Happy Hour Wine Tasting Featuring the Wines of Marimar Estate With Special Guest Rob Stegall, National Sales Manager Thursday, March 19th 6pm
Just like becoming an expert in wine, you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford.”
―Julia Child
We drink only the best and money is not an option when it comes to “Drinking the Good Stuff First”.
March is full of visitors as South Florida is the greatest place in the world to be this time of year. So, when I heard that Rob Stegall, National Sales Manager for Marimar Estate was coming to town I jumped at the chance to share these wines again with our “Wine Drinking People”. We had Christina Torres here over a year ago and she was nice enough to open up her library of older vintage chardonnay and pinot noir so we look forward to tasting new newest releases from Marimar Estate but really look forward to sharing some of these older vintage wines that we have here in the store.
The fee for this tasting is $75 + tax. For reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
Happy Hour Wine Tasting Featuring the Wines of Marimar Estate
With Special Guest Rob Stegall, National Sales Manager
Thursday, March 19th
6pm
2021 Marimar Estate Albarino Russian River Valley
2020 Marimar Estate Chardonnay Marimar Acero Russian River Valley
2001 Marimar Estate 'Dobles Lias' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
2018 Marimar Tempranillo Russian River Valley
2018 Marimar Pinot Noir La Masia Russian River Valley
2018 Marimar Estate Pinot Noir Mas Cavalls Sonoma Coast
2017 Marimar Cristina Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2006 Marimar Pinot Noir Cristina Russian River Valley
Menu
Selection of Cheese and Charcuterie
Goat Cheese and Peach Flat Bread with Lemon Zest and Red Pepper Puree
Pork Belly with Mushroom Soy Reduction and Sesame Sauteed Snap Peas
Coffee Five Spice Dusted Duck Confit Spring Roll with Cherry Demi Glaze
Epoisse and Raspberry Tart
The fee for this tasting is $75 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
A bit about Marimar Estate:
Marimar Torres is the driving force behind her California winery, named after herself. Born in Barcelona, Spain, she is fluent in six languages and holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Barcelona. She is also a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program, and studied Enology and Viticulture for a year at the University in Davis. At Marimar Torres Estate, she directs the activities at the winery and its Don Miguel Vineyard (named after her late father) in Sonoma County's Green Valley. As a young woman, Marimar was of strong will and iron determination to make her way into the family business. That being the multi-million dollar Spanish wine empire built up by her father, Don Miguel Torres, from the ruins of the Spanish civil war into one of Spain's finest. As she was the youngest of three children and the only daughter, her intrusion into the traditionally male Spanish wine business was not welcomed by her family. She was raised to play tennis and marry a rich lawyer. Marimar, however, had other plans. After threatening to leave home, she started out traveling with her father, representing the family's wines overseas.
It was at a dinner in San Francisco that Marimar's life took a major turn. She was told by one of her distributors that an American wine and food writer, Bob Finigan, had rated a particular vintage of Torres Gran Coronas among Spain's finest wines. Marimar was encouraged to meet the man in person. She married him. She and her husband settled in the San Francisco bay area in 1975. In California it is difficult not to become interested in food; and, through Finigan, Marimar met chefs and restaurateurs who were sweeping away decades of tradition and establishing new ways to grow, buy, cook and eat food. She began to study cooking and became known for her paella, a Spanish dish in which poultry, seafood and sausage are combined with rice and flavored with saffron and other spices. She is currently the author of two books. Her first, The Spanish Table: The Cuisines and Wines of Spain was published in 1986. She followed it in 1992 with The Catalan Country Kitchen. It dealt with food and wine from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean seacoast of Barcelona. Although Marimar's marriage to Finigan didn't last, they are still friendly and have a daughter together.
Marimar Torres, far from resting on her family's laurels, made her own dynamic contribution to the family business. In 1975 shipments of Torres wines to the U.S. totaled 15,000 cases; ten years later they reached 150,000. But she had her sights set a little higher. Her vision, not surprisingly, was to have a vineyard of her own. On the advice of her brother, renowned winemaker Miguel Torres, she enrolled at the University of California at Davis to study enology and viticulture. During this time she spent two years looking for the perfect site to grow grapes. In 1986, with the help and financial backing of her family, she purchased land in the Green Valley in Sonoma County. Ten miles from the Pacific Ocean, with a climate comparable to that of Carneros, the Green Valley afforded Marimar with a long, cool growing season that would produce elegant wines of intense flavor and finesse. Committed to making her vineyard unique and totally European, she embraced farming practices that encouraged low yields and full flavors. (These same practices yielded her a zero on a few quizzes at Davis.) Long years of research in Spain had shown that if yields are kept low, wine quality is improved through high-density planting. The Marimar Torres estate is planted with 2000 vines per acre, more than four times the average California density. It requires highly skilled vineyard management and is very labor intensive.
The first release, a 1989 barrel-fermented Chardonnay debuted in April 1991 to great acclaim. In the 1992 vintage a new component was added, a native Spanish varietal named Parellada, used mainly in the production of Spanish sparkling wines, to give the wines a bit of Catalan personality. In 1992, a 15,000 case winery was built, and the Estate's first Pinot Noir was produced, which was released in September 1994. Today, the dream Marimar envisioned more than a decade ago, when her father was still alive, to dedicate the estate to producing only top-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a vineyard unique in California, has taken another step forward. Bill Dyer, formerly of Sterling Vineyards, has come on board as a consultant responsible for the wine production. Dyer's reputation was established with a series of vineyard-designated wines from Sterling's holdings within what was at the time an Estate winery.
The Marimar Torres Estate has acquired additional and adjoining property that will be planted with more Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This has solidified Marimar's commitment to a single-vineyard, top-of-the-line bottling of only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Having only two labels may not be ideal to get lots of attention from the wine market, but it reflects her serious commitment to this long-term, focused project.
It is good to see the next generation of the Torres family getting involved in the family business. Born in 1988, Cristina is the daughter and only child of Marimar Torres and a member of the fifth generation of the Torres family, whose winegrowing roots trace back to the 17th century. Cristina has inherited her love of the vineyard from her family and has grown up working alongside her mother her whole life. In early 2020, after gaining several years of experience outside the family business, she joined the company as Director of Sales & Marketing. The Torres family business has been handed down from father to son for five generations, but this is the first time that the baton will be passed from mother to daughter.
From a young age, Cristina learned about the wine business from her mother: working alongside her and receiving clients and visitors at the winery, coordinating events for the wine club, planning distribution strategies in collaboration with the sales teams and promoting the Marimar Estate wines both in the United States and abroad.
Cristina graduated from Princeton University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. She spent the first two years after finishing her undergraduate studies in the world of fashion and worked in marketing and sales for ShopStyle (San Francisco), Georges Rech and Mango (Paris).
In early 2013 Cristina moved to London, where she joined John E. Fells, the U.K. wine importer and distributor. She spent two years there, first working as a member of the London Sales Team and then as Brand Manager for the French brands imported by Fells, which included the likes of Hugel, Guigal, Champagne Henriot and Bouchard Père et Fils.
In 2015 she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to pursue an MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated with a degree in Management in May 2017 and did a summer exchange program that same year at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Upon her return to Sonoma County and, after working the 2017 harvest in the cellar at DeLoach, Cristina joined the Brand Marketing team at Jackson Family Wines in November 2017. In January 2020, she joined her mother at Marimar Estate as Director of Sales & Marketing, with a focus on the US market and Direct to Consumer sales, especially through Club Marimar and the tasting room at the estate.
Cristina achieved the WSET Level 3 certification from the renowned Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is in the process of obtaining the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Her other interests include yoga, skiing, travel and of course Bonita and Chico – the two English Springer Spaniels at home. She is fluent in Catalan, Spanish, English and French.
All the Miramar Estate Wines we have in the Store on SALE!!
2023 Marimar Estate Albarino Russian River Valley
Price: $30.00 Your Price: $26.40
2021 Marimar Estate Albarino Russian River Valley
Price: $30.00 Your Price: $26.40 Quantity in Stock: 18
Albariño has been known to produce outstanding wines in the cool, rainy climate of Galicia, in North West Spain. We first planted it in our Sonoma Coast vineyard, but that proved too cold for ripening even a cool-climate variety like this. After four years, we gave up and grafted the budwood from those vines onto our slightly warmer Russian River Valley estate. We are very excited that it is now thriving in the Don Miguel Vineyard!
The Don Miguel Vineyard Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this vineyard is located in the Green Valley — the coolest, foggiest region of the Russian River Valley, only ten miles from the Pacific. The Albariño is trained in a cordon style with alternating spurs (we call them alligator teeth), which adds width to the fruit zone and provides optimum air flow and light quality.
Tasting Notes Classic intense aromas of lime, apricot and stone fruit, with floral notes of star jasmine and a minerality reminiscent of wet stones, or crushed gravel. Fresh, lively and mouthfilling, with bright acidity that follows through with an elegant, crip finish. I would recommend serving it at 45°- 48° F with raw or grilled seafood (it's a classic with oysters and clams), smoked salmon, sushi and Asian cuisine — and for sure, with tapas!
2020 MARIMAR ESTATE ALBARINO RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Price: $30.00 Your Price: $26.40 Quantity in Stock: 2
Albariño has been known to produce outstanding wines in the cool, rainy climate of Galicia, in North West Spain. We first planted it in our Sonoma Coast vineyard, but that proved too cold for ripening even a cool-climate variety like this. After four years, we gave up and grafted the budwood from those vines onto our slightly warmer Russian River Valley estate. We are very excited that it is now thriving in the Don Miguel Vineyard! The Don Miguel Vineyard Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this vineyard is located in the Green Valley — the coolest, foggiest region of the Russian River Valley, only ten miles from the Pacific. The Albariño is trained in a cordon style with alternating spurs (we call them alligator teeth), which adds width to the fruit zone and provides optimum air flow and light quality. Tasting Notes Classic intense aromas of lime, apricot and stone fruit, with floral notes of star jasmine and a minerality reminiscent of wet stones, or crushed gravel. Fresh, lively and mouthfilling, with bright acidity that follows through with an elegant, crip finish. I would recommend serving it at 45°- 48° F with raw or grilled seafood (it's a classic with oysters and clams), smoked salmon, sushi and Asian cuisine — and for sure, with tapas!
2022 Marimar Estate Chardonnay Marimar Acero Russian River Valley
Price: $34.50 Your Price: $30.36
2020 Marimar Estate Chardonnay Marimar Acero Russian River Valley
Price: $33.75 Your Price: $29.70 Quantity in Stock: 17
Why "Acero"? Acero is the Spanish word for steel and it refers to the fact that this wine has never seen any oak. Especially selected for fruit intensity and aromatics, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel to capture the purity of the flavors. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine is kept in the tank until bottling in early spring.
The Don Miguel Vineyard: Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this vineyard is located in the Green Valley — the coolest, foggiest region of the Russian River, only ten miles from the Pacific. The European-style high density of over 2,000 vines per acre provides low yields and requires intensive labor; but the vines live longer and the grapes acquire better balance and greater concentration, as well as more elegance and finesse than with the traditional low density.
The Clones: The clones we used for this vintage of Acero are 87% See, 8% Rued and 5% Spring Mountain.
2001 Marimar Estate 'Dobles Lias' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Price: $87.00 Your Price: $76.56 Quantity in Stock: 6
“Creamy and smooth, a wine with the texture of taffeta, and for those who like their Chards toward the citrusy, appley side. The extra lees aging gives it a sour mash flavor that, combined with the brisk acids, is distinctive.” Wine Enthusiast.
2004 Marimar Estate 'Dobles Lias' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Price: $82.50 Your Price: $72.60 Quantity in Stock: 7
(94 Points) “Dobles lías means double lees. Extended lees contact has given this Chard great creaminess in the mouth, a smooth impression that is heightened by malolatic fermentation. Beyond that, the wine is fully dry, balanced in alcohol, and lush in flavor. Pineapple custard and charred meringue take center stage, but there's a complex cast of Key lime pie, peach preserves, butterscotch, cinnamon and vanilla. Compelling and authoritative.” — S.H. Published 10/1/2007
2005 Marimar Estate 'Dobles Lias' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Price: $82.50 Your Price: $72.60 Quantity in Stock: 1
(90 Points) “This is Marimar's extended lees contact Chard, and it's characterized by a creamy, slightly yeasty taste. That's on top of the fruit, which is classic Green Valley tart green apples, citrus fruits and pears. The acidity is crisp and balancing, giving the wine good structure.” Wine Enthusiast.
2006 Marimar Estate 'Dobles Lias' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Price: $82.50 Your Price: $72.60 Quantity in Stock: 7
(92 Points) “This bottling, an extended lees Chardonnay, has been an innovation by the winery. The experiment is augmented by holding the release date back longer than usual. The 2006 vintage was not a great success, but this is an interesting, complex wine that should further develop in the bottle. Marked by the creamy, slightly sour taste of the lees, it has richness added by ripe apple and pineapple fruit and sweet, smoky oak.” Wine Enthusiast.
2010 Marimar Estate 'Dobles Lias' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 6
(92 Points) “The Dobles Lías has more lees contact than Marimar's other Chardonnays, giving it a rich, yeasty creaminess. There's also plenty of new French oak influence. Made from estate-grown fruit, it's rich with papayas, tangerines and guavas. It's delicious now, but has all the structure a Chardonnay needs to negotiate the next eight years.” Wine Enthusiast.
2023 Marimar Estate Chardonnay La Masia Russian River Valley
Price: $49.50 Your Price: $43.56
2020 Marimar Estate Chardonnay La Masia Russian River Valley
Price: $42.50 Your Price: $37.40 Quantity in Stock: 3
Winemaker Notes: Lovely nose, intense and floral, reminiscent of Meyer lemon and orchard fruit like pear and apple. The palate is fresh and elegant, intense and mineral, with nicely framed oak and a touch of vanilla; the mouthfeel is creamy and long, with notes of biscuit, pie crust and meringue. Delightful to drink right now but it will continue to develop and last for at least 15 to 20 years.
2009 Marimar Estate Chardonnay Don Miguel Vineyard Russian River Valley La Masia
Price: $67.50 Your Price: $59.40 Quantity in Stock: 5
Winemaker Notes: Beautiful golden color and fragrant floral and citrus aromas, with a reminiscent of wet pebbles. A note of hazelnut from the elegant oak carries through on the palate. Bright and crisp, with a creamy and soft mouthfeel, nicely framed by some toasty oak - not too much, just the right level. Excellent balance throughout the long aftertaste.
2005 Marimar Chardonnay Don Miguel Vineyard Russian River
Price: $67.50 Your Price: $59.40 Quantity in Stock: 6
(91 points) "An acidic, minerally Chardonnay showing structure, cleanliness and elegance. Richness comes by way of intense limes, as well as the usual complexities of new oak and lees aging, and there is not the slightest suggestion of sweetness. This is a very pure, Zen-like expression of cool-climate California Chardonnay." Wine Enthusiast.
2019 Marimar Tempranillo Russian River Valley
Price: $ 48.00 Your Price: $42.24
2018 Marimar Tempranillo Russian River Valley
Price: $48.00 Your Price: $42.24 Quantity in Stock: 12
(91 points) "Offering vivid strawberries in the nose and full, dusky black fruits on the palate, this full-bodied and appropriately tannic wine craves a grilled lamb chop or eggplant parmigiana." Wine Spectator.
2017 Marimar Tempranillo Russian River Valley
Price: $48.00 Your Price: $42.24 Quantity in Stock: 1
2021 MARIMAR PINOT NOIR LA MASIA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Price: $ 67.50 Your Price: $59.40
2018 MARIMAR PINOT NOIR LA MASIA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Price: $54.00 Your Price: $47.52 Quantity in Stock: 15
(94 Points) Well-structured and powerful, with an umamilike richness to the raspberry tart and cherry pastry flavors that are backed by firm tannins and fresh acidity. Minerally midpalate, with a finish that's loaded with plenty of savoriness and framed by accents of slate. Drink now Wine Spectator
2013 Marimar Pinot Noir La Masia Russian River Valley
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 5
Winemaker Notes This vintage, quite similar in style to the 2012, displays classic Russian River/Green Valley: luscious, vibrant nose of black cherry and ripe red fruits like Santa Rosa plums, with notes of orange peel and clove in the background. The firm, rich tannins promise a long life; this wine would benefit from decanting to open up its captivating aromas and flavors.
2018 MARIMAR ESTATE PINOT NOIR MAS CAVALLS SONOMA COAST
Price: $45.00 Your Price: $39.60 Quantity in Stock: 20
Winery Notes: Beautiful, classic Pinot color and a nose that reflects its ancestry: sweet black fruits like blackberries, rhubarb and cranberry, plus the classic forest floor, meaty and earthy, with floral notes of lavender and rose hip. On the palate it is soft but mouth- filling, with a minerality, bright acidity and well-integrated tannins that promise a long life; this wine will continue to develop for at least 10-15 years.
2015 Marimar Pinot Noir Mas Cavalls Sonoma Coast
Price: $72.00 Your Price: $63.36 Quantity in Stock: 2
2013 Marimar Pinot Noir Mas Cavalls Sonoma Coast
Price: $72.00 Your Price: $63.36 Quantity in Stock: 2
2019 MARIMAR CRISTINA PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST
Price: $78.00 Your Price: $68.64
2017 MARIMAR CRISTINA PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST
Price: $69.00 Your Price: $60.72 Quantity in Stock: 10
Tasting Notes: Engaging aromas of black fruits, ripe cherries and a hint of pomegranate, with savory notes of bay leaf and anise. The palate is seductive, never ending, with great balance and silky tannins.
2006 Marimar Pinot Noir Cristina Russian River Valley
Price: $153.00 Your Price: $134.64 Quantity in Stock: 3
(91 points) "Held back an extra year, this wine shows lots of crunchy acidity. It's also still fairly tannic. Together, those two structural elements will permit it to age, but the question is whether the fruit is dense enough. The flavors include raspberries, pomegranates, cola, rhubarb and sandalwood. Could surprise after 2013." Wine Enthusiast.
2005 Marimar Pinot Noir Cristina Russian River Valley
Price: $162.00 Your Price: $142.56 Quantity in Stock: 2