Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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(L-R) Kunal and Neeta Mittal, and Team LXV of LXV Wines
Spice makes everything nice, and for Neeta and Kunal Mittal, co-owners of LXV Winery in Paso Robles, it’s an integral part of the wine tasting experience.   Named by USA Today as one of the 10 best wine tasting experiences in the US, LXV offers a very unique way to experience their wines.  “The LXV Experience” combines wine tasting and flavor pairings, small plates with spice blends that can “mirror, complement, or contrast” with the flavors in the wines, transcending the traditional wine tasting experience.  For the Mittals, by pushing boundaries, the sensory flow of aromas and flavors are magnified, and you can understand the wine in the glass better.
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Neeta Mittal shares their journey of wine in LXV
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​Over a decade in the making, LXV is a dream come true for Neeta and Kunal.  The couple met at UC Berkeley, where Neeta was completing an engineering degree, and discovered they shared an intense love of travel, food and wine.  Neeta loved experimenting with flavors in her cooking, inspired by her childhood back in India.  Her mother, Meena, inspired Neeta to connect with her Indian heritage, blending the analytical with the creative.  Neeta, who was writing and producing in Los Angeles, wanted to create her own story.  Instinctively, she felt the connection with wine, and the dream was conceived.
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It was a happy turn of fate when Neeta and Kunal came upon Paso Robles wine country.  Kunal, who was a Chief Technology Officer of a company and also a licensed pilot, tried to fly into Central California for a visit, but fog detoured them to Paso Robles.  They went wine tasting, something that had become a big part of their lives, and as Kunal says, “Paso was love at first sight”.  The plan was hatched, they moved to Paso because of this strong bond to the people, culture and wine.  But they weren’t content to just live the life, they had a goal of making their own wine, fashioned after their travel favorites, Napa, Bordeaux and Tuscany.  Initially, when the Mittals launched LXV, they started with Rhône varietals, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and GSMs.  But their hearts were with Bordeaux varietals.  So, with encouragement and help from the local winemaking community, including Ron Denner of Denner Vineyards, the Mittals bought a property in the Willow Creek District.  Today, they have a new vineyard in that appellation, Armaa.N, which translates to “Dreams”, planted to Bordeaux and Italian varietals and organically farmed.  Their first harvest is this year, with these wines, under a different label, to be released in a few years.
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Neeta Mittal of LXV Wines, Courtesy of LXV Winery
​LXV is the Roman numerals for 65, which has deep significance for Neeta and Kunal.  There are 64 arts of living, or "Kalas", written about in ancient Indian scriptures.  The 65th art is the LXV wine story and guest experience, because LXV is dedicated to “heightening the senses through beautifully crafted wines and spice pairings”.  The Mittals have distinguished themselves with their unique take on traditional wine tasting.  But that’s not the only distinction.  Neeta is one of the first Indian women to own a winery in the US, something that has put a spotlight on not just the wine, but the interplay of culture and inspiration in creating the final product, from the labels to the wines.
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This past Spring, I was invited to the LXV Winery tasting room in downtown Paso Robles, along with other wine writers, to experience their Indian food and wine pairing, before embarking on a three day Wine Writers Educational Tour of the region.  It was fascinating, starting with the intimate space of sapphire blue walls and Indian day beds, it was like wine tasting at someone’s home.  We were warmly greeted, as Kunal poured their 2021 LXV Rosé of Cabernet Franc, they explained their joy in sharing India’s rich heritage and their philosophy, “atithi devo bhava”, or “the divine visits us in the persona of a guest”.  And that was the beginning of a fascinating journey that pushed the boundaries of what we thought food and wine was all about, and how spice can enhance flavors in wine.
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LXV winemaker Jeff Strekas
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White Sangiovese!
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White Sangiovese barrel sample poured!
​Moving to an outside patio for our four course pairing, their winemaker, Jeff Strekas, joined us.  Strekas has lots of experience working with big red wines, but he also embraced the opportunity to do something new, and was intrigued by playing with some different varietals that Neeta and Kunal love.  For example, the Cabernet Franc Rosé was a special request from Kunal, and Neeta, who loves Sangiovese, challenged Strekas to produce a White Sangiovese!  Strekas talked about the journey of LXV wine and his collaboration with Neeta and Kunal.
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The following food and spice descriptors come directly from the menu provided to us.  Beginning with Samosas, “A favorite of all households to welcome guests”, a deep fried pastry stuffed with potatoes, and spiced with mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger and mango powder, dusted with chaat masala, a custom blend of cumin, coriander, carom and fennel seeds, to mention just a few of the ingredients, this is Neeta’s personalized blend.  The Cabernet Franc Rosé was a great pairing, and brought a new dimension to the wine, a round texture yet vibrant with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and baking spice.
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​Saag paneer, “If springtime in Punjab were a flavor”, spinach with coriander, cumin, and Hatch green chili, served alongside the 2021 LXV Sauvignon Blanc, which is refreshing while channeling tropical fruit notes of guava and pineapple, and stone fruit pastry, with a waxy mouthfeel.
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Biryani, “From the kitchens of the kings”, Chicken, with onion, ginger, garlic, whole spices (cardamom, clove, mace, saffron), and garam masala, paired with 2019 LXV Reserve Sangiovese, lush and dense with dark berry notes, savory with good acidity.
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Tikka Masala, “Brace yourself for the ruckus”, Chicken, paneer with tomato, turmeric, tandoori masala, and fenugreek leaves, served with the 2021 LXV Blanc De Sangiovese, yes, you read that right, White Sangiovese!  We tasted a barrel sample right before it was bottled, and it really confuses your brain.  It’s a white wine only because there was no skin contact with the grapes, the initial aromas are citrus and white stone fruit, but the flavors are Sangiovese, cherry and earth, with texture and body, a fascinating wine.
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​For the finale, another mind-blowing moment, dessert was fresh mango, sprinkled with Cherrywood Smoked Sea Salt, what a treat!  Another example of how spice transcends expectations!
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​According to the Mittals, pairing their wines with exotic flavors from all over the world deconstructs the wine while exposing its full potential.  The “energy and intensity keeps the food and the wine at the same tempo so that they last together in the dance”.  Neeta’s mother, Meena, purchases their herbs and spices in India, shipping them to Paso so that the Mittals can customize their spice blends.  It’s quite the creation, since there isn’t really a tradition of wine with Indian food, so this is very unique.
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​The spice experience allows you to focus through a prism the essence of LXV wine.  They consider themselves to be Bordeaux-inspired, Old World winemaking with New World fruit.  The Mittals and winemaker Jeff Strekas concentrate on terroir, finding the best vineyard sites to achieve the authentic expression of the varietal.  About a dozen wines are produced, spanning their current, reserve and library wine categories.  Cabernet Sauvignon plays a big part, but Sangiovese is gaining in popularity, I have to admit, I fell hard for the Reserve Sangiovese, it was mesmerizing.  And the labels are like jewels, so very beautiful.
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​Although LXV is a decade in the making, it seems that Neeta and Kunal Mittal are just getting started, weaving a tapestry of sensory experiences that offer a different perspective in how we taste wine.  Visiting LXV when in Paso Robles is a must, a way to broaden your wine tasting horizons while drinking fabulous wine.