Blending Seminar with Anthony Bell at Wine Watch

What do I look for if I get the key?
You look for a bottle of wine, like the one that rattled the fellow at dinner that night.   
All the bottles look alike to me.
I'm no mastermind.

Alfred Hitchcock - Notorious

Anthony Bell is becoming notorious here in South Florida for his blending seminars and that is what it takes to sell great wine, you have to get out there and taste your wines with the wine drinking people.  Because even if you make the greatest wine on the planet you still need to get out there and tell people what separates you from the competition.

The wines from Anthony Bell are on the restrained and elegant side of the spectrum, some would call them "old world", but there is no mistake these wines are California. They are a very balanced and refined style of California wine. This is what we would expect from a winemaker like Anthony who honed his skills early on with the great Andre Tchelistcheff at Beaulieu Vineyards.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend a blending seminar with one of the best in the business. Anthony has been blending wines under the label with his namesake since 1991 but his experience goes back a few decades from there to his home country South Africa. Join us as we learn the secrets to making great wines behind the scenes. Wine Watch Catering's Toni Lampasone will make a few small plates to accompany the tasting wines.

Hey, we realize not everyone is as crazy about wine as we are so if you do not want to participate in the blending seminar but still would like to taste Anthony's wine you can stop by and enjoy a selection of his latest releases pared to the same food as we are offering with the Blending Seminar. Just let us know when you are making your reservation weather you are interested in the Blending Seminar (only 16 spaces available) or if you would like to just participate in the tasting. The Blending Seminar with the tasting of new releases is $35 and the tasting alone is $25, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Blending Seminar with Anthony Bell at Wine Watch
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
7:00 PM

Tasting Line-up

Bell Pinot Gris Oregon 2011
List $14.00                           Sale $12.32          Case $143

The Willamette Valley is a large and climatically diverse region extending more than 150 miles from Portland to Eugene. The gently sloping, south-facing vineyards, featuring brick-red volcanic soils that drain particularly well, produce a Pinot gris with the perfect combination of minerality and appealing mouthfeel. This wine has an attractive pale straw color and is a refreshing wine with aromas of pineapple, pear and peach. The bright acidity, accentuated by citrus and tropical fruit flavors, delivers a lovely, satisfying finish that is crisp and clean.

Bell Sauvignon Blanc Lake County 2010
List $14.75                           Sale $12.98          Case $151

Bell's Sauvignon blanc is grown in Lake County, located to the north of Napa Valley and away from the fog and moisture that characterize the coastal counties. The moderate elevations found in the area contribute to the favorable growing conditions. The unique variety of soils make for a geologically rich region, heavy in volcanic and mineral content, and ideal for growing grapes. The county experiences a 50-degree differential between its daytime and nighttime temperatures, producing very warm days and cool, clear nights. The area is known for producing world-class Sauvignon blanc – with lively crisp and bright fruit flavors, which are more melony than grassy and herbal. Our Sauvignon blanc is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain beautiful, crisp fruit flavors

Bell Chardonnay Napa 2010
List $23.25           Sale $20.46          Case $238

Bell's Chardonnay is produced from vineyards in the cool Yountville appellation. Pale in color, this wine is primarily tank fermented, with the balance aged in neutral barrels. Partial malo-lactic fermentation softens the palate while allowing the wine to retain its acidity and delightful fruit flavors. This refreshing wine is the perfect food accompaniment.

Bell Merlot Napa 2010
List $36.75                           Sale $32.34          Case $375

Bell's Merlot grapes are grown primarily in the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley - resulting in luscious fruit flavors and great natural acidity. Cabernet sauvignon from Rutherford is blended to add structure to the wine. Syrah from the Canterbury Vineyard heightens fruit perception on the palate and adds depth and length to the finish. Definitely a Cabernet drinkers' Merlot!

Bell Syrah Canterbury Vineyard Sierra Foothills 2008
List $23.25           Sale $20.46          Case $237

Canterbury Vineyard is situated at the 2,000-foot elevation in Calaveras County in the Sierra Foothills. Uniquely situated on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the large New Mellones Dam, this 4-acre vineyard enjoys a microclimate with warm sunny days, no fog, and moderated by cool afternoon breezes off the dam. Well-drained soils with a shallow layer of schist restrict root growth, resulting in vines yielding intensely flavored fruit. This 100% Syrah is aged in barrel for eighteen months, and given an additional 3 - 6 months bottle age before release.

Bell Big Guy Red 2009
List $21                                 Sale $18.48          Case $214

After eight years of faithfully welcoming guests to the winery, Ty (our Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier who Anthony calls "Big Guy") felt it was time to share a little secret – his own favorite wine for those lovely BBQ dinners he so enjoys. Our Big Guy Red blend pairs beautifully with spare ribs, pork tenderloins, burgers, rib eyes – you get the idea! Don't forget to share a tidbit with your faithful friend, and ENJOY! Our Big Guy Red Wine is a blend from select lots drawn from California appellations. Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Petit Verdot are blended with Syrah, a Rhone varietal. These lots display lively fruit aromas and flavors; enjoyable while young. The tannin structures will allow the wine to develop gracefully for several years.

Bell Claret Napa 2009
List $32.25                           Sale $28.38          Case $329

Named by the English centuries ago, Claret was originally a red wine blend of the lighter Bordeaux and darker red wines from elsewhere in France . Our Napa Valley Claret is blended from select barrel lots of our Napa Cabernet. Deep ruby in color, with rich fruit aromas - including licorice, plum, and violets - on the nose. In the mouth it is lively and bright, with toasty oak flavors, supported by supple, elegant tannins. This wine is approachable now, while still having a tannin structure that allows the wine to develop for several years.

Bell Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2009
List $45.00                           Sale $39.60          Case $459

The Napa Valley Cabernet is a Bordeaux blend. A blend of Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot grown in selected vineyards, the grapes originate from several appellations within the Napa Valley. Aged in barrel for eighteen months, and given an additional 6-12 months bottle age, this Cabernet is a blend of several Cabernet clones, and is softened with Cabernet franc and a touch of Yountville Merlot. Petit Verdot adds depth of color and great structure.

Bell Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 6 Napa 2008
List $90.00           Sale $79.20          Case $918

Located on the Rutherford Bench in the heart of the Napa Valley, our Clone 6 vineyard is located on a well-drained, gravelly knoll. The vines receive extensive canopy management during the summer to yield intensely flavored grapes. Aged in barrel for almost two years, and given an additional 18 - 24 months bottle age, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Clone 6 is neither fined nor filtered. Supple and elegant, this wine will age beautifully for many years.

Bell Petite Syrah Massa Ranch Napa 2007
List $22.50           Sale $19.80          Case $230

Our Petite Sirah grapes are grown on our neighbor's vineyard, Massa Ranch, in Yountville approximately one mile south of the Yountville Hills. The vineyard is certified organic (CCOF) and although the label does not state such, the wine is produced from organically grown grapes. The cool microclimate yields a wine dark in color, with ripe flavors of currants and plums. Grapes were crushed directly to small open top fermentors and punched down several times a day to maximize flavor and color extraction. The wine is pressed to barrel where it undergoes malo-lactic fermentation. The wine is aged in new French and American oak. Sweet oak flavors are well integrated with the fruit and tannins to yield a long supple finish.

Blending Seminar Wines:

These are the some of the components that make up the Napa Cabernet Sauvingon and the Claret from Bell and our goal here is to try to contstruct a blend that is the most appelaing out of these four clones of Cabernet Sauvignon along with a few friends like Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  We will break the group into teams and you will be asked to create the best blend of these clones and different varietals after Anthony gives you specific instructions on how to create a blend. 

Bell Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2009

Known as the Mendoza clone, originally from Argentina, Clone 4 is a moderate producer (4-5 tons per acre) with strong flavor intensity. The clone has very good color, aromas and palate balance, with little herbal character and some spiciness. It is non heat-treated and relatively disease free.

Bell Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2009

The "Jackson" clone was planted by U.C. professor Hilgard in the 1880’s at the University agricultural station in Cupertino, then moved to the Field Station at Jackson in the Sierra Foothills. It was abandoned until Professor Goheen rediscovered the old vineyard about 23 years ago, identified varieties, and took cuttings. These vines exhibited no leaf roll virus, and must have been imported prior to phylloxera. It shows very dark color, firm tannins, a strong flavor profile and a distinctiveness at BV1 and BV2. It is disease-free and non heat-treated.

Bell Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2009

Known as the Concannon or Wente clone, and a long-time workhorse of California Cabernet production, Clone 7 was sourced originally from the La Fatta Vineyard south of St. Helena, then taken by U.C. Davis for treatment. Clone 7 was widely planted in the 1970s and 1980s. Austin Goheen, retired professor at U.C. Davis, speculated that La Fatta obtained the original cuttings from the De Latour nursery at Beaulieu. This clone typically displays good fruit strength, some herbal character and moderate yields.

Bell Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2009

Brought to the U.S. in a suitcase, this clone was selected in Bordeaux by the institute of research called INRA. Widely, and successfully, planted in California, the clone is appreciated for its small berries and moderate yield. The wines it produces are typically dense and complex.

Bell Petite Verdot 2009

Petit verdot is grown on the Massa Ranch, adjacent to the winery, in Yountville. The vineyard is certified organic (CCOF) and although the label does not state such, the wine is produced from organically grown grapes. Petit Verdot is a difficult to grow, very late ripening grape. It yields a wine deep purple in color, with aromas of earth and violets. Aging in small barrels has softened the powerful tannins yielding a beautifully integrated and balanced palate.

Bell Merlot 2009

Merlot grapes are grown primarily in the Yountville appellation. Yountville enjoys the early morning fog and cool growing conditions of the maritime influenced southern Napa Valley - resulting in luscious fruit flavors and great natural acidity.

Menu

Cheese Plate Featuring: Roaring Forties Blue Cheese, Beemster Gouda and Reggiano Parmesan

Smoked Cheddar and Chicken Quesadilla with Avocado Lime Butter

Crisp Plum BBQ Pork Belly on Corn Griddle Cakes

Eggplant Caponata served on toasted crostini

A bit about Bell Wine Cellars:

Bell Wine Cellars was co-founded in 1991 by Anthony Bell and a local Napa Valley grower. Frequent discussions about grape growing practices and wine quality reinforced their belief that great wines are not only a product of the vineyard - the terroir - but that elegance, fruit, and balance are hallmarks of a fine wine.

In the decade that followed, utilizing information gained from Anthony's clonal research on Cabernet Sauvignon and his first hand experience with the new outbreak of phylloxera, the winery began to fine tune its vision, focusing on the vineyard aspects of their mission.

In 1991 Bell crushed its first 10 tons of Jackson Clone (aka Clone 6) Cabernet Sauvignon at a small winery in Carneros. As their production grew, winemaking moved to a winery in St. Helena and subsequently to Napa Wine Company in Oakville. In March 1998, Bell moved into the former Plam Vineyards winery in Yountville. The winery holds 40,000 gallons of wine in 24 stainless steel tanks. A new barrel room holds 1,200 barrels for aging and a large, outdoor, covered crush pad houses pressing and crushing equipment. Guests are received in the tasting room located within the tank room, a Reserve Room for special tastings, or a large outdoor patio, complete with outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, and bocce courts. The acreage surrounding the winery is planted to Merlot and three clones of Chardonnay.

In 2002, Ron Berberian, former California wine wholesaler, along with Alex Spanos and his family, real estate developers and owners of the San Diego Chargers, acquired the assets of the former wine company and formed a new partnership with Anthony. With their support and vision, Bell has grown from the original 500 cases to 15,000 cases, with an ultimate goal of 16,500 cases. Today Ron, Alex and Anthony pursue the dream, continuing the area's tradition of producing wonderful wines as well as limited edition, hand crafted wines - all displaying their hallmark elegance and balance.

Yountville is in the center of the Napa valley, the area George C. Yount first settled after receiving the entire valley as a grant from Mariano Vallejo, who owned thousands of acres under the Mexican government. Yount built a blockhouse and mill three miles north of here. He also planted the valley's first grapes in 1838. Thirty-two years later, Groezinger's enormous brick winery (now Vintage 1870, a honeycomb of small specialty shops), stood beside the train station in the center of town. Further up the valley, construction of the Christian Brothers and Charles Krug wineries indicates that the region was already recognized nationally as a prime location for growing spectacular grapes, producing glorious wines.