Buddy & Cheri Linn Combine for a Big Twin Win
It doesn’t get any better than combining two wineries that compliment each other, and two owners that are having more fun than anyone in the wine business. If you are fortunate enough to meet the Linns, you are immediately struck by the engaging personalities.
A couple of years ago, the Temecula wine neighborhood changed when Buddy and Cheri purchased not one but two wineries, virtually side by side: Maurice Carrie, whose white wines and plantation décor and atmosphere were gaining fans, and a non-descript older winery, which they immediately changed and named La Cereza -Spanish for Cherry, close to Cheri’s name. What a concept! The fun then began.
With long-time Temecula winemaker Gus Vizgirda, the Linns have created some 33 different wines counting the two properties. They say they keep getting more and more ideas about flavor and style, and the urge to try them all.
The outside world has taken notice. These mostly ready-to-drink wines have recently taken gold for a 2006 Viognier, gold for a 2006 Pinot Grigio, gold for a 2006 Muscat Canelli; and gold for my personal favorite, the 2002 La Cereza Garanacha with a rich original painting on the label by well-known painter, Anton Arkhipov. This lovely wine has a hint of spice and blends of blackberry and plum, and sells for 29.95. Recently, Cheri and a few girlfriends sat down with Gus and developed a pleasing blend for the female palate that was labeled “Girlfriends.”
Buddy, who came from the trade show business, and has a showman’s appeal, proclaimed that “our wines are boutique that we craft in small quantities. We showcase these wines in an atmosphere of art, music and the joy of wine.” Cheri added that “the community has been very giving to us and Buddy and I have found a way to give back, by joining the battle against breast cancer. We have created a special label wine for ‘Michelle’s Place’ a Murrieta-based support center.
A portion of the proceeds from this special White Cabernet Sauvignon that is available at La Cereza for $16.95, will go to assist this worthwhile group to help prevent and detect this deadly disease.” Another beautiful reason to enjoy both La Cereza and Maurice Carrie, the centers of attraction in Temecula Wine Country. Visit on line at www.mauricecarriewinery.com, and www.lacerezawinery.com.
If it’s White…Chill Out!
Most red wine serving temperature is “room temperature,” maybe 72 degrees.
But I say the taste will brighten up with a serving at 65 degrees, a slight but significant cool-down from the norm. if you have a temperature controlled cooler, try setting it at 55 degrees, then just before consumption, open the bottle and let it sit for a short while. The wine then breathes and the temperature will arrive at the desired 65.With simple, value white wine, I like it straight out of the “frig” which will be about 43 degrees. A complex Viognier or Chardonnay, I would let sit for a while, like the reds, and get it up to about ten degrees more. Then, you’re ready to enjoy the complexities that these wines are famous for.
The Local Sip
A winemaker’s dinner is planned at Belle Marie Winery in Escondido Saturday May 26th with “A Taste of Tempranillo.” It will be five courses of gourmet Spanish-style cuisine and 9 different wines, for $85 per person. Details at 760-796-7557.
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Falkner Winery in Temecula Wine Country will host a Memorial Day Dinner in its new Pinnacle Restaurant on Saturday May 26th. Five course gourmet menu selections will be topped by Kobe Steak and Lobster Tempura, along with Falkner’s 5 best wines. Call the winery at 951-676-8231 for details. Cost is $95 per person.***
Gondola Wine Tasting is coming back to Loew’s Coronado Bay Resort, starting Wednesday May 30th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. One of San Diego’s smartest wine Sommelier’s, Kurt Kirschenman, presents a tasting flight of three wines with suitable appetizers. Reservations required by calling 619-429-6317. $45 per person.Frank Mangio is a world renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
