march + april 2022 bestofheights.com
Cowboy Up Rodeo Returns A University’s Reckoning of Its Past Choosing A Cab Real Estate Roundup Financial Advice The Buzz Is Back Art Festival at Memorial Park
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
FINANCIAL FOCUS
26-29 DISCOVERING DARIOUSH NAPA VALLEY CABERNET REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP SAUVIGNON THE PRINCE OF PIZZA
30-31
THE BUZZ
PRODUCTION
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6 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
Publisher’s Letter
O
A Nod To Compromise
ne only needs to stroll through the pristine grounds of Rice University to sense its hallowed grounds. The University has had a reckoning of its past come front and center of the Rice campus where the infamous and controversial William Marsh Rice statue stands alone. Rice founder William Marsh Rice was a successful businessman and an enslaver in the 1860s and reportedly served on the Harris County Slave Control. Rice was also an eminent philanthropist, and for this, his statue has maintained his place at the center of Rice’s campus for decades. History records misgivings. The people have spoken, and the trustees listened and responded. What started as a minor campus revolt has led to a monumental change approved by the Rice Board of Trustees. The new Rice University redesign will move the outmoded statue to a new location on campus where it will no longer be “the singular point of attraction.” Relocating rather than doing away with the figure seems a just and workable compromise that pays homage to a person with a storied past. The University and its Trustees reached what I sure seem a difficult situation with a just settlement. In other news, the Rice Board of Trustees selected Reginald DesRoches, who is now serving as school provost, to be the University’s next president beginning in June. DesRoches, born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is the first immigrant, first Black man to lead the private research university. Understanding the contributions of a great philanthropist and his failings is a compromise fit for justice. While we don’t relinquish the past, we can certainly acknowledge the truth and correct as best we can. Compromise can be a good thing.
8 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
Val Arbona
REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS
RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
David Michael Young Broker Associate, CLHMS, CNE, GREEN
Compass RE Texas
(713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR
Luxury Home Insurance (281) 224-0762 www.carrieousley.com
Real Estate Professionals Serving the Houston Luxury Home Community w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Genevieve Rowland
REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM
Keller Williams Memorial
(281) 904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com
Dan Monson
Branch Manager/ Mortgage Banker/NMLS 302692
614 White Wing | Memorial Drive Acres
List Price $ 2,150,000 | MLS# 121532159496377
Dream Home sitting on over one acre in the middle of Houston. Modern Masterpiece, like new construction, with two-story tall Great Room boasting floor to ceiling windows. Resort-style pool, new HVAC, sewer, windows, roof, and much more. Award-winning schools, shopping, restaurants, and parks. Genevieve Rowland | Keller Williams | 281-904-7014
Sente Mortgage
(713) 480-1061 dan.monson@sentemortgage.com
Joanne Naponic Broker/Owner
Naponic Properties
5655 Locke Ln | Briarcroft
List Price $1,495,000 | MLS# 83962829
Large open living areas with modern, clean finishes, high ceilings, tons of natural light, hardwoods throughout. First floor includes primary bedroom, gourmet kitchen, study, wine grotto, utility / mud room & butler’s pantry. Second floor has 3 bedrooms, gameroom, den and computer nook. Garage apt has full bath, kitchen and W/D. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453
12 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2021
(713) 515-3805 JoanneNaponicProperties.com
Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner
Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com
Beverly Smith
CLHMS Lake Conroe Specialist
Coldwell Banker Realty
(713) 569-2113 www.lakeconroebeverlysmith.com
James Selig
Broker Associate, CLHMS, CRS
Keller Williams Realty Memorial (409) 256-1274 www.GreaterHouston LuxuryRealEstate.com
Th e G r e at e r H o u s t o n L u x u ry H o m e C o n n e c t i o n w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Mariana Saldana
Wendy Cline
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
Wendy Cline Properties Group
Broker Associate
Broker/Owner
(832) 338-4040 (281) 858-3451 www.uptownrealestategroup.com www.findsouthcentraltxproperties.com
Sharon Yeary
Debbie Strudler
Broker, ABR, CNHS, CRNH CRB, CRS, ePRO, GRI, RENE, SRES, SRS, TACS
Broker, ABR, CNE, CLHMS, GRI
(832) 388-9945 www.SharcomRealty.com
(713) 254-2806 www.dstrudlerhomes.com
Sharcom Realty
Sima Dalvandi
CLHMS, ABR, Realtor
Keller Williams Southwest
(832) 630-7605 www.ezhomerealestate.com
Debbie Strudler Fine Properties, LLC
1511 Ruth St | Museum District
List Price $879,900 | MLS# 88264164
Modern/Contemporary 4 story home in Museum District with Downtown views. Oak wood and stained concrete floors - no carpet. High ceilings. Gourmet island kitchen with stainless steel Bosch appliance package. Gameroom on 4th floor has full bath and two large terraces - one has Downtown views and water/gas connections. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453
Ken Jacobson
CMPS NMLS# 215044 Branch Manager
Republic State Mortgage (281) 369-5535 www.kenjacobson.com
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CARRIE OUSLEY, CIC, CISR
VICE PRESIDENT 281.224.0762 | www.carrieousley.com carrie.ousley@hubinternational.com
EVENTS
ARTS +
EVENTS Bayou City Art Festival Celebrating 50 Years at Memorial Park Announces Nonprofit Partners Bayou City Art Festival, produced by Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), returns to Memorial Park for the 50th Anniversary celebration to benefit six local nonprofit partners for the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on Friday – Sunday, March 2527, 2022, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. featuring 300 artists from around the country representing 19 different disciplines. FEATURED ARTIST: Daryl Thetford Daryl’s work has been described as graphic, modern, pop, and contemporary, although what to actually call the process has been a larger source of debate; it has been called photo collage, digital art, and digital mixed media. The process begins with Thetford selecting a single, original photographic image followed by a digital layering and combining of dozens of additional original photographs. It is a process that takes an average of 40 hours. His resulting images range from culturally familiar individual pieces to more esoteric series’ based on man’s inner struggle with modern society or the human sense of isolation in the noise of the modern world. Thetford then creates a mixed-media piece using this printed image to create one-of-a-kind paintings using torn and weathered handmade paper, various artist mediums, and acrylic paint. Daryl currently lives with his wife Dana Shavin, a celebrated writer and artist, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Greater Heights Celebrates Opening, Snips Ribbon with Clinic Leadership Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Greater Heights providers and staff welcomed clinic leadership to a ribbon cutting celebration held on Dec. 16. The new Greater Heights location is a 22,000-square-foot clinic on 610 North Loop near the intersection of U.S. Highway 290. This location will serve new and current patients living in Greater Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and other communities located along the North Loop. Greater Heights Clinic has room for up to 10 providers and offers comprehensive primary care for adults. 12 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
From left to right: Kenneth Janis, M.H.A./M.B.A., Chief Operating Officer; Tyrone Johnson, Clinic Administrator, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Greater Heights; Courtney Sutherland, M.D., Managing Physician, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Greater Heights; James Hoyle, Jr., M.D., F.A.A.P., F.S.A.H.M., Medical Director of Clinic Operations; John Lyle, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Service Lines; Brinda Springfield, Senior Director of Ambulatory Clinics; Aaron Carlson, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services.
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R a y
S a l t i The Prince of Pizza,
founder of multiple
by Marene Gustin
R
ay Salti is a pizza lover. So much so that he’s spent the last three decades building a family owned and operated pizza province that now stretches from Houston to surrounding counties with 16 locations, nine of which are family owned and seven that are franchised. Originally from Jerusalem, Salti attended Manhattan College and graduated with a degree in business marketing from Southern Illinois University, before settling in Texas, where his wife Rima is from. It was her brother that started a little pizza place in Sugar Land in 1990 where Salti came in as a partner, and, a year later, bought him out. That Pepperoni’s was the beginning of a foodie empire. “People think it happened overnight,” says Salti. “But I didn’t open the second location until 1997. I spent a decade on the line making pizzas, cleaning bathrooms and everything else.” But the family business continued to grow, as people fell in love with the concept of fast takeaway and delivery pizzas made from better ingredients. Salti and family still go to food shows and talk to suppliers searching for the best and healthiest ingredients. Pepperoni’s uses Di Napoli Italian tomato products, natural wheat flour, and whole milk cheese. Despite the problems of the pandemic the last two years, Salti’s family business has done well. “Even before the pandemic,” he says, “we were switching to updated technology. We went to a central call center for all the locations,” But things such as staffing shortages did impact the company. “We had a difficult time getting delivery drivers,” he says, due in part to the increase 14 | HEIGHTS |March + April 2022
in delivery apps. But the company does a lot to hang on to employees. “We try to create a culture of loyalty,” Salti says. “We pay vacation time and have a retirement plan and health accounts they can buy into.” But pizza seemed almost pandemic proof. Currently Salti has 25 signed leases for franchises. He’s simplified the franchisee menus to piazzas, wings, and salads so that mom and pop operators can basically run the stores with little staffing. His Upper Kirby Bollo Woodfired Pizza, a sit-down restaurant and wine bar opened in 2015, actually underwent a dining room redo and added a second wood-burning oven direct from Napoli last year. Salti’s three sons work in the business as well, but Salti doesn’t see retirement in his future any time soon. “I can delegate more,” he says. “And just make the major decisions.” It’s a far cry from the early days of making pizzas and running that first restaurant, but it also gives him time to give back to the community with rewards programs and fundraising events for local school districts and charities. When visiting or ordering from your local Pepperoni’s you can enjoy fresh salads and some spicy wings, or for a sweet treat, the Tiramisu, the iconic coffee-flavored Italian dessert. But the real stars on the menu are the pizza pies. Pepperoni’s offers signature pizzas such as vegetarian and a traditional Margherita all the way to a meat lovers topped with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, beef, and Italian sausage. Or you can build your own with a vast array of toppings. They even offer gluten-free pies and will try to accommodate other diet restrictions so that everyone can enjoy a good pizza. “I probably eat pizza about once a week,” Salti admits. His favorite? A very simple design. “Sometimes I eat toppings, but the best is just cheese pizza,” he says. “It’s a classic, just dough, cheese, and sauce. That way you can really taste the ingredients.” Pepperoni’s | pepperonis.net
FOOD
March + April 2022
| HEIGHTS | 15
BRIARGROVE
T
he Briargrove subdivision was established in 1948 on the old Peckham family farm, which was miles beyond Houston’s city limits at the time. While most of the original 1 story, ~2,000 SF single family homes
by David Michael Young
have been renovated, many have been torn down to make way for much larger 2 story homes that compete with the estates in nearby Tanglewood. At the heart of this neighborhood of approximately 900+ homes is the
blue-ribbon Briargrove Elementary School, which is one of the major draws for families moving to this neighborhood. Other benefits enjoyed by Briargrove residents are the community pool, clubhouse and play area, and 24/7 courtesy patrol service. No longer on the outskirts of town, Briargrove is served very well by the shops and restaurants in Uptown/Galleria. According to HARMLS, there were 75 sales of single family homes in Briargrove in 2021 ranging $500,000 to $2,250,000 and averaging $1,096774 ($340/SF) – 8.3% higher than 2020. David Michael Young, Broker Associate Compass RE Texas david@youngrealtyhouston.com / 713-320-6453
THE HEIGHTS
T
he Heights, a diverse small town community “Inside the Loop” was developed in the 1890’s by its founders Oscar Martin Carter and Daniel Denton Cooley who were the principals of the Omaha and South Texas Land Company. These midwestern investors were drawn to the higher elevation of the area and purchased 1,700 acres of land. With electrification, the developers could expand further from downtown Houston with the use of the city’s street car system. The Heights became the city’s first large, 16 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
by Amanda & Rich Anhorn
planned community and existed separate from Houston until it was annexed in 1918. Today the Heights has much to offer its residents, including one of Houston’s grandest boulevards, home of a 3 mile walking trail, majestic trees and public art sculptures. The Heights architecture ranges from Texas Victorians, turn-of-the-century bungalows and new developments. Other amenities the Heights offers are exemplary schools, acres of parks, miles of
trails, an exploding restaurant scene, live entertainment, antique stores and offbeat boutiques. In recent years, portions of the Heights have been designated as historic, which has preserved the original character of the neighborhood. If you have bought or are thinking of purchasing a home in the Heights then you’ve made a wise decision. Single family homes range from $350,0002,500,000 with standard lot sizes ranging from 4,400 square feet up to 7,500
TOO GOOD TO WAIT FOR FRIDAY
square feet. The amount of single- family sales for 2021 was over 1,600 transactions with an average price per square foot of $265. Townhomes mostly exist on the outer boundaries of the Heights and range from $310,000-$600,000. In 2021 there were 210 transactions with a price per square foot of $202. Lots are still in high demand but year by year they are becoming scarce in the Heights with prices ranging from $200,000$1,350,000 with an average price around $66 a square foot. In 2021, there were 46 lots that sold. If you’re in the rental market there is a wide variety to choose from including garage apartments which start around $775 a month to luxury homes up to $7,500 a month. Amanda & Rich Anhorn Greenwood King Properties 713.255.5123 anhorn@grenwoodking.com Top Producer 2004-2021
INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS by Jessica McCreary
H
At Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine, we love our fish. During the Lenten season, we’re featuring our favorite fresh fish dishes, broiled, blackened, and grilled, delicously prepared to order - Friday and everyday. For dine-in reservations or online to-go orders go to: EugenesHouston.com or call 713.807.8883
1985 Welch Street Houston, Texas 77019 Open Monday thru Saturday: Lunch 11:00am to 2:30pm | Dinner 4:00pm to 10:00pm Open Saturday 11:00am to 10:00pm | Saturday Brunch 11:00am to 3:00pm | Closed Sunday
18 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
ouston’s newest “hot spot” for new construction is called Independence Heights. This area is conveniently located North of the Houston Heights, just outside the 610 Loop. The Super Neighborhood, created by the City of Houston, drew its borders as Tidwell to the North, Shepherd Drive to the West, 610 to the South and 45 to the East. Similar to the Heights, this area is rich with history. The area started to develop in 1908 by Wright Land Company. But a little-known fact is that in 1915, Independence Heights was incorporated and became the first African American municipality in Texas. Then in 1929, the community was annexed by the City. Ever since the area suffered heavy damage by Hurricane Ike in 2008, it has been on the brink of revitalization, ironically with the help of federal funding that has been used to redevelop this historic commu-
nity and it’s schools over the last decade. The trend towards new construction really started to hit back in 2014 to 2015, when the median price per square foot more than doubled! Back in 2018, the Houston Chronicle said this area “has it all” and cited a study conducted by Redfin, who ranked neighborhoods based on what Buyers are looking for: good schools, lots of inventory to choose from, transit options, good commute times, relatively low crime and of course, affordability. Independence Heights ended up ranking 13 out of 25 in their nation-wide study. One could almost say Independence Heights is Houston’s “hidden gem”. In general, most do not recognize the name of the area. But once the surroundings and borders are depicted, they quickly react in revelation. Most notably, the development of a Whole Foods 365 at 610 & Yale has prompted other businesses to take a risk in this “up-and-coming” location of town. This year, Lamar Builders will break
ground in early March for its newest development called Yale Heights, just off Marathon. This 43-home, gated, luxury community will be the first of its kind for the Independence Heights area. The common area will include a serene creek and private walking trail. Lamar plans to build two and three-story single-family homes with first-floor living. The three-story modern farmhouses will be a 4 bedroom product, which is very rare for the area. Starting in the low $400’s, these are guaranteed to go fast! And with
new construction starting to sprout directly to the West of Shepherd, there’s an almost guaranteed appreciation over the next 5-10 years. For 2017, the average sales price for a lot was $45,316. In 2019, that jumped to $62,954. And with all the continued development, the streets have been repaired and are in great shape. So, the proper infrastructure is there to ensure sustainable progress. Jessica McCreary is Broker /Owner of HTX Living, LLC. p. 713 408.3185
YOUR HEIGHTS REALTOR
Kasia McCormick REALTOR
602 E 10th 1/2 Street
Heights | 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,232 Sq.Ft. House| 6,250 Sq.Ft. Lot
(773) 332-0087 kasiamccormick.com
March + April 2022
| HEIGHTS | 19
MEMORIAL VILLAGES
H
istorically speaking, The Memorial area has always been one of the most desirable areas in Houston to live and invest in real estate. It has retained its value through Houston’s good times and bad and has been a haven for families and businesses since the 1950’s. As an example, my grandparents bought a home off Memorial Drive back in the 50’s for $55,000 before Loop 610 was built. They sold their home in the 80’s for around $450,000. The lot alone is now worth approximately $2.5 million dollars! Boasting picturesque tree-lined streets, award-winning schools, acclaimed restaurants, shopping, and some of the best medical facilities in the world, its location is ideal for those wanting a short commute to all points in Houston while giving the feeling of living in a secure and heart-warming small town. Having grown up in the area and attending Hunter’s Creek Elementary, where my Aunt Genevieve also attended, it was one of the happiest times of my life biking up and down the safe streets, playing in the parks, and exploring the trails along the creeks and bayous. This is most certainly evident in all of The Villages that make up part of the area: Hunters Creek, Piney Point, Hedwig
and Bunker Hill. These neighborhoods have minimal commercial intrusion with many lots ranging from ½ acre to 3-4 acres each. Regardless of your style, familial status, or working situation, there is something here for everyone. According to HARMLS market (this does not include off market sales), there were 111 sales of single family homes in 2021 throughout the 4 villages South of I-10. The supply was very low which helped set record sales. The low was $610,000 and a high of $6,00,000 and an average of $2,136,484 ($390.10/SF) with an average size of 5,480 sqft. Only 36 of these homes were built since 2000 as compared to 55 from last year. Again citing a very strong seller’s market. While there is a lot of new construction in the area, there are still many ranch, traditional, colonial and contemporary style homes that have been or will be re-
RIVER OAKS
by Genevieve Rowland
modeled by their new owners. The Luxury market this past year was amazingly strong. According to HAR (Houston Association of Realtors) on Feb 9th, “Homes priced from $1 million and above drew the greatest sales volume increase for the month, registering a 52.2 percent year-overyear gain. The $500,000 to $1 million housing segment came in second place, surging 47.1 percent.” Low interest rates, people wanting more from their homes with the changing working environment, savings due to lack of traveling, and experienced real estate advisors, have all helped contribute to the success. People demand more in their homes now more than ever, and The Villages can most certainly deliver! Genevieve Rowland | A Top Producer with Keller Williams Memorial by David Michael Young
A
s you drive north on Kirby Dr from San Felipe St, it becomes immediately evident that you have entered Houston’s premier neighborhood of River Oaks. The 10,000+ SF estates lots that are ½ to 2 acres would impress visitors from anywhere. And those are not the most impressive of the homes in River Oaks. For those we need to drive down River Oaks Blvd and Inwood Dr west of Kirby. With a buy-in price of $1 million and previous non-MLS sales in excess of $30 million, this genteel neighborhood is home to many of Houston’s wealthiest families. Established in the 1920s by Houston’s famous Hogg family and anchored by the exclusive River Oaks Country Club, the River Oaks subdivision of roughly 1,300 homes was primarily built out in the 1920s and 1930s. 20 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
Most of these homes were designed and built by renowned architects and builders, and have been preserved over the years by consecutive owners. There is also plenty of newly constructed homes in River Oaks. Many of the highest priced homes are not listed in MLS, but according to HARMLS, there were 111 sales of single family homes in the River Oaks Area
(including Tall Timbers, Homewood, Royden Oaks, and Avalon Place) in 2021 ranging $619,000 to $9,500,000 and averaging $3,332,519 ($569/SF) – 1.5% higher than 2020. David Michael Young, Broker Associate, Compass RE Texas david@youngrealtyhouston.com 713-320-6453
MORE COMMUNITIES. MORE CONNECTED CARE.
TANGLEWOOD
T
anglewood has been one of Houston’s most exclusive, desirable and wealthiest neighborhoods in Houston, TX. This neighborhood is one of the Houston’s most beautiful areas due to its tree-lined streets and the Boulevard which runs down the center of Tanglewood Blvd. The architecture in Tanglewood consists mostly of Traditional and Mediterranean style homes. The neighborhood was once even rewarded as one of the five best-planned neighborhood subdivisions in the country!
4302 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77027 (713) 623-6321 22 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
by Debbie Strudler
Tanglewood Real Estate Overview: • Currently there are currently 47 homes for sales in Tanglewood. • The average price of the $2.695,000. • The average square feet of the homes in Tanglewood are 6,314. • The media lots size in Tanglewood is 17,103 • There are currently 7 homes for lease in Tanglewood. • The average rent in Tanglewood is $12,328 at an average price of $2.08 per square foot. Real estate in Tanglewood is premium. Tanglewood homes consist of single family homes. The average selling price for a home in this neighborhood is $2,695,000. Tanglewood is known for having oversized lots that average well over 17,103 square feet and the beautiful oak tree lined streets. Tanglewood properties are among the most expensive in Houston. Debbie Strudler, Broker Debbie Strudler Fine Properties 713-254-2806 debbie@dstrudlerfineproperties.com www.dstrudlerhomes.com
Mon - Thurs: 11am to 9pm Fri - Sat: 11am to 10pm Sun: 12pm to 9pm
WEST UNIVERSITY
by Caroline Bean
N
estled just to the west of Rice University, West University Place is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Houston. Stretching just over 2 miles, West U has managed to retain its small-town feel in the middle of a big city. Developed in 1917, the neighborhood still exhibits some of the original bungalow designs but has also made way for newer constructions. West University has shown some of the strongest appreciation in land value over the past 10 years in the city of Houston. Most commonly known for its street names – resembling universities across the country, the neighborhood has strong educational ties. This makes the “Neighborhood City” an ideal spot for living, working and raising a family. The community manages neighborhood parks, pools, recreation center, library, and much more. No wonder West University has been named one of the best neighborhoods in Houston!
The West U real estate market has been off to a hot start in 2022! Single-Family homes are going quick with multiple offers. Here is a brief overview of West University Real Estate Stats: • Current Active Listings: 65 • Average List Price: $1,481,882 • Average List Price/SqFt Ratio: 434 • 2021 Sales: 411
• Average Sale Price: 1,496,250 • Average List Price/SqFt Ratio: $422 *All information per HAR MLS. Caroline Bean is a Houston native, Broker Associate and Top Producer at Compass RE Texas. caroline.bean@compass.com 713.206.4114
Celebrating 50 Years in Houston Making Dreams Come True
The Shoppes At Memorial Villages 1022 Wirt Road, #308 • Houston, TX 77055 713.627.8970 • cabinetsanddesigns.net March + April 2022
| HEIGHTS | 23
FOCUS Financial Health Checkup: Investing in Q2 Financial
W
ith the first quarter of 2022 in the books, many Americans have started tackling their investment-focused new year resolutions in order to preserve their assets and wealth. However, that doesn’t mean the planning and evaluating is complete. As we kick off the second quarter, now is a good time to revisit – or review for the first time – your investment objectives and goals as part of your financial plan to ensure you stay on track for the year. At Frost, we recommend clients do this twice a year and adjust plans as needed to protect and grow wealth. As you take on this task, here are four areas where extra attention may pay off:
• Retirement planning
If you are one of millions of Americans who have experienced major career events in the past two years, like a job change or voluntary exit from the workforce, you should consider how this change may impact your goals and plans for
24 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
By Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Bank
retirement. Review your expectations of income over the current period and into retirement. Additionally, make sure your asset allocation still matches your investment objectives and risk tolerance. You should also consider adjusting your contributions to a 401k or IRA if your income has changed.
• Reupping savings and examining equity
While investing for long-term growth is key to a healthy financial future, it is also important to have easy access to a liquid emergency fund (enough to cover 3-6 months of living expenses is recommended) to handle unexpected situations. Check your liquid balances and start setting a little extra aside, if necessary. In addition, consider how to best use debt to your advantage. With interest rates still at historic lows, this may be a good time to use your home equity to invest in growing your business or remodeling your kitchen, either of which could pay you back handsomely.
• Estate planning
As you begin estate planning for the future, ensure your banking and investment accounts are titled to align with what is detailed in your estate plan. Additionally, as you are reviewing your financial accounts and insurance policies, take an extra few minutes to review your beneficiaries and make sure those listed still reflect your wishes. Review your will, family trusts and power of attorney and decide whether they require an update. Finally, don’t forget that the current estate and gift tax exemption ends in 2025, which means the exemption will drop to a $5 million cap. Frost specialists in banking, investments and insurance can help you navigate the year ahead and ensure that your financial plan is still aligned with your goals. As always, we are here to help you improve and preserve your financial health for today and the future. Financial health is just a call or a click away.
Would you like to talk to a financial professional? Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com. Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank. Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank. Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance. Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC. Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.
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March + April 2022
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Discovering Darioush Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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By Virginia Billeaud Anderson
n the last issue, I shared my discovery at Spec’s Wines of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. The wine had a smooth, full-bodied taste and was surprisingly inexpensive. Readers learned about the winery, the location and age of the vines, and some fun history about winemaking in Burgundy. Hearing the article boosted sales of the Pinot made me want to share another discovery. This time I’m coming at you with a Napa Valley Cab.
My friend John is a formidable host. While hanging out in his kitchen one night, he yanked from his stash a bottle of Darioush Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and said, “A friend turned me on to it. It’s a big ass wine with fruit forward, you don’t have to wait for it.” When the Cab hit my throat, I experienced a moment of utter happiness, like the night I heard Sinatra at Caesars, or climbed a mountain in Crete and saw the sea above North Africa. I located the big ass wine in the Montrose neighborhood HEB, locked in a cabinet with double padlocks. Labeled “Highly Rated,” HEB sells the Darioush Cab’s 2018 vintage for $135.67. While assisting me, HEB’s wine guy Rich had an ex-
Darioush winery Napa Valley vineyards 26 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
pression of awe. “It’s such a fine wine.” Darioush Winery prefers to sell “in house” to hotels and restaurants, Rich explained, but sells to HEB because of its volume. Kroger in Montrose had the Cab, and the locked cabinet. Lacking “supply chain” disruptions, Total Wine near West University, and Spec’s Wines downtown sell the Cab. My next step was to check Darioush winery’s website to learn the location of the vines. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are in the southern part of Napa Valley where warm days and cool nights cause grapes to retain acidity. More precisely, on Darioush estate vineyards located in the Napa Valley, Mount Veeder and Coombsville Appelations, just south of famed Stags Leap. Wine nerds know that Napa wines gained prominence after a Stags Leap Cabernet left French producers in the dust in a 1976 Paris wine competition. “Wine Enthusiast” called the Darioush Cab “a robustly built, concentrated and grippy wine.” Another tasting note asserts, “A luxuriously thick and decadent wine integrated in tannin and oak with a length on the palate.” The bottle’s label reveals more. Its image of a fop with an artificially curled beard borrows from the ancient citadel of Persepolis, built by the Persian king Darius the Great in 515 BC. Persepolis’ monumental imperial architecture echoes the fact that Darius was the ruler of the largest empire in the world. The King of Kings claimed autobiographically to be the legitimate heir of Cyrus the Great, with the gods’ congratulatory thunder and lightning as proof, even if the historian Herodotus crawfished between legitimate and usurper. Two hundred years later, with Persia’s fifth century sack of the Athenian Acropolis stuck in his craw, Alexander retaliatorily plundered and burned Persepolis in 330 BC. Darioush winery’s Iranian born owner Darioush Khaledi, named for Darius, lived near ancient Persepolis. Khaledi nods to ancient Persia and his namesake King Darius with more than his bottle label. When Khaledi and his wife Shahpar founded Darioush
Darioush Khaledi and Steve Devitt Canopy management
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March + April 2022
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Darioush Khaledi, winer y owner
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300 National & International Artists
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19 Disciplines of art
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2 Entertainment Stages
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Active Imagination Zone
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Craft Beer & Wine Garden
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Art Installations & Exhibits
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Food Truck Park
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VIP Hospitality Lounge
www.bayoucityartfestival.com
winery in 1997, they designed their headquarters with architectural features inspired by Persepolis’ palaces, including Persian Achaemenid style columns with “double bull” capitals. Additionally, they named the estate’s southeast corner where the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines grow “Apadana Block,” after Persepolis’ ceremonial hall. Many millennia before Darius, Khaledi’s ancestral land practiced wine making. Khaledi’s birth city Shiraz was historically tied to viticulture, with evidence of grape cultivation dating to 2500 BC. In Shiraz, Khaledi’s father harvested grapes and made homemade wine. As a kid, Khaledi would sneak sips. Significantly, archaeological findings in Northern Iran’s Zagros Mountains prove winemaking was practiced 7000 years ago, in the Neolithic era. Wine deposits dating to 5000 BC are the oldest recorded. Khaledi fancies himself part of this history. In Shiraz, important moments with family were centered on wine and hospitality. Until the Islamic Revolution waylaid hooch in 1979. Iranian wineries shuttered because despotic clerics thought they could
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28 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
vanquish 7000 years of wine history by outlawing alcohol. A civil engineer, Khaledi had built a successful Iranian construction business, which he lost to the new regime, along with money and real estate. But he owned a California grocery store, so he started over. While Iranian morality police were detaining unveiled women and mullahs were hissing about Western decadence, Khaledi was expanding into a lucrative chain. Back on top, he parlayed his love of drinking excellent Bordeaux in France into a Napa Valley winery. This guy is dead serious about the American dream, and about providing chances for others. He came here, “seeking opportunity, freedom and personal liberty.” He’s also dedicated to exposing others to Iran’s art and culture, a reason he sponsored the Victoria & Albert Museum’s 2021 Persian arts exhibition. So interesting to see on the winery’s website quotes by the poet Rumi, who like Omar Khayyam, the regime censored and banned for degeneracy. Darioush.com @darioushwinery
Darioush iW ner y Columns with Double Bull capitals
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3801 Kirby Drive, Suite 100 Houston, TX (713) 520-6090 | qctailors.com March + April 2022
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Betty Tutor and Ann Ayre
Beth Wolff, Margaret Alkek Williams, Bill Stubbs and Cheryl Byington
John and Regina Mangum
Susan and Denis DeBakey
Houston Symphony Hosts 2022 Ball: The Symphony World in Harmony
Alex Blair and Mark Grace
Eric and Lisa Lindsey Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield
Leslie Siller
30 | HEIGHTS | March + April 2022
The Houston Symphony hosted the 2022 Symphony Ball: The Symphony World in Harmony at The Post Oak at Uptown Houston. The evening featured a gourmet multi-course dinner by the hotel’s Executive Chef Jean-Luc Royere, with wine pairings selected by Lindy and John Rydman of Spec’s. The evening began with the presentation of the 2022 Symphony Ball honorees: Margaret Alkek Williams, recipient of the Lifetime of Philanthropy Award; Janet F. Clark, recipient of the Ima Hogg Philanthropy Award; and John Mangum, recipient of the Raphael Fliegel Award for Visionary Leadership. Event chairs Cheryl Byington, Bull Stubbs and Beth Wolff welcomed guests. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live music from the Dave Bennet Quartet. The event culminated with an acoustic performance by legendary rocker Sammy Hagar, accompanied by his longtime guitarist Vic Johnson. The annual ball supports the Houston Symphony’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement initiatives.
Beth Zdeblick and Hallie Vanderhider
Dr. Robert and Dr. Mary Ann Wilkins
Photos: Wilson Parish & Priscilla Dickson
Gwen McMurry, Carey Kirkpatrick, Lil Kades and Megan Ryan
Aisha Jokhio, Yoon Smith and Alice Mao Brams
Taft McWhorter
Kolby & Emily Wahl 2021-22 Executive Committee: From L to R, Sameka Wood, Mimi Blomberg, Jennifer Weinstock, Jennifer Scheifley Roberts, Megan Ryan, Anne Sears, Sara-Nell Van Lant.
The Junior League of Houston 74th Annual Charity Ball
Rebecca Morgan, Emily Scott, Jennifer Weinstock, Valorie Colter, Mallory Williams Sydney & Barry Goss
Holly & Ryan Henry
Adam & Stephanie Massey, Brett & Kristen McDonald
After spending the past year apart, over 600 Junior League members, patrons and donors return ed home to the League for the highly-anticipated annual gala. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the Charity Ball committee and took in the stunning, Texas-inspired décor and florals while they sipped on specialty cocktails and perused silent auction items. Live auction items included trips to Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico, custom made “His + Hers” boots from Republic Boot Company and tickets to see none other than the king of country himself, George Strait. Closing out the evening, guests stepped the night away live music from The Grooves. Founded in 1925,The Junior League of Houston, Inc. has a mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Charity Ball has been an integral source of funding for the Junior League’s Community Program and volunteer initiatives since 1949. For more information, please visit www. jlh.org/.
Khizar & Zoya Hanif
Anne Sears, Jennifer Roberts
Jessica & Tony Essalih
Megan & Luke Hotze
Photos: Priscilla Dickson & Daniel Ortiz
Amanda Boffone, Jane Johnston, Amy Comiskey, Mimi Forester, Julie Comiskey
Walter Sassard, Ruchi Mukherjee
March + April 2022
| HEIGHTS | 31
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