13th Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

Sunday, July 21, 2019, it’s time for the Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner hosted by Mike and Mav at the Bel Air Bay Club (BABC).

We started in the Wojo’s Cabana with a series of white wines and a cheese platter that Executive Chef Mav made, all good stuff!

We quickly moved to toast Jeni and Brad, on their recent wedding which took place on July 6th and we were unable to attend.  They returned from their honeymoon just in time to join us in this annual event.  We toasted them with a nice bottle of Champagne!

Mike then initiated our first of two conducted wine tastings of the evening.  He paired 2005 bottles from Spain, France and California which everyone loved.

• 2005 Alto Moncayo Garnacha
• 2005 Cote-Rotie Syrah
• 2005 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford

We moved on to the formal dining room at the Bel Air Bay Club for our annual dinner which consisted of a three course pre-fix meal and a "special" fish taco middle course.

The executive chef and his team did a fantastic job.  A pic of the fish used for the taco mid-course can be found HERE. Oh boy!

The second conducted tasting paired two 2011 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignons, one from Howell Mountain and the other from Napa Valley.

• 2011 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
• 2011 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

It’s always nice to visit with the LA connection and relax (a little) as the West Institute meeting is the third of four summer sites we travel to each summer.

We hope you’re drinking something good this summer!

For those that are interested, here’s the line-up of the wine we drank throughout the evening from Mike's wine cellar.

Champaign

• Vevre Clicquot Brut

Whites

• 2016 Liquid Farms Chardonnay, White Hill (two bottles)
• 2017 Carmenet Chardonnay
• 2017 DeLoach Chardonnay, Central Coast
• 2018 Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Reds

• 1996 Chateau Cos Labory Grand Cru Classic (two bottles)
• 2005 Alto Moncayo Garnacha
• 2005 Cote-Rotie Syrah
• 2005 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
• 2009 Chateau Pre La Lande Bordeaux (two bottles)
• 2011 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
• 2011 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

For pictures from the entire evening go HERE.

11th Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

It’s Thursday, July 13, 2017 and time to celebrate another great week with our volunteers, faculty and staff.

And I should say our family too, yes, the Wojo’s have become family to so many of us over the past 11 years.

We started with a reception in their Cabana and moved on to the formal dining room for dinner.

Of course we had a photo shoot, found HERE, for your viewing.  For many, it’s always a struggle to find the perfect outfit, right ladies and gentlemen?

But I digress, let’s move on to the main attraction and the celebration in front of us with a selection of wines we enjoyed throughout the evening.

And did I mention that our very own faculty member, Brian Baker, from Chateau Montelena brought a number of wines that our sommelier Mike had to match from his private collection for the evening.

Here’s the list of wines we had, all great!

Whites

• 2006 Vincent Dancer Meursault
• 2014 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley (two bottles)
• 2015 Hunnicutt Chardonnay, Napa Valley (two bottles)
• 2015 Carmenet Chardonnay (three bottles)
• 2016 Chateau Montelena Riesling, Napa Valley

Conducted Tasting (at dinner)

• 1993 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1993 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

• 1999 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1999 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

• 2008 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 2008 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Reds

• 1995 Castillo Ygay Rioja, Gran Reserva Especial (Magnum)
• 2006  Falerno del Massico, Italian Blend (Double Magnum)

For pictures of the evening go HERE.

8th Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

On Thursday, July 17, 2014 Mike and Mav hosted the Institute team at The Hilltop Winery for another great evening of fun and fellowship after a great week at Loyola Marymount University.

We mixed it up a bit this year and decided to stay on The Hilltop for a special pizza party using the relatively new wood fired oven in the backyard.  Our friend Edgardo, a specialist when it comes to making pizzas, was making everyone smile with his creations.

And of course, since we didn't make our annual trip to Sam's by the Beach to see our friend Sam and his wonderful staff for dinner, we brought Sam to The Hilltop Winery.  He provided us with a Caesar Salad, passed appetizers and a wonderful assortment of dessert items.

Now let's get to the good stuff!

Our very own faculty member and industry wine expert Brian Baker from Chateau Montelena Winery brought three Estate Bottled Cabs from the winery that The Hilltop Winery Sommelier, Mike Wojo, matched with three bottles of Bordeaux from his cellar.  Let the comparisons begin.

But before we get to that we obviously had to start with a few white's.  So sit back, don't get jealous and enjoy the ride we took on this beautiful Thursday evening with friends and family.

White

• 2005 Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Henri Boillot
• 2010 Julien ColloVray, Saint-Veran
• 2011 Aubert Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
• 2011 Staglin Chardonnay, Rutherford Estate

Red

• 1986 Chateau Olivier, Pessac-Leognan
• 1989 Caymus Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1989 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 2004 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (Magnum)
• 2006 Chase Zinfandel, Napa Valley
• 2009 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley
• 2010 Pedestal Merlot, Columbia Valley

Special Cabernet Sauvignon vs Bordeaux Tasting

• 1989 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled
• 1995 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled
• 2002 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled

• 1989 Chateau Montrose, Saint-Estephe Bordeaux
• 1995 Chateau Cantenac Brown, Margaux Bordeaux
• 2002 Chateau Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien Bordeaux

As we all know, all good things must come to an end.  So as we packed up, said our goodbyes and took a couple of last minute photos, we got on the bus and returned to the hotel for our trip home in the morning.

Mike and Mav hopes that Brian, the Institute staff and volunteers had a great time at The Hilltop Winery.

A great evening wouldn't be complete unless we captured the memories to hold us over until next year.

Feel free to download any pictures from the entire evening HERE.

California to France: Two Great Venues on The Hilltop!

On Tuesday, December 10, 2013 The Hilltop Winery, once again hosted the wayward relative from the East Coast, and you know the deal, he brought the old and some new folks to enjoy the latest grape to hit the market (the old timers know who you are).

And obviously, they got carried away and went deep into the cellar, and with the Sommelier's permission, were allowed to pull some incredible wines from around the world dating back to 1979.

The evening also reunited the wayward relative with Monrose Catering.  Thank you Richard and your staff for taking care of us again with an excellent selection of appetizers for all to enjoy!

Mav was the bomb with her incredible chocolate flour-less tart/cake.  I'm not sure what it was or where it came from but it was delicious!

From a Ph.D. on the East Coast to a Ph.D. on the West Coast, "while the economy may go up and down, a visit to The Hilltop Winery is always an up day!"

So from all the East Coast folks Mike, all we can say is thank you for allowing us to enjoy the following wines from your cellar.

White

• 2011 Golden Slope Liquid Farms Chardonnay
• 2011 Four Liquid Farms Chardonnay
• 2012 Kobalt Sauvignon Blanc

Red

• 1979 Chateau Lafite Rothschild
• 1982 William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1982 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (bottled 1986)
• 1986 Chateau LaGrange, Saint-Julien
• 1988 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1989 Clos du Bois Marlstone Vineyard
• 1994 Chateau Lynch Bages
• 1996 Araujo Syrah, Eisele Vineyards
• 2001 Fratelli Revello Barolo, Vigna Giachini
• 2002 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
• 2003 Clarendon Hills Merlot, Brookman
• 2005 Hunnicutt Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 2008 Arns Syrah, Napa Valley
• 2011 Bjornstad Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Port

• 1983 Dow's Vintage Port

For pictures of the evening swirl click HERE.

7th Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

On Thursday, July 18, 2013 The Hilltop Winery hosted 26 Institute staff, faculty and volunteer wine enthusiasts to a great wine tasting event.

We even worked with the local chamber of commerce to make sure the weather was as great as the wine.  And it was a chamber of commerce kind of day!

This year we had a dozen newbies to the hilltop.  The other 14 (and you know who you are) are seasoned veterans who made the annual pilgrimage, once again, to the hilltop.  We enjoyed the following wines:

White

• 2009 Luis Felipe Edwards Chardonnay
• 2011 Muirwood Chardonnay
• 2011 Rombauer Chardonnay
• 2012 Natalie Brander Cuvee Chardonnay

Red

• 2003 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2003 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2003 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
• 2003 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 2003 Frasier Cabernet Sauvignon, Momento
• 2003 Hunnicut Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2003 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2003 Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2003 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2003 Surh Luchtel Cabernet Sauvignon

And once again, our special guest and faculty member Brian Baker from Chateau Montelena Winery brought three special bottles to taste.

• 1985 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled
• 1990 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled
• 1999 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled

We couldn't help ourselves and then we did a see something, pull something!  These wines were added to the list of magnums we took to Sam's by the Beach.

• 1970 Barolo Marcheri de Barolo
• 1979 BV Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled
• 1989 Chateau Lynch-Bages Bordeaux
• 1993 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon

Now it was finally time to pull the magnums and head off to our favorite restaurant, Sam's by The Beach in Santa Monica, CA with proprietor Sam Elias.  He always takes great care of us each year.

The Magnums lifted from the cellar and taken for a ride to Sam's included:

• 1993 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
• 1996 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum
• 2007 Domaine de Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf-Du-Pape (Magnum - two bottles)
• 2007 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Magnum

Sam and his incredible staff served us a wonderful three course meal that complimented the wines.

As the evening came to a close we said our goodbyes, piled into our cabs, headed back to the hotel, and were off to LAX airport in the morning.

For a complete slideshow of the event click HERE.

Chamber Hilltop Wine Reception

On September 25, 2012, The Hilltop Winery held a special wine reception for their friends in the chamber industry. The format was - see something, pull something!

The following bottles of wine were tasted throughout the afternoon and evening with the exception of: 

 
• The Pedestal and Feather Magnums;
• The Araujo Syrah;
• The HDV Chardonnay; and
• The LaFollett Chardonnay.

...they were properly packaged and taken to dinner at Sam’s by the Beach, one of our favorite boutique restaurants in Santa Monica, CA.

Thank you Mike and Mav for a wonderful wine tasting afternoon!

White

• 1995 Kistler Cuvee Cathleen
• 2006 HDV, Chardonnay
• 2009 Copain Chardonnay
• 2009 LaFollette, Chardonnay

Red

• 1982 Heitz Cellar, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1984 Insignia, Joseph Phelps Vineyards
• 1986 Cain Five, Napa Valley
• 1986 Chateau Lagrange, Saint-Julien
• 1986 Groth, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1989 Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac
• 1989 Brander Bouchet, Santa Ynez Valley
• 1990 Chateau Pichon Longueville, Pauillac
• 1993 Von Strasser, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain
• 1994 Talley, Pinot Noir
• 1995 Araujo, Syrah, Eisele Vineyard
• 1998 Dunn Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
• 2003 Raymond, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, St. Helena
• 2006 Surh Luchel, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
• 2006 Pedestal (Magnum), Merlot, Columbia Valley
• 2006 Feather (Magnum), Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
• 2008 Alto Moncayo, Veraton, Garnacha
• NV, Barbi, Brunello, di Montalcino

For a complete slideshow of the wine tasting go HERE.

6th Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

On July 12, 2012, we held our 6th Annual West Wine Reception at The Hilltop Winery. And of course, we finished with our annual dinner at Sam’s by the Beach with our good friend Sam.

What a special evening. Upon arrival on a hot and humid day in Los Angeles, we started off with a quick cup of Sangria. Attendee choice:

• Traditional Red Sangria
• Strawberry Mojito Sangria

After a quick taste, we moved on to our official wine tasting. The following three conducted tastings were incredible.

First Conducted Tasting:

10 Year Old California Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2002 Araujo, Eisle Vineyard
• 2002 Dunn, Howell Mountain
• 2002 Dunn, Napa Valley
• 2002 Staglin, 20th Anniversary
• 2002 Dalla Valle
• 2002 Chateau Montelena
• 2002 Silver Oak, Alexander Valley
• 2002 Brander

Second Conducted Tasting:

A comparison between 2000/2001 Barolo and 2006/2009 Barolo

• 2000 Marchesi di Barolo
• 2001 Stefano Farina
• 2001 Fratello Revello
• 2001 Paolo Scavino
• 2006 Argiano
• 2006 Camigliano
• 2009 Lughere di Frassinello

Third Conducted Tasting:

Chardonnay

• 1996 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
• 2001 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
• 2006 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
• 2009 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay

Cabernet Sauvignon

• 1999 Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled
• 2002 Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled
• 2009 Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled

For a slideshow of the evenings event go HERE.

Jared on the Hilltop

On July 31, 2011, we celebrated Jared’s last road trip with the team in Pennsylvania.

At our traditional Thursday night dinner we presented him with a special slideshow (see below) of his past five trips to The Hilltop Winery for the annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner event.

At this dinner, we enjoyed a Feather (Randy Dunn) and Pedestal (Michal Rolland) - two wines we first tasted at The Hilltop Winery the previous year.

These two wines have an interesting background. Basically, they’re made from Washington State Columbia Valley grapes by famous winemakers from other parts of the world (Randy Dunn from Dunn Vineyards - Feather and Michal Rolland from Pomerol winery Le Bon Pasteur - Pedestal).

Good luck Jared in your new gig!

For a complete slideshow of the past five reception and dinners with Jared and friends click HERE.

4th Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

On July 15, 2010, we held our 4th annual West Institute Appreciation Dinner at The Hilltop Winery.

We were treated to a vertical tasting of Chateau Montelena and a horizontal of 2000 wines from around the world.

In addition to that tasting, you’ll see by the pictures we also revisited the Dunn collection and tasted a Staglin for the first time.

The main attraction was the Chateau Montelena wines:

• 1988 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1997 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2000 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2002 Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon

At the dinner with Sam (Sam’s on the Beach) we had a Titus, Livingston and Staglin. Sam prepared us an incredible four course meal with exceptional customer service.

What a great evening!

For a slideshow of the entire evening with friends click HERE.

3rd Annual West Institute Wine Reception and Dinner

On July 12, 2009, we held our 3rd Annual West Appreciation Dinner at The Hilltop Winery with our dear friends on the west coast.

This was the first year we did a theme when it came to the wine. We did a vertical of Dunn from Napa and Howell Mountain.

The actual wines we tasted were as follows:

• 1985 Dunn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1990 Dunn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
• 1995 Dunn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
• 2007 Feather, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington State

Bill was our chairman this year and he brought his friend Perry. This was also the breakout of Jared and his new love affair with red wine.

Gary was our West Board chair and we were so glad he could join us for this annual tradition along with a couple of special friends, you know who you are, from the pictures.

For a complete slideshow of the evening click HERE.