STATION 1 – Bubbles
Veuve Clicquot Brut
Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was born in 1777, the daughter of a textile manufacturer in Reims, Champagne. Widowed at the age of only 27, she took control of her own destiny and became one of the first modern entrepreneurs. In an era when women were excluded from the business world, she dared to assume the head of the company founded by her father-in-law in 1772, a role she undertook with passion and determination. Through her creativity, fierce perseverance and business acumen, she was able to transform her family’s failing wine making business, taking it from the brink of bankruptcy to one of the most celebrated and sought after brands.
Her creativity and lust for innovation led to many firsts in Champagne: the first known vintage champagne; the invention of the riddling table; the first known blended rosé champagne. These three inventions revolutionized champagne making and were widely adopted by producers, becoming the basis of modern champagne production.
Madame Clicquot made her name into a brand of excellence and had it shine the world over. Her formidable contributions earned her the nickname of “la grande dame of Champagne”.
“Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers a perfect balance of structure and finesse. The initial notes of fruit are followed by more discreet aromas of brioche and vanilla.”
Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was recently highlighted in the Netflix movie, “Widow Clicquot.”
Donated by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Special thanks to Alison Herman (link), a Miami lawyer who previously worked for Southern and who now is in private practice, specializing in the alcohol beverage community.
B. Stuyvesant Champagne Blanc de Blancs
B. Stuyvesant Champagne is more than just a sparkling wine; it’s a transformative experience that seamlessly merges tradition and innovation. Rooted in the prestigious Champagne region of France, the champagne is meticulously crafted using the time-honored méthode champenoise, preserving the legacy of centuries of winemaking excellence.
Marvina Robinson, founder of B. Stuyvesant Champagne, is one of very few Black women entrepreneurs in the sparkling wine industry. A native New Yorker who worked on Wall Street for over 20 years, Ms. Robinson would travel to the Champagne region of France on weekends to research and become immersed in champagne culture. Several French vineyards declined to partner with her, telling her that champagne making was not her field; yet Ms. Robinson persevered and now produces about 20,000 bottles a year, or about the same as a small family winery. Her brand represents the celebration of empowerment, authenticity, and the belief that champagne should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or status, and at any time—no special occasion is necessary. The name “B. Stuyvesant” pays homage to the Brooklyn neighborhood where Ms. Robinson, was born and raised. It’s a reminder that greatness often begins in unexpected places.
The Blanc de Blancs is made up of 100% Chardonnay. “Bright and light golden colors with green reflections. Fruity, thin floral, delicate and elegant (white flowers and fresh hazelnuts); perfect harmony with fresh and subtle aromas.”
Donated by Invenio (link) and researched by Camielle Owens (LinkedIn), a Miami lawyer, who serves on the Board of GSCBWLA.
Black Girl Magic California Sparkling Brut
Founded by real-life sisters Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John, McBride Sisters Wine Company is the largest Black-owned and largest all women-founded wine company in the United States. Our mission is to transform the industry, lead by example and cultivate community, one delicious glass at a time. The sisters were raised across the globe from one another in two of the world’s most iconic wine growing, agriculture and farming regions — Monterey, California and Aotearoa New Zealand. Each thought they were only children until fate united them in 1999 and their discovery of one another, along with a shared love affair with wine, food and culture, sparked a creative and entrepreneurial force. Their fascinating story may be found on their website (link).
“We blend elegant Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay to bring out tropical aromas of pineapple and melon with a subtle floral lift. Ripe and luscious fruit keeps its balance with the delicately tart bubbles, bringing juicy apple, pear, and white peach to the floor. Pair with oysters, sushi, fried chicken and waffles, eggs benedict – or even popcorn and movie night.”
Donated by the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation
STATION 2 – Sauvignon Blanc
2023 Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Marcia Torres Forno became Matanzas Creek’s winemaker in 2010. Since her arrival, Marcia has dramatically influenced the style, character and quality of the wines produced at this renowned estate. After launching her career in her native Chile, Marcia moved to the Napa Valley to join the staff of Cardinale. The experience at one of Napa Valley’s most renowned cult wineries provided a foundation that would serve her well at Matanzas Creek. As with most 21st century winemakers, Marcia is deeply involved with the planting, farming and harvesting of her vineyards. In the winery, she has developed a responsive winemaking program that combines traditional and modern methods.
Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc is an exceptional white wine produced in the Sonoma County region of California. This wine is distinguished by its vibrant, zesty character, presenting a captivating bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, like grapefruit and lime, intertwined with exotic notes of passionfruit and a hint of freshly cut grass. On the palate, it delivers a lively, crisp acidity that balances the abundant fruit flavors, resulting in a clean, refreshing finish.
Donated by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits from the Jackson Family Collection. Barbara Banke is the Chair and owner of this amazing company.
2023 Kerr Cellars Sauvignon Blanc
Kerr Cellars was founded in 2013 by Cristie Kerr. As a professional golfer with two Major Championships and 20 LPGA titles to her name, Cristie is one of the most accomplished golfers of her generation. But Cristie is also a self-confessed wine lover and Level 1 Sommelier. Her dream was to make uncompromising world-class wines from impeccable vineyards. She took the wine world by storm with the creation of Kerr Cellars which was named as a ‘winery to watch’ by Wine Spectator in the first three years.
The winemaker for this Sauvignon Blanc is Helen Kiplinger, one of the most acclaimed cult winemakers in California today. In 2012 she was named Winemaker of the Year by Food and Wine magazine. In 2014 Helen appeared on the cover of Wine Spectator magazine.
“The 2023 Kerr Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant, fresh wine, with aromas of gooseberry, sage, granny smith apple, guava, fresh cut lily of the valley, and crushed rocks. On the palate, this wine is bright and smooth, with more tropical notes and flavors of white peach, white fig, guava, and orange blossom. Mouth-watering acidity lifts the aromas and flavors, while pastry flour tannins add dimension to the long finish.”
Donated by Invenio.
2023 Domaine de Villalin ‘Les Grandes Vignes’ Quincy
Domaine Villalin is a small producer in Quincy, and one of the shining stars of this small appellation in the eastern portion of the Loire Valley. Here, as in its more famous neighbors, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Sauvignon Blanc is king. The husband and wife team of Maryline and Jean-Jacques Smith organically farm and hand-harvest their 7.5 hectares in the heart of the Villalin lieu-dit.
The vines are planted in a blend of sand and gravel, a mixture that captures and retains the sun’s heat easily. Its sandy composition particularly encourages acidity in Sauvignon Blanc, providing an ideal & complementary terroir to this tart variety. A portion of the vines are still worked with horse-drawn plows.
“White grapefruit, peach, lime leaf, almond blossom. Lemon-driven, mineral finish.”
Donated by Susan Potter Norton (link), a Miami lawyer, who has a home in the Loire Valley.
2022 Domaine du Closel Savennières Les Caillardières
Château des Vaults in Savennières dates back to 1495, and was inherited by Michèl e de Jessey in 1962 from her childless aunt Madame du Closel. Michèle and Jacques de Jessey turned the small family estate into Domaine du Closel. Their daughter, Evelyne de Pontbriand, took over the estate in
2001 after a first career of teaching French literature to adults all over the world. As a lover of botanics and nature, she quickly adopted organic viticulture, which continues to be an experimental learning process.
This is 100% Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France.
Donated by Susan Potter Norton, a Miami lawyer, who has a home in the Loire Valley.
2023 Domaine Denizot Sancerre
100% Sauvignon Blanc, organically farmed.
“Our Sancerre Blanc offers a dense, well-balanced profile with taut energy interspersed with hints of juicy white fruit. The blend brings limestone notes offering a mineral and frank framework, as well as delicate and gourmet fruity notes. We work, every day, with gestures and actions to support the evolution of plants in a healthy and controlled environment. We are not very interventionist in the cellar in order to let the natural flavors of our grapes express themselves and thus obtain wines with a fresh and crisp crystalline profile endowed with a good mineral tension for the white and rosé wines…”
Donated by Susan Potter Norton.
STATION 3 – Other Whites and a Rosé
2022 Kerr Cellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Kerr Cellars was founded in 2013 by Cristie Kerr. As a professional golfer with two Major Championships and 20 LPGA titles to her name, Cristie is one of the most accomplished golfers of her generation. But Cristie is also a self-confessed wine lover and Level 1 Sommelier. Her dream was to make uncompromising world-class wines from impeccable vineyards. She took the wine world by storm with the creation of Kerr Cellars which was named as a ‘winery to watch’ by Wine Spectator in the first three years.
The winemaker for this Chardonnay is Helen Kiplinger, one of the most acclaimed cult winemakers in California today. In 2012 she was named Winemaker of the Year by Food and Wine magazine. In 2014 Helen appeared on the cover of Wine Spectator magazine.
“The 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has a gorgeous, pure nose of Asian pear, white stone fruit, citrus blossom, blanched hazelnut, ginger, oyster shell, fresh lemon zest and graham cracker crust. The well-proportioned palate is silky and long, with a deft balance of acidity and weight. The aromas are matched on the palate, with pure fruit flavors, floral citrus, mineral notes, and a light nuttiness.”
Donated by Invenio.
2022 Theopolis Symphony
Theopolis Vineyards is a small lot vineyard and hand-crafted winery located in California’s prestigious Yorkville Highlands of the Anderson Valley. Emboldened by the great fruit produced by the land, its owner and founder, Theodora R. Lee aka Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards, a bold and dynamic Texan and San Francisco trial lawyer, is now bottling her own award-winning wines.
“This exquisite, dry white wine warms the glass with notes of white peach, lilac, and peppery, lychee fruit. The palate greets you with crisp acidity and flavors of honeydew melon. The wine finishes with a soft, toasty creaminess and lingering spice”.
Donated by John Kozyak and Barbara Silverman, who have become friends with Theodora Lee, a partner in the San Francisco office of Littler.
2020 Chalmer Montevecchio Bianco
Bruce and Jenni Chalmers began growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard in Murray Darling, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. Their daughters, Kim and Tennille have been the custodians of the family business since 2005 and 2011, respectively. Under their care, Chalmers purchased an 80- hectare plot in the northern portion Heathcote, where they have been able to find the greatest Australian terroirs for the Italian grapes they’ve been importing and championing for decades. Their success has been largely dependent on their ability to match Italian grapes to Australian climates, focusing on thick-skinned grapes that are drought tolerant, resistant to sunburn, and have plenty of natural acidity.
This field blend combines 6 traditional Italian varietals: 50% Vermentino, 21% Pecorino, 12% Ribolla Gialla, 10% Falanghina, 4% Moscato Giallo, 3% Fiano. The grapes were hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and co-fermented on full solids. The aromatics combine citrus, florals, and orchard fruit in the form of grapefruit, passionflower, yellow apple, and finger lime. Dry and bright, but with a light textural grip on the finish.
Donated by Invenio.
2023 Domaine Denizot Sancerre Rosé
100% Pinot Noir, organically farmed in the Loire Valley, France by Jennifer and Thibaud Denizot.
“Crisp watermelon rind, cherry, strawberry, apricot, rose petals and crushed rock on the nose This rosé is fresh and elegant while keeping a pleasant density – a nice creaminess to balance the acidity.”
Donated by John Kozyak and Barbara Silverman.
STATION 4 – Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Malbec & a Blend)
2014, 2017 and 2018 Drinkward Peschon “Entre Deux Mères”
Entre Deux Mères literally translates from the French as “Between Two Mothers” Lisa Drinkward and Francoise Peschon became friends when their children were in the same school in Napa and are now best friends. Each cork is marked “Love Your Mother”. They started purchasing Cabernet Sauvignon in 2000 and made these wines through their last vintage in 2021.
Lisa started working at the Vineyard Wine and Cheese Deli in Southern California at the age of 16. She has many years of experience in the restaurant business and she and her husband, Les Behrens, own Behrens Family Winery in St. Helena, where Lisa serves as the vineyard liaison.
Francoise is best known as winemaker for Araujo Estate from 1993 to 2013, she is now a consultant, making the wines for Heimark, Cornell, Accendo, Matt Morris and Piedra Hill in addition to Vine Hill Ranch. Unlike many of Napa’s premier winemaking consultants, known for imprinting a homogeneous style on all the wines they touch, Peschon has no signature stamp. She believes “a winemaker is a means to an end,” she says. “You have to justify the site.”
Maria Beguiristain, Joe Fernandez and John Kozyak have pulled these 3 different vintages from their collections to share with you. Joe and John have had the pleasure of being with Lisa on numerous occasions.
The 2014 Drinkward Peschon Cabernet Sauvignon shows a deeply saturated purple color with notes of black cherry, plums and cassis. Offering alluring aromas of white flowers, bittersweet chocolate and freshly roasted coffee, along with wood-based spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, the wine is texturally pure and silky on the palate, with plush velvety tannins. Savory spices and a firm mineral vein linger on the broad finish.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, plump and juicy. This rich, luscious Cabernet is absolutely delicious. Super-ripe dark cherry, red plum, blood orange, spice and mint are front and center in this inviting and delicious bottling from Drinkward-Peschon. This is just a positively stunning wine for the money. The 2017 was sourced from Blossom Creek and Criscione with 4% Cabernet Franc from Las Posadas.
The 2018 Drinkward Peschon is remarkably expressive. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plums and cassis with savory herbs and fresh leather lead into a generous palate, layered with blue and black fruit, spicy sassafras, and sandalwood. This wine is beautifully structured with refreshing acidity, fine-grained tannins and a juicy finish, reflecting the vibrance and energy of the 2018 vintage in its purest form.
Donated by Maria Bequiristain (link), Joe Fernandez, and John Kozyak.
2020 Theopolis Vineyards Estate Grown Petite Sirah
Theopolis Vineyards is a small lot vineyard and hand-crafted winery located in California’s prestigious Yorkville Highlands of the Anderson Valley. It is owned by Theodora Lee, a employment law litigator in the San Francisco office of Littler. It is best known for its Petite Sirahs.
“Blackberry jam, plum blossoms, sage, and star anise greet you in the glass of this Petite Sirah. On the palate, wild blueberry, luscious pie spices, and brown butter are accented by bright acidity and bursts of pepper. Velvety tannins give way to a long finish. A showstopper to the last sip, this wine will continue to shine for many years to come.”
Donated by John Kozyak and Barbara Silverman.
2022 Susana Balboa Brioso
Susana Balbo is the most recognized female winemaker of Argentina. She studied enology in Mendoza and graduated in 1981, becoming the first woman in the country to do so after many years serving as a wine consultant and working in other wineries, she started her own project and founded her own winery in 1999, turning one of her lifelong dreams into reality.
“Aromas of lilac, cassis and fresh leather leap from the glass, while the generous flavors of blackberry and plum are set against a plush frame. Subtle wood spice accents fold in as this moves, with nice persistence and abundant, lingering, spicy details. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2040.” Wine Spectator 94 points.
Donated by Invenio.
2022 Susana Balbo Signature Malbec
The 2022 Malbec Susana Balbo Signature, which includes 4% Petit Verdot from Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, is a purple-hued wine that showcases plums, violets and herbal notes, along with a deep flow of black and red fruit gliding over a moderate oak layer. Dry, plush and juicy, the wine’s Altamira character adds a firm structure with fine-grained tannins and a chalky texture, leading to a fruit-filled finish. This is a complex, well-crafted wine with a terroir-driven core. Vinous 93 points.
This fresh, lively and food-friendly red offers a spicy, floral bouquet and a polished core of berries, with subtle mineral and fresh thyme notes underneath alongside smooth-textured tannins. Wine Spectator 91 points.
Donated by Invenio.
2020 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Maison Bleue
Paul Jaboulet is an estate that needs no introduction – one of the very best Northern Rhone estates of all time, known for crafting elegant, age-worthy wines that are among the greatest in the world. The vines for this wine are 40-60 years old. The Jaboulet family sold the company to the Frey family in 2006 and Caroline Frey is now at the helm and the wines could not be better.
“The 2020 Hermitage La Chapelle reveals a deep purple, almost blue-tinged hue to go with a terrific nose of blue fruits, scorched earth, violets, and charcoal. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated barrel sample that stays fresh and lively, with solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a great finish”. James Suckling 96-97 points.
Donated by John Kozyak and Barbara Silverman.
STATION 5 – Mellow Reds
2022 Domaine Famille Isabel Ferrando Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Isabel Ferrando has become one of the most important names in Châteauneuf-du-Pape over the last twenty years. She used to label her wines “Domaine Saint-Prefert,” but as of a few years ago, she changed her bottling approach by making fewer cuvées and renamed the estate “Famille Isabel Ferrando.”
This cuvee comes entirely from the Les Serres parcel and is primarily the fruit that used to make up the “Favier” and “Giraud” wines. 100% whole cluster made mostly in demi-muids; some amphora and glass demi-johns are also used.
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 96-100 points saying, “The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape showed brilliantly. Ripe red and black fruits, classic Provençal garrigue, and leather, spicy notes define the aromatics, and it’s a layered, balanced, incredibly classy style (I actually find a touch of Clos des Papes-like character in this beauty) that has integrated tannins, no hard edges, and a gorgeous finish. It’s going to be a candidate for perfection at maturity and is a thrilling wine in the making”.
Chateauneuf du Pape is John Kozyak and Joe Fernandez’s favorite wine region. John went there on his honeymoon, almost 48 years ago and has returned several times.
Donated by Invenio.
2021 Seppeltsfield Great Terraced Vineyard Single Vineyard Barossa Grenache
Located on the western ridge of the Barossa Valleyin Australia, Seppeltsfield combines over 420 acres of ancient vineyard, gardens and heritage-listed architecture. This Grenache comes from Great Terraced Vineyard, which was originally planted in 1855. Traditionally, the Grenache from The Great Terraced Vineyard was used entirely for fortified wine production, but today it is made into contemporary still wine expressions. Spanning over 250 acres, the vineyard is hand-pruned and hand-picked. Fiona Donald is the Chief Winemaker and has more than 30 years’ experience. In 2012, Fiona was awarded Barossa Winemaker of the Year.
“Raspberry, blackberry fruits, exotic spices of anise and cinnamon with iron and graphite through its core.”
Donated by Invenio.
2021 Chalmers Nero d’Avola
Bruce and Jenni Chalmers began growing grapes in the 1980s, with their vineyard in Murray Darling, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales. Their daughters, Kim and Tennille have been the custodians of the family business since 2005 and 2011, respectively. Under their care, Chalmers purchased an 80- hectare plot in the northern portion Heathcote, where they have been able to find the greatest Australian terroirs for the Italian grapes they’ve been importing and championing for decades. Their success has been largely dependent on their ability to match Italian grapes to Australian climates, focusing on thick-skinned grapes that are drought tolerant, resistant to sunburn, and have plenty of natural acidity.
“Vibrant and juicy, but with a pleasant reduction that adds sternness and complexity. Flavors of dusty raspberry, Davidson plum (a sour native plum), and graphite. Fine tannins and silky mouthfeel.”
Donated by Invenio.
2022 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
According to head winemaker Jill Russell, “Happy people make great wine.” It’s a simple idea, but it’s true. Here at Cambria Estate Winery, we love our work. Maybe it’s the land, maybe it’s the team—maybe it’s just from drinking and sharing all that delicious wine—but we can’t think of a better place to be than our estate in the Santa Maria Valley.”
Just a 40-minute drive from one of California’s top surf spots in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the Santa Maria Valley AVA, a stretch of land where you will find Cambria Estate Winery. The estate remains family-owned and under the care of Barbara Banke and her daughters, Katherine and Julia Jackson.
“A lush and ripe-tasting but also bright and balanced wine that’s mouthwatering to sip. It offers sour cherry and red cherry aromas followed by good baked cherries, red currants and dried cranberries on the palate. Moderate tannins and tangy acidity give it life and energy through a lingering finish. Sustainable.” James Suckling 94 points.
Donated by Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits. Special thanks to Michael Bittel at Jensen’s Sunset Corners Wine & Fine Spirits and Kamille Palacios, the Jackson Family representative at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Michael and Kamille are friends of John Kozyak’s and Jensen’s Sunset Corners is his favorite retail wine shop.
2022 Matanzas Creek Merlot
Marcia Torres Forno became Matanzas Creek’s winemaker in 2010. Since her arrival, Marcia has dramatically influenced the style, character and quality of the wines produced at this renowned estate. After launching her career in her native Chile, Marcia moved to the Napa Valley to join the staff of Cardinale. The experience at one of Napa Valley’s most renowned cult wineries provided a foundation that would serve her well at Matanzas Creek. As with most 21st century winemakers, Marcia is deeply involved with the planting, farming and harvesting of her vineyards. In the winery, she has developed a responsive winemaking program that combines traditional and modern methods.
Picked at the peak of ripeness, the Alexander Valley Merlot is an example of a well-structured wine with complex flavors and aromas. Grapes grown in the mountains have a more powerful and phenolic-driven structure due to water availability and location of the vines. This wine is a blend of five different blocks from four vastly different vineyards, all fermented and aged separately. After fermentation, the wines were aged in French oak barrels for 16 months. The resulting wine is fruity, food-friendly, and pairs well with many different dishes from many different cuisines.
The 2022 vintage marked another hallmark growing season in Sonoma County. Harvest was slightly earlier than previous vintages. Harvest began in late August and extended into October, allowing the winemaking team at Matanzas Creek to pick the Merlot at its peak. The 2022 vintage showcases a harmonious balance between acidity, tannin, and fruit concentration, a testament to meticulous vineyard management and careful harvest timing. Overall, the 2022 vintage at Matanzas Creek Winery was remarkable, with wines expressing the essence of Sonoma County’s terroir. Wine enthusiasts and collectors alike can look forward to experiencing the elegant and refined wines this vintage offers.
Donated by John Kozyak and Barbara Silverman.