For wine lovers, Beyond the Cellar at The Lodge at Torrey Pines was an absolute delight. Held in the stunning coastal setting of La Jolla, this event brought together an impressive lineup of wineries alongside gourmet culinary offerings for an unforgettable evening.
With world-class wines and dishes crafted by executive chef Kelli Crosson’s team, the experience was both indulgent and inspiring.
The evening showcased iconic wineries, mostly from Napa Valley and Sonoma County, with Daou Family Estates’ Patrimony standing out as the sole representative from Paso Robles. Having attended countless tastings over the years, I can confidently say this was among the finest — every detail was meticulously curated to wow guests.
Darioush: Roman Palumbo, Darioush’s national sales director, brought his enthusiasm and charm, making each pour feel like a special moment. The 2021 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon was bold and structured, with layers of blackberry and subtle oak spice. The 2021 Shiraz from Napa Valley delivered rich, spicy depth with notes of black pepper and ripe plum. The 2023 Viognier, with its lively notes of stone fruit and citrus, added a refreshing balance to the evening’s red-heavy lineup.
Patrimony Estate: Eryn Schnitzer, Patrimony’s SoCal business development manager, showcased Patrimony’s excellence through vertical tastings. Patrimony, the Daou brothers’ exclusive brand and legacy, represents the pinnacle of their winemaking journey.
Daniel Daou, master director of winemaking, ensures every bottle reflects the unique terroir of Daou Mountain in Paso Robles. The 2020 and 2021 Caves des Lions blends of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc were layered and complex, with hints of dark cherry, cedar, and violets.
The 100% cabernet sauvignons from the same years exhibited incredible depth, velvety tannins, and a long, luxurious finish. Crafted entirely from free-run juice, these wines capture the essence of their Adelaida District estates, limestone-rich soils and meticulous winemaking.
Chappellet: Chappellet president David Francke and his wife Tammy offered an exceptional lineup that demonstrated the winery’s storied legacy in Napa Valley. The 2023 Signature Chenin Blanc was a delightful surprise, offering floral aromas and a clean, mineral-driven palate. The 2021 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon — Chappellet’s crown jewel — expressed bold tannins, deep fruit, and impeccable balance, standing out among the evening’s offerings.
Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel: Bruce Mooers, Far Niente’s president of sales, brought a tasting experience that paired beautifully with the nearby carving station. The 2023 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay was crisp and vibrant, while the 2022 Nickel & Nickel De Carle Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon and 2022 Nickel & Nickel Fog Break Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon highlighted the diversity of Napa’s subregions.
The De Carle was elegant, with red currant and fine tannins, while the Fog Break impressed with its intense dark fruit and savory earthiness. The 2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out the tasting, offering bold, balanced flavors that complemented the prime rib perfectly.
Ramey Wine Cellars: Ramey founder David Ramey and his wife Carla poured an impressive selection, emphasizing their focus on terroir-driven wines. The 2021 Woolsey Road Russian River Valley Chardonnay was elegant and layered, with notes of apple, pear, and a hint of hazelnut. The 2017 Rogers Creek Shiraz delivered smoky complexity, showcasing Ramey’s mastery of Sonoma and Napa terroirs. The 2014 Annum Cabernet Sauvignon stood out for its balance, with black cherry, cedar, and a long, velvety finish.
ZD Wines: Teresa D’Aurizio, VP of marketing and sales at ZD Wines, pulled out all the stops to highlight ZD’s extraordinary Abacus Cabernet Sauvignon. This 26th bottling blends decades-old vintages, creating a wine with unparalleled depth and elegance.
At $800 per bottle, it was the showstopper of the evening. Other offerings, like the 2022 Carneros Reserve Chardonnay and 2013 Reserve Cabernet, further showcased ZD’s versatility and commitment to crafting exceptional wines.
Staglin Family Vineyards: Winemaker Matt Peterson poured a trio of outstanding wines. The 2023 Salus Chardonnay was fresh and lively, with notes of tropical fruit and a creamy texture. The 2021 Salus Cabernet Sauvignon delivered structured tannins with ripe plum and black currant, while the 2018 Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon was opulent, with layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and a velvety finish with eucalyptus and mint undertones. Each wine reflected Staglin’s focus on sustainability and quality.
Hundred Acre: Dana Madison, Western Regional Sales Manager, presented a selection that captivated the palate. The 2021 Fortunate Son: The Dreamer Cabernet Sauvignon was rich and velvety, while the 2024 Summer Dreams Pinot Noir was vibrant and perfectly balanced.
No wine event is complete without cuisine to match the caliber of the wines, and Chef Kelli Crosson’s culinary team delivered perfection. Guests were welcomed with sliders featuring Cardiff Crack, salmon salad on croissants, and portobello mushrooms. Inside the main room, an expansive charcuterie table with premium meats, cheeses, crackers, and dried fruits set the stage.
The carving station stole the spotlight with venison lollipops and spice-crusted prime rib, served with a creamy horseradish sauce that added the perfect touch. Outside, the culinary team impressed guests with lamb and mushroom flatbreads baked to perfection at 700 degrees. Another room offered fresh oysters and colossal shrimp. Chef Crosson’s team ensured every dish elevated the evening.
Reflecting on the night, Beyond the Cellar was a wine lover’s paradise. With extraordinary wines, engaging winery representatives, and impeccable food in an unbeatable setting, it was truly a highlight of my decade in wine writing. If anything, I wish it lasted an hour longer to visit every booth. For anyone passionate about wine and food, this is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars for future Beyond the Cellar events at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
— Story by Rico Cassoni
Wine Bytes
San Diego’s Bahia Resort, Catamaran Resort, and The Lodge at Torrey Pines offer festive holiday getaways featuring themed décor, family-friendly activities, and seasonal dining. Highlights include the Jingle Belle Cruises on Mission Bay, gingerbread house displays, Polynesian and Westminster carolers, and Santa meet-and-greets. The Lodge enchants with its cozy holiday ambiance, while the Catamaran hosts a tropical Parade of Lights event. Guests can enjoy lavish Christmas feasts and New Year’s Eve celebrations, including cruises and prix fixe dinners. Seasonal savings on stays and Cyber Monday deals are available. Visit their websites for details and reservations.
Rico Cassoni is the executive producer for Taste of Wine and Food. Cassoni and founder/advisor Frank Mangio, a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator, are two of the leading reviewers on the web. View their columns at tasteofwineandfood.com. Reach them at [email protected].
