Taste N Trip: Malibu Grand Tasting 2015

At The Malibu Lumber Yard

The Malibu Lumber Yard, Where Surf Meets Style, is a retail and dining destination in Malibu that offers a sophisticated line-up of fashionable stores, unique boutiques and fun eateries.

The Malibu Grand Tasting event was different than others I’ve attended. The event was in a unique outdoor environment, and in addition to the wine and beer tasting, there were opportunities for shopping and dining. Some of the retail stores were even pouring wines. The jumbo fish tanks were interesting to watch while sipping wine.

Very nice 2012 Persian Tradition SHIRAZ Persepolis, Monterey County.

The 2011 Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Mandala White was an interesting white Rhône blend made of 87% Roussanne and 13% Viognier. The flavors of ripe peach, nectarine, apricot and tangerine and a minerality with a long finish were very good. The BV Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were good too!

Almost famous behind-the-scenes wine guy, Erik Siering, with Matt Dhillon, Executive Chef/ Principal @ Fattoria Del Vicario Pasta.

Marc Spellman with his Spellman Family Vineyard's Bridle Trail Wines "Cab In" Cabernet Sauvignon (technically a Bordeaux Blend). This Cab blend is now part of the Malibu Coast AVA established in 2014 and should go very well with hearty food!

The selection of red and white wines poured by the Stonehaus Wine Club was excellent!

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines added Woodwork Wines, a brand with three varietals, to their wine brands. The moderately priced wines are made using wood staves instead of barrels. Their central coast varietals include a 2013 Chardonnay, a 2013 Pinot Noir and a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. I tasted both the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon and they were pretty good.

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines has other popular brands like Acacia Vineyard, Beaulieu Vineyard, Chalone Vineyard, Rosenblum Cellars, Sterling Vineyards and Moët & Chandon Champagne.