with Steve Dryden
STAFF WRITER
Washington Wine Conquers the World
Chateau Montelena winery of Napa Valley beat the best French wines in a blind tasting in 1976 capturing the attention of the world. This year it was a Washington State wine, Columbia Crest 2005 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that gained worldwide recognition when Wine Spectator magazine voted their wine “Best in the World for 2009.” For those of you who have been reading this column over the last four years you might remember that I’ve been talking about the “wonderful world of Washington wines” for several years. So, it wasn’t a big shock to me when the rest of the world began to understand the significant contributions of Washington wine for international connoisseurs and other wine lovers who seek “world class” wines at “super value” pricing. Maybe it’s time we ask ourselves, how can a $27 bottle of wine beat the top competitors who often get over $500 per bottle for their glorious wines? My suggestion is to “cut the fu-fu” and get to what’s in the bottle.
Within the wine world we’re beginning to see a meltdown of “fu-fu” propaganda, misleading marketing and wine cartels due to the global depression, the expansion of wine blogger sites and the enlightened education of wine consumers. When international wine lovers were forced to cut back on their wine expenditures due to the economy, they discovered that budget wines actually have much to offer and are in many cases superior to the expensive “name brands.” For generations there has been somewhat of a global conspiracy when it come to marketing name brands, including the wine industry. But, today wine drinkers are starting to focus on what actually feels good to their own personal palate and not on what Robert Parker, a wine publication or some locally controlled media machine tells them they should like. This is a profound revolution and is long overdue. You don’t need a certificate, diploma, approval or dictation to discover wine, all you need to do is open your mind and palate, and start exploring wine for what it really is. Just drink it and explore how it feels to you on a personal level. So much of what a wine tastes like on any given day actually depends on your mood, location, weather, food pairing, availability, and other factors. It’s about time and place, and your personal preference.
I’m a wine writer and a wine guide, someone who writes about wine in general, a simple advocate of Baja California wines and the wine regions of the United States and British Columbia. I’ve never claimed to be a connoisseur, critic or wine expert, even though I’ve got forty years experience in tasting wine from many regions. My focus has been on sharing the story of the winemakers and capturing the passion and spirit of the individual artisans as they express their creativity via their grapes and wine. I’m not a wine critic, I don’t believe in the 100 point system of scoring wine, in fact, I think it’s a complete joke. For example, if I purchased every 95 to 100 point wine that Robert Parker recommends, then should I drive the same car as he does, wear the same clothes as him, should I drink the same coffee as he, and will I need to marry his wife? Just maybe, I like redheads over blonds, wear jeans and tee-shirts, drink only Peet coffee, and prefer $30 bottles of Washington wine over a $120 bottle of Jean Michel Stephan Cote-Rotle Vielle Vigne en Coteaux. Indeed, I still drive the same 1953 Ford pickup I had in high school because it still gets me from point A to B, and it expresses my style of living, not Parkers. Are you hearing what I’m saying? Basically, take control of your own palate and senses, be your own judge and wine critic. It’s “high time” to let the wine speak for itself and forget all the propaganda on the outside of the bottle and in the media.
I first started exploring the virtues of Baja California wines about 1960 when my father allowed my brother and I to share glasses of jug wines purchased from his Russian friends in Valle de Guadalupe and from Bodega Santo Tomas. The wine was rustic and primitive, but it was what it was (all we had) thus it was drinkable and enjoyable. Later, during my college years in Idaho (1970’s) I discovered Washington State wines, eventually becoming a member of the North Idaho Oenological society in 1992, where we local wine lovers took a serious in-depth exploration of Washington wines. That early exposure to Mexican and Washington wines led me to work for a boutique Napa Valley winery in the 1980’s where I gained experience and knowledge (developed my palate) via tasting wine at the wineries and at various wine events held in California and Mexico. In 1982 I began to exchange Napa Valley wines from Howell Mountain for premium wines hidden in the underground cellars of Pedro Domecq winery in Baja California.
That experience between the wine cultures of Napa, Washington and Baja California eventually led to my moving to Valle de Guadalupe in 2002 with the idea of publishing a self-guided wine tour guide, leading motor coach/van tours from San Diego, and educating US wine drinkers about the possibilities of Mexican wine. Even though I met resistance from a few prominent members of the local wine cartel who had a monopoly on the market and the media, I was able to prevail by being persistent, positive and independent. My “saving grace” was the hospitality and kindness shown by about half of the wineries, Baja California native winemakers (an international mix of people raised in this region) who embraced me in the beginning. This illustrates my point that much of the “fu-fu” and hype in the wine world is misleading, controlled, and pure propaganda. Unfortunately, It’s not always about the quality of the wine in the bottle ~ like it should be ~ it’s often more about making money by fooling the consumers with the names of certain winemakers, wineries and such. In reality, great wine should be only about the quality of the wine in the bottle, that’s the bottom line. In other words, do you like it personally, does it suit YOUR individual taste, is it a match for you at that certain moment in time?
My personal experience tasting wines is based on palate sensation instead of commercial marketing, which tends to make me feel that this century will continue to highlight and focus on the quality wines coming from Washington State and British Columbia. This viewpoint is somewhat tainted due to the fact that I’m an experienced natural resource manager trained in the Pacific Northwest and have a feel for that their specific terroir. One particular element will have a major impact on the entire global wine culture within the next several years. Specifically, the National Academy of Sciences estimates that by the year 2100 (90 years from now) the production of grapes in North America (including Mexico, after an upcoming, short spike in growth) will shrink by over 80 percent, due to weather changes and water shortages. Yes, I understand that those who focus only on short term capital gain (at any cost) will argue about this, but it does give an opportunity (tip) for those who want to pass down the family winemaking tradition to future generations something to think about. And, closer to home in Napa Valley, Sonoma county, and even in the water soaked State of Oregon, vintners are running out of water. In fact, many growers are ripping out valuable vines to build ponds and water shortage tanks, hopefully to get them thru the early frost season and the longer, drier summer months. In all probability, the future of the global wine industry (and human survival) will be dependent on the northern regions of the planet, in many areas that were formally judged as inadequate to grow quality grapes for wine production. So, even if you don’t agree with my perspective on wine tasting and wine quality based on your personal palate vs commercialization, it might be a good time to start exploring the wines of Washington State. Someday, it might be one of your only options, and don’t worry, the wine is wonderful and affordable at this time. Try it for yourselves and let your palate be your guide.
Lately, I begun to suspect the concept of a natural phenomena (spoken about only the wine world) commonly known as terroir. It is a real thing or just another marketing hype? For example, when was the last time you went to the market in search of oranges? Did you look for oranges from Valencia, Spain, grown specifically on Garcia Mountain, in Jose’s orchard, and managed by Pedro Sanchez and given 95 points from Orange Spectator magazine? Or did you just buy the current vintage of young, fresh oranges for the sake of eating an orange, that tastes like an orange? If you were very specific in your selection, did your orange have mineral notes from the soil, ripe fruit from 1200 units of sunlight, flavors of vanilla from three days in oak baskets, or subtle hints of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, red fruit, blueberries and cranberries? Yes, I believe that terroir does make a different, but haven’t we stretched the truth a little? And, is wine drinking becoming so poetic and intellectual, that you’ll soon need a Ph.D. in Philosophy to enjoy it?
I see many new and inexperienced write writers and wine critics who now consider themselves advanced experts after taking a class or sampling a few local wines. I feel they are making a mistake by trying to copy critics like Robert Parker. Being a pompous, arrogant, wine snob, is not really a good thing in today’s new world where individuals are seeking personal freedom, individual choices and expression. On a global level, more and more regular people are coming out of a state of coma and aren’t blindly following leaders down the road of destruction and delusion anymore. In our new world of more personal choices with freedom to express and experience on our own, the 100 point system of judging wine is an outdated farce, often dictating false information to wine consumers. Mexico is an intelligent, emerging wine culture where many people are transitioning from a beer and tequila culture towards the art of wine drinking. This newly discovered wine experience should be all about education, exploration and personal enjoyment. It would greatly benefit our wine culture and industry if we don’t continue with the “fu-fu” tactics here, you can leave that to the French, British and the Americans. Everybody has a right to judge for themselves on how they feel and what they like, because we’re all very unique on an individual basis. In reality, the best wine in the world is the one you love the most, for whatever reason, regardless of how much it costs, where it’s grown or made, and what others tell you. Thus, don’t be fooled, many contemporary wine critics and wine writers don’t have a clue on what is a good wine or not. Like skilled politicians, they continue to cram their philosophy and perspective down our throat, usually for “personal fame, power, ego gratification and capital gain.”
Let your own personal wine selection, slowly and gently cross over your palate, allowing your senses quality time to decide what is good and right for you. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, foolish critics and bogus marketing scams. Personal empowerment seems to be the trend in 2010 whether it be about your choice of wine, personal expression or who dictates and controls your personal freedom. In the end, it’s really all about personal choices and preferences. And, now that a $27 bottle of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon has outperformed many of the top wines of the world, savvy wine consumers might be asking themselves if any wine in the world is really worth more than $30. My motto for 2010 is, drink what you like, think for yourselves, eliminate the “fu fu” ~ get real, and enjoy the New Year.
Steve Dryden is a wine, food and travel writer, living in Mexico’s premier wine country where he guides wine tours. He can be reached at: sbdryden@hotmail.com
Saturday February 13th
$29
Tango Show
Live Music
3 Course Dinner
Mex 01 800 265 2322
US 800 343 8582
Saturdays 4-6 pm
Great Margaritas Always $2
Dinner Specials by Chef Johnny
Second Chance Animal Advocate Tradepost (SCAAT)
Km 31.5, east side of Blvd. Benito Jurarez, across from OXXO Tradepost
Bazaar Hours: 10AM - 4:30PM, Mon. - Sat.
Closed Sunday, except on Free Spay/Neuter Dates
All Free Spay/Neuter Campaigns are held on the
Second Sunday of each month, from 9AM to 1PM.
Please call the Tradepost, 661-100-6062
for additional directions; or if you would like a private
appointment for spay/neuter surgery for your cat or dog
2010 SCAAT Free Spay/Neuter Schedule:
February 14; March 14; April 11; May 9; June 13; July 11;
August 8; September 12; October 10; November 14; December 12.
We need volunteers!
Call Karem Patonai if you can help
(661) 613-0737; e-mail: karenpatonai@yahoo.com
The Baja Blondes
Dear All, I have a friend of 15 + years, living in Baja full time by the name of Debbie Shine. She came to Baja to work on a film production and fell in love with Baja and never left!
Two of her friends, also full time and long time residents of Baja, decided to film a reality type story about "The Baja Blondes" and it is currently being edited for release in a special showing the end of January 2010, in Rosarito at a special release celebration.
It was their desire to produce a positive film about Baja and fight the bad information that the USA is slamming Baja with. They have been working on this project about 6 months already and the pilot is about finished. The TIMING is perfect!
I think it is a positive, sassy, fun and a new twist on points of view from RESIDENTS of Baja. If it's so dangerous, how could these three women survive here along with all the other women they will be featuring in this new release and their future films?
For their future productions they are planning to explore more women in Baja and they are covering Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and Ensenada.
Best of blessings to all in 2010,
Diane Gibbs
619-917-7231
GBajareal@aol.com Their web site is: www.TheBajaBlondes.com
Debbie's contact information is: debbieshinebaja@yahoo.com
Cell is 858-442-8988.
"Mujeres Del Mundo"
Dear Friends,
We think that Rosarito needs a Women's Co-op. We have seen them in Ajijic, San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca.
There are so many artistic women in and around Rosarito, yet they do not have any means of showing off their work.
We are opening a small space to start for 12 women. The rent will be very moderate. We hope to be open and filled by the end of January.
We are located at km 30 on the free road, directly upstairs from Cha Cha's Cafe. The store is called Mujeres Del Mundo.
Please stop in and support your local talent at the end of this month.
Thank you,
Lorraine Pontell & Marloes Versluis
BUNCO Luncheon @ The Mongolian Grill (with a slight menu change)
Wed, January 13 @1:00 p.m.
(Limited to the 1st 32 players who sign up)
The cost of $15 or $190 pesos includes:
Lunch, Beverage and Gelato Dessert:
Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad
Japanese Mild Beef Curry over rice (This is like a stew with carrots, celery, onions, peas, carrots and potatoes, but apples are also added to make it sweeter). We'll give you a big bowl and a little bowl and you decide what you want to put in each
$2.00 Tip
Prizes-Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants
Highest Score for the 2 Rounds
2nd
Lowest Score for the 2 Rounds
Most BuncosHighest Scores in Each Round
Please call (661)100-6244 Mex or (619)730-0826 US
Or email: the_romeros@yahoo.com to reserve a seat
Take a 4-hour guided tour and view the magnificent California gray whales near Ensenada`s Todos Santos Bay as they migrate toward their warm breeding grounds along the Baja peninsula`s central Pacific coast. Info: Baja California State Tourism Secretariat at (646) 172-5444; e-mail: gshimomoto@baja.gob.mx
Abstract acrylics by Tijuana`s Angel Valrá in the Sala Ernesto Muñoz Acosta of Centro Estatal de las Artes (CEARTE) on Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas (Costero) & Av. Club Rotario. Exhibition hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Free admission. Info: CEARTE at (646) 173-4307.
Mexico City photojournalist Francisco Mata Rosas displays his internationally acclaimed photography in the Sala Internacional of Centro Estatal de las Artes (CEARTE) on Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas (Costero) & Av. Club Rotario. Exhibition hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Free admission. Info: CEARTE at (646) 173-4307.
Ensenada artist Enrique Avilez exhibits new paintings and adobe sculptures at Restaurant Capricho`s, Av. Ruiz between Av. López Mateos and Calle 2. Hours: noon-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Info: Restaurant Capricho`s at (646) 178-3433; e-mail: avilezcalabu@hotmail.com
| Rosarito Friends of the Library Donate Books |
 The Rosarito Friends of the Library (Amigos de la Biblioteca de Rosarito) has donated nearly three hundred new Spanish language children`s books to the five Rosarito Public Libraries. The donated books were delivered to all five of the Rosarito public libraries by volunteer members of the Rosarito Friends of the Library during the week of December 14.
The books were selected from a publisher`s catalog by Ana Lucia Morales Ledesma, the head librarian for the Rosarito Public Libraries. Ms. Morales wanted children’s books that were colorful and exciting with illustrations that would grab the attention of the young readers and present important information to them in an interesting manner. She selected sets of books that filled holes in the libraries` existing book offerings, and some additional sets that teach children about citizenship and respect for others. The set of books on citizenship contains individual books about being honest, making friends, following rules, being fair, being responsible, being helpful and being a leader. The set of books on children`s feelings helps kids explore their emotions and learn how to handle those emotions with individual books on caring, jealousy, anger, joy, pride, sorrow, impatience, worry, loneliness, shyness, bravery and embarrassment. Ms. Morales also chose sets of books about members of the community (careers), colors, shapes and colors in the environment, the world of science, and what living things need.
Each of the four branch libraries received one complete set of all the books selected by Ms. Morales, or 47 books for each branch. The main library at the CEMAC facility received two complete sets of the books.
Residents of Rosarito know that the budget of the municipal government is simply unable to meet all of the needs of the community, and that many very worthwhile projects necessarily go unfunded. The mission of the Rosarito Friends of the Library is to aid and support the local public libraries with donations of books, equipment, supplies, repairs to library buildings and support of literacy programs. In addition to the donation of these new children`s books, the Friends of the Library have recently purchased new computer workstation tables for one branch library. New computers for that library were available from the state government, but the state required that approved workstation tables be on site at the library or the free computers would not be given to that library. With time running out and the city government unable to provide the required workstations, the Friends of the Library donated nearly all of the funds to purchase the workstations and ensure that the new computers were delivered by the state.. A modest amount of funds was provided by the municipal government for this project as well.
The needs of the libraries are many, and the Friends of the Library have many projects on the table at his time. A program to encourage children to read for pleasure is being developed: a gazebo will be constructed at a branch library to benefit the users: all of the library buildings will be repainted, inside and out, by Friends of the Library volunteers.
Membership in Friends of the Library is open to all interested persons, and the membership fee is only $5 per year. Donations of Spanish language books, library supplies and equipment, money and sweat equity are all welcomed. For more information about the Rosarito Friends of the Library, contact Tom Reeve (661-613-1285), Barbara Saragosa (664-609-3137), or visit the Rosarito Friends of the Library website at www.friendsofthelibrary.com.mx
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NEWS FROM SCAAT  Dr. Jaoquin & Friends SCAAT Reflections on 2009 Accomplishments By Karen McDonald Patonai, SCAAT President
2009 is a success beyond everyone's expectations! SCAAT & GSL members and supporters should be very proud of all we have accomplished together:
1. Close to 2000 dogs & cats sterilized, at the Rosarito GSL Clinic, WOW!!! 2. SCAAT shop opened with the help of several dedicated volunteers. Sales of donated items, in the SCAAT shop, have paid the operational overhead expenses so that we can offer free spay/neuter to pet owners and animal rescuers in need. SCAAT also gave some financial support, to the City Pound, for food, gasoline and tires for the Rosarito city pound truck. A HUGE THANK YOU TO ARC Antiques, La Jolla & Encinitas Thrift shop and everyone who donated items to the SCAAT SHOP. 3. Successful support relationship formed with the city of Rosarito thanks to Mayor Torres & his city administrative team and GSL & SCAAT negotiators. 4. Over 50 volunteers & SCAAT & GSL members worked hard to stop animal abuse, overpopulation and get abuse laws enforced. 5. Stray dog & cat populations, roaming Rosarito streets & beaches, have been substantially reduced. 6. Rosarito pound facility improvements. Rosarito pound is now referred to as "The Hilton of dog pounds" and has been rated #1 best dog pound in Baja. Congratulations Dr. Joaquin Villasenor, Carlos Meir, staff and volunteers. 7. Countless stray dogs & cats have found good homes thanks to improved communications among animal rescuers and advocates. 8. The electrocution of dogs & cats stopped, in several Baja communities, due to coordinated negotiations between several animal advocate groups and municipal/government officials. GSL played a major role in organizing these negotiations. 9. Thanks to the Give Some Life Foundation (GSL) for donating pest control chemicals, medications and food to Rosarito and other Baja communities, the number of pet related diseases has been substantially reduced. 10. The SCAAT shop helped the hurricane victims in southern Baja. SCAAT Focus for 2010 Community outreach, Education, Training & Networking will be areas for organizational growth and development at SCAAT in 2010. Our objectives are ambitious; we will not be able to achieve them without the aid of dedicated volunteers and community support. Video, donated by Jan & Bill Morgan, Morgan Marketing Online, of Rosarito Free Spay/Neuter Campaign, sponsored by SCAAT and the Rosarito GSL clinic, in final editing stages, to be released Jan./Feb. 2010. 1. Community outreach, getting the word out to the community on how animal population control can improve the health and quality of life in our communities. 2. Educating pet owners on animal care, population control, animal services available and municipal regulations/laws related to pets. Facilitating forums and workshops, conducted by experts, to educate and inform government officials, vets, and community support groups on what is happening around the world in animal care and population management. 3. Training for volunteers on how to use traps to capture stray animals, care for pets after sterilization and how to approach communicate with negligent pet owners. 4. Networking with existing community organizations, rescuers, sanctuaries, pet placement groups, government officials and communications media on how we can all cooperate and work together to establish a healthy, safe environment for pets and humans and find good homes for abandoned and stray pets. For further info contact Karen Patonai at (661) 613-0737; e- |
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support in 2009 and for your votes that allowed us to receive the title of "Best Restaurant in Rosarito" which will be published in January's issue of Mexico Living. We took a sneek preview online and happily discovered our win. Here is the link:
Because we continually strive to please our customers, we will be adding brown rice (extra $.40) to our menu in 2010 and may be experimenting a little with tofu dishes. We will continue with our Korean Taco Tuesdays (buy 2 and receive the 3rd taco free) and will be offering other periodic specials like our Pho Soup (See Below).
Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)
Bunco will continue to be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month @ 1:00 p.m. If you would like to attend this month on Wednesday, January 13, please email me at the_romeros@yahoo.com. The cost of $15 includes lunch, beverage, gelato, tip and a contribution toward Restaurant Gift Certificate Prizes. We will be serving a mild Asian chicken curry with potatoes, carrots, peas, celery and onions over rice and a special asian rice salad. (Teriyaki is also an option for those who do not like curry). Come out and join the fun. It's a great way to meet a fantastic group of people.
Spanish classes led by Profesora Susana are on Mondays and Fridays at 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. Please contact her directly (sschinkel@yahoo.com) if you are interested in joining one of the classes.
On Tuesday, January 19 and 26, we will be having a free dancercise class at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP or just show up. After these two weeks, we will make a group decision whether to continue or not.
Come in out of the cold (on New Years Day) and enjoy this hearty bowl of flavorful chicken broth which is seasoned with spices such as cinnamon, star of anise, and cloves and served over flat rice noodles and chicken pieces. You add bean sprouts, basil, lime, green onions, hoisen sauce, spicy sriachi sauce, and chilies according to your taste.
For more info, contact Lee at (661)100-6244 or email: the_romeros@yahoo.com
Free Home, selling price at land value
• 1,400 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "plus guest casita" - 
MLS® $139,900 - Large 10,750 sqft lot
Rosarito Beach, In Town - Oceanview home with large yard and room to grow, just minutes south of Rosarito Beach.
The value here is largely in the land, but also comes complete with a very nicely maintained and comfortable manufactured home, plus an additional self contained guest house.
Possibilities are wide open to a number of desires here, whether just a large yard to play in, extensive gardening, room to breathe and room for the dogs, build a stable for your horses, or build additional revenue generating home.
Property is terraced to three levels, includes landscaping and mature trees, fully fenced and gated with a large flagstone drive.
Located just south of the new Blvd 2000 toll road to the border, across from Fox Studios, and just a few minutes from all the amenities of town, yet in an almost rural setting.
If you appreciate the value of land, want a nice oceanview, and single story living with a large fenced and secure yard for your pets and family, this could be perfect for you.
Property information