Jeffrey Stambor, Director of Winemaking for Beaulieu Vineyard, was gracious enough to serve as my personal host for a tour and tasting of his wines. Stambor was born and raised on the north side of Youngstown, not far from where I now live. He left Youngstown in 1979 to attend the University of California Davis. Soon thereafter he embarked on one of the most amazing journeys through the wine world that one could imgaine.

Stambor arranged for a private tasting in a special, glass-enclosded section of the BV Reserve Tasting Room. He joined us still wearing his flourescent lined field jacked required for all vineyard workers. He seemed genuinely happy and a little bit intrigued by the presence of a member of the media from his home town.

Stambor explained that not one media outlet had even contacted him when he earned the lofty title he now holds at BV. His position would be considered a top twenty wine job in the world by most indiustry observers. He proved to be a stimulating and intriguing host whose passion for his work shown brightly throughout our time together.

Here's a look at some of the amazing wines we tasted:

Current Releases

1. 2012 BV Coastal Estates Sauvignon Blanc

Bright aromas of pineapple and citrus lead to fresh grapefruit and lemon zest on the palate.

2. 2011 BV Carneros Chardonnay

Subtle and deliccate flavors of pear, apple and honeycomb with hints of vanilla and oak.

3. 2012 BV Carneros Pinot Noir

Combines richness and subtle nuances with blueberry and cherry brightened by fresh acidity.

4. 2010 BV Beaurouge Red Blend

An eight varietal blend of grapes grown in distinctly different terrior. Fruit forward and zesty.

5. 2011 BV Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Fruit focsued with vanilla and mocha nuances and well integrated fine-grained tannins.

BV Private Reserve Georges de Latour Cabernet Suavignon 

Stambor treated us to a vintage retrospective tasting of five different vintages of this world famous Cabernet. This was a treat beyond description and truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.  We tasted wines from the following years:

1. 1972  - Delicate and refined with subtle aromas and flavors.

2. 1984 - Amazingly balanced with tannins still present and integrated with the fruit.

3. 1998 - Perhaps drinking at its peak with astonishing structure and layers of flavor.

4. 2009 - Surprisingly approachable and drinkable with signs of greatness still to come.

This was truly a tasting I will never forget. Thanks to Jeffrey and everyone at BV for taking such good care of me during my visit!