point score from legendary wine critic Robert Parker. Yes indeed, it’s nearly impossible to earn even one 100 point score during your career. But Mark Carter of Carter Cellars and Envy Wines has lots of years ahead of him and he has already earned an incomparable five 100-point scores from Parker.

Mark and Sheri Carter

A personal friend of host David Wilson, Mark had only earned one perfect score when he and David first met. But in the past couple of years, Mark has earned four more perfect scores… which is no surprise to David, who calls Mark’s Coliseum Vineyard Merlot his single favorite wine. However, it wasn’t Merlot that earned Mark these amazing accolades. Mark has really raised the bar when it comes to Napa Cabernet Sauvignons… earning 3 perfect scores in just one year.

Mark and Sheri Carter

So just how much does a perfect score effect the popularity and price of a wine? And how tough is it for a winemaker to remain humble after being crowned an undisputed champion? You’ll find out on this edition of Grape Encounters Radio. Our show ends with an episode of Sippin’ With Sara Schneider, Wine Editor of Sunset Magazine. If you want to know what varietals to keep your eyes on as they rise to greater prominence among wine lovers, you’ll definitely want to stick with this episode to the very last drop!

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A Delightful Afternoon with Head Winemaker and GM Chris Mazepink of Archery Summit

David with Chris Mazepink at Archery Summit Vineyards

There couldn’t have been a more picture perfect day to enjoy a long line-up of wines from Archery Summit GM and Winemaker Chris Mazepink. Archery Summit features Oregon’s only natural cave cellar and we assure you, the views underground are just as spectacular as the truly stunning view across the valley from Archery Summit’s patio. Chris Mazepink makes some of Oregon’s high-end, bigger, bolder Pinot Noirs from single vineyards along with Alsatian Pinot Gris and rosé. The winery was founded by the same folks who built legendary Pine Ridge Winery in Napa Valley back in the 90s.

There’s a lot to know about the wines of Oregon and Chris is just the person to walk you through the subject in a delightfully unpretentious way. Having worked exclusively with Oregon Pinot Noir over the years, Chris began his impressive career as Assistant Winemaker at Lemelson Vineyards. He spent four years at Shea Wine Cellars where he tripled case production and fine-tuned their blends. Chris then joined Oregon’s revered Benton Lane Winery as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture. With years of experience running a large estate devoted to ultra-premium Pinot Noir, Chris came to Archery Summit in 2013 anxious to expand its world-renowned wine program.

This stop was certainly a highlight during Grape Encounters’ trip to the Willamette and we’re delighted to bring you along!

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Meet Willamette Valley Winemaking Legend Eugenia Keegan of Gran Moraine

The Oregon wine odyssey continues from the Willamette Valley. In this episode, David visits Gran Moraine which is one of several brands owned and operated by Kendall-Jackson. Today’s special guest is winemaker and General Manager Eugenia Keegan who is truly a legend in the region. The winery was started from the ground up and is truly a special spot. Eugenia is now in her 19th year in Oregon wine country. Her resume spans 40 years and she was one of the very first female winemakers in the country. Like so many world class winemakers, her career began in California until a chance romance led her to Oregon in 2003. Eugenia has held many top positions during her four-plus decades in the wine business. She began her career with Joseph Swan Vineyards as a cellar/vineyard worker in 1976. That experience led her to numerous opportunities, including cellar intern positions in Burgundy at both the prestigious producer Pousse d’Or in Volnay and Etienne Sauzet in Puligny-Montrachet. Most significantly she took the position of Business Manager at Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa, California in 1982 during the early days of the winery’s start-up. She was later promoted to President and CEO. In January of 1996, she accepted the position of President at Vine Cliff Winery in Napa.

The planting of Gran Moraine was completed in 2005 and, in less than a dozen years, it became recognized as a leader in the production of world-class pinots grown from Dijon clones. If there was ever a more delightful and witty winemaker than Eugenia, we haven’t found him or her yet. But don’t take our word for it, just kick back and have a listen to one of our most delightful wine broadcasts!

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One-on-one with Laurent Montalieu, Founder of Hyland Estates in the Willamette Valley

Laurent Montalieu, Proprietor and Winemaker of Hyland Estates

This edition of Grape Encounters is the first in a long-anticipated month-long series recorded in the famed Willamette Valley wine of Northwest Oregon. It’s a place where you’ll find true winemaking pioneers who have no inclination to copy what their counterparts in other regions do. They are quick to point out that Oregon wines are best when they are allowed to express their sense of place… and to that end, this very special series begins at Highland Estates where David is joined by founding winemaker, Laurent Montalieu.

Laurent took his first steps in the vineyard in Medoc owned by his great grandfather. He grew up on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe and returned to his family's homeland of Bordeaux for summer vacations and high school. It was through his family's deep commitment to the land that he learned to respect the vines and the wines they produced.

His interest in viticulture led him to the Institute of Oenology of Bordeaux, where he immersed himself in studies of vineyard management and winemaking. After graduating in 1987, he worked for Chateau La Tour Blanche near Sauternes, and Domaine Mumm in California's Napa Valley before moving to Oregon. In 1995, Laurent joined WillaKenzie as a partner and winemaker. WillaKenzie is also where he became something of a living legend.

Today, Laurent handcrafts the Soléna Estate and Hyland Estates wines while also serving as winemaker and co-founder of NW Wine Company, a state-of-the-art winemaking facility in nearby Dundee.

In the show’s second half, David is taken to the Hyland Vineyard, which was first planted in 1971. This magnificent property is located very much off the beaten path and is one of the most revered vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. Pretty much the only way you’re likely to find it is to have an “in the know” tour guide. In this case its Colin Eddy, the company’s National Sales Manager. Colin is an absolute encyclopedia of knowledge about the vineyard… but there’s even more expertise on the journey. David is thrilled to have Aaron Bartels of Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits join in on the conversation. Aaron spent many hours arranging many all of the vineyard visits and, quite frankly, this special series from Oregon would not have taken place were it not for Aaron. Thank you Aaron and major kudos for your awesome work!

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Meet Blakesley Chappellet, Author of Napa Valley Entertaining

Blakesley Chappellet, author of Napa Valley Entertaining

If you think Napa Valley Wines are amazing, you should see how the vintners of America’s premiere wine region party! The term “Napa Style” can often be heard in conjunction with entertaining, decorating and even dressing in a way that reflects the nature of the legendary valley.

But just what is Napa style? Stuffy and pretentious? Not a bit! In actuality, it can run the gambit from repurposing wine country relics to glitzy affairs that never upstage the valley’s farming heritage. Well, at least that’s David’s impression of doing thing the Napa way. However, David always prefers to defer to the experts, and who better to ask than Blakesley Chappellet, author of the brand new book, “Napa Valley Entertaining.” After all, Blakesley is a member of one of Napa’s pioneering families, the Chappellets, who were featured on the last episode of Grape Encounters.

Join David for an hour-long conversation with Blakesley Chappellet, as she discusses her book which offers an intimate profile in words and pictures of what it’s like to attend social affairs with 28 winemaking families in the Napa Valley.

This is your personal, VIP invitation to get a first glimpse at Napa Valley Entertaining!

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Alexa Chappellet Flagler

In a very special edition of Grape Encounters Radio, Host David Wilson spends a few very special days at the home of the Chappellet Family in California’s Napa Valley. This family interview is significant for two reasons. First, Chappellet family members are commemorating a very important milestone; the 50 year anniversary of a family-operated winery that played an important role in the establishment of the Napa Valley as a world-class wine reason. But more importantly, the interview with family members takes place exactly one year to the day after the passing of Winery co-founder Donn Chappellet.

Joining David for this insightful retrospective AND peak down the road are Donn’s wife and co-founder Molly along with children Cyril, Carissa and Alexa. As family members share their thoughts and memories on a patio overlooking this breathtaking vineyard, you can hear the bells and flute music that echoed throughout the valley below Pritchard Hill the day Donn passed the reigns to his family; entrusting them to make sure the legendary brand and property flourishes for many generations to come. Find out more about the Chappellet legacy at: http://www.chappellet.com/

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Behind the Scenes of the Winery that American Idol Helped Build:

The Villa San-Juliette Jeep Tour and Tasting

You’ve got to imagine that when the former producers of American Idol built their winery, they weren’t content to be just another tasting room. To that end, they are giving fans of the brand an opportunity to wander behind the curtain and see where all the magic begins.

This week, show host David Wilson is invited to jump into the beautiful, rugged Jeep that is used to take visitors deep into the vineyard with his personal tour guide and driver Dan Smith… who also just happens to be the winemaker at this beautiful estate vineyard.

Dan Smith, Winemaker at Villa San-Juliette, and DracoGuests of Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery are treated to an exclusive views of the 168-acre estate from guided jeep tours while they explore the vineyard, sip award-winning wines and pose for pictures along the way. The scenic hillside views are enhanced by a Tuscan style setting, Mediterranean gardens and scenic wine country views surrounding the villa. The vineyards and winery is the result of the vision of television producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe who believe in bringing the best talent together to create remarkable experiences.

“This is just another opportunity for our guests to experience the beauty of our vineyards in a personalized way,” said Dan Smith, Winemaker at Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery. “Villa San-Juliette Vineyard and Winery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying excellent wines, snacking on small plates from the on-site kitchen and now exploring the vineyard in a jeep with family and friends.”

Join David on the show that loves to take listeners for a ride… literally!

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A Peak Into Christian’s Crystal Ball!

French Winemaker Christian Roguenant is literally a walking encyclopedia of wine. If you’ve got a question, Christian has an answer. That’s why Grape Encounters Radio Host David Wilson loves any opportunity to sit down with someone he truly sees as a master of the winemaking craft.

Winemaker Christian Roguenant

On this occasion, as they sip a variety of wines in the vineyard, David poses a question to Christian that can be and is the subject of much debate in the wine industry; “What’s on the verge of being the next big wine varietal trend.” That is the question… but if you want to know the answer, you’ll have hit play. But don’t worry… you won’t be disappointed by the answer(s). In fact, chances are, you’ll start sipping some wines that you have likely overlooked. Beyond that, there is just so much great information to consume here, including the answer to the question that keeps so many wine lovers up all night, “Where did the Chardonnay grape come from?” Intrigued? Give a listen. You’ll have tons of fun!

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How Delia Viader Challenged Conventional Wisdom and Came Out On Top!

Today’s episode of Grape Encounters introduces you to one of the very finest producers of Bordeaux Varietal in the Napa Valley… and frankly, in the world. For more than 30 years, Delia Viader, founder of Viader Vineyards and Winery, has been a trailblazer among the Napa Valley winemaking community, forging new frontiers in the arenas of female leadership, vineyard design, sustainable farming and ultra-premium winemaking.

Delia Viader of Viader Vineyards & Winery

Born in Argentina, raised in Europe, and receiving a degree from the Sorbonne in France, Delia’s passion to learn brought her to California; a single mother of four with an entrepreneurial spirit that would eventually lead to a career she could never have imagined.

Enamored by the quiet, yet up and coming energy of the Napa Valley in the 80’s, it was along the steep, rocky volcanic slopes of Howell Mountain that Delia entertained the radical idea of pursuing her own vineyard. Thanks to the support and encouragement of her father, who served as Argentina’s Ambassador to France, Delia not only dreamed big, but also figured out how to bring those dreams to life.

ViaderAs one of the first female winemakers in the Napa Valley, Delia Viader was also one of the first vintners in the region to plant her vines vertically up and down the hillside, as opposed to California’s typical horizontal terracing. Delia was also one of the first in Napa to tackle and successfully showcase Cabernet Franc as a deserving blending companion with Napa’s King, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today’s VIADER operation is a genuine family affair, with active second generation participation in vineyard management, winemaking, sales and marketing.  Accordingly, we were so pleased to have Delia’s son Alan, who serves as Winemaker, join us in a joyful discussion of how Viader became one of America’s most respected names in winemaking.

Join Host David Wilson and his guests Delia and Alan Viader as they explore the remarkable challenges and success of Viader Vineyards and Winery!

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ENCORE PRESENTATION by Popular Demand!

One-On-One with Xavier De Eizaguirre, Chairman of Vinexpo Bordeaux, Europe’s Biggest Wine Soiree!

This June, Bordeaux will host the most stylish wine industry show in the world, Vinexpo 2017. Vinexpo is the gold standard when it comes to wine and spirit trade expositions, drawing nearly 50,000 buyers from around the world and featuring nearly 2500 exhibitors from 42 producing countries.

Xavier De Eizaguirre, Chairman, Vinexpo

At the helm of this mammoth soirée is , the event’s Chairman, and Grape Encounters Radio listeners will be among the first to hear what’s in store as David welcomes him to the program by phone. This is an interview you absolutely must not miss as Xavier is truly one of the world’s leading authorities on all facets of the industry!

This intimate one-on-one interview can only be described as intriguing, enlightening, engaging and delightful! David and Xavier cover a great deal of ground in a short period of time including:

The evolution of organic wines, their effect on the industry and how important they are in the grand scheme of the Vinexpo Bordeaux’s 2017 program. Spain as the Country of Honor and their prominence on the global wine stage. New initiatives and updates to the Vinexpo Bordeaux program. A preview of the soon-to-be-released results of this year’s Vinexpo-commissioned study on U.S. and global wine trends.

There’s so much to learn about today’s wine industry—and if ever there was an opportunity to absorb a lot of information in one sitting, this is it. What an amazing honor to have Xavier De Eizaguirre join us to talk Vinexpo on the radio!

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