Wine

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  • Why Does My Wine Taste Like Dirty Feet and Smell Like Band-Aids?

    The Wine'dUp
    Matthew
    14 Jan 2012 | 8:06 pm
    Last night, I was thrilled to open a bottle of 2007 Château Vaissière Minervois. This is a modestly-priced, beautifully-labeled red wine, and after eight very long hours of sitting through an interminable board meeting, I was ready to drift away on this wine’s buoyant aroma and flavor. True to wine etiquette, I poured the garnet liquid through an aerated pourer to ensure flavor development and even engaged in some hypnotic swirling to coax the aroma from the glass. Then, I inhaled deeply and was struck with the insulting aroma of Band-Aid. This was certainly not the gentle descent into…

  • Wine Social Media and the End of Average

    Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog
    Tom Wark
    25 Jan 2012 | 1:01 pm
    Today in the New York Times, Thomas Friedman writes about the era of "average" being over:  "Being average just won’t earn you what it used to. It can’t when so many more employers have so much more access to so much more above average cheap foreign labor, cheap robotics, cheap software, cheap automation and cheap genius." He's correct, it seems to me. Looking just at the amazing tools now available to wine marketers that are ALSO FREE and you get a sense that everyone does have to work harder. But working harder in wine marketing also means using those…

  • Austrian Wine Adventures; Part 9 – Going south to Eisenberg

    Wine Virtuosity
    Niklas Jorgensen
    22 Jan 2012 | 5:33 pm
    Besides hanging here, why not also give Wine Virtuosity a like on Facebook? Or perhaps send me a tweet? The season starts around mid-April and ends on the 24th of June. Spargelsaison. The Germans are crazy about their asparagus but I'm wondering if the Austrians isn't taking it even a step further? Don't get me wrong. Asparagus is great and next to a green salad drenched in a simple vinegar, it's one of my favorite starters. But when sitting in Wachter-Wiesler's restaurant, in Ratschen, it's almost a relief to see the spargel presented in purée form. Served with a dry-cured ham and a…

  • A Hearty Zin for the Holidays (Wine Spectator)

    WineSpectator.com: What we're drinking now
    5 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am
    Michael & David Phillips Zinfandel Lodi 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine 2008

  • Why You Will Be Drinking Tonight

    Spittoon
    Andrew Barrow
    16 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pm
    Why You Will Be Drinking TonightPersonally I thought today was just fine and dandy. It was going to be a ‘non-drinking day’ too but perhaps not if this Oddbins formula is to be believed… On the widely reported most depressing day of the year, Oddbins has calculated the likelihood we’ll reach for a glass of wine tonight – and the probability is looking high… Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, due to a combination of cold weather, lack of light, and possibly a lack of imagination on the part of the PR industry, the national wine merchant suggests we’ll choose to relax indoors…
 
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    GrapeRadio – Wine Talk Show

  • Alcohol and Balance – 2011 World of Pinot Noir Seminar

    GrapeRadio Bunch
    9 Jan 2012 | 5:51 pm
    Alcohol and Balance – could there be a more controversial issue for today’s wine geeks? Well, thankfully, the 2011 World of Pinot Noir held a seminar on this very contentious topic. Joining N.Y. Times columnist Eric Asimov as moderator, was an illustrious (and, we might add “balanced”) group of panel members: Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat), Adam Tolmach (The Ojai Vineyard), Josh Jensen (Calera), Rajat Parr (Sommelier and restaurateur), Adam Lee (Siduri), and Michael Browne (Kosta Browne). So, how are picking decisions made? And, how do these, in turn, affect the final alcohol level of…

  • Wine Mojo – 2011 Hospice du Rhone

    GrapeRadio Bunch
    2 Jan 2012 | 9:09 pm
    Another eagerly awaited seminar from the 2011 HdR was this in-depth look at the Central Coast wines of Joey Tensley (Tensley Wines) and the Sonoma County wines of Morgan Twain-Peterson (Bedrock Wine Co.). Many of the attendees were probably already familiar with Tensley’s wines, but this was a chance to get the seemingly taciturn winemaker talking about his methods. Although Twain-Peterson’s Bedrock wines have been a fairly hot topic on the internet boards of late, this was something of an introduction to his wines. The avatar/icon of both wineries is eerily similar –…

  • Conversation with Louis-Fabrice Latour, President of Maison Louis Latour

    GrapeRadio Bunch
    6 Dec 2011 | 12:54 pm
    Louis-Fabrice Latour is the seventh generation to run the family-owned Louis Latour business, taking over as President in 1999. Born in Beaune in 1964, he is the son of Louis Latour, current Chairman of Maison Louis Latour. Louis-Fabrice is president of the association of Burgundy négociants and president of the French national wine and spirit exporters association (FEVS). Louis Latour has been a négociant-éleveur since 1867, and today produces 105 different wines. The two sides of the business consist of Domaine Louis Latour (wines from Louis Latour’s own vineyard holdings in…

  • 2011 Hospice du Rhone Seminar – The Rhone Valley

    GrapeRadio Bunch
    31 Oct 2011 | 4:54 pm
    The first seminar from the 2011 Hospice du Rhone, was designed as an introduction to the Rhone Valley at large, the 2nd largest wine producing region in France. As with an introduction to anything, there is no way to fully cover the Rhone Valley in a single seminar. Thus, three producers were selected to discuss the region and present some of their wines. Michel Gassier discussed his Château De Nages. Michel described how his 70-hectares of Château de Nages is planted with Syrah, which seems to excel in the soil, creating dark, concentrated, tannic grapes, while the Grenache is reserved for…

  • The Rigorous Life of a Wine Critic: Josh Raynolds

    GrapeRadio Bunch
    4 Oct 2011 | 6:59 pm
    As the Assistant Editor of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (IWC) and a contributor to winophilia.com, Tanzer’s online wine magazine, Josh is a very busy guy. He has been responsible for the IWC’s annual reviews of the wines of California’s Sonoma Valley and Central Coast, Oregon, Chile, Spain, France’s Loire Valley, Champagne, Mâcon, Beaujolais, Rhône Valley and Australia. Jay Selman and Rusty Gaffney sit down with Josh at this year’s World of Pinot Noir where Josh was a guest moderator and discuss with him his life as a wine critic. In an open…
 
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    Vinography: A Wine Blog

  • Vinography Images: Moon Over Sonoma

    28 Jan 2012 | 12:11 am
    Moon Over Sonoma SONOMA COUNTY, CA: A full moon rises over an oak tree in Alexander Valley. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac users can also just click the image to open the full size view and drag that to their desktops. To set the image as your desktop wallpaper, Mac users should follow these instructions, while PC users should follow these. PRINTS: Fine art prints of this image and others are available at George Rose's web site:…

  • Gallo and Constellation Screwed by U.S. Tort Law

    24 Jan 2012 | 3:51 pm
    I'm sure I'm going to catch hell for this post from any number of quarters, but it needs to be said. Big wine companies are favorite punching bags for wine lovers that would never buy their products. Sometime's there's a good reason for this, like when they throw their weight around in the marketplace in ways that aren't exactly good for the industry. The bigger the company, the bigger the mistakes they can make as well. When they make mistakes, sometimes these companies can be hung out to dry simply because they have deep pockets. And that's exactly what seems to have just happened to Gallo…

  • The States of Wine Shipping

    24 Jan 2012 | 10:43 am
    'It will cost the economy thousands of jobs.' 'It will reduce tax revenues and destroy retailers.' 'It will result in an epidemic of teen drunk driving.' These were but a few of the vociferous arguments made on 5 January against a bill introduced to the New Jersey state legislature that merely proposed to allow New Jersey state wineries (of which there are now more than 40) to ship their wines to state residents, just like wineries in the neighbouring state of New York. The individuals offering these arguments were primarily representatives of the state's liquor wholesalers, who purportedly…

  • The Essence of Wine: Honey

    23 Jan 2012 | 11:53 pm
    Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch Sunshine, gathered from flowers by tiny apian efforts, forged into ambrosia that tasted of immortality to the Greeks and Egyptians. The alchemy of honey seems no less marvelous even to those that have braved the swarm to witness its creation. Like honey, wine serves to transmute the world's most basic elements into a form seductive and irresistible. When wines taste of honey they seem to taste of sunlight itself, a brightness that coats the mouth with a satin warmth and gently tugs at the heart like a summer breeze. The scents of honey wafting from a glass urge…

  • Book Review: Wine Wars by Mike Veseth

    21 Jan 2012 | 3:56 pm
    Review by Tim Patterson. A big part of wine's allure is that it is so many different things: a source of alcohol, a source of pleasure, a gateway for entry into the mystical, the erotic, the enlightened, the divine, the silly, and sometimes the idiotic. But for thousands of years, it has also been a commodity--and that's where this book comes in. Worrying about wine as a commodity seems uninspiring, even tawdry, compared, say, to worrying about the distinctive terroir of some patch of dirt in Alsace. But without the buying and selling, we'd all be home winemakers, wine production would still…
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    Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog

  • Witness the Best "Good News" Day for Wine in Months

    Tom Wark
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:27 pm
    Among the things I do every morning after the coffee is brewed is sit down and look through the various emails I receive the deliver aggregated wine news. Today, I opened the Wine Business Monthly Daily News Links email and saw these headlines: Wine Demand Outstripping Supply Forecast: Wine, grape prices to rise in 2012 Experts predict rebound in wine prices, plantings 2011 a vintage year for sales of California wine I then moved on to Wine Industry Insight's News Fetch for the day and saw this: Short California 2011 Winecrop Spurs Grower Prices Collectively, these stories amount to the…

  • Wine Social Media and the End of Average

    Tom Wark
    25 Jan 2012 | 1:01 pm
    Today in the New York Times, Thomas Friedman writes about the era of "average" being over:  "Being average just won’t earn you what it used to. It can’t when so many more employers have so much more access to so much more above average cheap foreign labor, cheap robotics, cheap software, cheap automation and cheap genius." He's correct, it seems to me. Looking just at the amazing tools now available to wine marketers that are ALSO FREE and you get a sense that everyone does have to work harder. But working harder in wine marketing also means using those…

  • Drink Natural Wine—Or Get a Bad Rash

    Tom Wark
    23 Jan 2012 | 6:08 pm
    I'm looking forward to reading the interview with Giuseppe Mascoli in the February issue of Drinks Business just so I can see how demeaning he can be and to determine how far out of the intellectual fringe he can sit when talking about "Natural Wine". In a story on Drinks Business that previewed the interview with Mr. Mascoli of Aubert & Mascoli we learn a number of things: 1. Non Natural wines will make you ill and cause you to form rashes on your body. 2.Natural Wines are like the works of Karl Marx, mean to be appreciated by folks with "sufficient level of knowledge…

  • Will Wine Be Used as a Weapon Against the 1 Percent?

    Tom Wark
    19 Jan 2012 | 1:47 pm
    If I'm not mistaken, we are seeing the development of a strong cultural aversion to the now notorious "1 Percent". Put another way, there appears to me to be a strong and still developing cultural and political zeitgeist that includes diminished respect, and even distaste, for financial elite, their demonstrations of wealth, their political power and the issues they care about. (Before someone mentions that I've used the term "zeitgeist" incorrectly by making observations of the present, rather than a past age, I know this already. Don't let my incorrect…

  • When Judges Tell the Truth About the Wine Industry

    Tom Wark
    19 Jan 2012 | 10:43 am
    Yesterday a federal court issued a decison in a wine related case. Consumers and Free Trade lost in this case, one that probably should never have been brought. However, within the final ruling by the three justices that heard the case is something you don't see to often: A justice acknowledged the anti-consumer nature of the alcohol regulatory system currently in place in most states. First, the "Cap N. Cork" case challenged Indiana's ban on retailers using common carriers such as FedEx and UPS, to deliver wine to consumers. The court determined this was not a violation of…
 
 
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    Serious About Wine

  • New Packaging for Vrede Wines

    Mike Carter
    21 Jan 2012 | 8:32 am
    More work from Chris Mullineux & Holy Cow Design. New packaging and brand re-alignment developed for Vrede Wines, for their mid range and supermarket brand "Charme". Share This

  • Uncorking China’s Wine Market

    Mike Carter
    7 Jan 2012 | 5:25 pm
    Although China's bustling metropolises and staid Bordeaux may seem worlds apart, the two are becoming increasingly intertwined. Indeed, China recently overtook the traditional strongholds of Germany and the United Kingdom to become Bordeaux's largest export destination. This transformation is particularly remarkable given the country's short history of mass wine consumption. Historically, beverages such as sorghum-based baijiu and beer have dominated Chinese alcohol consumption, with wine only recently gaining wide acceptance. Read the full article. Share This

  • Raise a Glass to the Free Market in Wine

    Mike Carter
    7 Jan 2012 | 4:20 am
    The worldwide wine business is a good case study in free trade, given that there are many producers and few restrictions on commerce. In recent years, the cost of wine has reflected this generally free global market in two ways - one good and the other bad, as George M. Taber argues in this op-ed piece. Taber is the author of four books on wine. His latest is titled, A Toast to Bargain Wines: How innovators, iconoclasts, and winemaking revolutionaries are changing the way the world drinks. Read the full article. Share This

  • Alta Vista Rose

    Mike Carter
    29 Dec 2011 | 7:23 am
    Arda Kissoyan, has created a Japanese inspired design for Alta Vista Rosé: a Fork-tailed Flycatcher standing on the branch of a cherry blossom tree and a text which evokes the delicate and ancient art. The new label captures the spirit of the brand: freshness, elegance and originality. This project had the collaboration of the illustrator Lorena Bretaña. Design by Arda Kissoyan | Source :: Packaging of the World Share This

  • Bizarre Wine

    Mike Carter
    27 Dec 2011 | 5:30 pm
        Design by The Labelmaker | Source :: Packaging of the World Share This
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    Food & Wine: Articles

  • Star Mixologist Julie Reiner's Tips for Crafting Perfect Cocktails

    12 Jan 2012 | 3:11 pm
    In this article: Party Cocktails Summer Cocktails Fall and Winter Cocktails Mixology 101 and More Cocktail Recipes  Video: Julie Reiner Party Cocktails Hi Julie! We’re tailgating this weekend and I’m brainstorming some good drinks for a group! Any favorites come to mind? When I am entertaining a large group of people, I like to serve a p...

  • Chef Ming Tsai's Tips for Allergy-Friendly and Gluten-Free Chinese Food

    9 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pm
    In this Article: Diners with Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions Asian Cooking Tips & Trends More about Ming  Video: Ming Tsai Advice for Diners with Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions How can I make wontons without wheat-based wrappers? You can make little pouches out of Banh Trang, rice paper wrappers, that you need to rehydrate. Or else use blanched Napa cabbage leaves ...

  • Chef John Besh Shares Cooking Tips and His Best New Orleans Recipes

    9 Jan 2012 | 10:24 am
    Plus:  Video: John Besh How can I put a New Orleans twist on the ol’ steak & taters supper? There’s nothing more New Orleans than pommes souffle and béarnaise sauce, but this will take some doing. I encourage you to try a really cool Creole-flavored compound butter by placing some butter, a shallot, a clove of garlic, dash of Worchestershire and Tabasco and a sprig of tarragon into a food processor, turn it on and let it all ...

  • Test Kitchen Tips for Memorial Day

    5 Jan 2012 | 4:59 pm
    Memorial Day Grilling Is it possible to cook a great rack of lamb on a gas grill? It’s totally possible and quite easy. You can either sear it on the stove and finish it on the grill or do it completely on the grill from beginning to end. Since it’s a small cut, you don’t want to blast it, but you also don’t want to slowly cook it or it will dry out. Medium to medium-high heat is best. Aim for about 25 minutes. Internal temperature should be about 125 for m...

  • Andrew Zimmern Reveals His Favorite Foods and Weirdest Experiences

    5 Jan 2012 | 2:42 pm
    In This Article: Zimmern's Favorites Travel Stories Weirdest Foods  Video: Andrew Zimmern Favorites Travel must-haves? My phones, laptop, books, iPad. Three things in your fridge? Citrus fruit, mustard, iced tea. Favorite candy? Necco Wafers, Milky Ways, Swedish Fish. I saw your video about Hot Tuna. Are you also a fan of Jefferson Airplane? Huge, the orignal Jorma era especially. I love that kind of music ...
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    Intoxicating Prose by Douglas Blyde

  • More from Harden's

    Douglas Blyde
    27 Jan 2012 | 3:44 am
    Dining by Design:Brunswick House Cafe (read)oOoTalking Toques:Neil and Ed Martin (pictured, read) oOoBook Feature:Richard Johnson (read)

  • Mike Robinson's Cookery School

    Douglas Blyde
    20 Jan 2012 | 12:18 pm
    MOUNTAINEER, boulderer, hunter, restaurateur (The Pot Kiln, Berkshire), and co-owner of the Harwood Arms, Fulham, Mike Robinson also runs game workshops at his cookery school.Read at Harden's

  • Simon Says

    Douglas Blyde
    16 Jan 2012 | 7:24 am
    Simon Hulstone on potentially deadly foraging, mind altering tea and suicidal mackerel...Click photos above to read (Eat Me magazine) For photos of Simon, see Visuals

  • Top Table's Most Romantic Restaurants Feature

    Douglas Blyde
    6 Jan 2012 | 4:09 am
    500 Restaurant, 782 Holloway Road, London, N19 3JH:I’ve often found the home to be a more romantic dining environment then even the softest lit, most smoothly served restaurant. However, for unexpected culinary fortune, I’d recommend the humble looking ‘500’ in Archway. For a marginal supplement to already reasonable prices, their own imported truffles - white abundantly shaved over buttery pappardelle; black over venison leg or veal escalope, makes a heady impression.For: Top Table

  • Plates of Potential and Potential Plates

    Douglas Blyde
    4 Jan 2012 | 10:34 am
    Restaurant writer, Douglas Blyde asked London’s leading food-focussed personalities what 2012 might hold for diners.Read at Story PR's blog
 
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    Diner's Journal

  • Salad From the Soup Pot

    By MELISSA CLARK
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:56 pm
    After making the beef broth for French onion soup, shred the meat and make a salad with it.

  • Weekend Fare

    By BAO ONG
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:51 am
    Food-related events around New York.

  • For Super Bowl, JoeDough and No. 7 Sub Go the Extra Yard

    By FLORENCE FABRICANT
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:25 am
    Two new sandwich shops in New York are selling six-foot heroes for Super Bowl Sunday.

  • What We're Reading

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:07 am
    A collection of links from the reporters and editors of the Dining section.

  • Dragon Wings

    By DAVID TANIS
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:15 am
    Chicken wings for the Super Bowl or the Chinese New Year.
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    Wine Camp Blog: a points-free zone

  • ArrivederLa

    Craig Camp
    18 Jan 2012 | 11:08 pm
    It was a serene experience. Peaceful and focused. We waited and he arrived seeming almost bemused by our presence. For us he was already a deity, which was a title he did not seek for himself, nor one he needed. It was a cold spring morning and we could just see our breath as our eyes swept over the gentile beauty of Valpolicella. The air around us was hazy with the smoke of burning vine cuttings and the blossoms were just breaking on the trees. Just then his daughter appeared and led us down into his cellar. After a short wait he arrived surveying the group with a casual curiosity. Over the…

  • Links for 2012-01-12 [del.icio.us]

    Craig Camp
    13 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am
    Behind the Wines of the Year: An Interview with Cornerstone Cellars ... Cornerstone 2007 Howell Mountain was selected as the Palate Press Wine of the Year.

  • Links for 2012-01-10 [del.icio.us]

    Craig Camp
    11 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am
    Jimmy Owens: The Monk Project

  • Mustard blooms in Yountville's vineyards [Flickr]

    craig.camp
    10 Jan 2012 | 12:25 am
    craig.camp posted a photo:

  • Pre-pruned vines on New Year's Day. Vintage 2012 begins. [Flickr]

    craig.camp
    1 Jan 2012 | 11:56 am
    craig.camp posted a photo:
 
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    Blisstree » EAT

  • McDonald’s Won’t Be Using Ammonia In Their Burgers; Wont’ Be Winning New Customers, Either

    Briana Rognlin
    26 Jan 2012 | 3:32 pm
    McDonald’s PR is having a rough time of it this week; first with its Twitter campaign gone awry, and now with Jamie Oliver bringing attention to their switch away from using ammonia-treated beef in their burgers. Ammonia (or ammonium hydroxide) is commonly used as a cleaning agent, but apparently McDonald’s used it to convert fatty, unusable beef cuts into a filler used in their burger patties, which Jaime Oliver brought to attention on his ‘Food Revolution’ show. The ammonia-treated beef, or ‘pink slime,’ as Jamie calls it, is made by a separate producer,…

  • Gelatin Isn’t Vegetarian (And Is Kind Of Gross), But Is It Bad For You?

    Hanna Brooks Olsen
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:40 pm
    I became aware of what gelatin was and where it came from at a county fair in Oregon. I was maybe 7 or 8, and there was a box of Jello, set up decoratively next to a cow hoof as part of a 4H project, which explained that gelatin, the stuff that made gummy candies gummy and Jello jiggly was an animal byproduct. I was horrified. But I found that the clear gelling product is so ubiquitous, avoiding it requires a level of vigilance and awareness that would make a member of the Secret Service sweat. Now, as a vegetarian, I avoid it. But as a health writer, I was curious–is it actually…

  • I’m So Excited! Snooki’s New Zantrex3 Ad Is A Flashback To Jessie Spano’s Diet Pill Freakout

    Briana Rognlin
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:57 am
    Snooki‘s new Zantrex3 diet pill ad features her and several other women dancing around to the song “I’m So Excited”…just like when Jessie Spano had that caffeine pill freakout on Saved By The Bell. This is the best coincidence ever. In Saved By The Bell, Jessie gets addicted to over-the-counter caffeine pills in an effort to keep up with her crazy curriculum and social demands. And they make her totally awesome…until she freaks out and Zach has to come to her rescue.  (Thankfully, she wasn’t using the pills to lose weight, but we wouldn’t be…

  • Winter Table: Baked Portobello Caps With Walnuts And Blue Cheese Over Wilted Arugula

    Elizabeth Nolan Brown
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:35 am
    I came up with this dish the other night because the only veggies I had in the fridge were portobello mushroom caps and a bunch of about-to-go-bad arugula. My boyfriend’s response? ‘Wow, this is like something you’d see on a cooking show!’ Yeah, it turned out that good. But even though baked portobello caps stuffed with walnuts and blue cheese and served over wilted arugula sounds (and looks) fancy, this delicious dish requires practically no effort to make—my kind of cooking! Plus, the combination of mushrooms, greens, walnuts, olive oil and blue cheese gives you…

  • The Hormone Diet: Feeling Exhausted? You May be Low in Vitamin B12

    Dr. Natasha Turner
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:37 am
    Fatigue is one of the main complaints that I hear from new patients at my clinic. The reasons behind fatigue can range from insomnia and excessive stress to food allergies or a hormonal imbalance, but more often than not I find that low levels of vitamin B12 — and often iron, as the two go hand in hand — are partially to blame. What causes vitamin B12 deficiency? Vitamin B12 is water soluble, which means that the body is unable to store it in large amounts — this makes it especially important to get it in regular doses, either in your diet or through supplements. This can be difficult…
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    June Smith & Jerry Starr's feed

  • 18th Annual Unified Show is a hit with Santa Cruz Mountains Vintners

    June Smith & Jerry Starr, Santa Cruz Wine Examiner
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:12 pm
    The largest wine and viticulture tradeshow in the western hemisphere – The 18th annual Unified Wine and Grape Symposium – just wrapped up three days of events in and around the Sacramento Convention Center. Located in the shadow of...

  • Wine and food judging101: The Ninth Annual SCMWA Wine & Crab Taste-off

    June Smith & Jerry Starr, Santa Cruz Wine Examiner
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:25 pm
    As the Santa Cruz Wine Examiner, having just experienced nine years of judging for the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Wine & Crab Taste-off, I have now developed a strategy for plotting the course for judging this epicurean event...

  • La Honda Winery February release party and Annieglass event announced

    June Smith & Jerry Starr, Santa Cruz Wine Examiner
    21 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pm
    La Honda winery in Redwood City is keeping a low profile this month, but will ramp up with two great events in February. La Honda wines at Annieglass store in Watsonville On Saturday February 4, 2012, Darlene de...

  • Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day and Wine and Crab Taste-off delight the senses

    June Smith & Jerry Starr, Santa Cruz Wine Examiner
    19 Jan 2012 | 12:23 am
    This coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, January 21 & 22, 2012, marks the Winter Passport and the ninth annual Wine and Crab Taste-off for the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (SCMWA).Passport Day in the Santa Cruz Mountains is...

  • Upcoming events at Vine Hill Winery and the new Barrel Room

    June Smith & Jerry Starr, Santa Cruz Wine Examiner
    14 Jan 2012 | 9:53 pm
    Some great events are coming up at both Vinehill Winery and their new Barrel Room, located on the Westside with the Surf City Vintners group. From Passport weekend at the Barrel Room and the winery to the 4th...
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    Winecast

  • Michael Mondavi really gets wine blogging

    Tim Elliott
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:19 pm
    While searching for something else this week I came across this random video of an Italian blogger who did a short video interview with Michael Mondavi. Mr. Mondavi’s answer to a simple question about wine bloggers shows he really gets how we fit into the wine conversation. The best part is the last 10 seconds so I won’t spoil it. Worth a minute of your time. Source: YouTube Michael Mondavi really gets wine blogging originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

  • Announcing WBW 74: Value Sparkling Wine

    Tim Elliott
    23 Jan 2012 | 5:46 pm
    One of the wine trends from 2011 is the rise of Champagne with American consumers up over 20% from  2010. Another trend was Moscato coming out of nowhere to become nearly an overnight success. This could be in part due to the charms of the lightly sparkling frizzante made from this grape in Italy. Sparkling wine is one of the most versatile at the table with styles to pair with nearly every dish. From bone dry to sweet, single variety to blend, sparkling wine is something we should all drink more of. And it’s made all over the world using the classic process perfected in Champagne. In…

  • The Rise of Muscat, a Sign of The Apocalypse?

    Tim Elliott
    21 Jan 2012 | 12:35 pm
    There was a good story in the Wall Street Journal recently about the rise of Muscat, the sweet white wine made all over the world but closely associated with Italy where it is called Moscato. Last year this grape took off growing nearly 80% in sales from the year before. Nobody in the wine business saw this coming and prices for Muscat grapes and wine have gone through the roof. Have wine consumers switched from dry wines to sweet wines nearly overnight? Is this a sign of The Apocalypse? Looking a bit deeper into the story there have been signs of consumer preference for sweeter wines. A…

  • WBW 73: My Wine Spark

    Tim Elliott
    18 Jan 2012 | 5:47 pm
    I first found out about Wine Blogging Wednesday in late February of 2005 when Andrew from Spittoon sent me an email inviting me to participate in WBW 7. Back then the wine blogging world was a small group of sites and we frequently commented on each others posts and traded emails. I was intrigued with the idea of a monthly virtual wine tasting event and have participated in 46 of the 72 past events, hosting 4 times. This month’s host, the writer behind the Corkdork blog, has asked us to revisit the wine that first sparked our interest in wine. My story starts in 1979 when I was in…

  • Just 2 Weeks Until WBW 73

    Tim Elliott
    4 Jan 2012 | 8:36 pm
    Just a friendly reminder that Wine Blogging Wednesday 73 is just two weeks away. Our host, The Corkdork, has asked us to revisit the wine that first got your attention to learn more about wine. This could be a carafe of rosé in Paris, Sassicaia 1988, a random bottle of Cahors or Inglenook Cask 1958. Or it could be my wine revelation, the 1974 Hetiz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet. Whatever sparked your deeper interest in wine, please join us on January 18th for the next edition of our monthly virtual tasting. All you need to do is post your thoughts and/or tasting notes somewhere…
 
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    JancisRobinson.com

  • The best and worst of Chinese service (Nick on restaurants)

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    At Pearl Liang , in the lower concourse of Paddington Central, west London, the Chinese waiter could not have been friendlier as he took our order for salt and pepper bean curd, Shanghai dumplings, soft shell crab and stewed pork belly, among other dishes, without pen and paper. He then repeated.

  • Burgundy 2010s - some useful addresses (Free for all)

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See our tasting notes on more than 1,900 burgundy 2010s via this complete guide to our coverage of the vintage. The minutely parcellated and carefully groomed vineyards on the east-facing slope known in France as the Côte d'Or, the pale stone of the medieval buildings and, most of all, the often.

  • Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago (Wines of the week)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See new lower UK price! From £14.99, NZ$34.99, HK$248, Aus$44.95 Find this wine Of course it is well known that Central Otago, the far south of New Zealand's South Island, is a hot spot for Pinot Noir – sometimes so hot that the wines can be just too sweet and fruity and a tad too alcoholic..

  • One grape, 12 winemakers (Inside information)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    One of the most interesting tables at last Tuesday's generic tasting of New Zealand wines at Lord's cricket ground in London was devoted to the Riesling Challenge, a dozen different wines made from the same lot of 2010 Riesling grapes. The innovative Riesling Challenge competition is billed as 'a.

  • Burgundy 2010 P-Z (Tasting articles)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See Burgundy 2010 - a complete guide to our coverage - not just tasting notes but much, much more. Below, our final set of tasting notes, ordered alphabetically by producer (sur)name. I'm delighted to read on the Burgundy 2010 thread that many of you seem to have got the wines you sought. I don't.
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    Grapes and Grains

  • Happy Birthday to Me and Cheers to You

    David Flaherty
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:42 pm
    As I launch into my 36th year on this planet (don’t even get me started about my lifetimes on other planets), I’d like to take a moment and say thanks for all the great friends I am fortunate to have in my life.  I salute your humor, irreverance, loyalty, wit, charm and passion.  Continue to wave the geek flag high and to be generous with your spirits…Cheers to you all!   Oh, and I bought myself a few liquid treats to kick off the new year.  Stop by for a dram; I’ll leave the light on for you.

  • Silly Video Salute: Shit Bartenders Say

    David Flaherty
    23 Jan 2012 | 10:08 pm
    Spawning from the viral video, Shit Girls Say (or was it Shit My Dad Says on Twitter?) we’ve now seen an endless slew of snippet videos hit the web like Shit College Freshman Say, Shit Black Girls Say, Shit New Yorkers Say to Shit Girls Say to Gay Guys. It’s only right that the cocktail world now has one.  This is Shit Bartenders Say: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB2aVzmPxxM  

  • The Friday Night Haul

    David Flaherty
    20 Jan 2012 | 10:04 pm
    I’d like to officially welcome these fine specimens into my collection.

  • A Couple of Classy Cocktails at Coppelia

    David Flaherty
    14 Jan 2012 | 6:38 pm
    We figured with the baby only a few weeks away, we better get in as much wining, dining, cocktailing and beering as we can.  So, we hit up Julian Medina’s latin joint, Coppelia, last week and I was stoked to see a nice cocktail program in play. But to get away from the booze for a moment, they serve a ridiculously tasty Mac N Cheese that reminded me why this humble dish should never be overlooked as “un-exciting”.  But then again, theirs is done with Pork Belly and Chicharrón, so you know its something special.  (In fact, watching a backwaiter trying to explain to a…

  • Man Uggs and a Puffy Coat. Really?!

    David Flaherty
    6 Jan 2012 | 9:15 am
    Seriously, dude?  And before 9 am?  I need a fuckin cup of coffee.
 
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    My Wine Education

  • A Great Artist with his Name on Some Decent Wines

    Angela
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:03 am
    By Angela Growing up under a successful watercolor artist (my mom) I was constantly surrounded by all types of artist and art. I love the fact that when wine comes together with art it makes me all giddy inside. That’s what I thought about when I tried Ed Hardy wines for the first time…now I know a lot of you out there are saying oh yeah the guy that makes the loud t-shirts. I must admit I’ve always loved his color choices and his tattoo art. When I heard about his wines I didn’t want to try them, I thought they were probably over done and they’re just out…

  • Aldi Does Sell Wines and they’re a Great Purchase

    Angela
    24 Jan 2012 | 1:53 pm
    by Angela A couple of weeks ago Cresta shared with us that Aldi Grocery stores sell wines. I thought I would check it out, and what I found was a pretty great deal. I purchased 4 different bottles of wines from Aldi all priced under $7; none of the other wines were over $9. Here’s my reviews of the 4 wines I purchased. Landshut Riesling $5.99 – Had a wonderful floral bouquet with tastes of honey and sweet melon. I would have to agree with Cresta that this is a very sweet Riesling but this would be perfect if your having asian spicy foods. This wine would pair with spicy Thai…

  • 2012 Cincinnati Beer Week

    Kevin
    21 Jan 2012 | 4:05 pm
    by Kevin February is shaping up to be a great time to be a beer drinker in the Cincinnati area. The weather’s cold and the nights are long, but there are an amazing number of events coming in the next few weeks. Here’s a quick rundown: In a few weeks, it will be the inaugural celebration of Cincinnati Beer Week. An official site has popped up to try and track the various events around the city, but I recommend hopping over to the Hoperatives blog for their take on the latest information. Here are a few of the events about which I’m excited: Thursday February 2 Party Town…

  • Vibrant, Tangy Sauvignon Blanc

    Cresta
    20 Jan 2012 | 11:22 am
    By: Cresta I really enjoyed this wine. Benziger Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma-Lake Counties 2009. Strong citrus aroma with a hint of floral. Medium-bodied, tart and tangy with flavors of lemon, lime and green apple. This wine has a vibrant finish, fresh, crisp and firm with a generous kick of acidity. And you can feel good about drinking it! As if you need an excuse. The Benziger Family Winery is dedicated to green winemaking and its Certified Sustainable Grape Growing Program. The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc were grown with certified sustainable farming methods. That wine growing philosophy…

  • Hello Vino! Cool App for Any Wine Lover

    Cresta
    13 Jan 2012 | 8:47 am
    By: Cresta I recently downloaded an app to my iPhone so that I have notes handy when I’m in the wine aisle or out at a restaurant. Hello Vino is a great app for any wine lover, with many options to choose from. You can download the app for iPhone or Android, and it’s FREE. You can choose a wine: To go with a specific meal or food.  Select the food – from pizza to cheese to dessert – and Hello Vino will provide suggestions on the best wine pairing. For an occasion. Whether it’s a gift, special holiday or a tasting party, get suggestions on the type of wine you should consider,…
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    Wilf's Wine Press

  • Red Wine is Good for Your Health..Yes...No...Maybe!

    Wilf G.K
    14 Jan 2012 | 11:12 pm
    It all started when 60 Minutes with Morley Safer aired their "French Paradox" show on November 17, 1991.Over 33 million people watched 60 Minutes that evening. Sales of red wine increased dramatically and were up 44 percent over the same month of the previous year. Sales of red wine for the entire year following the initial broadcast went up 39 percent. The American public embraced red wine as the newest health food. That was over 20 years ago but lets have a look at the show that started it all.Much has been said and written about the subject of wine and health since then. In April of 2009,…

  • Trips to Wine Regions in France....Begin in Paris!!

    Wilf G.K
    5 Jan 2012 | 10:34 pm
    There has been a noticeable absence of posts to my blog for a while. All for good reasons which belong in 2011. But this is 2012 and one New Year's resolution I am going to keep is to post regularly again.Let me begin with wishing every one a Happy and Healthy New year.I think we will see some significant changes in the wonderful world of wine, although I am not quite ready for paper wine bottles.One thing that will not change for me is that I begin and end my trips to French wine regions in Paris.More on that in a moment. But first if you are planning a trip to Paris, I can highly…

  • Wine, Women and a Cardinal Rule of Tasting.....!!

    Wilf G.K
    28 Aug 2011 | 4:53 pm
    It is good to see more and more women involved in the wine industry as writers, wine makers and on the sales side of the industry.There are also some great web pages and blogs written by women.  Women for Wine Sense is an organization that has recently celebrated its 21st birthday.As well on the consumer side, women outnumber men significantly in the purchase of wine.Women  buy 77 percent and consume 60 percent of the wine in the United States.  It is generally known that women can smell and taste wine better than men. In my own experience I have observed this time and…

  • Is That Isinglass in my Wineglass??

    Wilf G.K
    9 May 2011 | 12:04 pm
    The backroom beurocrats are at it once again. If you need a make work project, pick on wine labels. This time it is the ever vigilant crew at Health Canada. And isinglass is one of the culprits the unsuspecting public must be protected against. Isinglass is a derivative of swim bladders in fish and most often sturgeons are used in its production.Living on the west coast of Canada on Vancouver Island, home to our beautiful salmon, naturally I show you a picture of a Sockeye salmon swim bladder. What a magnificent piece of equipment to have on board.The air in the bladder provides buoyancy…

  • To Blend or not to Blend....that is the question!!

    Wilf G.K
    10 Apr 2011 | 2:46 pm
    A short while ago I read an article by a well known wine writer proclaiming that in a few years all wines will be blended wines.I had just tasted a blended wine made up of and get this... Pinot Noir..Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay Noir. Really now? I chose to ignore this off the cuff remark. Then I read it again by another wine writer. Had these two gents attended the same wine conference? Now,as we have seen it reported over and over again, the US total yearly consumption of wine is now greater than in France. But those figures are like comparing apples and oranges. On a per person basis…
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    Catavino

  • Goodbye 2011, Hello Future

    Ryan Opaz
    31 Dec 2011 | 12:59 pm
    Today seems to be the day we say goodbye for good. Seems logical to end it all on the last day of 2011. The journey has been fun, but in reality, it’s only just begun. We’ve just arrived back after a week in the UK with family and friends, filled with good wines and festive meals. I suspect the first weeks of 2012 will be welcomed in with a bit of restraint as we work to get our middles back to that svelte shape we all think we have. As for Catavino. Someday we might do something with it. From time to time, we’ll be poking around, cleaning up some old posts and optimizing…

  • 10 Delicious Reasons Why You Should Visit Portugal!

    Andrea Smith
    12 Dec 2011 | 1:15 pm
    It’s been almost four years since I called Portugal my “home away from home”, translating to a half decade of savoring Portuguese food and wine on a regular basis – something I’ve never taken for granted. Consequently, while searching for information on Portuguese gastronomy, I stumbled across Catavino’s Facebook page. Immediately drawn to Ryan and Gabriella’s story, it echoed many similarities to my own adventure. So, I reached out, expressing my shared enthusiasm and appreciation for Iberian wine and food. (photo by Ryan Opaz) The shock came soon after when…

  • Hey, ho! Please let Pancho go! ~ Time for some wine drinking.

    Ryan Opaz
    7 Dec 2011 | 6:43 pm
    Despite our continued posting, we still plan on closing Catavino. Gabriella and I are finished here, onto bigger and better things, but strangely, we can’t stop just yet. I have a few more things to get off my chest, and after my recent post on the Pancho affair; I know I need to do it sooner than later. I’m overwhelmed by the response to my last post, and maybe this blogging thing could pay off if we could pump out a post like that more often. The truth is though, I don’t want too. I love wine. Actually I love flavors. Wine, beer, booze, food, foams, gels, confits and…

  • Cha, cha, cha, changes…Spanish wine needs to learn from the Pancho affair

    Ryan Opaz
    6 Dec 2011 | 12:19 pm
    Jay Miller is out. Neal Martin is in. This is the story that spilled onto “the Twitter“, in the blogosphere, and onto “the Facebooks”. Regurgitated and recycled from one blog to another showing that there is no limit to the amount of naval gazing possible by any niche community. The scandal relates to whether Pancho Campo charged money to make Jay Miller magically appear  in any given Spanish wine region’s back yard so that Parker‘s surrogate point giver Jay, could bestow a fresh layer of numerical digits upon the Spanish countryside. Read the full details…

  • Basque-ing in the City

    Rick Fisher
    29 Nov 2011 | 3:53 am
    Nothing compares the aromas and tastes assaulting one as he walks the streets of San Sebastian on any given day. Perusing the massive counters of any number of Pintxos bars in the city will bring a grown man to his knees – in adoration, not defeat. So, when an opportunity to learn the art of cooking Basque presented itself to me on a recent trip to New York City, I jumped at the opportunity. Basque cuisine is heavily inspired by the abundance of food from the sea on the one side and the fertile Ebro valley on the other. Spanish and French influence is strong, but the two rarely meet. There…
 
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    Dr Vino's wine blog

  • Bordeaux battle of the business schools — to the victors go the nobly rotten

    Dr. Vino
    27 Jan 2012 | 3:24 pm
    The business school students sniffed, swirled and spit the three glasses of Sauternes in front of them. They had come from places like Columbia, Northwestern, Stanford, and Harvard to sit under the tableaux and tapestries at the French Consulate on Fifth Avenue, try wines and answer questions, competing to win the big prize: making it to the finals in Bordeaux. The challenge in this flight of sweet wines (that also included one from Barsac), was to identify first, which two wines came from the same vintage. Most teams got this one right. But then came the harder question: which vintage did…

  • Is this what they teach about “rare vintage claret” in business school?

    Dr. Vino
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:57 pm
    A parody from the BBC show “Mitchell and Webb.” Merger!

  • Sobriety pill wants to take the kick from champagne

    Dr. Vino
    24 Jan 2012 | 9:54 am
    Would you drink wine if it weren’t for the alcohol? Researchers at UCLA are threatening to put this difficult question to wine enthusiasts as they move a “sobriety pill” to clinical trials. Of course, we already have a device for sobering up: the credit card statement. But the researchers are working with extracts of the oriental raisin tree that have been used to treat hangovers in China for five centuries. The pill, based on dihydromyricetin (DHM), a component of the extract, has been found successful in reducing the effects of alcohol and hangovers in lab rats.

  • How and why did light beer come to be the choice of NFL viewers?

    Dr. Vino
    20 Jan 2012 | 9:46 am
    It’s time for the Big Game. Or, actually, the last three Big Games of the NFL season. And no drink says “football” like wine! Actually, although Sunday’s NY-SF game could be framed as something of a sommelier showdown between two of the highest wine-consuming cities, I’m fine to cede the discussion of the day to football’s natural advertising companion, beer. The question on my mind: how did light beer come to be the choice of NFL viewers? Fully one out of every two beers sold in America today is a light (or “lite,” if you prefer) beer. It…

  • France is a “banana republic” says Guffens

    Dr. Vino
    19 Jan 2012 | 11:51 am
    When the fraud squad raided Verget from Verget. Jean-Marie Guffens, a winemaker in Macon who founded Maison Verget, endured a decade-long investigation by French authorities, including Customs and Fraud office. It started in 2001 after the grapes were harvested but before the winery staff had even filed the harvest paperwork. And it continued ebbing and flowing, with allegations that Guffens was blending wine from the south into his Burgundies. In the 27-minute video, Guffens declares that “we live in a banana republic” with “mafia-style” raids including a surprise…
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    New York Cork Report

  • 4 a.m. is the Right Time for Ice Wine

    Bryan Calandrelli
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:54 pm
    By Bryan Calandrelli, Niagara Region Editor The landscape along the Lake Ontario shoreline-hugging roadway that stretches eastward to Orleans County – Route 18 – pretty much becomes desolate once you pass Olcott. And it only seems more desolate at four in the morning on the coldest day of the winter. Lyndonville’s distance from the center of the Niagara Wine Trail keeps me from making this journey as often as I’d like to, but on this morning there was no hesitation – it was Leonard Oakes Estate Winery’s annual ice wine harvest.As I made my way through an apple orchard to the first…

  • Altamont Vineyard & Winery 2008 Leon Millot Reserve

    Lenn Thompson
    25 Jan 2012 | 2:31 pm
    By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Because of my interest in New York and other northeast wines, I've tasted a great many red hybrids over the years, but never Leon Millot. In fact, I had never even heard of Leon Millot learning that Keuka Lake Vineyards on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes has a bit of a cult following for its rendition. I have yet to taste that wine, but was able to get my hands on a bottle from Altamont Vineyards & Winery in Altamont, NY -- which happens to just be 15 miles or so from my where my wife's family lives. I hope to visit in the spring sometime. Not…

  • The Finger Lakes 2011 Red Wines of the Year Finalists: Explaining the Diverse Selections

    Evan Dawson
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:01 am
    By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Photos from our WoTY 2009 Tasting by Morgan Dawson I'm happy to see that the NYCR selections for Finger Lakes red wines of the year have generated a fair amount of feedback and debate. There have been many questions: Why no cabernet franc? How come every wine is made from a different grape?  Keep in mind that for a wine to be eligible, it has to have been released in 2011. Many of the red wines released in 2011 came from the uneven 2009 vintage. The glorious 2009 September produced strong conditions for Finger Lakes pinot noir, but otherwise, it…

  • 50 Years of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars

    Lenn Thompson
    24 Jan 2012 | 3:58 pm
    Courtesy of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars

  • Billsboro Winery 2010 Dry Riesling

    Lenn Thompson
    24 Jan 2012 | 6:32 am
    By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor My Finger Lakes-focused colleague Evan Dawson and I sometimes lament what sometimes happens to Finger Lakes riesling when it's fermented dry. Depending on the fruit and the winemaker, the wines can become shrill, hollow and overly austere. Casually, we refer to them as "lemon water riesling." That's not a compliment. It seems though that dry rieslings from longer and/or warmer growing seasons -- like the long 2010 one -- tend to avoid this problem more often.   Billsboro Winery 2010 Dry Riesling ($16) is an fine example of that. Made…
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    Chez Ray Winemaking

  • *** Chez Ray Sangiacomo Vineyards Merlot, 2006, Carneros, Sonoma, CA

    jorray
    9 Jan 2012 | 8:21 pm
    Original Review, December, 2008: The Chez Ray Sangiacomo Vineyards Merlot of 2006 is from Brehm Vineyards frozen grapes from Carneros, Sonoma, CA. The vintage was fermented cool, with Assmanshausen yeast.In the glass, this merlot is light/medium ruby red - looking more like a pinot noir than a merlot.Aromas are fresh, clean and airy, like laundry flapping in the sunny breezes. Touch of ink - or is it Play Doh? Very pleasant.On the palate, you first note a light, crystalline, high-pitched clean sweet berry. Just the faintest hint of tannins and acids follow. Finish is surprisingly long, given…

  • Tasting notes: *** Chez Ray Rodger's Vineyard Syrah, Mendocino CA, 2008 (SR8V)

    jorray
    31 Dec 2011 | 3:01 pm
    By way of background:  This is Chez Ray Rodger's Vineyard Syrah, Mendocino CA, 2008 (SR8V).  Grapes, yeast and process are described here.In the glass: Dark magenta, opaque from about a half inch from the edge.  On the nose: Poured cool without a decant and swirled vigorously, shows a soft and furry, lightly oaked fruit nose.  On the palate: The first element on the palate is round ripe fruit compote, a mix of black and red berries.  It is soft and turns aromatic after a few seconds, bringing some violet aloft.  Finish is brief, but full and clean. In summary:…

  • Tasting notes: ***** Chez Ray 2007 Alexander West Side Syrah, Sonoma CA (SA8A)

    jorray
    30 Dec 2011 | 5:55 pm
    In the glass: Dark magenta, opaque from about a half inch in from the edge.On the nose: Poured cool without a decant and swirled vigorously, this syrah shows shy, sweet, dark violets.On the palate: The first element on the palate is a bold, lifted, cloaking sweet deep violet robe in the mid-palate.  It lifts up to the roof of your mouth, coats it, and slowly slides down the sides of your cheeks, releasing deep, sweet whiffs of black violet fruit as it sinks.And the finish: Soft, fragrant, lasting.In summary: Among the best we've seen from Chez Ray.  the Alexander West Side Syrah's…

  • *** Chez Ray Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley CA, 2007

    jorray
    26 Dec 2011 | 12:55 pm
    Original review, December, 2010:  This is a first bottle sampling of the Chez Ray Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley CA, 2007 vintage (code CR7), whose preparation was described here.In the glass Chez Ray Rutherford Cab 2007 shows as deep, dusty magenta red, with brick hues at the edges of the glass.  That brick coloring seems a bit surprising for so young a cabernet (I'd be expecting more purple this at this young age).Served cool and with a brief decant, this high-end vineyard cabernet shows rich, concentrated prune juice on the nose.On the palate, this remains dry…

  • ***+ Chez Ray CRR7 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Russian River Valley, Sonoma

    jorray
    26 Dec 2011 | 12:09 pm
    CRR7 (2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Russian River Valley, Sonoma):Tasting notes from blending party, May, 2011:Ray: color medium brick; aroma deep fruit and alcohol; flavor clean bright but light, 2+ for bright fruitiness.  Karin: delicate flavor, sweet finish, 3.  Jim, good fruit.  Eric, L aroma not much smell; flavor, very nice tannins, strong finish, rich flavor but not too remarkable (though very enjoyable!), 3+.  Rob: color, deep red; aroma, tarry; flavor, alcoholic, 2.Updated review, over six months later, December, 2011:  Deep ruby red in the glass.  This bottle…
 
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    Spirit of Wine

  • Updated Review: ***+ $$ Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend Red Wine, South Eastern Australia, 2005 - GOOD VALUE

    jorray
    27 Jan 2012 | 8:15 pm
    Find Marquis Philips Sarah's Blend  pricing and retail availability.By way of background:This is my first trial of the 2005 vintage of Marquis Philips' Sarah's Blend from South Eastern Australia, which I have enjoyed immensely before, in the form of the 2004 and 2006 vintages.  The 2005 vintage, finished at a whopping 15.9% alcohol, is 60% shiraz, 22% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, and 3% cabernet franc.  It is fermented in wood and aged in both new and one-year-old French and American oak.  The wine is named for Sarah Marquis, one of the winemakers back in the days…

  • Updated Review: ****+ $$ Schild Estate Shiraz, Barossa, Australia, 2007 - BEST VALUE

    jorray
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:53 pm
    Find Schild Estate Shiraz pricing and retail availability.By way of background: Schild Estate Shiraz from Barossa, Australia, vintage 2007, is a purebred shiraz finished at 14.5% alcohol.    Original review, January, 2010: In the glass: Schild Estate Shiraz shows as deep dark red, opaque to within a half inch of the edge of the glass. On the nose: Poured without a decant and swirled vigorously, the wine billows out strong, toasty dark cherry fruit, with elements of cocoa and black currant.On the palate: The first element is a dark, rich, almost black chocolate coating at the front…

  • Review: *** $$ Domaine de Triennes St Auguste, Var, Provence, France, 2005

    jorray
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:32 pm
    Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Triennes St Auguste. By way of background, opening thoughts: The Var region of Provence, France, is a lesser-known high-altitude wine-growing region.  Today we are sampling a unique blend from the region, which has seen seven years of aging from vintage date.Original tasting and review : This is Domaine de Triennes St Auguste, Var, Provence, France, 2005, finished at 13.5% alcohol.  It is a blend of syrah, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.In the glass: Deep burgundy, opaque in the middle, still sporting a purple rim. …

  • Updated Review: **** $ Earthworks Shiraz Barossa Valley 2006, Australia - BEST VALUE

    jorray
    26 Jan 2012 | 5:04 pm
    Find Earthworks Shiraz prices and retail availability. By way of background: Earthworks Shiraz Barossa Valley, 2006, is from the highly-regarded Barossa Valley region of Australia, definitely known and respected for its old-vine shiraz.Earthworks wine is essentially a negotiant wine, meaning the grapes are collected from farms around the region. Alcohol level is 14.5%, consistent with shiraz from this area.Original review, May, 2009:In the glass, Earthworks shows as a deep, dusty, brick-hued red, no hints of purple on this three-year-old specimen.On the nose: Swirling hurls some of the…

  • Updated Review: *** $ Haddon Cellars Merlot, 2002, CA - BEST VALUE

    jorray
    22 Jan 2012 | 6:12 pm
    Find prices and retail availability.  By way of background: Haddon Cellars Merlot, 2002, from unspecified vineyard regions of California was offered as part of the Wine Insiders series. It is finished at 12% alcohol, quite light by U.S. standards.Original Review February 2007: Medium brick, ruby color. Slightly flat cherry cola aroma. More pleasant flavors than suggested by the nose -- deep berries, round, a touch of acids and tannins. Finishes quick with a hint of plum and blueberry. Easy to move on to something else...Updated Review July 2007: Consistent notes. Not improved with…
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    The Cork Board

  • Four must attend Napa Valley events

    TrevR
    23 Jan 2012 | 4:37 pm
    The Napa Valley plays host to a slew of annual events, including Premiere Napa Valley and the attention-grabbing Auction Napa Valley, not to mention hundreds of events at local wineries, hotels and restaurants. If you’re looking for a reason to plan a trip to wine country, here are four events that are well worth scheduling around. Silver Oak Cellars in Napa Valley http://www.uncork29.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_0788.jpg Food at Silver Oak Release Day in Napa Valley http://www.uncork29.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_0718.jpg Wine glasses waiting to be filled at…

  • Cork Bits: ideas for your Napa Valley weekend

    Karen
    19 Jan 2012 | 5:08 pm
    We’re finally getting some wet weather here in the Napa Valley, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming out to enjoy newly released vintages of Napa’s finest, crab and wine pairings and blind tasting events! Friday, January 20th From 7pm – 9pm Girard Winery in Yountville will host a brown bag blind tasting. For $25 per person you’ll be able to try multiple wines and test your sommelier skills. There will be a specialized menu and prizes as well. Call 707-968-9297×18 for more information UPDATE: Girard Winery tells us they’ve cancelled after all. @trevr…

  • New Napa Valley breakfast spot: Gott’s Roadside

    TrevR
    7 Jan 2012 | 4:29 pm
    It’s the new year, which means we’re officially in ‘restaurant month‘ here in the Napa Valley. While many of the area’s fine dining establishments are taking some well deserved time off, one local favorite is expanding its offering. In mid-December, Gott’s Roadside in downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market began serving breakfast. The Gott’s location at the Ferry Building in San Francisco followed suit starting this morning and by mid-February diners at Gott’s in St. Helena will be able to try morning specialties like breakfast sandwiches and…

  • What were the most popular Napa Valley stories of 2011?

    TrevR
    27 Dec 2011 | 11:06 am
    With another year coming to a close it’s time for a little reflection. Throughout the course of 2011 we published more than 100 posts on a wide variety of topics. When all was said and done, two topics emerged as the most popular: food and wine. Fitting, right? Come with us for a trip down memory lane and peruse the most popular content on The Cork Board from 2011. Coming soon to downtown Napa’s West End: Eiko’s Restaurant Napa Valley Summer concert series at Robert Mondavi Winery Harvest 2011 Eiko’s Restaurant Napa Valley opens, #SauvBlanc Day underway Celebrity Chef Twitter…

  • Tarla Mediterranean Grill expected to open next week in downtown Napa

    Karen
    21 Dec 2011 | 10:22 am
    Downtown Napa’s burgeoning West End (see our exclusive one day itinerary for the West End) will get another culinary addition shortly after Christmas. Tarla Mediterranean Grill, which is located under the Avia Hotel at 1480 First Street in Napa, is scheduled to open sometime shortly after the upcoming holiday. The restaurant will be run by Yusuf Topol and his wife, Breanna Topol, and will serve up Mediterranean dishes made from local, organic ingredients wherever possible. According to its website, Tarla means “field” in Turkish and “implies the fertile expanse of…
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    Spittoon

  • From The Etymologicon

    Andrew Barrow
    23 Jan 2012 | 4:45 am
    From The EtymologiconNot having given it that much contemplation I always assumed that Marvin Gaye was walking through a vineyard for his 1968 song. But apparently not. And, while I was aware that the word alcohol was Arabic in origin, I didn’t know it was a kind of make-up al kuhul. As kohl is an extract and a dye, alcohol began to mean the pure essence of anything (the alcohol of an ass’s spleen anyone?) and only from the 1750’s did (wine) alcohol become what it means today. Just two snippets from the amazing The Etymologicon that now resides in my Kindle ap. Elsewhere there is also a…

  • Raimat Vineyard

    Andrew Barrow
    22 Jan 2012 | 4:30 am
    Raimat VineyardIt’s a mammoth operation, industrial in scale, but the Raimat estate in Spain operates within strict environmental constraints and practises. Here, between the vines, are freely growing cover crops, a haven for wildlife, and a sign of a healthy balanced vineyard. The latest photograph in the Sunday Wine Shot series. Spittoon.biz - A UK Wine Blog - We Spit... So You Can Swallow

  • Cognac Masterclass Live WebTV Show

    Andrew Barrow
    18 Jan 2012 | 8:03 am
    Cognac Masterclass Live WebTV Show Cognac Masterclass The video below is the result of the live webTV show held on Wednesday 18th January 2012 Whether it’s drunk neat or in a cocktail, cognac lovers everywhere are familiar with the smooth, fruity taste that the drink brings to the pallet. A taste which, over the years, has continued to evolve through a variety of new blends, cognac has definitely developed into a classic favourite, no matter how you choose to enjoy it. But with such a long history of evolution and a wide array of options available, how do you choose the perfect tipple for…

  • Why You Will Be Drinking Tonight

    Andrew Barrow
    16 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pm
    Why You Will Be Drinking TonightPersonally I thought today was just fine and dandy. It was going to be a ‘non-drinking day’ too but perhaps not if this Oddbins formula is to be believed… On the widely reported most depressing day of the year, Oddbins has calculated the likelihood we’ll reach for a glass of wine tonight – and the probability is looking high… Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, due to a combination of cold weather, lack of light, and possibly a lack of imagination on the part of the PR industry, the national wine merchant suggests we’ll choose to relax indoors…

  • Sunset Over Italian Vineyards

    Andrew Barrow
    15 Jan 2012 | 9:11 am
    Sunset Over Italian VineyardsThe latest photograph in the Sunday Wine Shot series. This photo was taken looking towards the Adriatic as the sun set in glorious fashion to our right. Flickr holds a couple more shots taken at the same spot – particularily notable is this sunset by Ryan Opaz. Spittoon.biz - A UK Wine Blog - We Spit... So You Can Swallow
 
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    Snooth Blog

  • Snooth.com Launches New Facebook Integration to Make Wine Tasting More Social

    Kirsy
    18 Jan 2012 | 8:00 pm
    Snooth.com Launches New Facebook Integration to Make Wine Tasting More Social (January 18, 2012 – New York, NY) Snooth Media, home of Snooth.com the world’s largest wine site, is launching a new social wine tasting experience integrated with Facebook that makes it easier for people to discover new wines and wine reviews online with their friends. This new Facebook integration allows people to tell their friends that they are “tasting” a specific wine from Snooth.com, and add their Snooth activity directly to their Facebook Timeline. With this new feature, people are able to share…

  • Site Maintenance

    mark
    12 Dec 2011 | 5:48 pm
    Hello Snooth users. We are going to be performing scheduled server maintenance tonight from 12AM ET to around 1AM ET. Please excuse the service interruption. We’ll be back as soon as we can.

  • An SEO guide for Wineries Part 6

    mark
    14 Oct 2011 | 11:56 am
    Last time, we explored the basics of HTML, the behind-the-scenes language of the web. Let’s talk a little bit more about search engines and how they read websites. How Do Search Engines Read Websites? In part 3 of this SEO guide there are two fairly short sections on engines and robots reading your site. I’d like to explore more about what the engines are looking for, so we can dig a little deeper on what you can do to help robots, and users, understand your message. Because the rules of how websites are set up are fairly well defined, robots tend to behave like extremely thorough…

  • Snooth.com Announces Facebook Integration to Make Wine Tasting More Social

    jchemtob
    22 Sep 2011 | 1:30 pm
    Snooth.com Announces Facebook Integration to Make Wine Tasting More Social (September 22, 2011 – New York, NY) Today at f8, Facebook’s developer conference, Snooth Media, home of Snooth.com the world’s largest wine site, announced a new social wine tasting experience integrated with Facebook that makes it easier for people to discover new wines and wine reviews online with their friends. Snooth’s Facebook integration will allow users to tell their friends that they are “tasting” a specific wine seamlessly from Snooth.com. Using new features announced at f8, Snooth is making it…

  • Snooth Media Introduces Wine Press – Provides Robust Contributor Platform and Streaming Content Viewer for Wine Fans

    jchemtob
    14 Sep 2011 | 9:47 am
    Housed on Snooth.com, Wine Press Kick-Off Includes Articles from ZesterDaily.com Wine Experts (September 14, 2011 – New York, NY) Snooth Media, home of Snooth (www.snooth.com), the world’s largest wine site, today announced the launch of an innovative, new contributor platform and content viewer, Wine Press (www.snooth.com/wine-press). The new product enables Snooth site users to easily contribute articles, upload photos, take quizzes, start conversations and ask questions. Wine Press also allows users to view the best wine content on the Web, including original content from Snooth…
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    The Cork Board

  • Four must attend Napa Valley events

    TrevR
    23 Jan 2012 | 4:37 pm
    The Napa Valley plays host to a slew of annual events, including Premiere Napa Valley and the attention-grabbing Auction Napa Valley, not to mention hundreds of events at local wineries, hotels and restaurants. If you’re looking for a reason to plan a trip to wine country, here are four events that are well worth scheduling around. Silver Oak Cellars in Napa Valley http://www.uncork29.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_0788.jpg Food at Silver Oak Release Day in Napa Valley http://www.uncork29.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_0718.jpg Wine glasses waiting to be filled at…

  • Cork Bits: ideas for your Napa Valley weekend

    Karen
    19 Jan 2012 | 5:08 pm
    We’re finally getting some wet weather here in the Napa Valley, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming out to enjoy newly released vintages of Napa’s finest, crab and wine pairings and blind tasting events! Friday, January 20th From 7pm – 9pm Girard Winery in Yountville will host a brown bag blind tasting. For $25 per person you’ll be able to try multiple wines and test your sommelier skills. There will be a specialized menu and prizes as well. Call 707-968-9297×18 for more information UPDATE: Girard Winery tells us they’ve cancelled after all. @trevr…

  • New Napa Valley breakfast spot: Gott’s Roadside

    TrevR
    7 Jan 2012 | 4:29 pm
    It’s the new year, which means we’re officially in ‘restaurant month‘ here in the Napa Valley. While many of the area’s fine dining establishments are taking some well deserved time off, one local favorite is expanding its offering. In mid-December, Gott’s Roadside in downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market began serving breakfast. The Gott’s location at the Ferry Building in San Francisco followed suit starting this morning and by mid-February diners at Gott’s in St. Helena will be able to try morning specialties like breakfast sandwiches and…

  • What were the most popular Napa Valley stories of 2011?

    TrevR
    27 Dec 2011 | 11:06 am
    With another year coming to a close it’s time for a little reflection. Throughout the course of 2011 we published more than 100 posts on a wide variety of topics. When all was said and done, two topics emerged as the most popular: food and wine. Fitting, right? Come with us for a trip down memory lane and peruse the most popular content on The Cork Board from 2011. Coming soon to downtown Napa’s West End: Eiko’s Restaurant Napa Valley Summer concert series at Robert Mondavi Winery Harvest 2011 Eiko’s Restaurant Napa Valley opens, #SauvBlanc Day underway Celebrity Chef Twitter…

  • Tarla Mediterranean Grill expected to open next week in downtown Napa

    Karen
    21 Dec 2011 | 10:22 am
    Downtown Napa’s burgeoning West End (see our exclusive one day itinerary for the West End) will get another culinary addition shortly after Christmas. Tarla Mediterranean Grill, which is located under the Avia Hotel at 1480 First Street in Napa, is scheduled to open sometime shortly after the upcoming holiday. The restaurant will be run by Yusuf Topol and his wife, Breanna Topol, and will serve up Mediterranean dishes made from local, organic ingredients wherever possible. According to its website, Tarla means “field” in Turkish and “implies the fertile expanse of…
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    Confessions of a Wino

  • Château Ormes de Pez, 2005

    Alastair Bathgate
    21 Jan 2012 | 5:01 pm
    Hunger is a great sauce, as certain chefs keep reminding me. I wonder how that pie tasted to Magwitch, the one that Pip selflessly stole? It formed the thesis for an entire Dickens novel, such is the power of food, and feelings. After 3 weeks on the prison ship of abstinence, does wine taste any different? I’ve just opened this St Estèphe and I think I have the presence of mind to review it objectively. It’s fucking awesome! Whilst still young and tannic (I decanted mine), which means it went superbly with a ribeye steak, it also had a certain fruity sweetness that made a rare…

  • Black & Blue, Bloomsbury, London

    Alastair Bathgate
    19 Jan 2012 | 3:20 pm
    A bull at the door is a welcome nod to Wall Street riches, and I only wish my shares were stampeding a little harder right now.  But as a promise of what was to come, the comedy doggie doo left under the hindquarters of the statue was a more accurate entrée to the Bloomsbury branch of Black & Blue. The menu is as basic as it gets for a steakhouse. I mean, so basic that regulars of Goodman and Hawksmoor would walk straight out. Of more concern, however, is the wine list. Four wines from the ‘steak friendly’ section (for there were only four) were barely named, let alone…

  • Hopeless diet

    Alastair Bathgate
    13 Jan 2012 | 4:13 pm
    January offers up endless possibilities for abstinence, pain and misery. When it comes to 2012 new year torture, my weapon of choice is a diet with the simple objectives of losing a bit of weight and getting fitter. It is amazing that simply giving up alcohol (especially beer) and fried potatoes (chips, crisps etc) is enough to see me settle towards a more sensible weight. One that will give my knee ligaments a chance of survival as I occasionally pound the streets of city centre Manchester, trying to clear the smog from lungs that suffered cigarette smoke damage until 2003. I’ve…

  • The Star at Harome, North Yorkshire

    Alastair Bathgate
    1 Jan 2012 | 3:51 pm
    If there’s one thing better than a pint of Black Sheep, it’s a pint of Black Sheep served in a cosy warm Yorkshire pub, after a long Sunday morning walk on the moors. The Star at Harome is just such a warming and friendly establishment but with the added bonus of being a restaurant that serves game, fish and fine wines. Oh and it has won just about every “best gastro pub” award going including, at one point, a Michelin star. It’s grouse season and I might just be in heaven. I am going to pay a celestial price too, £111 (a Nelson) plus service is more than a…

  • Nicole Chanrian, Côte-de-Brouilly, 2009

    Alastair Bathgate
    27 Dec 2011 | 12:53 pm
    Beaujolais 2009 seems to be getting better and better. I’ve still got a case or two, supposedly improving with age but, in reality, finding its way into my belly faster than the breaking of a New Year resolution. Take this Côte-de-Brouilly from Nicole Chanrion, which I got from the Wine Society for £9.95. There is full on fruit in a way that makes it hard to believe it is crafted from the Gamay grape, that in poor hands can taste of little more than Bazooka Joe with Cherry Coke. By contract, Chanrion has delivered an intense boost of full on fruit. Not so much lipsmackin’ as…
 
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    wineconversation.com

  • In 2012 please bring the 99% something different

    Ryan Opaz
    11 Jan 2012 | 8:21 am
    There have been a few “New Years” posts that have tried to peer into wine tinted crystal balls and extract ideas of what the new year will bring us. When I say us, I’m referring to the wine world and its future trends, sales and “movements”. Will Bio-D continue to be a force? Will China finally begin buying other wines and not just help to drive the price of Clarets through the roof? Will the “up and comers” up and come? I don’t think I need to join in. David Lowe, did one of the better wrap ups when he asked top movers and shakers what they…

  • A gift for the best of 2011

    Robert
    12 Dec 2011 | 11:56 am
    It is the time of year for giving gifts. If you think of Christmas gifts, you might imagine a box, lovingly wrapped in paper, with a bow on the top. You might, if you are like me, imagine a well crafted (but last minute) email with a voucher attached, but gifts come in many forms. “Dear Blogger, Thanks!” Image via Wikipedia One under-appreciated gift is a simple “thank you” to a person, friend or stranger, who has done something for you that you have gained from. You’ve probably guessed that, since I am writing on this site, I mean the wine writers and wine…

  • @BVWines protecting minors from the existence of wine, since Nov 18th 2012

    Ryan Opaz
    24 Nov 2011 | 2:50 pm
    View the story “@BVWines protecting minors from the existence of wine, since Nov 18th 2012″ on Storify]

  • 1 picture might not be enough in today’s fast paced world

    Ryan Opaz
    15 Nov 2011 | 4:16 am
    A picture is worth a 1000 words, or so the saying goes. Personally, I’m starting to think this idea is outdated in today’s world and even more so in relation to the photos you post online. Today, with every gadget and gizmo in your pocket having the capability to snap a photo, upload it and share it in real time, we the online surfers of this world, are constantly being assaulted with images that are at times brilliant and often quite forgettable. I was considering this the other day when staring at a rooftop as I walked to my metro stop. The rooftop was nothing very special, but…

  • Experience – Borrow someone elses

    Ryan Opaz
    12 Nov 2011 | 4:20 am
    “Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it. - Steven Wright” Never a truer statement spoken. Winemakers live by this motto as they craft their blends, each year learning from the previous year’s mistakes. This is why we have regions tied to single grapes, or styles of winemaking. Without others’ failures and triumphs we would not have Pinot Noir in Burgundy, Sherry in Jerez, and Port in Portugal. Sadly, however, lack of experience often stops people from trying new things, afraid that the experience they seek is a prerequisite to trying something…
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    Vino Sense

  • Capturing The Personality Of Wines

    Roberto Viernes
    25 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    You should know by now that the first thing I recommend for people who want to appreciate their wines better is to smell and taste everything all the fruits in every market, take note of the smells when you are at the garden or flower store

  • Wines, Like People, Can Disappoint

    Roberto Viernes
    18 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    You know the feeling: You are expecting to have something great happen, but instead it turns out to be mediocre. The dish looks so good with a beautiful presentation, but it’s not seasoned. You order the chocolate decadence cake, but it’s made of milk chocolate instead of dark. Your blind date is supposed to be good-looking and fun, but turns out to be a dud.

  • Building Bridges For People’s Palates

    Roberto Viernes
    11 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    Bridges are built to transport people or things from one place to another because of inaccessibility or for convenience. There are certain wines that build bridges for people’s palates as well. They can be from one varietal to another, or even from one world to another.

  • Looking Ahead To Wine Trends In 2012

    Roberto Viernes
    4 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    1) I think the ultimate fate of the Euro, which could be disappearing, will have a huge impact on wine imports from Europe.

  • What’s New Year’s Without Champagne?

    Roberto Viernes
    28 Dec 2011 | 4:00 am
    I must say that I really looked forward to the neighborhood fireworks shows every New Year’s Eve. Alas, there will be no more of that, at least in Honolulu.
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    Woot Wine! - One Week, One Wine

  • CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2-Pack - $74.99

    Woot
    28 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am
    Man Your Positions First, it was a fort, built to defend the road between Siena and the sea. Today, it’s a vineyard, well-suited for red wine. CastelGiocondo is an ancient fortress, dating back to 1100 C.E. Of course, back then, it was of strategic importance, and only the very best were assigned to man its gates. But after a few decades.. well, nobody was invading, nobody was aggressing, and politics in Italy had become much more personal and “hands on.” So the great CastelGiocondo began to loosen up a little. The finest soldiers and the best officers were sent elsewhere, and as we…

  • Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 2008 Nebbiolo 3 - Pack

    27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am
    Too SoonWait. It’s only your first date. Do you really want to open one of these bottles of Nebbiolo now?Sure, it’s been a wonderful evening. She’s intelligent. She’s clever. The dinner conversation was enchanting and never dull. It turns out you’ve got a lot in common, too, like a deep love for 18th century Russian literature, post-industrial minimalist electro-acoustic music, and kitties. The connection you felt on your romantic stroll along the beach under the moonlight was so strong you were able to gather up the courage to invite her in for a night cap. All good signs that a…

  • Rain Republic Guatemalan Chocolate 10-Pack

    Woot
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am
    Oh come on, we can’t be the only ones.If ever a product was crying for Tay Zonday as a pitchman, it’s this.Sometimes they just write themselves, folks. And when you’ve got a deal like a Rain Republic Guatemalan Chocolate 10-Pack, you don’t stand in the way of pure comedy gold. Come on! RAIN Republic? CHOCOLATE? Let’s do this! Forget all the nonsense about about a bean-to-bar chocolate maker providing jobs to over 300 Guatemalans making artisan chocolate using Gutaemalan cacao sourced without any pesticides or insecticides at all. No one cares! Fleeting Internet fame is what it’s…

  • Raised by Wolves Washington Cabernet Sauvignon 2-Pack

    Woot
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am
    Of Barns And WolvesI’m not saying I know exactly what they went through but, as someone who was born in a barn, I feel like I can relate a little more than your average person.It’s tough growing up the way we have. It’s not our fault we leave doors open without thinking to close them. It’s not our fault that we don’t pick up after ourselves or feel the need to eat as messily as possible while using nothing but our hands. It’s just how we were brought up. And to have to relate the story of how we lost our parents in some horrible accident, only to be saved by a kind mother wolf and…

  • Clos LaChance Petite Sirah Vertical 3-Pack

    Woot
    24 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am
    Don’t Be StingyYou wouldn’t think a hummingbird would be a good security guard.And yet the folks at Clos LaChance chose the noble hummingbird as a brand symbol for two reasons: the first was its beauty, and the second how well it keeps other bird away from the grapes. Can you imagine that? A tiny hummingbird interdicting a no-fly zone around the Clos LaChance vineyards? Strange as it may seem, we’re assured that’s exactly how it works. So be aware that your Clos LaChance Petite Sirah Vertical 3 Pack might need some extra special protection. These three bottles, 2007, 2008 and 2009,…
 
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    1 Wine Dude

  • Weekly Twitter Wine Mini Reviews Round-Up For January 28, 2012

    1WineDude
    28 Jan 2012 | 7:01 am
    Uhm, like what is this stuff? I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine sample tasting notes via twitter (limited to 140 characters). They are meant to be fun, quickly-and-easily-digestible reviews. Below is a wrap-up of the twitter reviews from the past week (click here for the skinny on how to read them), along with links to help you find them so you can try them for yourself. Cheers! 10 Undone Dry Riesling (Rheinhessen): Lemon, lychee and lime, enjoy social gatherings, available now and looking for a good time. $11 B- >>find…

  • Weekly Wine Quiz: When It Comes To Bubbly, Do You Know Your Letters?

    1WineDude
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    Continuing our Champagne theme for the Weekly Wine Quiz, we’ve got a relatively tough question queued up this week. Let’s see which of you Champers fans really knows his or her (or, if you’re a hermaphrodite, his AND her) stuff…  When It Comes To Bubbly, Do You Know Your Letters? Champagne production is one of the most highly-regulated in all of the wine world, with each bottle receiving a registration number for its producer issued by the region’s governing body, and each label receiving a designation code that represents how the wine was made. What Champagne…

  • Surprising Stars From Aussie Wine’s “A+” NYC Event

    1WineDude
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    Considering that I’ve been so surprised by the high quality of some Aussie white wines in the last several months, it seems surprising that I should be surprised at all when Aussie wine surprises me these days. And yet, my mind is simple enough (and apparently entrenched enough in its own little preconceived notions) that the Aussie wine surprises keep coming (good and bad, but probably much more good than bad right now). Such was the case at last week’s A+ Aussie Wine public tasting event at Espace in NYC, called “Around Australia In 80 Sips” and organized jointly by Bottlenotes and…

  • Where Can Wineries Really Innovate? In Engaging The People Who Actually Drink The Stuff!

    1WineDude
    25 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    I was recently interviewed by WineSpiralProject.com, as part of their series on wine industry innovation, in which they interview personalities in the wine world and ask them to share thoughts on the wine biz and how it can/should innovate. Yeah, I know, I’m not 100% certain why they picked me either, but what’s done is done so let’s just roll with it, okay? You can check out the entire series of interviews at this link; I’ll give the the super-short, edited-down-to-the-bare-bones-Cliff-Notes version of my interview right here: Wineries are amazing at production innovation; Wineries…

  • Wine Knows Trivia iPhone App Giveaway!

    1WineDude
    23 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    With the buzz happening around the Weekly Wine Quiz, I’ve got wine trivia on the (vino-soaked) brain lately. So it seemed serendipitous that I was contacted by the folks at Trivia Knows to try out their new cross-platform mobile wine trivia game, Wine Knows Trivia. They invited me to take a sample test rive of the game on the iPhone, and I can say that I am fairly impressed – the interface is slick, there’s a bit of game-addiction action as you rack up bottles that measure your winnings/progress (which you can then share via twitter, Google+ and Facebook for bragging rights among your…
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    BerlinKitchen

  • 2006 Burlotto Monvigliero Barolo

    27 Jan 2012 | 8:16 am
    Der Stoff aus dem die Träume sind.........zumindest für Finessen-Trinker. Dieser Barolo „Monvigliero“ ist flüssige Seide und noch nie hatte ich einen so femininen bzw. feingliedrigen Barolo im Glas. Ein Bukett das einem der Atem raubt, das findet man nur im Piemont bzw. Burgund. Eine Eleganz&Grazie vermischt mit dem verführerischen Duft von Rosen-blüten. Am Gaumen dann ultrafeine Tannine, Erdbeere&Himbeere, Gewürze, ordentlich Säure und HARMONIE.Kaum zu glauben, die Trauben werden noch mit den Füßen gekeltert. Und auch die Beeren werden nicht entrappt, d.h. die Stiele…

  • VDP Klassifikation

    26 Jan 2012 | 4:32 am
    Neue VDP Klassifikation!http://www.vdp.de/de/vdp-die-praedikatsweingueter/

  • Nachtrag

    24 Jan 2012 | 2:56 am
    Hier noch die Rotweine von Sonntag abend:2008 Dom. Robert Chevillon "Les Saint-Georges" 1erIm Moment sehr sperrig, ein Wein mit Ecken und Kanten2005 J-F Mugnier "Bonnes-Mares" Grand CruEin Traum! Finesse&Eleganz ohne Ende.......und dazu noch Präzision. Touching2001 San Guisto "Percarlo"Klar, dagegen hatte es dieser Sangiovese aus der Toskana sehr schwer. Viel zu jung im Moment.

  • Meine Lieblingsweine

    23 Jan 2012 | 1:36 am
    Gestern haben wir uns nach der VDP-GG-Roadshow im Hotel Palace im kleinen Kreis zusammengefunden, das Motto des Abends „Meine Lieblingsweine“. Hier nur ein paar kurze Eindrücke, als Gastgeber hatte ich selbstverständlich noch andere Verpflichtungen. Besonders spannend zwei Faßproben von 2011.2010 Willi Schaefer „Himmelreich“ KabinettPerfekter Apero, leichtfüßig, frisch und macht Lust auf das nächste Glas. Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Vertretern aus 2010 haben wir einen echten (!) Kabinett. Weißer Pfirsich, Blüten und ungemein delikat und präzise. Viel feingliedriger als der…

  • Roulade

    19 Jan 2012 | 1:52 am
    4 thinly sliced beef (Topside Beef or Silverside)100g bacongreen of spring onionsmustard4 carrotsroast vegetables (leek, carrot, celery, parsley)1/2 bottle red wine500ml beef brothoptional: gherkins/cornichonsPreparation/Zubereitung4 Rouladen100g SpeckGrün von FrühlingszwiebelnSenf4 KarottenRöstgemüse „Suppenbund“1/2 Flasche Rotwein500ml RinderbrüheOptional: Gewürzgurken/Cornichons
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    Aristide, The Wine Blog

  • Anteprima Amarone 2008

    aristideblog@mac.com (Giampiero Nadali alias Aristide)
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:12 am
    Anteprima Amarone 2008, ecco il programma. Da pessimo profeta quale sono, ecco le mie osservazioni sull'edizione passata: "Anteprima Amarone 2007: ultima fermata?". No, il torpedone delle Anteprima Amarone passerà anche quest'anno, sabato 28 e domenica 29 gennaio. Stesso format, stessa...

  • Flash: scompare Giuseppe "Bepi" Quintarelli

    aristideblog@mac.com (Giampiero Nadali alias Aristide)
    15 Jan 2012 | 5:01 pm
    Una triste notizia: apprendo ora della scomparsa di Giuseppe "Bepi" Quintarelli, il grande artigiano del vino della Valpolicella. Da tempo malato, Giuseppe Quintarelli aveva già provveduto con la famiglia a garantire che il futuro dell'azienda vitivinicola di Negrar fosse impostato,...

  • Terrano, pensieri su un vino autentico per un Buon Natale

    aristideblog@mac.com (Giampiero Nadali alias Aristide)
    21 Dec 2011 | 12:28 pm
    Di ritorno da Trieste, dalla bella occasione offerta da "Teranum 2011", dichiaro che uno dei primi impegni da eno-turista che Aristide si prenderà nel 2012, è quello di tornare sul Carso triestino, e abbandonarsi per un week-end alla ricerca della...

  • Riserva Storica del Sangiovese di Romagna

    aristideblog@mac.com (Giampiero Nadali alias Aristide)
    19 Dec 2011 | 2:37 am
    Bella iniziativa del Consorzio Vini di Bertinoro, piccolo raggruppamento delle otto aziende vitivinicole con sede e vigneti nel comune romagnolo. Domenica 11 dicembre è stata inaugurata la Riserva Storica del Sangiovese di Romagna. Nelle parole degli organizzatori, "è un luogo...

  • Teranum, si torna a Trieste in nome del Terrano

    aristideblog@mac.com (Giampiero Nadali alias Aristide)
    15 Dec 2011 | 5:03 am
    I produttori del Carso triestino (confluiti nel Consorzio Collio Carso DOC), insieme ad alcuni colleghi sloveni, danno nuovamente appuntamento a Trieste, da venerdì 16 a domenica 18 dicembre, per ritrovarci intorno al tavolo del Terrano, uno dei vini più amati...
 
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    Wine Weekly

  • Lousy Wine at Charity Events

    vinojoe
    9 Jan 2012 | 5:09 pm
    To start off the New Year, Jay McInerney presented his wine resolutions for 2012 in the Wall Street Journal. Among them was resolution number three: Don’t drink the wine at charity benefits. I happen to attend quite a few of these events over the course of the year. The speeches can really drag on and it often seems the only recourse—short of heckling the speakers or hurling the centerpiece at the podium—is to drink copiously. Unfortunately the wine at these affairs is inevitably inexpensive—in the interest of keeping costs down and delivering more of the ticket price to the…

  • Affordable Champagne and Sparkling Wines for New Year’s

    vinojoe
    31 Dec 2011 | 2:39 pm
    It’s time to ring in the New Year, and most likely you’ll do so with bubbles. But does it have to be Champagne? And does it have to be expensive? Not necessarily, as there are many, many other sparkling wines that offer the same dramatic effect of popping a cork and also please your palate — and won’t break the bank. Here are a few of my favorite sparklers, all at economical price points: Champagne: Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top ($30) This is “real” Champagne, from France, made in a dry style — so if you’re into the sweeter sparklers, stay…

  • Easy Cocktails for New Year’s Eve

    vinojoe
    31 Dec 2011 | 2:13 pm
    I know, I know — this is supposed to be a wine blog, not a cocktail blog. But, one of these mixed drinks includes Prosecco among the ingredients, so that makes it relevant. Also, not everyone at your New Year’s Eve party will want to drink just wine, so here are some really easy drinks you can make quickly that are crowd pleasers. Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

  • Wines for Thanksgiving 2011

    vinojoe
    22 Nov 2011 | 8:48 am
    Yes, another wine column devoted to wines suggested for your Thanksgiving feast. In the past I spent many hours in the weeks before Bird Day cooking turkey and various trimmings, and matching them with all types of wines in the hopes of finding magical pairings. After several years of this annual exercise, I’ve come to a startling conclusion: It just doesn’t matter. That’s right — go ahead and buy any wine you like for Thanksgiving, because chances are, with the wide assortment of dishes typically found on the table for the football day feast, it will match with…

  • Red Wine Review: Torres Celeste Crianza

    vinojoe
    15 Aug 2011 | 2:48 pm
    Miguel Torres “Celeste” Crianza Ribera del Duero 2007 | Spain No, this is not a wine made by the mixed-martial arts fighter — though it is similarly intense and packs a punch. “Celeste” Crianza is made by Miguel Torres the wine producer — a diverse family-owned company that makes wine in Spain, Chile, and California. This particular bottle comes from the Ribera del Duero region in Spain (the company also owns vineyards in Penedes, Jumilla, Priorat, Toro, Conca de Barbera, and Priorat). Torres has the largest winery in Spain and is its largest producer,…
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    Brooklynguy's Wine and Food Blog

  • Thinking About how to Rate Wine

    22 Jan 2012 | 10:55 pm
    Much has been written and many debates take place about how to rate wine. It seems now that the 100 point scale is seen as "old guard," that it has not been effective at communicating a wine's quality. There are of course other rating systems, and their effectiveness is also debatable. I don't want to spend time here summarizing the various arguments, and I don't have a definitive opinion on the best rating system for wine. But I do have some thoughts that I want to share.I think that some wines are better than others. That might sound silly to say, but there are folks who think that…

  • Brown Sherries Improve After Opening !

    12 Jan 2012 | 6:10 pm
    On new year's eve a good friend took pity on me, alone in the house with my very young and very wonderful daughters, and he decided to come over to hang out and have dinner. We of course opened some special wines on that night, one of which was a bottle I brought back from Jerez in October, Emilio Hidalgo Especial Amontillado Viejo El Tresillo 1874. I was very excited to drink and share this wine. The solera began in 1874 when the Hidalgo family purchased the bodega and the wines in the bottle are an average of about 50 years old. This is special wine - very little is bottled every year and…

  • Burgundy Wine Club 2012 - Pommard

    8 Jan 2012 | 2:35 pm
    Seven friends and I pool our money every year to buy about 8 bottles of Burgundy wine, wine that we wouldn't buy individually because of the high cost and the risk of bad bottles. Every year at around this time we get together over dinner and share the wines. This year the theme of our dinner was the great vineyards and producers of Pommard.Pommard is not the most glorious of Burgundy appellations, not by a long shot. In my somewhat limited experience, the wines can be rustic and are not as pretty as the wines from neighboring Volnay, for example, or even compared with wines from "lesser"…

  • How to Open and Enjoy an Old Bottle of Wine

    3 Jan 2012 | 10:40 pm
    I was given an amazing birthday gift in November, an old bottle of wine by Produttori del Barbaresco, the 1959 Riserva. This is very exciting - how often does one get to drink a bottle that old? In my case, not very often. I've had a few old wines, but with the exception of a few cases, I haven't opened them myself. A more experienced friend or a sommelier typically has handled that part.How do you open an old bottle of wine?I knew that I wanted to drink the '59 Barbaresco over the holidays with friends. I asked Jamie Wolff, partner at Chambers Street Wines, what to do with the bottle (which…

  • Memorable Pairings of 2011

    26 Dec 2011 | 5:27 pm
    Well, of the last few months anyway. There have been a few truly memorable drinks and eats in the past months that I never found a way to write about here. So I'll compile them in a best-of-the-unposted list from the last part of 2011.I was in Jerez in October, and one night I had dinner at La Carbona with Peter Liem and Eduardo Ojeda, the cellar master at La Guita and Valdespino. Eduardo brought several ridiculous bottles to this dinner, one of which was a bottle of La Guita Manzanilla Pasada...but from the mid 1970's! That's right, a Manzanilla Pasada that had spent the past 40 years in…
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    Through The Walla Walla Grape Vine™

  • I Want To Visit Walla Walla!

    Catie
    17 Jan 2012 | 10:02 am
    Okay, so I live here. In fact, I was born and raised here. Since I have been working in the wine industry now for over 10 years, I've had the opportunity to visit with our tourists. Sometimes it is a first time visit and for others a yearly event. I enjoy listening to their adventures in Walla Walla and their very kind remarks about our beautiful area; from the picturesque valley setting of the Blue Mountains, our historical downtown, the live theatres, the art and music scene, the assortment of dining and of course, and very most of all - - the wine.Everytime I hear the tourist's stories…

  • It's Not About the Romance: Tamarack Cellars

    Catie
    10 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    If you are a lover of Walla Walla wines and haven't noticed all the ongoing accolades given to Tamarack Cellars, then you must have been sleeping. Tamarack Cellars was founded in 1998 by Ron and Jamie Coleman. No, they don't have a poo-foofy-looking chateau and no, they do not sit on a hill overlooking pristine and perfect movie set vineyards. Located in the old World War II Army Airbase fire station at the Walla Walla Airport, this winery is all about expression, passion and character - with no pretense. Focusing on small lots, the winery is currently at 20,000 cases a year. The goal of the…

  • Can you say, "Châteauneuf-du-Pape?"

    Catie
    5 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    Pronunciation Manual is a YouTube video series that was launched in April 2011. It was inspired by another YouTube video series known as Pronunciation Book, which provides correct pronunciation of featured English words.Like Pronunciation Book, Pronunciation Manual are also short instructional videos on word pronunciation, however Pronunciation Manual's featured words are mispronounced intentionally for comedic purposes.In the video below is the intentional mispronunciation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (shah-toe-nuff due PAHP), a French wine located around the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in…

  • Gramercy Cellars "L'Idiot du Village" - 2009

    Catie
    4 Jan 2012 | 9:59 am
    In the past 3 years, Gramercy Cellars has been working with some of the best vineyards in the state of Washington for Grenache, Mourvedre and the newcomer grape, Cinsault. Okay - okay, so Cinsault really isn't a newcomer to Walla Walla as it was one of the first to be planted in the valley many moons ago, but that my li'l' wine friends is another story ...Gramercy Cellars, Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Winery of 2010, is known for their rich and most serious wines, especially their syrahs. However, once you take a second look at their simple, yet elegant label, you sometimes discover…

  • Malbec's Moments in Walla Walla

    Catie
    3 Jan 2012 | 9:59 am
    In the December 15, 2011 issue of the Wine Spectator's, their cover and leading article was titled, "Malbec's Moment." It's about the forgotten grape that has become an overnight success, especially in Argentina.Malbec is a red grape variety that produces an inky dark purple colored wine. It has been long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of Bordeaux reds. The French vineyards of Malbec have primarily been found in Cahors in the South West France region and known as either Auxerrois or Côt (Côt Noir) in Cahors, called Malbec in Bordeaux, and Pressac in other areas. In…
 
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    Box Wines

  • Vendi Pinot Grigio 2009

    Roger
    17 Jan 2012 | 8:20 pm
    Price: $6 Maker: CL Dolo, Italy Variety: Pinot Grigio Packaging: Bottle, artificial cork Alcohol: 12% Our Rating: 8.2 out of 10 Vendi Pinot Grigio 2009 Delle Venezie isn’t typical of the varietal. It’s pale straw color doesn’t lead you to expect an overwhelmingly fruity taste. Its flavors are pear and tropical fruit, and this wine is far less dry than most Pinot Grigios. Light acidity clears the palate, preventing it from being overly cloying. This is a great wine for those who prefer a fruity, not very dry wine, but who don’t want a truly sweet wine. It could be a…

  • Barefoot Zinfandel (Update)

    Roger
    5 Jan 2012 | 6:21 am
    Price: $5 Maker: Barefoot Cellars, Modesto, California Variety: Zinfandel Packaging: Bottle, artificial cork Alcohol: 13.5% Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10 It’s been five years since we looked at Barefoot Zinfandel (non-vintage), and it’s good to know that not much has changed with this very inexpensive wine. In fact, although it’s nominally a $10 wine, we scored this bottle for a mere $5. (The Barefoot Wine website lists it at $6.99.) This incarnation of the Barefoot Zin offered sweet vanilla aromas. It was smooth and soft, with chocolate cherry and blueberry flavors and a spicy…

  • Buying Wine at Sam’s Club

    Roger
    14 Dec 2011 | 7:17 pm
    I’ve always found Sam’s Club to be a good place to buy wine. They have an interesting, if limited, selection ranging from inexpensive, mass-market wines to pricier fare. Some of their best offerings are inexpensive wines that are hard to find elsewhere. For example, after trying one bottle of the rather amazing Cameron Hughes Lot 250 Meritage 2009 that cost a mere $8, I hustled back for another half-dozen bottles. That wine is a one-shot deal – when it’s gone, it’s gone. A dependable and even cheaper offering that Sam’s Club always stocks is the nice Veo…

  • Wine Gift Ideas

    Roger
    7 Dec 2011 | 5:34 pm
    I love this season, because all sorts of wonderful wine accessories pop up in stores.  Plus, it’s a time of year when you can get something a little odd or extravagant.  I searched my own accessories plus a variety of sites to come up with some clever ideas for a few wine-lover oriented gifts! Wine Decanters. Jeremy Parzen of the Houston Chronicle suggests a wine decanter as a useful and thoughtful gift. Crystal vessels by Riedel are the benchmark for fine wine decanters these days. They’re not cheap, but they’re worth every penny for their high-concept design and the…

  • Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

    Roger
    6 Dec 2011 | 6:33 am
    Price: $9 Winery: Tilia, Mendoza, Argentina Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Packaging: 750 ml bottle, screw cap Alcohol: 13.9% Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Perhaps the strongest appeal of Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is the ripe berry and licorice nose. On the palate, it combines cherry, red berry, and woody notes with an reasonably long finish. It’s on the light side for a Cab, though I didn’t really see the sweetness that a few reviewers noticed. This Cab definitely improves with some air. Despite aerating and a little breathing, the first sips were a bit harsh and not all that…
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    Sour Grapes

  • Bubble brothers finds a new voice

    Lar
    16 Jan 2012 | 2:33 pm
    When Julian Alubaidy (now @curiousjulian) left Bubble Brothers, I felt they had lost their soul, their online one at least. Julian wrote what I think was the first (and finest) wine blog in Ireland and after his departure, it fell silent. I’m sure they were getting on fine offline, but there was certainly a void for wine drinking digital natives. So, I was delighted to see them take on Paul Kiernan, one of the most entertaining wine writers of the new generation. Where others assume tacit knowledge, Paul manages to inform while being entertaining. Thus, a terroirible beauty was born.

  • Chinese wine: Chang Yu Cabernet d’Est 2010

    Lar
    6 Jan 2012 | 2:55 am
    While most of the stories we read about wine in China centre around their thirst for Lafite, Mouton and other top-end Bordeaux, there is another side to Chinese wine. China is set to become (if it hasn’t already) the largest wine producing country in the world. While most of it will go to their growing middle class, we’ll undoubtedly start to see some of it move in this direction. TxB have one of the most geographically diverse portfolios and having recently added a wine from China, I was really keen to try it. It was the Cabernet d’Est from the Chang Yu winery. The grape A…

  • What’s in your wine? Channel 4 Dispatches (from 2008)

    Lar
    4 Jan 2012 | 5:30 am
    This is an oldie (2008) but a goodie to watch. If you have the interest and/or patience to watch it, I’d be interested to hear your tuppence worth, particularly wine drinkers – does it surprise or scare you. I’ll hold off on my commentary here. Hat-tip to Blake Creedon for spotting the video online.

  • The official Sourgrapes.ie Christmas Wine Guide

    Lar
    11 Dec 2011 | 4:28 pm
    So, it’s Christmas. What wine should you be drinking? Sherry, of course. And probably Port too. Talking to some wine merchants, and this is the only time they sell any of the stuff. If I were to pick one, I’d go for a Sherry. The great thing about Sherry is that you can go from bone dry to sweet, it’s literally a world of discovery. I’d go with a dry Puerto Fino sherry, perfect as an aperatif and available just about everywhere from independent wine shop to supermarket. Look out for Lustau. Bubbles must make an appearance. There’s plenty to choose from. Tattinger…

  • Wine of the Week: Honoro Vera, Catalyud, Spain

    Lar
    15 Nov 2011 | 2:14 pm
    Drogheda, a town in county Louth, stretching across the border into neighbouring Meath, is becoming a bit of media darling. Featured recently on national television, it’s no longer just a town you bypass on the way to Dundalk but somewhere worth stopping. And if stop you do, then stop you must at Quintessential Wines on the Dublin Road. There, you’ll find a modest but carefully selected range of wines on the shelves. One that stands out is a Spanish wine, Honoro Vera. She stands out initially because of her elaborate postpunk label, worthy of a place on thedieline.com But…
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    Lisson - infos autour de la vigne et du vin - et d'autres choses

  • Vendredis du Vin #42: Le Vin du Voyage

    27 Jan 2012 | 9:51 am
    Le monde des blogs des amateurs du vin voyage depuis ce matin - c'est Guillaume Nicolas-Brion, le président de ce mois de Janvier, qui le souhaitait pour les Vendredis du Vin #42: Le Vin des Voyages Normalement, le mois de Janvier nous fait voyager plutôt dans la vigne, pour commencer la[...]

  • À mettre sous le sapin.... 2

    23 Dec 2011 | 6:57 am
    un beau livre de Jean-Claude Bousquet, édité chez les Écologistes de l'Euzière, qui enfin nous apprendra tout sur la géologie viticole la plus riche de France: Pour en savoir plus, vous pouvez télécharger le fichier d'annonce, qui contient aussi le dossier de presse ici . Jean-Claude BOUSQUET :[...]

  • À mettre sous le sapin.... 1

    23 Dec 2011 | 3:51 am
    à peu de frais mais grand coéfficient temps/plaisir: une visite sur le photo- blog d'Andrea Schmitz - photographe de talent tri-lingue, originaire - comme moi - de Düsseldorf, en Allemagne, mais résidente - comme moi encore - en France: Des images, qui disent plus que milles mots - comme son[...]

  • Calendrier de l'Avin - 21 Décembre 2011

    20 Dec 2011 | 5:05 pm
    à trois jours de Noël, c'est notre chère Eva Robineau du Blog Oenos, qui m'a convié a remplir la petite porte - ou est-ce plutôt une fenêtre? - du Calendrier de l'Avin 2011, que les amateurs du vin peuvent ouvrir tous les jours, pour y trouver le coup de coeur d'un autre passionné de vin. J'ai[...]

  • Vendredis du Vin # 40: Gammes en Beaujolais

    28 Oct 2011 | 11:32 am
    C'est Olif, notre terroiriste Jurassique, qui nous appel à boire du Beaujolais - du vrai, pas forcement du Nouveau,et si oui,un qui à survécu à sa sempiternelle sortie fin Novembre donc de faire nos Gammes en Beaujolais àvant l'heure pour ces Vendredis du Vin # 40. ...Bon, le Beaujolais,[...]
 
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    Lyke2Drink

  • Tuesday Tasting: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

    24 Jan 2012 | 1:44 pm
    Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a new whiskey from Brown-Forman. The Labrot & Graham Distillery was brought back from the dead in 1996 thanks to the renewed interest in quality Bourbon. Located in Woodford County, about an hour outside of Louisville, in the midst of major thoroughbred horse farms the site was first used for a distillery in 1812 by Elijah Pepper. The facility changed hands several times before it became the Labrot & Graham Distillery. Brown-Forman acquired…

  • Around the World in 80 Drinks: CIA Launches Wine Lovers Boot Camp

    15 Jan 2012 | 9:06 am
    Around the World in 80 Drinks is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores drink culture and the places where great beer, wine and spirits are created and consumed. The Culinary Institute of America is launching a new series of classes designed for the wine enthusiast at its St. Helena, Calif. campus. Wine Lovers Boot Camp will take place at the CIA Greystone campus, near many great Napa Valley vineyards. Two courses will launch the Wine Lovers Boot Camp series, a five day Basic Training program and a two day Tasting Like a Pro program. The Basic Training program…

  • Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom to Host Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting on Feb. 4 to Benefit Pints for Prostates

    13 Jan 2012 | 4:55 pm
    Tyler’s Restaurant &Taproom in Raleigh will play host to the Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting on Feb. 4 from 2-6 p.m. to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer. The tasting event features beers and cider from 40 craft producers served under a tent adjacent to Tyler’s at 18 Seaboard Ave. in Raleigh, N.C. The event benefits Pints for Prostates, an awareness campaign reaching men through the universal language of beer. “Tyler’s has put together an incredible collection of rare and vintage beers for this event. It’s a great way for beer fans to come…

  • Tuesday Tasting: Cigar City Jai Alia IPA

    10 Jan 2012 | 10:42 pm
    Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample an IPA from Florida. Cigar City Brewing is recognized as one of the best craft breweries in the south. Cigar City Brewing was founded by Joey Redner in Tampa, Fla., is 2009. The company has a 15 barrel brewhouse located in the Carver City-Lincoln Gardens neighborhood. Cigar City Jai Alia IPA pours a hazy amber gold color with a moderate off-white head. The beer has a hoppy aroma and the flavor offers a classic combination of IPA notes. There is an…

  • Beer Hunter: The Movie Looks to Kickstarter to Get Off the Ground

    9 Jan 2012 | 5:11 pm
    Michael Jackson was the unlikely father of the global craft beer movement. But the British journalist, who passed away in 2007, did more for good beer with words than most brewers in the late 1970s were doing with hops and malt. He can rightfully be credited with inspiring a generation of craft brewers and beer enthusiasts. Jackson's landmark 1977 book, The World Guide to Beer, cataloged beer styles and brewing nations as they had previously never been treated. More books would follow and his 1989 The Beer Hunter television series was way ahead its time. There were no…
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    Wannabe Wino Wine Blog

  • Train Wreck!

    Sonadora
    25 Jan 2012 | 4:27 am
    Continuing on the theme of big winter reds, we dug deep into the cellar for this gem.  In 2009 I, along with a bunch of other bloggers, invaded Calaveras County, specifically the town of Murphys, CA.  One of our stops on that trip was Newsome Harlow, a favorite of mine from my first visit to Murphys.  So this wine has spent a bit of time since then chilling in my basement waiting for me to open it up.  The 2006 Newsome Harlow Train Wreck retails (at the time) for $19, has a real cork closure, and clocks in at 14.4%. Four takeaways from this wine: 1.) A divine chocolate covered blueberry…

  • Riesling from Napa

    Sonadora
    18 Jan 2012 | 4:39 am
    *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the winery. I know what you are thinking. Napa? Riesling? Really? Yes really, and it’s good.  I can’t say that I’ve had a lot of Riesling from Napa.  In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever previously had any.  The 2010 Cornerstone Stepping Stone Riesling registers at 13.5% alcohol by volume content, has a real cork closure, and retails for $18.  I seem to have misplaced my photos for this bottle. Four takeaways from this wine: 1.) A warmer climate riesling, the tropical fruits stood out for me in this offering. 2.)…

  • Rock This Way

    Sonadora
    16 Jan 2012 | 4:16 am
    *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Rodney Strong. Although our weather is still oddly behaving as if it’s spring rather than winter, I’m getting in the big red wines while I still am in the winter mindset!  We have had a few random colds days here and there, and that’s when we busted open the 2007 Rodney Strong Rockaway, a Cabernet Sauvignon. The Rockaway clocks in at 15.2% alcohol by volume, has a real cork closure, and retails fro $75. Four takeaways from this wine: 1.) I served the wine with herb roasted chicken. I’d suggest something with a little…

  • Popping a Cork: ‘The Devil’s Wine’

    mrwannabewino
    6 Jan 2012 | 4:31 am
    Mr. Wannabe Wino returns with a second installment! Champagne has long been a favorite party drink, no doubt partly due to the theatrical nature of opening a bottle which results in a satisfying – POP! fizzle.  (Plinking an in-law with a cork from all the way across the room is only an added bonus…)  Originally created accidentally in the Champagne region of France, the effervescence was a byproduct of wine being bottled after cooler weather prematurely halted an incomplete fermentation process, which would resume with the onset of warmer weather.  With no place for the carbon dioxide…

  • Time to Sparkle!

    Sonadora
    30 Dec 2011 | 4:41 am
    *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from F. Wildman. Sorry for the radio silence! Christmas and my daughter’s first birthday being within 3 days of each other left me with little time to write.  Though plenty of occasions to raise a glass of bubbly and toast, which is what we did with the JJ Vincent Cremant de Bourgogne.   The JJ Vincent has a traditional Champagne closure, clocks in at 12% alcohol by volume, and retails for about $20. Four takeaways from this wine: 1.) We drank it on a Saturday afternoon, which just set the tone for a good day. 2.) It’s a great…
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    Wino sapien

  • Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs

    Edward
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:33 am
    le Mesnil-sur-Ogers, France. Chardonnay. 12%. Cork. Approx $A85Quite delicious and certainly more pleasing than just about any other equivalently priced Champagne I can recall. Made by a co-op of growers from grapes growing in esteemed soil, this is layered and complex; the nose is all sour dough, mushrooms and citrus, while in the mouth it's beauty is clear. A superb blend of length, texture and fruit.http://feeds.feedburner.com/WinoSapien Click here for the original context

  • Léon Desfrièches et fils Le Père Jules 2008

    Edward
    24 Jan 2012 | 7:53 am
    Normandy, France. 5%. Cork. Approx $A20.A Tuesday, where the temperature reached 38.7 degrees C. It is possible that this might be the week's coolest day. Six of the next seven are forecast to reach 40 degrees or more. . . The most sensible liquid to consume is water (or beer) and the idea of wine, even for a hard core wino with a plate of of Chinatown roast pork for dinner, became suddenly and strangely unappealing. Thankfully I tend to be over prepared for most situations, and a bottle of vintage cider proved to be particularly suited to the heat and the pork. A cloudy orange this smells…

  • Mr. Riggs Shiraz 2004

    Edward
    22 Jan 2012 | 2:09 pm
    First a superb 9 year old Riesling. The 2003 Seppelt Drumborg (12% Victoria. Screwcap) - there is a distinct, but fleeting note of fennel and the faintest whiff of petroleum; overwhelmingly though, it is citrus blossom. It's bright, tart and the shape is not marred by the bitterness of age. Which is something I found, along with a metal and spritzig, in the preceding bottle of the 2002 Ferngrove Cossack.The Riggs Shiraz which I was perhaps a little too effusive about 5 years ago, is still delicious and surprisingly fresh. I had images of its hefty 15% body aging poorly. . . A cool resting…

  • If

    Edward
    22 Jan 2012 | 2:09 am
    you accept the idea proposed by Heraclitus, that it is impossible to step into the same river twice, then it is easy to accept the notion that no two wines are ever the same. Take these twins, separated at birth. The darker and presumably more mature bottle has been cellaring in the warmth of my study. It's 27.5 degrees C today. The fairer twin has been kept at a constant 14 degrees.http://feeds.feedburner.com/WinoSapien Click here for the original context

  • A white bean and chorizo salad

    Edward
    20 Jan 2012 | 4:08 am
    An improvised salad made from pantry and fridge ingredients.For the pan:half an onion - segmented and fried in olive oil till golden.a few cloves of diced garlic - tossed in seconds before the chorizo.a roughly chopped uncured chorizo sausage - left in the pan with onions and garlic till cooked.one tin of drained and rinsed cannellini beans - added right at the end to take on flavour and heat. Once done transfer to a serving plate.For the serving plate:1 small handful of fresh parsley and basil - chopped.1-2 medium tomatoes roughly chopped - toss the herbs and tomato into the cooked beans and…
 
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    On the Wine Trail in Italy

  • Langhe Report: From Ovello to Novello to Bolly in only 14 hours

    Alfonso Cevola
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:59 pm
    Day 2 started out early in Barbaresco to visit with Aldo Vacco at Produttori. Aldo was running late, but Luca met us with hot espresso. Luca’s grandfather was one of the very first to help set up the cooperative and at only 26 his life’s course it set. Like a monk, Luca diligently explained to us all the new improvements and the comings and goings (one grower recently passed and the property was sold to another grower, etc.) along with the new construction at both of the facilities. The places are beautiful and I will have to post on that progress in another post. Aldo showed up and led…

  • Langhe Report: Nebbiolo "Full Immersion" Day 1

    Alfonso Cevola
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:09 pm
    I had no longer said goodbye to my Austin amigo, Devon, sending him on his way to the Real Madrid –Barcelona game in Barcelona, than I set upon to make my way to Marseille, so I could catch a very early plane to Milan to gather up another Austinite friend, John Roenigk. Before that though I had to endure a night in a smoky room and some Colombard-Chardonnay to go with my (most-likely) Atlantic farm raised Salmon. But after 36 hours of being the walking dead, and working through it, it was not too bad. Other than I had to leave behind the pure and wonderful wines and friends I made in…

  • Millésime Bio: Three days, too many wines and only one master sommelier

    Alfonso Cevola
    24 Jan 2012 | 4:55 pm
    From "the times they are a changing" départementSomewhere in the last few days, here at Millésime Bio 2012, the subject of Gravner came up. Millésime Bio is a three day expo of organic and bio-dynamic wineries from France, Italy, Spain and all the rest who showed up. Pretty impressive showing for the natural yeast, sans sufre, bio-groupies. Nirvana for the hairy armpit lovers.Oddly enough, friend Alice was nowhere to be seen. I reckon she was off in more fertile pastures, ensconced in egesta, harvesting the fruits of her desire. Still, there was plenty of folk at the show to make three…

  • Zero to 80 in two hours

    Alfonso Cevola
    22 Jan 2012 | 9:50 am
    I’ve been under the weather. And I’ve been over it too. The past few days I have been in many airplanes. Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Paris, Montpellier. The O-N-D season seems light in comparison. But this is the life. Well, not exactly “the life” but a life. Freely chosen.I knew I wasn’t feeling good when I went to Chicago. An early work week in Houston, and a layover at my house. When we got to Chicago is was bitterly cold. What does one expect in January? We shuttled between hotels, meetings and restaurants. On the return back to Dallas (for another brief layover) the temperature…

  • Baby, baby, don'cha go away mad

    Alfonso Cevola
    19 Jan 2012 | 6:50 am
    We’ve all had it happen to us. You walk into an Italian restaurant, somewhere in America, and the place is bustling. Waiters are carrying trays of steaks, pasta, chops. Bartenders are mixing up classic drinks. Women have their bright red lipstick on. And resounding from the ceiling, good old blue eyes is crooning. You think, “now we're in for a good time, Sinatra is in the house.” Music doesn't seem that crucial to the success of restaurants in Italy. It’s a place to eat, to talk to friends, hear one another, even. But it’s not a scene you see that often in Italy, using music to…
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    Write for Wine: It's Wine O'Clock Somewhere!

  • 2009 Chateau Smith Cab Sauv

    writeforwine
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:12 pm
    Continuing with our trend of trying value wines in 2012, we want to give a shout-out to 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ”Chateau Smith” by Charles Smith Wines.   This reasonably priced wine received 91 points from Wine Spectator: “Supple and inviting, with complex flavors of dark berries and plum shaded with hints of bacon and star anise. The finish rolls along unimpeded by the polished tannins.” Not bad for a wine that sells for $15-$20, depending where you look. This Cab — blended with 14% Petit Verdot and 6% Syrah – is perfect for a weekday evening or…

  • 2006 Dussek Cabernet Sauvingon

    writeforwine
    20 Jan 2012 | 9:03 pm
    Regular readers of this blog know that we have long been fans of Dussek Cabernet Sauvignon from The Woodhouse Wine Estates. The 2004 vintage was spectacular, and a favorite of ours. My sister-with-the-incredible-palate in Vancouver also gave it a thumbs up. We were delighted to discover that the 2006 vintage is even better! 2006 Dussek Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, big and bold. Frankly, I don’t know why more isn’t written about this gem, priced at $36. The Woodhouse Wine Estates has a robust wine club with passionate members, but its wines have been under the radar for too…

  • 2009 Ghost of 413 Red

    writeforwine
    14 Jan 2012 | 4:25 pm
    This is one of the best value wines we have had in a long time: 2009 Ghost of 413 Red. And we put our money where our mouths are – after buying two bottles from our friends at Full Pull Wine, we put in an order for a case. Ghost of 413 is released by Giant Wine Co., a collaboration between Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery and Mark McNeilly from Mark Ryan Winery. The first vintage came in 2005 when, the story goes, Mark and Chris weren’t sure how the wine would taste, so they decided to keep their names invisible and the “ghost” was born. No need to hide behind Casper…

  • Maryhill Winery

    writeforwine
    9 Jan 2012 | 11:07 am
    Back in June, 2010, I wrote a blog post about how we wanted to visit Maryhill Winery, known for its breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge and very good value-priced wines. Another year has gone by, and try as we did, we could not get there in 2011. I was so busy traveling for my “day job” that I couldn’t make as many winery trips as we had hoped. Thankfully, we still had an opportunity to taste some of Maryhill’s wines, even though we didn’t make it to the winery, which is the state’s 15th largest in terms of production (80,000 cases) and located on the…

  • Craggy Range

    writeforwine
    5 Jan 2012 | 4:40 pm
    I don’t often write about wines from New Zealand, but I’m making an exception for this one: Craggy Range 2009 Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2009. This exquisite 100% Pinot received 94 points from the Wine Advocate, and we understand why. The 2009 Pinot Noir is an elegant, silky and complex wine, which showcases that year’s strong growing season in the Te Muna Road Vineyard, one of two estate properties owned by Craggy Range in New Zealand. The 33-hectare vineyard is planted with eight clones of Pinot Noir in the cool-climate region of Martinborough. From the tasting notes:…
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    The Wine Cask Blog

  • Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Wine Review (NW)

    22 Jan 2012 | 6:24 pm
    Tasting notes:Explosive ripe dark berries and chocolate on the noseA palate that's full bodied richly texturedLong, dense finish of dark fruit, black licorice, and chocolateSummary:Excellent wine! This Cabernet has it all. In it's youth, there's lots of fruit and great texture. Drink it now for that explosive flavor or let it lie down for a few years to see what happens. It's a signature Napa Valley style with dark fruit and dense layers. I was fortunate to grab a case at $40 per bottle when the anticipation of the 2007 vintage was causing the '06 wines to sit around for a bit too long. If…

  • Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Wine Review (NW)

    22 Jan 2012 | 6:15 pm
    Tasting notes:Ripe plum, anise, and some cedar on the noseFull bodied and finely textured on the palateLong, silky mocha and dark fruit finishSummary:I was served this wine blind, compliments of PB of The Wine Cask Blog, and I was blown away after seeing the label. Here's an example of wine that has aged perfectly. PB put this in his cellar at least six years ago after having paid $13 for it. He was hopeful that it would age well after tasting a bottle on release. Well, it didn't age well- it aged perfectly. We couldn't believe how good it was.I've consistely experienced this with Sebastiani…

  • Saxon Brown 2006 Syrah Parmalee Hill Owl Box Block wine review by (PB)

    21 Jan 2012 | 6:57 pm
    This Sonoma Valley Syrah is deep blackish garnet hue with aromas of fudge laden cinnamon, and deep spiced plum that is ripe and full.Palate--rich fudge, fruit bomb with espresso, fruit and lingering hyper fruit finish.(NW) served this blind to me and I pegged it as an 05-08 Syrah. A nice, big fruity treat that will run you around $30 so raise a glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

  • Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 wine review by (PB)

    21 Jan 2012 | 6:51 pm
    Solid opaque, black cherry hue. Bouquet of big blackberry jam and touch of cedar and cigar box.Palate: Big, integrated, cedary, blackberry jam with mocha touch and chocolate finish. I have aged this since its release when I bought it for $13 and this is a great example of a big pay off if you have the patience to lay down a wine that you believe has potential a few years down the road. This one paid off! It was a delicious and wonderful wine. Raise a glass.--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

  • M. Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 1996 wine review by (PB)

    21 Jan 2012 | 6:42 pm
    Bricking hue;Bouquet: Slight stewed cherry fruit,and fresh cherry still hanging on in spite of some age. Palate: spicy, big cedar, peppery flavor with cherry foundationThis was a nice aged Chianti that was on its way out but still delightful. Probably ran around $28 when released. Raise a glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies
 
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    food, wine, beer, culture

  • A Review of Noodles & Co’s Mac n Cheese

    Greg
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:53 pm
    By Greg B.  Though it had been open for a few years now, I had never had the occasion to eat at the Noodles & Company, down in the Baltimore Inner Harbor.  A few friends of mine and I had considered it on some occasions (recently in December, when my sister was in town), but [...]

  • A Van Gogh Vodka Valentine’s Day

    Greg
    25 Jan 2012 | 6:38 pm
    By Greg B.  A few months ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a vodka from Van Gogh distillers, their Cool Peach Vodka.  It was a very fresh and tasty flavored vodka, and seasonally it fit well.  But the winter has set in, the cold is here, and Valentine’s day is around the corner.  Usually [...]

  • Rye Laugenbrotchen and Venison Chili recipe, with Vermont Mustard!

    Greg
    22 Jan 2012 | 8:06 pm
    By Greg B.  I’m writing this after the fact, and we all know the Ravens blew it (though I personally suspect the Ravens had a legit touchdown with 16 seconds to go, but the Refs disagreed).  In preparation for this game, I decided to try to my hand at baking some German bread, perhaps, the [...]

  • Homemade Teddy Grahams

    Greg
    18 Jan 2012 | 7:03 am
    By Jess A & Greg B. Often times when I enter the kitchen, I’m surprised and impressed by the baked goods I find being produced by Jessica.  One recent saturday, I had slept in (till 8:30, I’m kind of ashamed to admit, but getting up at 5:30 weekdays will do that to you) and I [...]

  • Interview with Marc de Kuyper

    Greg
    16 Jan 2012 | 10:29 am
    By Greg B. This past week, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Marc de Kuyper, 11th generation rep of De Kuyper Royal Distillers to discuss their new upcoming release of Mandarine Napoleon XO.  Unfortunately, due to some technical difficulties, I was unable to make the conversation.  But a very quick witted [...]
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    Organic Wine Journal

  • Schiller-Wine: 20 of Germany’s Top 100 Wineries are Organic or Biodynamic

    Organic Wine Journal
    19 Jan 2012 | 3:32 pm
    From Schiller-Wine: Every year, towards the end, Handelsblatt online and Vinum release a list of the 100 Top Winemakers in Germany, this year for the 26th time. This is a pretty good list of Germany’s Top 100 Wine Estates. Overall, I would say, right on the dot, although there are always wineries where you wonder why they are on the list and other where you wonder why they are not on the list. Handelsblatt is the German equivalant of the Financial Times and Vinum is a wine journal. About 20 of the top 100 winemakers follow organic or biodynamic principles in the vineyard. Weingut Battenfeld…

  • Lyle Fass On Top Wine Trends

    Organic Wine Journal
    19 Jan 2012 | 2:59 pm
    Lyle Fass picked his top five wine trends of the past year on sidetour.com. Natural Wine is one of them: Natural wine people reject the excessive (as they see it) use of sulfur and only use a minimal amount at bottling to keep the wine stable. Why do they use sulfur? Most wine would barely age two months if sulfur is not used. Huge statement, I know, but the science backs it up. I don’t want to bore you with the details, but I believe sulfur is necessary, though there are people who use it too liberally. How’s that for not taking a position? But one thing is undeniable, when natural wine…

  • Eighth Annual Natural Wine Event – Astor Center, NYC

    Organic Wine Journal
    19 Jan 2012 | 2:41 pm
    From the Astor Center: It’s time for our Eighth Annual Natural Wine Event! Sample delightful natural wines imported by Jenny & François Selections, and learn about them from the winemakers themselves. On Saturday, February 18, taste 20 wines for just $20, and stand face to face with these passionate artisans as they share their stories. Throughout the afternoon we will also hold short optional seminars with three engaging speakers: Florent Plageoles from the Plageoles winery in Gaillac, France; Helena Lomazzi from the Colombaia winery in Tuscany, Italy; and Andy Fisher, President of…

  • De Martino Wins Top Honor from Wines of Chile

    Organic Wine Journal
    18 Jan 2012 | 6:45 am
    From Opici Wines: De Martino was chosen as “Winery of the Year” at the 9th Annual Wines of Chile Awards held on November 17th at Casas de Lo Matta in Santiago, Chile. Unique methods of wine production coupled with their commitment to decreasing their carbon footprint were determining factors in selecting De Martino for this important award. “We have always sought the highest standard of quality for our wines, but have never compromised our deep respect for the vineyards and their surrounding environments,” commented Marco Antonio De Martino, Commercial Manager at the winery. One of…

  • Whole Foods Grows Selections Of Organic Wines

    Organic Wine Journal
    18 Jan 2012 | 6:31 am
    Whole Foods is adding to their selections of Organic Wines. From the press release: This year, America sipped past France to become the largest wine-consuming nation, as wine enthusiasts are increasingly embracing a lifestyle with wine and food. At Whole Foods Market, shoppers are not only trying new varieties, but they are also increasingly turning to organic wines with no sulfites added (NSA). To meet this demand, the company is expanding its offerings and is now the only national retailer to carry the first USDA Certified Organic NSA wines from Italy and Spain. Whole Foods Market now…
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    JancisRobinson.com

  • The best and worst of Chinese service (Nick on restaurants)

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    At Pearl Liang , in the lower concourse of Paddington Central, west London, the Chinese waiter could not have been friendlier as he took our order for salt and pepper bean curd, Shanghai dumplings, soft shell crab and stewed pork belly, among other dishes, without pen and paper. He then repeated.

  • Burgundy 2010s - some useful addresses (Free for all)

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See our tasting notes on more than 1,900 burgundy 2010s via this complete guide to our coverage of the vintage. The minutely parcellated and carefully groomed vineyards on the east-facing slope known in France as the Côte d'Or, the pale stone of the medieval buildings and, most of all, the often.

  • Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago (Wines of the week)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See new lower UK price! From £14.99, NZ$34.99, HK$248, Aus$44.95 Find this wine Of course it is well known that Central Otago, the far south of New Zealand's South Island, is a hot spot for Pinot Noir – sometimes so hot that the wines can be just too sweet and fruity and a tad too alcoholic..

  • One grape, 12 winemakers (Inside information)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    One of the most interesting tables at last Tuesday's generic tasting of New Zealand wines at Lord's cricket ground in London was devoted to the Riesling Challenge, a dozen different wines made from the same lot of 2010 Riesling grapes. The innovative Riesling Challenge competition is billed as 'a.

  • Burgundy 2010 P-Z (Tasting articles)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See Burgundy 2010 - a complete guide to our coverage - not just tasting notes but much, much more. Below, our final set of tasting notes, ordered alphabetically by producer (sur)name. I'm delighted to read on the Burgundy 2010 thread that many of you seem to have got the wines you sought. I don't.
 
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    CheapWineRatings.com

  • Cheap Wine at Aldi

    Tim Lemke
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:15 pm
    When I first started this website a lot of people commented that I must love Trader Joe’s because of all the bargains they have on wine.  And as much as I wanted to love Trader Joe’s, I just never became a big fan.  Most of the wines I tasted from them were nothing special, albeit they were dirt cheap — which is something I always love.  Plus there’s something about the folks working there that just seems inauthentic to me… they’re way too happy and remind me of flair-clad servers at TGI Fridays. Anyway, while it seems like everyone I meet associates Trader…

  • Voga Italia Pinot Grigio

    Tim Lemke
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:07 pm
    It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed a pinot grigio, so we need no more reason than that to check one out today. This one comes from Voga Italia and they win the award for coolest, sexiest bottle I’ve seen all week.  When I first saw this bottle I thought it would just be a screw cap, but there’s actually a synthetic cork underneath the cap.  So, fair warning, don’t take this one on a camping trip without a corkscrew or you may find yourself beating the bottom of the bottle inside a boot to remove the cork.  Anyway, once you get the cork out, you can reseal…

  • Getting Down with Gruner Veltliner

    Tim Lemke
    17 Jan 2012 | 7:49 pm
    I’ve been meaning to write up this review for several weeks as I actually tasted these wines two months ago, but other things kept coming up.  Shame on me.  But getting this posted late is better than not at all. These are all grüner veltliner from Austria, a wine I acquired an appreciation for when I visited Austria in 2010.  For those who haven’t had grüner (as it’s called for short), it’s food-friendly white wine known for it’s high acidity and mineral characteristics.  The aroma of pepper is also a common “tell” for a grüner. It’s…

  • Meli Carignan, Different and Exciting

    Tim Lemke
    9 Jan 2012 | 7:37 pm
    Every now and then we come across something we weren’t expecting and that gets us intrigued.  This is one of those cases.  It’s a carignan from Chile. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a carignan from Southern France, or even from a Paso Robles Rhone Ranger.  But I wasn’t expecting to see one from Chile.  And my first hunch when I saw it was that someone was experimenting in Chile, but this is more than an experiment, it comes from 60 year old vines!  Yes, this wine has been in Chile for a while.  And that’s a good thing because carignan from young vines can…

  • Pol Rémy Brut

    Tim Lemke
    5 Jan 2012 | 6:55 pm
    Similar to the Hacienda Brut and the Domaine Laurier Brut that we reviewed earlier this week, the Pol Rémy Brut comes from the Bronco Wine Company portfolio.  But one thing that’s different about it is that it’s from France.  I don’t know if the brand is owned by Bronco or just imported, but it is part of their portfolio. In addition to being French, another thing that’s different about this wine is what’s in it.  It’s made from 60% Aïren, 20% Ugni Blanc and 20% Colombard grapes.  Which may not be grapes you’re tasting every day. This wine…
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    Rockss and Fruit

  • 19 Jan 2012 | 2:48 pm

    Lyle Fass
    19 Jan 2012 | 2:48 pm
    The Ten Bells courtesy of Grub StreetHere is a post I did for Sidetour on the Top 5 Wine Trends I saw in 2011.

  • 2010 Franconia - Rudolf Furst

    Lyle Fass
    3 Jan 2012 | 1:23 pm
    CentgrafenbergEvery year my visit to the estate of Paul and Sebastian Furst gets better. This year was the best visit so far, even if it had some minor problems as I was still reeling from my bag getting stolen at the airport. I had arranged to get my new pair of glasses in Kuess (across the Mosel directly from Bernkastel) and then we would drive to Wirsching and then Furst. Get to the glasses place when it opens and they tell me they have filled my prescription but it is not the exact one, but 99% similar to my previous prescription. I tried them on and was thrilled, but the woman insisted…

  • My Top 9 Films Of The Year

    Lyle Fass
    12 Dec 2011 | 5:00 pm
    This was a great year for movies as I was exposed to films I normally would not be exposed to as I firmly entrenched myself in auteur theory this year which basically means if you like a director you see everything he has done so you have a greater understanding of his/her voice. I covered filmmakers as diverse as Aki Kaurismaki, Francois Truffaut, Shohei Imamamura and David Gordon Green. I also was introduced to some daring new voices whose every film I now know I will see. Giorgos Lanthimos, tops the list with his amazing, disturbing and unique film, Dogtooth. I did not see as many movies…

  • Franken 2010 - Hans Wirsching

    Lyle Fass
    6 Dec 2011 | 4:54 pm
    I absolutely love going to visit the Hans Wirsching estate in idyllic Iphofen, which is my absolute favorite wine village in all of Germany. Picturesque like nobody's business. Some great pics this year but there are some (actually all) pics are from Julie Besancon, who was my travelling companion this trip and did have an iphone to take some pictures. Dr. Uwe Mateus, the director of the estate is an absolute rock star and always makes me and whoever I am with feel right at home. Now onto the wines. The 2010's at Wirsching have some moments but all in all the de-acidification really hurt this…

  • Nahe 2010 - Jakob Schneider

    Lyle Fass
    1 Dec 2011 | 5:19 pm
    I love my visit to Jakob Schneider as Jakob is one of the nicest, laid-back, easy-going and best winemakers in the Nahe. He has a major baby face and will charm you almost instantly. This is my 3rd time visiting him and it is firmly locked into the schedule from now on as this year was particularly fun. Getting to Niederhausen from Siefersheim (Wagner-Stempel) proved to be a bit of a chore as there were the famous 34 German road construction projects that were happening seemingly on every road to Niederhausen. Julie and I almost killed each other on this particular car ride, and we flying…
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    HaKerem: The Israeli Wine Blog

  • Kosher Wine Tasting in Jerusalem

    Avi
    24 Jan 2012 | 12:18 pm
    Jerusalem will be the host of the first kosher wine tasting festival on January 30-31 at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. Admission is 70 NIS or 35 NIS if you purchase here. There will be over 30 wineries (I don’t know which wineries) attending, allowing visitors to taste their wine, and a session on cooking with wine. The event will take place from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM in the Teddy and Oranim Halls at the International Convention Center (Binyanei HaUma).

  • Victor Schoenfeld Pays Tribute to Daniel Rogov

    Avi
    23 Jan 2012 | 2:18 pm
    This tribute is from Daniel Rogov’s tribute meal this past summer. Rogov died shortly after. Victor Shoenfeld is the chief winemaker of Golan Heights Winery.

  • Carmel’s Brandy Branding

    David Rhodes
    16 Jan 2012 | 1:16 pm
    Since moving to Israel, I’ve experienced and most typically enjoyed hundreds of wine tastings. It just goes with the territory of being a wine writer and sommelier. It’s a pleasant diversion when you’re offered a nice twist from the standard fare of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. I do appreciate fine examples of those “Noble” grapes but there’s just so many wineries producing those varietals that when a rarer varietal like Viognier or Cabernet Franc is offered, the contrast is noted and appreciated. Even rarer in Israel, though much more common in most other…

  • Barkan Main Winners At Terravino

    Avi
    11 Jan 2012 | 9:17 am
    The following article is from wines-israel.com and reprinted with permission. Terravino 2011 has taken place. This is one of the main Israeli tasting competitions in the wine calendar, but it is the only open to international entrants. The competition is organized annually by Ish Anavim, The Grape Man. The big Israeli winner this year was Barkan. They won the prize for the best kosher wine and best winery. The winning wine was the Barkan Superieur Pinotage 2007. This is a grape variety the both specialize and excel in. Barkan is Israel’s second largest winery. It is owned by Tempo,…

  • Secret Wine

    Avi
    9 Jan 2012 | 4:11 am
    The following article is from wines-israel.com and reprinted with permission. In a brilliant and original marketing ploy, a new wine has been launched which is totally secret. So secret it has no name, no variety, no story on the back label. Even the winery is unknown. All there is to go by is a QR code, which can be read by a smart phone, which leads to the secret wine website and facebook. The idea is presumably that the tasting should be totally blind without any pre conceived ideas from the critic or consumer. It is obviously produced by a winery interested in showing improved quality and…
 
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    The Tasting Note

  • #437 Speechless - Ice Cider

    Peter Wood
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:12 am
    It isn't often that I'm totally speechless when I try a drink, but it happened today.  Usually I love or hate something, think it is boring or want to yell from the rooftops how much I think it is tasty, but trying an Ice Cider today confused the hell out of me. The Neige Premiere Ice Cider is a confusing wine.  Made from McIntosh and Spartan apples, it has a bright, fresh apple juice aroma, then with some muskier notes and a hint of apple pie pastry coming off as well.  The palate is similarly pleasant, with fresh apples, then slightly stewed fruit flavours coming off with a…

  • Housekeeping

    Peter Wood
    13 Jan 2012 | 2:09 pm
    Over the next week or so, I am attempting to update the part of this blog that contains my extensive number of tasting notes, so there may not be any posts until late January.  Then the tasting season begins, and there will be posts from tastings including importers Hallgarten, Wine Importers, Liberty wines and the annual pilgrimage I make to Manchester for the SITT event.

  • #436 Wine Web Watch - Michael McIntyre on wine snobs

    Peter Wood
    7 Jan 2012 | 1:49 pm
    Michael McIntyre, quite rightly, mocking the absurdity of the wine theatre in restaurants.

  • #435 A quartet of dishonest beer

    Peter Wood
    6 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pm
    Stella Artois, Heineken and Miller Genuine Draft.  Three mass produced beers, internationally available and made in the millions of litres every day.  If beer had a "tap water" category, these brands would be in it.  I don't say this with any disrespect to these beers, they provide thirst quenching beery goodness for millions of people every day and don't cost that much.  I enjoy a Corona on a hot summers day and when sitting in Copenhagen I found myself supping on a Heineken and enjoyed it tremendously.  They don't pretend to be anything other than what they are -…

  • #434 Six Questions with... Doug Nalle

    Peter Wood
    4 Jan 2012 | 11:14 am
    Starting as a cellar worker in 1973, Doug Nalle's winery is on land that has been in his wife, Lee's, family since 1927.  A real family run business as not only is his wife an equal partner, their son Andrew makes the wine with his father and other relatives run the vineyard.  He graduated with a Masters degree in Enology in the late seventies, and served his apprenticeship at Balverne Winery, before taking full control of the company bearing his name in 1990.  His wines are small volume production, high quality wines, of which their Zinfandel is most famous.   What marks…
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    ‫יינות ישראל‬

  • ‫החלקה על הקרח‬

    ‫admin‬
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:37 am
    לפיכך, מגרש החלקה בנויה. תיבת קרח נוצץ עם כפור, שירות חדרים מוכן, קנה סוסים, רוצה זמן כדי לפתוח את שעריה בפני מבקרים, אבל … בוני הלך הביתה, ואנחנו אחד על אחד עם קנס אובייקט מעוצב, אשר, באופן עקרוני, היה עסק מורכב מבחינה טכנית ודורש תשומת לב מתמדת שלך. איפה אתה מתחיל לעבוד על ההחלקה עד ההשבעה שלו? קודם כל, שוב לבדוק את הכישורים של…

  • ‫התחל באמת להרוויח כסף‬

    ‫admin‬
    21 Jan 2012 | 4:10 am
    מהותה של הכנסה מוצלחת היא ליצור ערך ללקוח של טובין או שירותים. לעניות דעתי טבע יכול לקבוע . אם אתה רוצה להרוויח הכנסה, עליך לספק משהו שהם ישלמו לך תמורת תשלום etupotrebitelskuyu. מעשה עלות משלוח יכול להיות ישיר כמו מכירת מוצר או שירות שימושי או, זה יכול להיות עקיפה, כמו מתן שירות ללא תשלום ולקבל רווחיה באמצעים אחרים. אבל בכל מקרה פעילות…

  • ‫ראיונות עבודה‬

    ‫admin‬
    13 Jan 2012 | 3:39 pm
    מדריכי ראיון רבים, לייעץ המועמדים לענות המשותף "מה החולשה הגדולה ביותר שלך?" השאלה עם תכונה חיובית מחופש חולשה. לדוגמה, "אני נוטה לצפות מאחרים לעבוד קשה כמו לי" או "אני פרפקציוניסט". זה יהיה טעות. למה? מכיוון מראיינים שמעו את התשובות האלה משומר שוב ושוב. אם אתה משתמש אחד מהם יהיה כנראה להיות השפעה שלילית עליך. מאחר…

  • ‫eLance.com‬

    ‫admin‬
    7 Jan 2012 | 11:39 am
    מיקור חוץ, עברה ברוב של למעלה העמודות לשיפור היעילות מכובדות דרך eLance.com. אתר זה מציע חוסך זמן גישה למומחיות באיכות גבוהה שמאפשר לך להוריד את הפרויקטים ליישום מהיר, למקסם את התקציב ולהפסיק להתמקד פריטים אלה לא מוקצה בקלות. אם הפרויקט חשבת נופל לתוך אחד עשר קטגוריות נתמך כרגע על ידי Elance, אתה ממש בעסק: 1) תוכנה וטכנולוגיה, 2) כתיבה…

  • ‫גיוס כספים‬

    ‫admin‬
    1 Jan 2012 | 8:40 am
    כדי להבטיח את ההצלחה ארוכת הטווח של ארגון ללא כוונת רווח, הארגון עצמו חייב להתמקד ערכי הליבה שלהם תוך כדי תנועה עם הזמן. בנוסף חזון ברור, יש צורך יותר מתמיד, ארגונים מבינים כי כמותג ואת המיקום בהתאם. בשנת 2000 היו כ 681 000 ארגונים ללא כוונת רווח (מלכ"רים) בגרמניה. שש שנים לאחר מכן, המספר יהיה גבוה בהרבה. במיוחד עמותות זרות בשנים…
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    ShipCompliant: Wine Shipping Blog

  • Out-of-State Shippers in Texas Get a Break on Excise Taxes – Until Now

    Sarah Werner - ShipCompliant Research Team
    26 Jan 2012 | 5:56 pm
    Texas recently sent an updated Direct Shipper’s Report (form C-240) along with a letter to Out-of-State Winery Direct Shippers, alerting the licensees of a change in the tax rate to be paid on wine sent to Texas residents from out-of-state. Until now, Texas has only required out-of-state direct shippers to pay $0.204 per gallon on all wine shipped. The taxes on vinous liquors listed on the revised form are equal to the taxes paid by in-state wineries and are as follows: Wine with an ABV of 14% or less – $0.204/gallon Wine with an ABV over 14% – $0.408/gallon Sparkling wine…

  • New Jersey Poised to Open Up For Direct Shipping

    Sarah Werner - ShipCompliant Research Team
    11 Jan 2012 | 5:59 pm
    Late Monday night, in the final action of a marathon legislative session that closed out the year, the New Jersey Assembly passed S3172, a bill that, among other things, opens up the state for direct-to-consumer shipments. If signed by Governor Chris Christie as expected, it will allow wineries producing up to 250,000 gallons of wine annually to apply for licenses to ship wine directly to New Jersey consumers. The bill also allows for both in- and out-of-state winery self-distribution and tasting rooms, two issues that New Jersey was compelled to address due to a 2010 lawsuit (Freeman v.

  • Wine Sales and Distribution 2012 – A Look Forward

    Jeff Carroll - VP of Compliance, ShipCompliant
    9 Jan 2012 | 2:16 pm
    In looking forward to what 2012 might bring the world of wine compliance and regulation, it is instructive to first look back at 2011. One thing we’ve learned after eight years in the world of wine compliance is that once movements gain momentum, it’s hard to slow them down. The past year demonstrated the continuation of certain trends and the emergence of another that we believe will carry forward in 2012. The trend of more states opening their borders to the direct shipment of wine from other states continued steadily. Maryland and New Mexico both opened their borders to permit-based…

  • Happy New Year

    Jeff Carroll - VP of Compliance, ShipCompliant
    30 Dec 2011 | 12:17 pm
    From your compliance partners in Boulder and Napa, may your new year bring you fewer forms to file and more orders to fill! - The ShipCompliant Crew (from left to right): Timothy Clayton, Mike Liedtke, Sarah Werner, Andy Grauch, Jim Agger, Robb Dye, Eddie Ermoian, David Dango, Kent Nowlin, Chris Kalmbach, Patrick Barratt, Pawel Smolarkiewicz, Jamie Jimenez, Lisa Bookwalter, Alex Umbhau, Jeff Carroll, Betsy Hansen, Mike Taylor, Luke Eckenroth, Mark Hayes, April Capil, Colin Neilson, Barclay Bates, Mackenzie Latham, Sam Sexson, Michelle Few, Emily Sheehan, Michael Pritchard, Jason Eckenroth

  • Understanding the California ABC’s New Advisory for Wineries and Third Party Providers

    Jeff Carroll - VP of Compliance, ShipCompliant
    1 Nov 2011 | 2:41 pm
    The proliferation of “Third Party Providers” (TPP) within the wine industry has been significant over the past two years. Known otherwise as “Third Party Marketers”, “Third Party Advertising Agents” and “Marketing Agents”, they represent a new sales channel for suppliers whether in the form of “flash sales” or multiple product offer websites. However, anybody that has operated as a TPP in California has done so under a great deal of uncertainty ever since the issuance by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)…
 
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    Sommelier India - India's only wine magazine

  • Indian wine industry makes news

    26 Jan 2012 | 12:17 am
    The Indian wine industry seems to have been getting a lot of press recently. First appeared a cover story in Lounge, the Sunday magazine of Delhi's Mint, then there was an article in the Toronto Globe and Mail, and finally, the Financial Times of London published a report on Sunday which we have already shared with you. Here are the other two stories.

  • A Flavour of Sicily Savoured in Pune

    24 Jan 2012 | 12:18 am
    The Istituto Regionale della Vite e del Vino (IRVV) organized a master class titled "Sicily - Soil, Terroir and Wines" at the Hyatt Regency Pune on January 14, 2012 reports Brinda Gill who was at the tasting. Pictured left: Michèle Shah, wine consultant and Sommelier India's correspondent for Italy

  • India struggles to develop taste for wine , FT

    22 Jan 2012 | 6:50 pm
    At a small, Italian-style restaurant on the fringes of south Delhi, a wine tasting is under way. Within earshot is the drone of traffic on a four-lane highway and the noisy building site of an overland metro - reminders of India's growing economy. Led by Kulbir Singh, president of the Indian Wine Society, the group of professionals and executives from the beverages industry are sipping from long-stemmed glasses of Piper-Heidsieck champagne. This piece by James Lamont originally appeared in the Financial Times of London on January 22nd, 2012.

  • Is this wine undrinkable? Who is to say?

    15 Jan 2012 | 8:37 pm
    You are at an upmarket restaurant and have ordered an expensive wine. As you taste the wine, both you and your companion are disappointed with the way it tastes, to the point that you suspect that it is not sound. The sommelier, hovering within earshot, has overheard you, or has read your body language, because he comes up to you and himself has tasted it. Kings of old had people taste their food before they ate, but Raghu Bahadur wonders if it's a good idea for a sommelier to taste the wine before its drunk?

  • Edmond de Rothschild Wine Dinner - Taj Mahal Hotel

    11 Jan 2012 | 8:38 pm
    An excellent wine dinner at Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi provided an opportunity to know more about the magnificent Edmond de Rothschild universe of wines, writes Romain Bonnaud. Organized within the spacious lounges of The Chambers, this event shed light on Château Clarke and Château Malmaison with an expert commentary by Florent Mougin, Asia Pacific Export Manager. Pictured left. We were welcomed by a glass of Champagne Pommery Brut Royal in which seductive liveliness turned out to be the perfect mouth-watering starter with a selection of finger food.
 
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    Grape Wall of China

  • Lucky charm? New wine from Grace Vineyard features screw cap

    admin
    17 Jan 2012 | 7:31 am
    ~ Grace Vineyard has a new wine and it features the rare use, at least in China, of screw caps — see here for another example in Treaty Port. First, the wine: it is called Tao Fu and, says CEO Judy Leissner, “refers to the peach wood charms hung on doors during the New Year” [...]

  • China Wine Press: Baijiu, smugglers, China vs Britain, wine auctions

    admin
    15 Jan 2012 | 6:22 am
    All the wine world’s a stage and China keeps getting bigger roles. China Wine Press looks at media coverage of that drama, with each item preceded by an inane comment from me — just to keep things real. By J. Boyce ~ (So much for Lafite in my Chinese New Year stocking) Hurun Research Institute [...]

  • Pútáo people: Who’s Who in the China wine scene, part 1

    admin
    7 Jan 2012 | 8:18 am
    ~ By Jim Boyce Last year, I wrote a “who’s who in China” piece for magazine Wine Business International. There were ten categories — such as distributor, wine maker and sommelier — with a pick for each and mentions of other notable people. It wasn’t so much a “top ten” as it was a list [...]

  • China repeat? Entries for 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards open

    admin
    6 Jan 2012 | 6:23 am
    By Jim Boyce Like getting a good score from Robert Parker, doing well in the Decanter World Wine Awards can be a useful marketing tool, and that includes for wineries in China. Witness Ningxia’s Helan Qing Xue — when its Jia Bei Lan pulled a stunner last year and became the first Chinese wine to [...]

  • Double up: China Wine & Spirits acquires DT Asia

    admin
    29 Dec 2011 | 5:32 am
    By Jim Boyce China Wines & Spirits (CWS) acquired fellow distributor DT Asia last month and while the news is a bit dated I thought I would post it anyway. From the press release: “[The move] reinforces CWS position on the market, with a larger and stronger portfolio of Icon brands such as Champagne Deutz, [...]
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    Anything Wine

  • TasteCamp East Coming to Northern Virginia

    vcuspoon
    11 Jan 2012 | 1:56 pm
    After attending the first two years, last year I wasn’t able to attend TasteCamp in the Niagara region of both Canada and New York. I guess life got in the way or something, where are my priorities right? Well this year TasteCamp is coming to my neck of the woods, to explore the Northern Virginia wine region of the Commonwealth and I’ll be there. Below are the details….   TasteCamp 2012 heads to Northern Virginia Fourth edition of wine bloggers and wine writers’ meeting heads to Loudoun County, May 4-6. The organizers of TasteCamp are proud to announce that after…

  • Wednesday random wine reviews…

    vcuspoon
    27 Oct 2010 | 5:55 pm
    As I was going through some tasting notes to write up for work, I came to the conclusion that I should start posting some of these once a week. Mostly because it is such a random mix of wines, and thought it might be fun…. and I have to type them up anyway!   2006 Château de Pibarnon Bandol les Restanques de Pibarnon Region: Bandol (Provence, France) Grapes: Mourvedre Price: $27 Notes…Aromas of black currant, bit of oak, boysenberry, leather and a hint of chocolate followed by flavors of black and red currant, cherry, eucalyptus and black pepper.  Full bodied with huge…

  • 2009 Macari Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

    vcuspoon
    22 Oct 2010 | 7:12 am
    This time last year I was in Long Island Wine Country with Megan, enjoying some great wine and food, visiting with friends and making new ones. Since we aren’t in Long Island this year I decided to open some wine from the region to help relive the memories from last year. We have lots of red wine in the cellar from that trip, but we were making Indian food last night and I needed a white. I perused around and found the ’09 Macari Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($23). (Check out my post “From Poop to Juice” on our visit to Macari Vineyards last year) My Tasting Notes……

  • Revisiting some Kluge Wines

    vcuspoon
    30 Sep 2010 | 5:32 pm
    Being an owner at a wine shop has many advantages, one if which is tasting A LOT of wine. Most of what I taste is from all over the world with a small percentage of it being from here in Virginia. ( I should write a post about that!) Recently a new “rep” for Kluge winery presented myself and my staff with their current lineup. Having not had it in quite a while I was eager to give them a taste.  Over the years I have enjoyed Kluge wines but have had certain concerns in the past. One was their pricing when they got started about 5 years ago – they were crazy! That was…

  • Interview with Jake Busching of Pollak Vineyards

    vcuspoon
    17 Jun 2010 | 12:21 pm
    Coming off a great showing at the Monticello Cup Wine Competition here in Virginia, Jake Busching, GM and winemaker of Pollak Vineyards granted me an interview talking about his wines that won at “The Cup” 1. AW: Congratulations on the win at the Monticello Cup! You had four wines place in the competition with the 08 Petite Verdot winning overall, Meritage 07 receiving gold, and the 08 Merlot and 09 Viognier winning Silver. With these representing three different vintages, how much did vintage variation play in the distinction of these wines. JB: “Vintage is always key to the…
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    Anything Wine

  • TasteCamp East Coming to Northern Virginia

    vcuspoon
    11 Jan 2012 | 1:56 pm
    After attending the first two years, last year I wasn’t able to attend TasteCamp in the Niagara region of both Canada and New York. I guess life got in the way or something, where are my priorities right? Well this year TasteCamp is coming to my neck of the woods, to explore the Northern Virginia wine region of the Commonwealth and I’ll be there. Below are the details….   TasteCamp 2012 heads to Northern Virginia Fourth edition of wine bloggers and wine writers’ meeting heads to Loudoun County, May 4-6. The organizers of TasteCamp are proud to announce that after…

  • Wednesday random wine reviews…

    vcuspoon
    27 Oct 2010 | 5:55 pm
    As I was going through some tasting notes to write up for work, I came to the conclusion that I should start posting some of these once a week. Mostly because it is such a random mix of wines, and thought it might be fun…. and I have to type them up anyway!   2006 Château de Pibarnon Bandol les Restanques de Pibarnon Region: Bandol (Provence, France) Grapes: Mourvedre Price: $27 Notes…Aromas of black currant, bit of oak, boysenberry, leather and a hint of chocolate followed by flavors of black and red currant, cherry, eucalyptus and black pepper.  Full bodied with huge…

  • 2009 Macari Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

    vcuspoon
    22 Oct 2010 | 7:12 am
    This time last year I was in Long Island Wine Country with Megan, enjoying some great wine and food, visiting with friends and making new ones. Since we aren’t in Long Island this year I decided to open some wine from the region to help relive the memories from last year. We have lots of red wine in the cellar from that trip, but we were making Indian food last night and I needed a white. I perused around and found the ’09 Macari Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($23). (Check out my post “From Poop to Juice” on our visit to Macari Vineyards last year) My Tasting Notes……

  • Revisiting some Kluge Wines

    vcuspoon
    30 Sep 2010 | 5:32 pm
    Being an owner at a wine shop has many advantages, one if which is tasting A LOT of wine. Most of what I taste is from all over the world with a small percentage of it being from here in Virginia. ( I should write a post about that!) Recently a new “rep” for Kluge winery presented myself and my staff with their current lineup. Having not had it in quite a while I was eager to give them a taste.  Over the years I have enjoyed Kluge wines but have had certain concerns in the past. One was their pricing when they got started about 5 years ago – they were crazy! That was…

  • Interview with Jake Busching of Pollak Vineyards

    vcuspoon
    17 Jun 2010 | 12:21 pm
    Coming off a great showing at the Monticello Cup Wine Competition here in Virginia, Jake Busching, GM and winemaker of Pollak Vineyards granted me an interview talking about his wines that won at “The Cup” 1. AW: Congratulations on the win at the Monticello Cup! You had four wines place in the competition with the 08 Petite Verdot winning overall, Meritage 07 receiving gold, and the 08 Merlot and 09 Viognier winning Silver. With these representing three different vintages, how much did vintage variation play in the distinction of these wines. JB: “Vintage is always key to the…
 
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    Paarl Wine Country

  • Strawberry Shortbread Cake

    Other
    26 Jan 2012 | 4:47 am
    Two layers of buttery crisp shortbread filled with fresh strawberry slices, sweet vanilla cream and topped with a fresh strawberry dipped in dark chocolate. An indulgent but simple to make treat for afternoon tea. Ingredients: Shortbread 175g (6oz) Softened Butter and a little extra to grease the dish 90g (3oz) caster sugar and a little [...]

  • Live Music At Harvest

    Other
    26 Jan 2012 | 4:27 am
    Kick start your weekend with a chilled glass of wine or bubbly at Harvest at Laborie Wine Farm in Paarl whilst enjoying the live music on offer every Friday, between 5pm and 8pm. Well known musicians include Newton and Johan who are sure to keep guests entertained with their mix of eclectic sounds, creating the [...]

  • Indulge In A Gastronomic Experience As North Meets South

    Other
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:55 am
    ‘There is no love sincerer than the love of food’ (George Bernard Shaw) Highly acclaimed consulting chef, Matthew Gordon of Harvest at Laborie, will be collaborating with internationally recognised Belgium chefs to present a menu of epic proportions. The exclusive dinner will take place on Friday, 3 February, starting at 7pm for 7:30pm, and will [...]

  • On A Trot With Uitkyk Estate During US Woordfees

    Other
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:06 am
    To support the sustainability theme of this year’s Woordfees, the Uitkyk estate near Stellenbosch will host a 6 km and 12 km run called Velddraf met Woorde: ek skop stof op in my taal.  Woordfees, under the auspices of the University of Stellenbosch, takes place from March 2 to 11. The two events take place [...]

  • Teubes Family Wines Opens New, Modern Cellar Near Vredendal

    Other
    25 Jan 2012 | 3:57 am
    An asset for the region! A new standard for quality! Solid and simple family values that are carried through to the wines!Teubes Family Winesopen nuwe, moderne kelder by Vredendal ‘n Aanwins vir die streek! ‘n Nuwe maatstaf vir gehalte! Goeie en eenvoudige gesinswaardes wat na die wyne deurgevoer word! TweetFacebookLinkedInTumblrStumbleDiggDelicious
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    underthegrapetree.com

  • ANOTHER QUICKFIRE TASTING JAM WITH THE ILLUSTRIOUS DR. GONZO: WHASSUP? PLUS TWO FROM TORMARESCA

    Kevin Keith
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:17 pm
    Dr. Gonzo dropped in for a recap of some new deals, special offers and a mild-mannered rap session between winos.  We also tasted two Italian wines from the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio: Tormaresca Chardonnay Puglia 2010.  Grade=Very Good.  Nice, bright Chardonnay with a bit of lemon cream, green apple and mineral notes.  Finishes clean and lively. Tormaresca Neprica Puglia 2010.  Grade=Outstanding.  This blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon is quite impressive.  Medium-bodied with good grip and a fine display of black fruits, pepper, earth and spice.

  • THE DEUCE IMBIBES: BROTHER LOU AND THE GHOST OF MR. SCHU, A #WINEWEDNESDAY INEBRIANT EXTRAVAGANZA

    Kevin Keith
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:11 pm
    This past #WineWednesday was supposed to boast a meeting with the magnanimous Mr. Schu, yet from what Brother Lou told me, Mr. Schu seems to have had another run-in with Critical Bill (veiled Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead reference right here!).  So Lou, ever the trooper, soldiered on solo, with no less than 17 wines on deck for the Deuce and an also-absent Miss Shannon: Torresella Prosecco Veneto NV.  Grade=Good.  A decent Prosecco with nice effervescence, slight lemonade and mineral notes. Boutari Elios Mediterranean White 2010.  Grade=Good.  A decent, light-bodied white…

  • WANDERING INTO A WORLD OF INFINITE DECADENCE: MISTRESS LAUREN LEADS THE DEUCE TO AN AMBROSIA PALACE AND INTRODUCES HIM TO THE QUEEN OF AMBROSIA

    Kevin Keith
    26 Jan 2012 | 3:52 pm
    This past Monday was a rare night out for the Deuce, as I was invited to join Mistress Lauren of Cutting Edge Selections for a dinner with Victoria Ordóñez Martí-Aguilar, the GM of Jorge Ordonez & Co. and brand manager for Jorge Ordonez Selections.  The restaurant was a fairly new but undeniably incredible place called Local 127 in Downtown Cincinnati.  I am not one to go out much these days, so it was a bit of a big deal for my recluse ass to show up for a gig like this (most people wouldn’t hesitate to go to something like this) so I made sure I was amped up on java to meet…

  • THE BENEFITS OF WINE HOMESCHOOLING: DR. GONZO AND THE SWS WINE POSSE WITH GRGICH HILLS AND A DOWN-AND-DIRTY LECTURE ON BIODYNAMICS

    Kevin Keith
    25 Jan 2012 | 10:29 am
    Late last Thursday, Dr. Gonzo dropped in the Whino’s studio with his bosses Mr. Harold, and Sir Robert the Juice Munson of SWS, along with David Bos, vineyard manager for Grgich Hills.  The studio was subsequently transformed into a classroom and Professor Bos began to teach me a few things about Biodynamic farming as we ventured through the Grgich Hills lineup: Grgich Hills Dry Fume Blanc Napa Valley 2008.  Grade=Outstanding.  Upon seeing the vintage, I could hear my boss’ voice echoing in my head “what the %#$@ were you thinking bringing in a Sauvignon Blanc this old?” and all I…

  • WENDY ROCK ASSAILS THE STUDIO WITH A DOUBLE WHAMMY AND AN AWESOME ROGUE VALLEY LINEUP

    Kevin Keith
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am
    Wendy Rock dropped in on the Whino’s Studio with a sales rep-double team – Doug Schuster from Schuster Beverage and Jennifer Kerrigan of Southern Oregon’s Del Rio Vineyards: Del Rio Vineyards Pinot Gris Rogue Valley 2008.  Grade=Outstanding.  I was really impressed with this wine.  Had some beautiful spices mixed in with hints of lime, lemon and pear.  Very round across the palate. Del Rio Viognier Rogue Valley 2008.  Grade=Outstanding.  A stunning Viognier dripping with white peach and apricot notes, a touch of white flower, ginger and Five Spice notes, with undercurrents of…
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    Bevlog | beer, wine, spirits trends | beverage blog

  • Flavor Flav Flavored Vodka

    admin
    17 Jan 2012 | 7:55 am
    Who is this joker and why does he have a vodka? Flavor Flav has a flavored vodka, and it happens to be Bubba Gum flavored. It took almost three months to get the label approved, and so I am enjoying a vision of William Jonathan Drayton, Jr. calling in regular and increasingly anxious status checks to TTB, and arguing about font sizes. Le Flav joins the swelling ranks of celebrity-endorsed vodka products, alongside Voli (Fergie, Pitbull), Ciroc (Sean Combs), Aftermath (Dr. Dre) and many others.   Related Posts: Wicked Wine (0) Who’s the Real Maverick, Anyway? (0) Who is Ed Hardy?

  • Bacon Brown Ale

    admin
    4 Jan 2012 | 7:55 am
    As this blog enters its fifth (gulp, yes, fifth) calendar year, it has covered many bacon-related concoctions. There was of course this bacon flavored vodka in 2009 and this bacon flavored beer in 2010. Although it’s not clear that any of the earlier-featured bacon-related products contained actual bacon, it was only a matter of time until something like Bacon Brown Ale came along. It is Ale Brewed with Buckwheat and Bacon, made by Uncommon Brewers, of Santa Cruz, California. The brewer explains: We’re not faking our flavor with smoked malts, Bac-O Bits or other tricks that some…

  • Old Bay Beer

    admin
    27 Dec 2011 | 7:55 am
    I do believe this Olde Bay Saison label raises at least a few legal issues. First of all, I sure hope the brewer had permission to use this famous branding. McCormick owns the Old Bay seasoning brand and probably would not have a sense of humor about any unauthorized uses. Even if the beer is loaded up with the same seasoning, and even if the reference tends to be flattering. I can not imagine that changing one letter (from Old to Olde) is likely to help any more. The total production for this ale with spices seems to have been tiny, so that may help somewhat more to avoid problems. A second…

  • Molotov Cocktail

    admin
    20 Dec 2011 | 7:55 am
    Because the term “Molotov Cocktail” has been so widely used (for at least 70 years), I would have expected somebody to grab onto it and apply it to alcohol beverages sooner. It was not until July of 2011 that somebody grabbed onto it, as in the case of Evil Twin Brewing above. In this case the name relates to the “explosive” and “arrogant” amount of hops in this beer. A few years earlier, Molotov Hoptail had roughly the same idea. Hoptail gets extra points because the brewpub is just down the street and a delightful addition to the neighborhood. I probably…

  • Poor, Unprintable Stu

    admin
    13 Dec 2011 | 7:55 am
    Last week The New York Times had a good article entitled “With Rude Names, Wine Stops Minding Its Manners.” The article focused on the wide variety of Bitch-themed wines in the US marketplace. The article describes Royal Bitch as: one of a teeming sisterhood of cabernets and chardonnays from a variety of producers with labels like Sassy Bitch, Jealous Bitch, Tasty Bitch and Sweet Bitch. They’re reinforcements for a growing army of rude, budget-priced wines that have shoved their way into wine stores and supermarkets in the past few years — most recently Happy Bitch, a Hudson…
 
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    Fermented Thoughts

  • The Terry Theise Manifesto

    Fermented Thoughts
    15 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm
    “Beauty is more important than impact. Harmony is more important than intensity. The whole of any wine must always be more than the sum of its parts. Distinctiveness is more important than conventional prettiness. Soul is more important than anything, and soul is expressed as a trinity of family, soil, and artisanality.” – Terry Theise It’s been some time since my last post and while sipping the morning coffee, I read a quote that inspired me by Terry Theise. Taken directly from the Skurnik Wines website… “If it is true that the road of excess leads to the…

  • Tasting Italy…

    Fermented Thoughts
    4 Dec 2011 | 7:00 pm
    No eloquent words, no loquacious lead-in, just good times. This trip to Italy will not be forgotten. I think the video says it best… Photos & film by: Fermented Thoughts Music by: Zucchero Fornaciari Originally posted 2010

  • Caught in the Crossfire – My #PinotMoment

    Fermented Thoughts
    8 Dec 2010 | 11:52 pm
    I wanted to bring this post to the surface in honor of Rick Bakas’ #pinotmoment movement. This, was my Pinot Moment and a very memorable moment (night) it was… (Originally posted August 2009) Recently, amid a night of inspiring company and satisfying food I found myself torn – caught in the crossfire of two developed and mature wines, in what turned out to be a Pinot night to remember. Reflecting on the experience brought this thought. If pressed to identify these two wines by sex, both would indeed be female. Beautiful, elegant, and civilized in their seductive charm. Prior…

  • 2007 Sequana Pinot Noir Sarmento Vineyard

    Fermented Thoughts
    13 Feb 2010 | 1:00 am
    Tasted by fermentedthoughts. Bright. Ruby. Intense. A rich girl for sure... Pulled, poured, and pause ... 10 min ... Sniff, sniff? PIMENTO POW! Up, off the floor - I dive in to find more salty olive brine, wrapped up in blueberry syrup and twiggy fresh, bushy red fruit. I hear a sultry, low, vanilla-infused French accent - as she speaks - decadent notes of coconut add confusion. Pinot Noir ... so feminine, obscure, intriguing ... Now, I sip. Dry and full, she's voluptuous and hot. Off the burner warm, dark Bing cherry juice glides along, spilling open to offer cocoa, fig puree, sweet forest…

  • 2001 Lingenfelder Großkarlbacher Osterberg Riesling Spätlese

    Fermented Thoughts
    17 Jan 2010 | 2:00 am
    It's electric! Dark n' deep gold - spraying viscous wafts of 93 octane premium petrol, sharp key lime spritz, and ripe Georgia peach. Grab a few white flowers, toss'em in the blender and puree some flamboyant apricot preserves. Now, add in sugary egg yolks, salty pistachios and some fresh shaved truffle. Whoo awww... Ride the Rhine river to Pfalz and get some! I had the chance to meet Ranier Lingenfelder, proprietor, at the New York Wine Expo back in February, and this guy's family has been doing Riesling since the 14th century. Trust the tradition.
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    The Wellesley Wine Press

  • A Photo Review of the 2012 Boston Wine Expo

    22 Jan 2012 | 8:46 pm
    I just got back from the 2012 Boston Wine Expo so I thought I'd post some pictures and thoughts for those who weren't there this year. Compared to prior years the two big changes I noticed were the layout and the mix of vendors. Rather than long aisles of tables, vendors were situated in clusters. Intermingled within these clusters were lifestyle vendors and - in a welcome addition - more food than I've seen at prior Expos. Where else to start off before noon on a Sunday but Chateauneuf-du-Pape? I don't recall seeing them last year but they seemed to be back with a concerted collective…

  • Last Minute Deals for the 2012 Boston Wine Expo

    20 Jan 2012 | 9:19 am
      Looking for coupon codes for this year's Boston Wine Expo? A couple last minute deals have surfaced... The first is from Groupon and offers $50 tickets for Sunday. The current price for Sunday is $85 so this represents a good last minute savings. You may recall the early bird Sunday price was $70 so in this case you can actually save a little by procrastinating. The second is a $25 off coupon code for Wine Spectator subscribers for the Grand Cru Lounge which reduces the price from $175 down to $150. I'm planning on attending the Expo Sunday so ping  me on Twitter @RobertDwyer or…

  • Bytox Hangover Prevention Remedy: Might this thing actually work?

    19 Jan 2012 | 4:47 pm
    Shortly before the holidays I received a sample of a few Bytox hangover prevention remedies. The product is a patch you apply before drinking and remove the morning after that, according to the manufacturer, supplies your body with vitamins and nutrients otherwise depleted while drinking thus preventing bothersome side effects commonly associated with the overconsumption of alcohol. Not wanting to risk a raging hangover myself, and not wanting to share my tales of overconsumption, I reached out to my friend George Kaplan who agreed to test the Bytox patch in a controlled experiment and share…

  • Coming Up: Patz & Hall Wine Dinner at Legal Harborside

    16 Jan 2012 | 6:51 pm
    On Thursday, February 2nd Legal Seafoods is offering a 4-course wine dinner with Patz & Hall Winery owner Donald Patz. If you haven't been yet, this is an opportunity to visit their flagship Legal Harborside location which includes 3 levels of dining in an ambitious harborside dining mecca in Boston's Seaport District. We visited Legal Harborside this past summer and were impressed. The first floor dining room offers casual dining similar to most Legal Seafoods and opens up nicely to the water in warmer months. The second floor offers a more refined dining experience and is where this…

  • First Look: Lunch at The Capital Grille Boston

    9 Jan 2012 | 7:30 am
    It seems like just yesterday, but The Capital Grille Boston moved from Newbury to Boylston Street this past August. I had my first look at the space when I stopped in for lunch with a friend recently. The new restaurant is grand - graciously proportioned, sophisticated, and comfortable. More than twice as large as the original, the location is now open for lunch, served primarily in a sleek lounge area with large windows overlooking the adjacent Boylston, Dalton and Hereford streets. I arrived shortly before they opened to take some photos of the space. The style is somewhat similar to the…
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    eRobertParker.com - Wine of the Day

  • 2008 Merryvale Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Starmont

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    2008 Merryvale Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon StarmontThe red wine portfolio includes an excellent value, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Starmont, which packs a lot of flavor and intensity for its price. This dense ruby/purple-colored Cabernet reveals plenty of cassis, cedar, licorice and spice notes. It is a delicious, medium-bodied wine with supple tannins and a long finish. Drink it over the next decade. Tel. (707) 963-2225 Rating: 89  Estimated Cost: $20-$23
 
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    Wine Peeps

  • A Wine for Tonight: 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux Red Wine

    Kori
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2009 Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux Red Wine from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington State. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5) A price tag of <=$15 Must be widely available Columbia Crest, located in Paterson, Washington, has been one of our favorite sources of value wines for many years. Last…

  • Challenging Wine Pairing: German Chocolate Pie

    LaGayle
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    This month I decided to do something a little different with our challenging wine pairing. Rather than do the usual pairing with a meal, we decided to do a pairing with a dessert. German chocolate pie is something that I’ve used many times as the dessert with our tasting dinners. On most occasions, I have prepared it in individual ramekins, but, for this occasion, I made it as a pie and topped each serving with whipped topping and chocolate shavings. It is not only a very delicious dessert, but it also has a pretty presentation. The main ingredients in this recipe are German chocolate and…

  • Wine Word of the Week: Palate

    Kori
    24 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    This week’s Wine Word of the Week is palate. Official definition from Jancis Robinson’s The Oxford Companion to Wine: Palate is a term used when describing tasting as a process and an ability. It is generally used to describe the combined human tasting faculties in the mouth and, sometimes, nose. The impact of a wine on the mouth may be divided chronologically, and somewhat loosely, into its impact on the front, middle, and back palate. The word may also be used more generally as in describing a good taster as ‘having a fine palate.’ Layman’s terms from Kori: Palate is an oft used…

  • St. Francis Winery “Old Vines” Zinfandel

    Kori
    23 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    St. Francis Winery, located in Santa Rosa, California, has been producing varietal wines from Sonoma County vineyards for over 35 years. Co-founder Joe Martin and his wife Emma purchased the 100-acre Behler Ranch Vineyard in Sonoma Valley in 1971. After several years in the vineyard business, Joe and his business partner Lloyd Canton established St. Francis Winery in 1979. The winery is named for St. Francis of Assisi, who is believed to have been the first to bring European grape cultivation to the New World. In 1999, St. Francis built a new winery facility on the Wild Oak Vineyard, which is…

  • A Wine for Tonight: 2010 Tapeña Garnacha

    Kori
    19 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2010 Tapeña Garnacha from Spain. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5) A price tag of <=$15 Must be widely available Tapeña Wines, produced by the Ferrer family in Spain, are fresh and fruit-forward. Made to pair well with tapas (small plates), Tapeña wines feature a distinctive fork on the…
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    New Zealand Food and Wine TV

  • #NZWine Virtual Tasting of Very Special Wines

    Ron McFarland
    17 Jan 2012 | 2:09 pm
    All wine regions throughout world produce a wide range of quality wines and these special wines from New Zealand are now gaining recognition and appreciation around the world. I wrote about this a while back and was excited to see this virtual wine event sponsored by New Zealand Complexity. It will be an evening that is both delightful and informative. To participate just follow this link. Saturday February 4th, 2012  Virtual Tasting 7:00pm Central Standard Time In association with Wine Channel TV we’re celebrating Waitangi Day, New Zealand’s National holiday,  with a virtual…

  • Is it New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc From New Zealand?

    Ron McFarland
    30 Aug 2011 | 4:30 am
    There is a difference between New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and here it is. Not long ago, New Zealand wine commentator Jayson Bryant wrote a column with the title “Where Has All the New Zealand Wine Gone?“. Today there are multiple categories of production in the world of New Zealand wine, in fact the industry body lists producers by size and includes three categories of small – medium and large. This has nothing to do with quality - just raw volume of wine produced. The wines in the Jayson’s photo  are generally New Zealand…

  • Wineries to Visit in New Zealand

    Ron McFarland
    9 Aug 2011 | 12:37 pm
     Planning a New Zealand trip to find undiscovered wines, restaurants or special locations for meetings or weddings then Wineries to Visit in New Zealand   is a web site for you. The site lists wineries around New Zealand that are open to visitors for tasting’s, wine sales, meals, weddings, accommodation, functions, tours, etc. It’s easy to find the big players, just look for the parking lots with the oversize buses, finding the hidden gems requires a little research. Wineries to Visit in New Zealand will make your trip more exciting and memorable. Filed under: Food, Travel,…

  • New Zealand Wine Movie Bride Flight

    Ron McFarland
    2 Jun 2011 | 3:08 pm
    BRIDE FLIGHT is a lavish romantic drama inspired by the true story of the 1953 KLM flight that won the “Last Great Air Race” from London to Christchurch. The flight was dubbed “Bride Flight” by the international press, because of its special passengers — young women with wedding dresses in their suitcases, traveling to join their fiancés who had already emigrated to New Zealand. Leaving behind the gloom and scarcity of post-WWII Europe, shy but sensual farm girl Ada, dogmatic Marjorie, and Jewish fashion designer Esther are filled with hope for a future of love and freedom.

  • The Specialist Wine Growers of New Zealand Wine Tasting

    Ron McFarland
    31 Aug 2010 | 4:49 pm
    The next chapter of New Zealand wine is beginning to unfold and we are beginning to see more opportunities for consumers around the world to learn and sample the wines from the smaller boutique producers. One example is ”The Specialist Winegrowers of New Zealand Ltd. They are an independent marketing alliance representing rare and exceptional wines from a small group of artisan producers. The alliance offers a single point of contact for sourcing some of New Zealand’s finest limited release boutique wine.” Members of this group include: Mike Spratt / Destiny Bay Sarah…
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    girlwithaglass.com

  • Wine Enthusiasts vs Wine Snobs

    Alana
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:57 pm
    When I lived in San Francisco, post-college, I dated a young sophisticated law firm partner.  He took me to all the best restaurants in the city. I was into food and cocktails and kept notes on where to go for the best martini, roasted garlic bulb, or fresh Focciaca. Wine grabbed my full attention the [...]

  • Sonoma Wine Country’s Winter Winelands

    Alana
    12 Jan 2012 | 1:18 pm
    As part of my wine education, a few years ago, I spent 2 1/2 years visiting wineries, year-round, four days a week.  I loved talking to wine makers, owners and staff during the winter season.  During that time, and the 5 years before that, when I wasn’t studying, I was home (practicing pairing) so I [...]

  • Being Healthy in 2012

    Alana
    1 Jan 2012 | 3:22 pm
    It all started a month ago, when my husband and I decided to eat simply, local and organic.  We also stopped eating grains, dairy, legumes and nightshades. While it sounds drastic, it actually makes it very simple.  What’s left to eat?  Wholesome, natural food. We eat avocados, nuts (no peanuts which are legumes), fruit (dried [...]

  • Bubbly from Around the World

    Alana
    30 Dec 2011 | 8:02 pm
    My favorite New Year’s celebrations? Doing the unexpected with great friends. This year I had two evenings of bubbly tastings.  We tasted the newest trends in the global wine market, Rosé of Malbec and Torrontes/Chardonnay from Argentina, Moscato from California, Moscato and Prosecco from Italy and even a Yellowtail from Australia. It’s an easy and [...]

  • Five Thanksgiving Wines Under $20

    Alana
    20 Nov 2011 | 1:36 pm
    I hosted a small pre-Thanksgiving dinner for six close friends.  Taking my own advice, my mission was to serve four different, easy-to-find, under $20 wines that play well with turkey, roasted vegetables, yams with apples, traditional stuffing, chorizo corn bread stuffing, and cranberry/bing cherry sauce. 2009 DeLoach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir  A strikingly nice [...]
 
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    The Good Wine Guru

  • Folatre Carmenere Reserve 2007

    George
    25 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Varietal:  Carmenere Region:  Chile – Curico Valley Cost:  $8 Winemaker’s Notes:  Dark garnet color or great intensity with an aroma of generous ripe red fruit and merged peppers with toasted French oak. A silky, flavorful mouth feel, creamy with great volume. Firm tannins provide an enjoyable finish. Best paired with light hors d’oeuvres and pastas. My Review:  My wife and I are always on the lookout for inexpensive wines that may not excite or inspire us, but are easy to sip on and are more interesting than cheap merlot or cabernet sauvignon from California,…

  • Ruta 22 Malbec 2010

    George
    18 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Varietal:  100% Malbec Region:  Patagonia, Argentina Cost:  $13 (SRP) Winemaker’s Notes:  A deep ruby-colored wine with rich, smooth blackberry flavors and vanilla aromas. Pairs well with red meats, cheeses, and pastas. My Review:  I’ve been a fan of Malbec for some time now, I’ve found it to be, on the whole, a nice inexpensive alternative to numerous other budget wines where you can get far better quality than your dollar would lead you to believe, especially coming out of South America, and it tends to pair well with the foods I like to eat. Because of that, I was…

  • Fisheye Pinot Grigio 2011

    George
    16 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    Varietal:  100% Pinot Grigio Region:  South Eastern Australia Cost:  $7 (SRP) Winemaker’s Notes:  Light bodied with ripe peach and tropical fruit flavors. Pairs well with Korean BBQ ribs with spicy tofu soup, Teriyaki chicken with a side of pork or vegetable potstickers. An excellent wine to enjoy with our without food. My Review:  I’m somewhat hit or miss on Pinot Grigio, so when some samples showed up and there was a bottle of Pinot Grigio included I’ll admit that I hesitated. However, when the tasting notes recommended potstickers, my wife pointed out that we had…

  • Girard Artistry 2008

    George
    10 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Varietal:  59% Cabernet Sauvignon; 19% Cabernet Franc; 11% Malbec; 6% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot Region:  Napa, California – USA Cost:  $40 (SRP) Winemaker’s Notes:  Rich garnet color goes perfectly with the holiday season and it’s aromas of toasted hazelnut and winter spices make this wine the perfect gift for anyone on your list. My Review:  Another of the bottles that I received just before the end of the year, and on an unseasonable warm day on Sunday (pushing 70 in Virginia? Really?) my wife and I decided to throw a couple of steaks on the grill and a bottle of red…

  • Barone Fini Pinot Grigio 2010

    George
    9 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Varietal:  100% Pinot Grigio Region:  Italy Cost:  $10 (SRP) Winemaker’s Notes:  A reasonably priced white wine with a crisp, clean taste. With its subtle fruit flavors, this wine can be enjoyed with rich holiday meals and allows your guests to enjoy the delicious tastes of the many flavors of the holidays. My Review:  I got this, along with a few other samples, right before the holidays but only just recently got a chance to get into them. It’s been a hectic beginning to 2012. That being said, because of the hectic nature of the start of my year, some wine has been called…
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    lusciouslushes.com

  • Be an Inspiration!

    winebratsf
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:27 pm
    An on the same day as NZ Wine Day, if you’re in the Santa Rosa area, make sure you stop by the Open House for a new Micro Winery co-op tasting room.  The industrial complex at Coffey Lane currently houses several wineries, and has become a go to destination for urban wine tasting in the North Bay. Inspiration Vineyards has long been a friend and personal favorite of this blogger, and now, they are located in their own custom crush and tasting room space at 3360 Coffey Lane, Suite E, in Santa Rosa,  Six small wineries will be featured here, and having tasted two of them before,…

  • Be a kiwi for the day!

    winebratsf
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:13 pm
    Rolling gree hills, mountain glaciers, beautiful water ways, hobbits, Elves, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc.  Ah New Zealand! I’m pleased to announce that Feburary 4th is New Zealand Wine Day, in association with Wine Channel TV.  This will be a virtual tasting that you can all participate in, with a llive cooking demonstration as well. Celebrity Winemakers will be tuning in from Chicago, along with a live audience; there will also be some bloggers in attendance in San Francisco, and we want you to taste along! Gather up a group of friend or brave it alone, but please join us online.

  • I heart Pinot, that is all.

    winebratsf
    25 Jan 2012 | 2:49 pm
    Are you an pinot noir addict like I am?  Can you have pinot every night and not get sick of it?  Oh wait maybe that’s just me.  Well, it’s nearly time for the annual Pinot Noir Summit, an event that I’ve been participating in and attending now for 5 years.  This is the 10th Anniversary of the Pinot Shootout, and it looks like the best one yet! Held at the Hilton Chinatown on February 25th, this all day affair allows you not only to taste 32 pinots like a judge, in a blind tasting environment, but also to attend educational seminars and a grand tasting reception as…

  • The spark within – WBW 73

    winebratsf
    23 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Ahh, Wine Blogging Wednesday.  Once upon a time, WBW was a monthly spark for wine bloggers to collective think about a particular topic, and form the gestalt of the blog. The sum of the many is the one. Sadly, WBW all but disappeared over the past few years.  Formed in 2004, WBW is having a resurgence thanks to a new committee and new life behind it. I for one, am grateful to have a guided post every month, as I struggle to be inspired and write posts that are both thoughtful, but also interesting to my readers.  This month, as we kick off a new year, January’s theme reminds us…

  • Red, ruby, Garnet!

    winebratsf
    11 Jan 2012 | 1:19 pm
    Garnet: -A semi precious mineral gemstone, often mistaken for a ruby. -A middle English word meaning dark red. -A wine producer that specializes in Pinot Nor from Carneros. Recently, I was tretaed to a dinner featuring the wines of Garnet, hosted by winemaker Alison Crowe. Once a lower brow brand of large California fighting varietal house Saintsbury, Garnet was sold to the grape supplier Silverado Winegrowers in 2011. With over 11,000 acres of California vineyards, Silverado has been a longtime supplier of premium grapes to several brands. With the purchase of Garnet, they now focus on…
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    ampelography

  • Time to Think about Pink

    23 Jan 2012 | 8:06 am
    This is the time of year when importers, distributors and ultimately retailers forecast and commit to their Rosé purchases for the warm months of 2012. We have seen a steady increase in the sales of rosé for as long as I can remember, and we are now at a point where every fine wine shop and restaurant in the country is doing something with this category. The mantra is: Rosé is brought in right after the wine is finished and sold out before it hits 1 year old. Rosé is seemingly held in the same regard as Beaujolais Nouveau, if you don't drink it, it will be dead wine in 2 years. This is…

  • Who's the Boss?

    10 Jan 2012 | 7:49 am
    The customer is always right. Duh. That's like rule number one of business. For some reason, the beverage business blurs this line a little bit (or a lot). Theoretically, each lower tier of the distribution model becomes a customer for the tier directly above it. The distributor is the customer for the supplier, the retailer is the customer for the distributor. These are both true, but the lines can go both ways. The distributor, since they are the single outlet for the supplier, often receives pressure from the supplier. The supplier always has an option to find another customer. That just…

  • Quit talking about yourself, and start being yourself (another social media lecture)

    30 Nov 2011 | 7:44 am
    Most of you are creating noise. I follow tons of wineries, distributors and wine people in general. Most of you are selling, or trying to sell. Instead, you are selling out. Social media is the wrong medium for selling (directly). As a member of the community, your obligation is to show yourself or your brand as being candid and authentic. Be you. This is why you have followers, because people want to hear what you have to say. They want a rallying cry. They want your unedited opinion. They must already like you or your brand. It's the difference between selling cars and working in a…

  • Escape or Contribute?

    16 Nov 2011 | 8:22 am
    Growing up in Toledo, I was trained to say that "this town sucks", that "I can't wait to get out", "There's so much more to do in other cities". This was the anthem of the youth in the 80's (maybe today too, for all I know). Well, I got out. And I really enjoyed my time in California. And I got some perspective on the Midwest. Ohio remained, home. For several years, I had a conflicted perspective on how I felt about Ohio. I missed the little things, but I could never imagine myself placed back in the gray and gloomy backdrop, with the backwards culture, and depressing politics. Eventually, my…

  • There are no "bear and bull" vintages

    3 Nov 2011 | 1:32 pm
    Thanks to Global warming and modern winemaking techniques, we have fewer poor vintages than in the past. We also seem to have more of the "great" vintages handed to us as well. I touched on this before. Time has passed, and now, I have dealt with the 2008 Rhone fallout. The Southern Rhone has experienced a string of easy vintages. In the last 10 years they have had 9, really great years. With the consensus exception of the 2002 vintage, they were all vintages worth buying. The 2008, sandwiched between the 93pt-2009 Vintage and the 98pt-2007 vintage (heavily overrated in my opinion), received…
 
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    WineBizNews

  • Everything Pairs Well with Bubblies, Even Holiday Cookies...

    13 Jan 2012 | 3:59 pm
    Holiday cookies and champagne is a perfect pairing, but then everything seems to pair well with champagne. Forty neighbors recently joined me in my San Francisco winter pied-à-terre to toast the holidays and exchange cookies and good cheer. I hadn’t yet received all the notes below from Tahoe-based wine shop owners, so I was on my own at Costco. Since I also love Prosecco, there was plenty of that affordable bubbly too. You will find many nice choices at nearby wine shops without the bedlam of a Big-Box store during this holiday season. First, a few official definitions, provided by The…

  • Excellent wine-food pairings in Tahoe City at Dockside 700

    13 Jan 2012 | 3:35 pm
    I think that Dockside 700 is going to be my new favorite place in Tahoe City for a convivial glass of wine. I really liked the vibe there at their elegant and friendly bar, and the adjoining restaurant features pleasant music, not too loud. Top the experience off with a very good wine-by-the-glass list with reasonable prices and a balance of familiar and more adventurous wines, and they have simply got it all. If that weren’t enough (but it is), the heated-in-winter and screened-in-summer enclosed porch has a wonderful lake view. Suggestion: take your wine out there!Owners Marsha Wagner and…

  • Adobe Road Wnemaker hosts dinner at The Resort at Squaw Creek

    23 Dec 2011 | 11:49 am
    Scorsone pours for Cathy Krauss,  mywine writing assistant at Tahoe WeeklyWhen an enthusiastic young winemaker comes to a winemaker dinner that is well thought out, that’s the best! This was the case at a recent Six Peaks Grille winemaker dinner, part of an ongoing series hosted in this fine dining restaurant at The Resort at Squaw Creek. This winemaker was Michael Scorsone of Adobe Road Wines, a Sonoma winery that specializes in small lot, handcrafted wines.Michael Scorsone brings a culinary background to his winemaking, and that means very food-friendly wines. His family is a deeply…

  • Orin Swift Wines: A Secret Love, Met Again at Plumpjack Squaw Valley

    14 Dec 2011 | 5:22 pm
    I’ve had a secret love with “the Prisoner”, a wonderful red wine from winemaker Orin Swift. I’ve been keeping it a secret for far too long, because, as you know, I rant about high alcohol wines. This is clearly a high alcohol wine, but I can’t help loving it. Ever since wine afficianado Lou Phillips poured some for me at a bistro dinner in Truckee a few years ago, I’ve been captivated. I can’t say the same for my dinner companion of that long-ago evening, but that is a whole other series of stories, this one tagged on the keyline, “Is that all there is?”Thus, I couldn’t…

  • Antonini Wines Featured at West Shore Cafe: Wine Educator George Foote Presents!

    13 Dec 2011 | 6:25 pm
    There is absolutely no place on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe that is a beautiful and elegant as The West Shore Café in Homewood. Thus it’s appropriate that they launched their winemaker dinners with beautiful and elegant wines. The Antinori wines presented in the USA in partnership with Ste Michelle Wine Estates provided a wide range of tasting experience and the chance for West Shore’s Executive Chef William “Rusty” Johns to show off his art. George Foote, the Maryland-based and well-known National Wine Educator, was there courtesy of Ste Michelle to share stories of these Antinori…
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    vinoverve.com

  • January 28th

    admin
    28 Jan 2012 | 1:01 am
    Photo of Napa Valley Sign by D Ramey Logan under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License Powered by Bookmarkify™

  • January 27th

    admin
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:01 am
    Image of the Flag of California by Devin Cook Powered by Bookmarkify™

  • January 26th

    admin
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:01 am
    Photo by Gretchen Neuman for VinoVerve under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License Powered by Bookmarkify™

  • January 25th

    admin
    25 Jan 2012 | 1:06 am
    Vitis californica vine with grapes taken fall 2006 at Caswell Memorial State Park in the San Joaquin Valley, California by KP Botany and released into the public domain by its author Powered by Bookmarkify™

  • January 24th

    admin
    24 Jan 2012 | 1:02 am
    Image is from Open Clip Art Library and is in the public domain Powered by Bookmarkify™
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    Provenance

  • ‘Back to reality’ say vintners

    admin
    20 Jan 2012 | 5:35 am
    After the hype and expectation of the 2009 and 2010 vintages, many producers in Bordeaux are pleased to announce an average year. Perverse as this may seem, experts are claiming a year of lower yields and less than ideal weather conditions may be exactly what the market requires. Bordeaux should produce a much greater variety of wine styles this year as some regions were exposed to a springtime drought, others to hail and others to a late summer heat wave. Humidity in September has led to an increased risk of grey rot. It certainly won’t be a disastrous vintage: some producers are…

  • Chinese interest in lower ranking chateaux increasing, say negociants

    admin
    16 Jan 2012 | 12:12 pm
    There has been much talk of bubbles bursting and markets correcting surrounding the sales of First Growths in China lately. Earlier this year an unprecedented 59 of 821 lots, including cases of 1961, 1995, 2000 and 2005 Lafite, went unsold at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. Despite this worrying trend at the top of the Chinese Bordeaux market, negociants are claiming all is not doom and gloom. They make the point that where prices are beginning to slide for the First Growth estate, labels lower down the pecking order of the 1855 classifications are beginning to attract more attention.

  • Acker auction puts Burgundy in focus

    admin
    13 Jan 2012 | 10:31 am
    The drivers of the wine import boom into Hong Kong over the last few years have undoubtedly been the major Bordeaux estates. There are signs however that that is beginning to change. The price of premium Bordeaux is beginning to fall after years of continuous inflation. At a recent Hong Kong auction, Chinese investors did what was once considered unthinkable: they snubbed Lafite. At the same auction the top four lots were all from Burgundy. A 12 bottle case of 1988 Romanee-Conti went for £74,000. The firm Acker Merrall & Condit is hoping that Burgundy will pick up the slack where…

  • Hong Kong toast of wine world amid global woes

    admin
    13 Jan 2012 | 7:01 am
    Despite a climate of global economic uncertainty, the market for wine in Hong Kong is as bullish as ever and is growing year on year. Imports of wine into the former British colony have surged in the first nine months of this year by 57%, up to £600m. The wine is coming from France, Italy, Australia and South America but the real demand is for Bordeaux. Since the duties on the import of wine were slashed from 40% to zero in 2008 imports have quadrupled. An entire infrastructure has sprung up around the wine trade with the appearance of wine merchants, auctioneers, distributors and storage…

  • Red Rises in China

    admin
    10 Jan 2012 | 4:54 am
    To many Western minds the Chinese wine lover is still a hazy figure. We have all heard the stories of Petrus served with Coca Cola (a practice which is still encountered but is gradually disappearing), the bottles of 1982 First Growths left on display on the mantle-piece above a roaring fire, the arriviste with seemingly endless money but little in the way of discernment. The 2010 Bordeaux futures campaign, although regarded as something of a farce, was at least partially rescued by buyers from China and Hong Kong. It is true that the Chinese are obsessed by red Bordeaux generally and Lafite…
 
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    JancisRobinson.com

  • The best and worst of Chinese service (Nick on restaurants)

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    At Pearl Liang , in the lower concourse of Paddington Central, west London, the Chinese waiter could not have been friendlier as he took our order for salt and pepper bean curd, Shanghai dumplings, soft shell crab and stewed pork belly, among other dishes, without pen and paper. He then repeated.

  • Burgundy 2010s - some useful addresses (Free for all)

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See our tasting notes on more than 1,900 burgundy 2010s via this complete guide to our coverage of the vintage. The minutely parcellated and carefully groomed vineyards on the east-facing slope known in France as the Côte d'Or, the pale stone of the medieval buildings and, most of all, the often.

  • Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2010 Central Otago (Wines of the week)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See new lower UK price! From £14.99, NZ$34.99, HK$248, Aus$44.95 Find this wine Of course it is well known that Central Otago, the far south of New Zealand's South Island, is a hot spot for Pinot Noir – sometimes so hot that the wines can be just too sweet and fruity and a tad too alcoholic..

  • One grape, 12 winemakers (Inside information)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    One of the most interesting tables at last Tuesday's generic tasting of New Zealand wines at Lord's cricket ground in London was devoted to the Riesling Challenge, a dozen different wines made from the same lot of 2010 Riesling grapes. The innovative Riesling Challenge competition is billed as 'a.

  • Burgundy 2010 P-Z (Tasting articles)

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    See Burgundy 2010 - a complete guide to our coverage - not just tasting notes but much, much more. Below, our final set of tasting notes, ordered alphabetically by producer (sur)name. I'm delighted to read on the Burgundy 2010 thread that many of you seem to have got the wines you sought. I don't.
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    Drinking Outside The Box

  • Wine Tasting Video: Four Riojas + a Ribera del Duero

    Simon
    26 Jan 2012 | 5:58 am
    Viña Pomal Rioja Crianza 2008 (£9.99 Majestic, Yourfavouritewines.com, Rhythmandbooze.co.uk, Aughton Wines, Delifonseca, Den Boer Wines, Eton Vintners, Hercules Wine Warehouse, INXS Kicked, Sheridan Cooper’s, Taurus Wines, Noel Young, The Vineyard) Has some of the classic vanilla and orange peel of Rioja, but the baked berry flavours and notes of liquorice speak of overripe fruit, as [...]

  • Wine Tasting Video: Assorted whites from France, Spain, Portugal & Italy

    Simon
    25 Jan 2012 | 6:58 am
    Les Crouzes Colombard 2010, Comté Tolosan, South West France (£5.39 Co-operative) Reasonable crunchy ripe pear with an earthy zing, but there’s also a lemon edge that shrieks just a little too loudly. C(+) Sacha Lichine La Poule Blanche 2010, Vin de France (N/A in the UK) Rather vague style, quite plump and peachy with a [...]

  • Wine Tasting Video: Shiraz from Australia, New Zealand & Argentina + a Durif

    Simon
    24 Jan 2012 | 7:22 am
    Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah 2008, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (£13.99 Oddbins, Wine Rack, nzhouseofwine.co.uk) Fragrant and elegant to start with, showing touches of pepper (white & black), berry and plum, but then a slightly thoddy vanilla edge intrudes, and there’s just this feeling of incompleteness, as if it would have benefited by something a [...]

  • Wine Tasting Video: Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé 2008 & 2009

    Simon
    23 Jan 2012 | 9:30 am
    Will be posting another couple of videos featuring the 2010 vintage soon, but in the meantime, here are some slightly older wines… Domaine Masson-Blondelet Pouilly-Fumé 2009 (£14.99 Waitrose) Has lost a little freshness, but still has some tangy taut lemon, lemongrass and herb flavour, a touch of flint and a rounded sappy finish. B(+) Tesco [...]

  • Wine Tasting Video: Reds from Beiras (Dao & Bairrada)

    Simon
    20 Jan 2012 | 10:55 am
    Ribeiro Santo Dão 2009 (£10.60 Bottle Apostle) Juicy young wine, fresh but firm, full flavoured but never too big, with plummy berry and tomato flavours, smoky bacon oak and an earthy, savoury finish – gets more serious with time. S(-) Sogrape Callabriga Dão 2008 (£12.95 Berry Brothers & Rudd) Sprightly young wine, with spicy white [...]
 
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    PALATE PRESS

  • Undercover Uncorked: Kendall-Jackson Aims to Take Wine Prime Time

    Michelle Locke
    25 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    Standing in a Kendall-Jackson vineyard, new-man-on-the-job 'Jake' looks a bit nonplussed as he's handed an English-Spanish dictionary to help him communicate with fellow crew members who speak Spanish only.

  • Behind the Wines of the Year: Interview with Anne Hubatch, Winemaker at Helioterra Winea

    Ryan Reichert
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    An interview with winemaker Anne Hubatch of Helioterra Wines. The 2009 Helioterra Columbia Valley Syrah was awarded to Palate Press Readers' Choice Red Wine of the Year.

  • Resveratrol Redux: The Bad and the Good

    Erika Szymanski
    23 Jan 2012 | 3:03 pm
    This past week, Dr. Dipak Das, tenured research faculty at the University of Connecticut, was found guilty of 145 counts of research misconduct by an internal institutional review board. Das’s research findings had strongly supported the idea that resveratrol found in wine is capable of conveying health benefits to wine drinkers. It’s worth noting that even though Das was very prolific—that is, his lab turned out more than the average number of papers—Das didn’t publish in high-profile journals, whether because his work was rejected by the top-tier or because he chose to submit…

  • Scientific Misconduct Muddies Waters of Red Wine Research

    Tom Mansell
    18 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    An investigation performed by the University of Connecticut has concluded that reseacher Dr. Dipak Das falsified data in 26 scientific publications, some of which were studies involving the controversial wine component resveratrol. Das is the head of a research lab in the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center. His studies include effects of resveratrol on cardiac health.

  • Behind the Wines of the Year: Interview with Rebecca Shouldis, Winemaker for Ghost Hill Cellars

    Ryan Reichert
    18 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm
    An interview with winemaker Rebecca Shouldis, from Ghost Hill Cellars. The 2010 Ghost Hill Cellars Pinot Noir Blanc was awarded to Palate Press Readers' Choice White Wine of the Year.
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    Vin65

  • 12 Ways to Sell More Wine Online in 2012

    3 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    It's 2012, and my #1 business New Years Resolution is to sell more wine online. Internally we have some great stuff we are working on, but let's talk about 12 ways you can sell more wine online. 1) Get Social If you are looking for things to settle down and return to the good old days… think again. Facebook is here to stay, Google+ is signing up 625,000 users a day, we are now in a social world. Our Facebook Ecommerce App has been up for two months and the results have been great - it's driving upwards of 8% of sales for sites that have it enabled. 2) Recommerce /…

  • The right content strategy for your mobile site

    8 Dec 2011 | 10:00 am
    Developing the correct content strategy for your mobile site can be a bit confusing. It's still early in the game and we are seeing consultants offer different strategies on what content belongs on a mobile website. Should you limit content? Should you limit the content displayed on the mobile version of your website? How about the number of products? Should that be limited? Originally, our team here at Vin65 thought the answer should be yes. Mobile phone screen sizes are small, the 3G data speeds are slower than regular broadband, and customers visiting your mobile site typically…

  • 3 Reasons Your Winery Needs a Mobile Website

    5 Dec 2011 | 11:00 am
    One in four people are more prepared to share their toothbrush than their smart phone (source) and one-third of Americans are more willing to give up sex than their mobile phones (source). There is no doubt that smart phones are changing the way we live. It's no surprise that major retailers have integrated mobile as part of their overall marketing strategy. But what about mobile for wineries? Is it important to have a mobile presence? How can this channel drive overall traffic and revenue? We believe that it is important and can drive traffic and revenue, here are three reasons why.

  • Facebook Ecommerce - Will Customers Buy Wine on Facebook?

    10 Oct 2011 | 11:00 am
    If you’re like most internet users, you start your day by checking Facebook and you probably check again at the end of the day. If you’re like our employees, you’re probably also checking Facebook at work. There are over 800 million active users on Facebook, and Facebook accounts for 1 in 5 pages accessed on the internet. So Facebook has a large audience, but will this audience buy wine?  Here's 5 reasons I think they will. 1. Facebook already drives ecommerce traffic to your website. There is some debate about whether Google or Facebook drives more…

  • 3 Easy Email Design Changes That Help Boost Response

    12 Aug 2011 | 11:00 am
    (This is a guest blog post from Kristina Palko, Marketing Director at WineTasting.com. Kristina is responsible for an enormous amount of direct-to-consumer email and has seen first-hand what works and what doesn't.) I create and analyze results from over 15 million wine marketing emails every year. What I've found is that email response rates vary enormously depending on audience, subject line, email content & design, and timing. It is an area in e-commerce marketing which is constantly evolving but, here are 3 easy, sure-fire ways to help increase your response. 1. Add a Top…
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    WordPress.com News

  • Chrome Users: Try the WordPress.com Extension

    Christopher Finke
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:54 pm
    Want to receive WordPress.com notifications instantly, even when you’re not on WordPress.com? Add the new WordPress.com extension for Chrome and as soon as you get a new follower or a new like on one of your posts, a notification will appear in your browser: Simply click the icon to view your latest WordPress.com notifications: Start following new blogs without visiting WordPress.com The Chrome extension also makes it easy to follow sites from your WordPress.com account by displaying a Follow button whenever you’re browsing a site that has an RSS feed. Clicking the Follow button…

  • Your Stats Have a New Home

    Andy Skelton
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:46 am
    Are you addicted to checking your site stats? You are not alone. The stats dashboard has always been one of the most popular admin screens. It’s gratifying to know that people are visiting your place online. With the WordPress.com front page evolving into a one-stop shop for posting, exploring, following and reading blogs, it seemed natural to put your blog stats there, too.  Stats are becoming more and more about interacting with your readers and other bloggers. You’ll still see your summary stats and chart on your main dashboard, and the full stats page in your dashboard will…

  • Reblogging is Back!

    Erica Johnson
    22 Jan 2012 | 1:27 pm
    As we mentioned last week, you can like and reblog posts directly from your reader, which displays a stream of all the updates published on all the blogs you follow from your WordPress.com account. We’ve also brought the reblog button back to the toolbar that appears at the top of the screen when you’re logged into WordPress.com. Note that you’ll only see the like and reblog options while you’re looking at individual posts. For example, you’ll see this on the left side of your toolbar while viewing http://en.blog.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/read-blogs: And your…

  • New Theme: Newsy

    Philip Arthur Moore
    20 Jan 2012 | 12:18 pm
    It’s been an extra big week in the news ’round these parts, so much so that the launch announcement of our latest premium theme seems like an extra extra good way to headline our Friday. Newsy is a versatile business and news-friendly theme that offers up to ten different layouts, four footer columns, custom link and accent colors, and a custom site header. Brand and content-focused editorial teams will love publishing with this theme. Newsy: Home Page Designed by Themify, Newsy comes with an impressive set of Theme Options that afford you a great deal of flexibility with how you…

  • Read All Your Favorite Blogs in One Place

    Erica Johnson
    19 Jan 2012 | 6:04 pm
    If you feel like it’s a chore to keep up with all your favorite blogs, you can now read posts from all the blogs you follow (even the ones that aren’t on WordPress.com!) in one convenient place on the WordPress.com home page: Your reader displays all the posts across all the blogs you follow in the order they were published, with the most recent content appearing at the top. You’ll see an excerpt of the introduction to each post, the first image in the post, and thumbnails of any other images that the post contains. You can even like and reblog WordPress.com content directly…
 
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    VINEgeek

  • Folding Wine Barrel Chair

    Jim/VINEgeek
    20 Jan 2012 | 8:57 am
    This will look lovely on the veranda overlooking the Mourvèdre block of my vast vineyard empire. Oh wait… that doesn’t exist. Oh well, the chair does: Whit McLeod: Folding Wine Barrel Chair, at 40% off You may need to sign up with Fab.com to view, but I recommend signing up anyway — it’s free and there’s lots of cool stuff there.

  • Two Alex Elman Wines

    Jim/VINEgeek
    18 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    Finally catching up on some old tasting notes. Here are a couple of wines from Alex Elman Wines, an importer who decided to create her own label, featuring wines from Argentina made from organic grapes. You may notice braille on the labels; that’s because Alex Elman lost her sight in her 20s. Read the full story here. TRIVIA BREAK: What well-known Rhône winery uses braille on it’s labels? (Here’s a lesser known one.) These wines were provided as samples for review. They each retail for around $12. — — Overall, I think the Torrontes is a solid example of…

  • Another Great Value Sauvignon Blanc from Chile

    Jim/VINEgeek
    16 Jan 2012 | 9:59 pm
    My cellar has been running low on everyday whites, so when I saw this bottle of Montes Sauvignon Blanc at Costco recently, I grabbed it. Chilean Sauvignon Blanc has impressed me in the past and Montes is a very reliable producer up and down the price scale. This wine is from their “Limited Selection” line and at $9.99, the price was right. I unscrewed it tonight with a Meatless Monday dinner of pasta with fresh corn, grape tomatoes, garlic, scallions and parmesan. Lots of parmesan. Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Leyda Valley Producer Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Appellation: Leyda…

  • “…the faintest soupçon of asparagus…”

    Jim/VINEgeek
    14 Jan 2012 | 10:10 am
    “Let me show you how this is done. First thing, hold the glass up and examine the wine against the light. You’re looking for color and clarity. Just, get a sense of it. OK? Uhh, thick? Thin? Watery? Syrupy? OK? Alright. Now, tip it. What you’re doing here is checking for color density as it thins out towards the rim. Uhh, that’s gonna tell you how old it is, among other things. It’s usually more important with reds. OK? Now, stick your nose in it. Don’t be shy, really get your nose in there. Mmm… a little citrus… maybe some…

  • On Winespeak

    Jim/VINEgeek
    12 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am
    But maybe, at the end of the day, we should be happy that most wine talk is so ridiculous. In a world that is oversaturated with overdetermined meaning, there’s something decidedly cheering about this mischievous drink that resists plausible description. from Liquid Memory: Why Wine Matters by Jonathan Nossiter
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    Steve Ferree's feed

  • Martin Ranch Winery wins big at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

    Steve Ferree, San Jose Wine Examiner
    20 Jan 2012 | 12:05 am
    Martin Ranch Winery came home from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition this year with a Best of Class, two Double Gold medals and two Gold medals. Martin Ranch is one of the favored wineries in both the Santa...

  • Niles Canyon Railway Valentine’s Day wine tasting train

    Steve Ferree, San Jose Wine Examiner
    18 Jan 2012 | 11:47 pm
    Niles Canyon Railway can make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable with the new Romance on the Rails Wine Tasting Trains. On Sunday, February 12, there will be two trains, one leaving the Sunol station at 2:00 p...

  • Downtown Campbell 5th Annual Winter Wine Walk – February 8

    Steve Ferree, San Jose Wine Examiner
    17 Jan 2012 | 11:43 pm
    The Downtown Campbell Business Association has announced their fifth season Wine Walk, taking place Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 5pm to 9pm. Participants can stroll the charming streets of Campbell Avenue with their own complimentary wine...

  • Santa Clara Valley wineries shine at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition

    Steve Ferree, San Jose Wine Examiner
    14 Jan 2012 | 10:28 pm
    The Santa Clara Valley appellation consists of 21 wineries concentrated mostly in the southern end of the valley. But this small collection of wineries scored big at the recent 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, with 13 wineries taking...

  • Cabernet Shootout Challenge: Pit your Palate against the Wine Pros

    Steve Ferree, San Jose Wine Examiner
    13 Jan 2012 | 4:45 pm
    The Bay Area Wine Society, in cooperation with Affairs of the Vine is presenting the Cabernet Shootout Challenge on Saturday, January 21 from noon to 4:30 p.m. at The Winery San Francisco on Treasure Island. Near the...
 
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    ELLOINOS

  • Greek wine in the U.S. From one coast to another

    elloinos
    19 Jan 2012 | 12:04 pm
    I am going to visit the U.S. again this Saturday. Having executed two major co-operations with American importers, the new relationships have to be tightened and the new launches supported.  In order to efficiently convey the story about Greek wine, I feel it is imperative to meet the sales representatives and their clients in person. I will throw all my energy at this, in order to add real value and effectiveness. First, I will fly to California and spend a week in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The only time I have been to CA before was on my honeymoon nearly nineteen years ago, so this…

  • Teaming up with Frederick Wildman & Sons

    elloinos
    10 Jan 2012 | 11:35 am
    This post is undoubtedly one of my most important ones to date. The US has become the world’s biggest wine-consuming nation in 2010 and New York is one of the most important markets for wine imports. Significant trends are being set in the Big Apple, not only nationwide, but also on a global level. I am super excited and honoured to officially announce a co-operation with Frederick Wildman & Sons, who are one of the most significant and trusted US wine importers. The company has been in business since 1934 and ranks among the largest wine importers in the US. Their focus is on fine…

  • Greek red wine values of 2011

    elloinos
    20 Dec 2011 | 11:53 am
    Greek wine values at the entry level are not restricted to the whites only, although the reds will cost a little more. As with the whites, these are terrific food partners and can be paired with a large variety of dishes. I used a price ceiling of 7,50€ (shelf price in Greece, inclusive of 23% VAT) for my personal favourites. Again, the selection focus was also on availability in Greece and in the export markets. 1. Boutari Naoussa 2007, 13% alcohol, 7,20€, Xinomavro: If I had to pick just one Greek wine as the red hot value of the year, this would be it. Refinement and balance best…

  • Greek white wine values of 2011

    elloinos
    13 Dec 2011 | 11:41 am
    There has never been a better time to explore Greek wines, especially at the entry level. Serious headway has been made, and the quality that can now be found in the lower price segment deserves attention – if you know what to look out for. All that glitters is not gold, yet some real bargains can be found that will not only not disappoint, but surprise and impress. Expand your palate with a number of indigenous grape varieties that will tease and stimulate your taste buds. All the wines mentioned are excellent food partners; I would love to learn about your favourite pairing suggestions. I…

  • Assyrtiko, Mavrotragano, Santorini

    elloinos
    29 Nov 2011 | 11:09 am
    Paris Sigalas from Domaine Sigalas needs little introduction. He is likely the best known Greek winemaker both within and also outside of Greece. The following quote from wine critic Mark Squires, who amongst other countries also covers Greece for Robert Parker, sums up Paris’ reputation perfectly: “This producer is universally acclaimed for his skill with Assyrtiko of all types – dry, barrel fermented and sweet – and I can only climb on the bandwagon. Sigalas is simply a master with this grape.” Last week, 15 different vintages of Domaine Sigalas were presented by…
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    Uvinum's blog

  • Single malt whisky

    27 Jan 2012 | 4:48 am
    Single malt whisky or also known as "Single Malt" is a whisky whose main feature in their ingredients, are grains of malt, which supply what in other whiskys would be barley. This particular mixture of malt whisky makes it one of the most special. Single malt whisky is commonly associated with Scotland, a country which has the largest production of such drinks, but we can also find single malt whisky in other countries, aldo in much less quantity. Main features of malt whisky Single malt whisky owes its special flavour to malted barley, but is not the only characteristic that defines it. The…

  • A Novice's Guide to Winery Tourism

    16 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am
    Sharing a glass of wine in good company is always a pleasure. It's the best time to put the world to rights, sort out your thoughts, express your feelings and opinions and, last but not least, a good opportunity to take time out from the stresses and pressures of life. The world of wine and, by extension, wine tourism is on the up, and there are plenty of trips, courses, flights, events and organized visits to wineries that invite you to try out this new form of tourism. And because everyone needs to know the basics so they don't seem like a novice, here the eDreams Travel Blog gives you some…

  • Wines from the United Kingdom (and II)

    15 Jan 2012 | 2:17 am
    Beyond the concerns of producers who have to invest money without an immediate return because the crops tend to occur in the third or fourth year, or the fact that the grape production is highly variable due to climate, you should know that British wine has the following characteristics today: At present there are about 400 English vineyards producing about 2 million bottles a year. The so-called quality wines are subject to rigorous controls. However, the quality of table wines is not assured, but there are some "jewels" that can be found. Within the wide variety, white traditional…

  • Wines from the United Kingdom (I)

    9 Jan 2012 | 4:25 am
    The United Kingdom has always been famous for the beer and whisky, but did you know they also make wines, and quite good ones? Traditionally fighting against a cold climate unsuitable for vineyards, the English wine industry has been favored in recent years by warmer summers due to global warming. Although England is a great consumer of wine, is a very small producer, to the point that wine sales in England and Wales combined, that only represent the…

  • Tawny Porto

    3 Jan 2012 | 2:50 am
    Among the main types of Porto wine you can get the White Port, Ruby Port and Tawny Porto. The Porto is a fortified wine produced in vineyards of the Douro River Valley in Portugal. This wine is actually produced 100 kilometers far from the city of Oporto, but it received this name because, since it started being exported from this city to the rest of the world. Tawny Porto is a brick-colored wine with aromas of nuts, coffee notes and…
 
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    4488: A Ridge Blog

  • Who Likes Zinfandel? Google Likes Zinfandel!

    Christopher Watkins
    27 Jan 2012 | 6:08 pm
    Who likes Zinfandel? Google likes Zinfandel! So much so that Google & ZAP got together to stage an event for Google’s Wine Tasting Club (yes, they have a Wine Club!) in advance of the big annual ZAP event. And who was there? Ridge was there! GoogleZap! GoogleZap!  I yell, you yell we all yell for Zinfandel! Filed under: Events & Photographs, Varietals & Blends, Zinfandel Tagged: #zinfest, Google, wine club, wine tasting club, ZAP, Zinfandel

  • ZAP!

    Christopher Watkins
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:55 pm
    That’s right folks, ZAP! Not Shazam, not Wonder Twin Powers Activate (form of an Ah So, shape of a Zinfandel bottle!), but ZAP! Not familiar? ‘Tis an acronymn, and it stands for Zinfandel Advocates & Producers. From their Mission Statement: ZAP and its members revel in Zinfandel’s mysterious history and its evolving story fuels the embers of discovery, entrepreneurship and agriculture that are truly American. ZAP is the only organization that has established and provided funding for education and research to study the history, genetics and propagation of a wine varietal to…

  • By Donn’s Early Light …

    Christopher Watkins
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:27 pm
    It was on this day, three years ago — years both long and short — that Ridge Vineyards, and the world at large, lost Donn Reisen. To this day, I cannot walk into The Old Winery Barn without thinking of him. To me, he was the wine world’s Walter Matthau, the wise curmudgeon, the salty, melancholic prankster, the grifter with the soul of gold. I looked forward to seeing him every day, I truly did. There are not a lot of bosses out there one can say that about, but it’s true. It was like going to your regular pub, knowing that your mate would be there just ahead of you,…

  • The Old School Is New Again …

    Christopher Watkins
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:14 pm
    You know it’s coming, yet somehow you won’t admit it to yourself. It’s inevitable, of course, but it’s impossible survive the days if you’re in conscious embracement of the facts. Somehow, we have to psychically suspend our realities in order to keep on keepin’ on. But all things must pass. The news came yesterday. They’d pulled it. The 2007 Ridge Vineyards Old School was removed from the website. It was over. Fortunately, the 2009 Ridge Vineyards Old School ain’t too far down the road! I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s…

  • Our Winter Wineland Winner!

    Christopher Watkins
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:15 pm
    If you were fortunate enough to be in Sonoma county January 14th & 15th, then I’m guessing you probably attended Winter Wineland, an absolutely delightful region-wide bacchanal of oeno-epic proportions. Hopefully, you were able to visit our Lytton Springs Estate as part of the experience. If you did, you would have been able to enjoy a very groovy presentation on the importance of soil to our wines. This Soil Exploration exhibit was unique, informative, and perhaps best of all, it came with a contest! That’s right, analyze and learn about four distinct soil representations of…
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    Stark Insider

  • Facebook IPO filing next week, $75-$100 Billion valuation (hang on to your hats)

    Clinton Stark
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:41 pm
    Are we in the midst of a social bubble, or this time are we really headed to Economy 2.0? We should find out more next week. Facebook, in a surprise move (I don’t know of anyone predicting such an early move), will likely file for IPO next week. Though the plans could change, the timing suggests a certain amount of confidence with the economy, and Facebook’s desire to take advantage of a hot window of opportunity. Sources told WSJ that Morgan Stanley is close to inking a deal to underwrite the offering, which is expected to bring a valuation of $75 to $100 billion. At the top end,…

  • On Location: Zin is in at ZAP Wine Festival

    Monica Turner
    27 Jan 2012 | 12:45 pm
    We’re on location! If you simply dig that feisty California red grape, Zinfandel, then the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco is the place the be. The Rock ‘n Roller of wine once again stars in the 21st annual ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) wine festival. Stark Insider takes you inside the vino-happy event which features tastings, good eats, and a whole bunch of socializing bru-ha-ha. In other words: it’s a heck of a fun way to spend the weekend. In this segment, Loni meets up with Bitchin’ Kitchin’s Nadia G to talk about wine, food, and…

  • Simply the Best: Pinchas Zukerman

    Cy Ashley Webb
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:35 am
    When explaining the magic of the violin, Joseph Marchese, author of The Violin Maker turns to the veritable Grove encyclopedia: “The violin is one of the most perfect instruments acoustically.”  According to Grove, this acoustic perfection is why the violin ranges from sweet Vivaldi chatter, to  the pathos of the second movement of Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D, to the rapid flights in Paganini’s Caprice No. 16 in G minor, and everything in between. The argument can be made that more than any other instrument, the violin’s got soul. If you throw Pinchas Zukerman into the mix, the…

  • Hands-on: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Beta (looking good!)

    Clinton Stark
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:23 am
    Adobe’s beta of Lightroom 4 is now available for download (it expires March 31), and if you’re into photography, as a pro or hobbyist, I highly recommend you take a look. Here are some of my test results after a few weeks of testing the software. First, a confession. I’ve never been a big fan of Lightroom. The interface is cumbersome, non-intuitive and getting simple things done, like re-sizing a photo for example, requires too many steps. For daily stuff I instead count on Picasa. It’s fast, and a quick and dirty way to get results without jumping through hoops. I…

  • Google’s open model helps boost Android share of tablet market

    Clinton Stark
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:15 am
    Android: Offers consumers more choice. Google’s Android OS had a strong Q4. I read this morning that, according to Strategy Analytics, Android’s share of the tablet market now stands at 39%. Sales more than tripled in the quarter. It’s also worth noting that Google released Ice Cream Sandwich in December for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone on Verizon; although not yet available on tablets, it did help steer a lot of attention Android’s way. We knew that Apple couldn’t maintain a stranglehold on the tablet market forever. It was first to market, and it reaped…
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    Blog Wine Cellar

  • 2004 Laura Zahtila Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

    Thomas
    19 Jan 2012 | 2:16 pm
    I find it fun to taste Napa Valley Cabernet after it's been in bottle for over five years and find out how it's held up. Did it age well? What does the color of the wine look like? Is it getting better or on the decline? These are all questions that define the magic of aging wine and keeps us enthusiasts coming back for more. The 2004 Laura Zahtila Cabernet Sauvignon starts off with some really brilliant aromas of coco powder, cracked peppercorn, black cherry, tea leaf, tobacco, and dried herb. On the palate the wine is still showing some firm tannin, however it reveals a special tactile…

  • 2005 Dr. Loosen Erdener Prälat Riesling Auslese

    Thomas
    8 Jan 2012 | 3:12 pm
    The four-acre Erdener Prälat vineyard produces some of the greatest wines in the Mosel valley. It has 100 percent south-facing red slate soil and an extraordinarily warm microclimate, yielding wines of unequaled power and nobility. The vineyard’s exposure, combined with the warming effect of the river and the massive, heat-retaining cliffs that surround it, ensures exceptional ripeness in every vintage. I'm tasting this wine for the second time and actually reviewed the wine a few years ago here on the blog. I scored it 93 points then and can already tell by the aromatics that this wine…

  • 2008 Stonestreet Gold Run Chardonnay

    Thomas
    1 Dec 2011 | 12:55 pm
    The quality of wine coming from Stonestreet winery never surprises me. One, because I've been there and understand how they run their amazing facility.....Two, because I've seen their amazing mountain side vineyards, and three because I've tasted their Chardonnay's for years and have constantly been blown away. The 2008 Stonestreet Gold Run Chardonnay is sourced from block 27 on the Alexander Mountain Estate.Alexander Mountain Estate stands on the western ridge of the Mayacamas Mountains towering overthe Alexander Valley below. It's a really small 221 case production aged for 11…

  • 2009 Chasseur Russian River Pinot Noir

    Thomas
    29 Nov 2011 | 9:43 pm
    I'm trying yet another bottle of Chasseur Pinot Noir after previously trying the Sonoma Coast and second label called Cazar. I guess this winery really has made an impression on me and now I'm trying all of the wines! The Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from the Umino and Ferguson vineyards and uses all Dijon clones such as 667, 777, and 459. It's aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. This is definitely a darker colored wine than the previous Pinot's I tasted from this producer, which to be honest is actually quite common of the appellation. On the nose I get aromas of…

  • 2009 Rivers Marie Cabernet Sauvignon

    Thomas
    27 Nov 2011 | 9:09 pm
    I'm excited to taste this wine because last time I visited Napa I was lucky enough to taste the 2008 Napa Cab with Thomas Rivers Brown up at Outpost on Howell Mountain, and it turned out to be the best wine I experienced on the entire trip. (Tasted 100+ wines that week). The 2009 Rivers Marie Cabernet is a 12 barrel blend of fruit sourced from various vineyards and AVA's : (25% Oakville, 42% St Helena and 33% Spring Mountain from the Baconbrook Vineyard.) It was aged in 50% new French Oak. The color of the wine is indicative of it's ultra-young state and expresses a brilliant dark purple hue…
 
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    Napa Wine Tours

  • Valentine’s Day 2012 in Napa Valley

    gina
    10 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Last year, Napa Wine Tours brought you ideas for romantic wineries and restaurants to visit for Valentine’s Day in Napa Valley. This year we’re continuing the tradition of sharing romantic winery ideas and introducing ideas for romantic lodging accommodations. Beringer Vineyards Historic Rhine House Our list of romantic wineries begins with Beringer Vineyards. Beringer Vineyards presents two ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, 2012. On Saturday, February 11th, Beringer invites guests to the winery’s Founders’ Room in the Rhine House for a decadent port and truffle pairing. On…

  • Ideas for Celebrating New Year’s Eve 2011 in Napa Valley

    gina
    12 Dec 2011 | 11:00 am
    Visitors to Napa celebrating the New Year have many different options to choose from. Napa Wine Tours presents a small sample of the festive activities for New Year’s Eve 2011. Revelers looking for a special dinner can find a New Year’s Eve menu from the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil or FARM at Carneros Inn. The menu at the Restaurant at Auberge offers a wine tasting option to be enjoyed with each course. The wine list includes special wines from Germany, France, Sonoma Coast, Calistoga, Portugal, and Napa’s own Schramsberg Vineyards and Quintessa Winery. A Smoked Salmon Tartelette…

  • 2011 Napa Valley Rutherford Appellation Winter Passport

    gina
    14 Nov 2011 | 11:00 am
    Twice a year, in Spring and Winter, the Rutherford Appellation Wineries host an incredible weekend. Last Winter, visitors to the Winter Passport enjoyed wines from the Rutherford Appellation paired with creative, warming, delicious cuisine such as Chanterelle Hazelnut Soup, Brunswick Stew, and Wild Boar Chili. This year’s Winter Passport, on December 3rd & 4th, invites returning and new visitors to choose from 18 wineries and wine producers. The View From Inside the Tasting Room at Alpha Omega, photo by Florence B This event allows guests to taste wines from a variety of wineries…

  • Celebrating Thanksgiving Lunch or Dinner in Napa Valley

    gina
    17 Oct 2011 | 11:00 am
    For those either vacationing in Napa Valley during this Thanksgiving holiday or for locals looking for new ideas, we have compiled a list of five Napa Valley restaurants to visit for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.   The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil Auberge du Soleil is known for superb accommodations and for the cuisine served in their restaurant. This year’s Thanksgiving menu includes sumptuous ingredients to create a multicourse celebration. Executive Chef Robert Curry and Executive Pastry Chef Paul Lemieux have created an unforgettable dining experience. Click here to view the…

  • 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley

    gina
    9 Aug 2011 | 12:56 pm
    Napa Valley sees visitors from all across the world. For some visitors, Napa Valley is one of many stops in a state, and sometimes a county, that they have never seen before. Families planning a vacation will often list Napa Valley as one of the places they’d like to visit. This means, the whole family will be visiting Napa Valley. A family group usually consists of parents and children – and some of those children might be under the age of 21. With over 400 wineries to choose from in Napa Valley, Napa Wine Tours has compiled a list of 10 Family Friendly Wineries in Napa Valley. A View of…
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    Wine News | BoozeMonkey

  • 80-90% of Lafite Rothschild Sold In China Is Fake

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:07 am
    According to statistics for Bordeaux consumption, China is consuming more top Bordeaux wine than the the region produces, highlighting the prevalence of fake wine in the country. A report on ChinChinJobs says that factory ships moored in Hong Kong are reportedly being used to fake bottles from ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Ripper Blend That Harks Back To The '70s

    23 Jan 2012 | 2:32 pm
    The late Jim Barry often delighted in telling of his "scientific approach" to creating his first Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the 1970s he'd make up a few with varying proportions of each wine, leave them open on the kitchen sink, and then watch and taste their development over the coming ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • That's right! TWO Vintage Updates!

    20 Jan 2012 | 4:08 am
    It's always a cross between absolute excitement and apprehension when you release a new vintage. Truly, you know the wine is good, but how will the public react? Worry no more, at last nights tasting both our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2010 Chardonnay were received with a great response! Aaaagh, ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • A Black Label Drop That's A Steal

    17 Jan 2012 | 5:40 pm
    Put the name Neil McGuigan together with "Black Label" that we normally associate with the best on the top-shelf, and you can expect that a McGuigan Wines' Black Label is going to be a pretty pricey drop whereas in fact it's a steal for price, value and sheer enjoyment at just $9.99 a bottle. There ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Wine Marketing In China

    26 Dec 2011 | 8:09 am
    This infographic, created by G+ (not to be confused with Google+), takes a look at Chinas answer to social networking. Of the countrys half billion Internet users, half of them are on multiple social networks and 30% log into at least one network each day. Chinese citizens spend ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!
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    Steve Ferree's feed

  • International Alsace Varietals Festival – February 18

    Steve Ferree, California Wine Examiner
    13 Jan 2012 | 12:34 pm
    There is only one wine festival dedicated to Alsace-style wines and the Anderson Valley wineries are hosting the event, the 7th Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival, on February 18. This unique and exclusive wine tasting event will...

  • Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend – Feb. 11-12

    Steve Ferree, California Wine Examiner
    12 Jan 2012 | 10:30 am
    There are sweets for the sweet in Lodi on February 11-12 at the 15th Annual Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend. What is better than wine, chocolate and your special loved one for Valentine’s weekend? &nbsp...

  • ZAP – the Zinfandel Festival returns to San Francisco – Jan 26-28

    Steve Ferree, California Wine Examiner
    11 Jan 2012 | 5:39 pm
    The Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is hosting the 21st annual Zinfandel Festival, a California legend, in San Francisco, January 26-28. This is a grand festival in celebration of America’s Heritage Wine, Zinfandel. It is held at...

  • Lodi wines bring home the Gold from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

    Steve Ferree, California Wine Examiner
    11 Jan 2012 | 12:19 pm
    Lodi found the gold at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, including six Best of Class, 8 Double Gold, 21 Gold, 64 Silver and 48 Bronze awards. Congratulations to those award-winning winemakers in this diverse wine region...

  • Dutcher Crossing field-blended Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley

    Steve Ferree, California Wine Examiner
    15 Nov 2011 | 11:13 pm
    Dutcher Crossing Winery has released the 2009 Bernier-Sibary Vineyard Zinfandel made from a field blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Matero (Mourvedre) picked and fermented together. “Jane and Scott Sibary have partnered their 5...
 
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    Wine Tonite!

  • 10th Annual Pinot Noir Summit for Pinot Noir Lovers Only

    Ed Thralls
    26 Jan 2012 | 4:49 pm
    As my most favorite of Pinot Noir loving friends who read this blog — all 3 of you — you can save $80 off a ticket to attend The 10th Pinot Noir Summit if you act now.  The 10th Pinot Noir Summit will once again be held at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District on February 25, 2012.  Last year was the first time I attended and this year I also participated as a judge.  The Pinot Noir Summit is unique in that this event is where the attendees become the judges and “pit their palates against the expert panel.” The Showdown consists of the 40 top wines from 50+…

  • Is Bigger Better? The Expansion of the Russian River Valley AVA

    Ed Thralls
    23 Dec 2011 | 6:21 pm
    The recent ruling in favor of Gallo’s proposal to expand the Russian River Valley AVA further south to Cotati and specifically include all of their Two Rock Vineyard just off Hwy 101 has raised more than a few eyebrows.  Wine Industry Insight has been on this story for several years and raised more than a few issues not only with Gallo’s claims but also with the TTB’s process and regulations.  On the surface it seems once again the big corporation bullies its way to get what it wants, but at what price?  What does this expansion potentially mean for winegrowers, producers…

  • Take a Moment to Remember Why You’re Here

    Ed Thralls
    19 Dec 2011 | 4:04 pm
    The year 2011 is swiftly coming to a close.  What started as a dream for both me and Jonjie, where everything seemed to be going our way at every turn like we had an everful purse of rabbit’s feet with a +10 against evil, the latter half of the year has us dealing with a few curveballs and yearning for the mental renewal of New Year’s in a couple of weeks.  So, it was nice to take some time for ourselves, get a break from the heartache and stress and remember why we are here in the first place.  If the simple beauty of the wine country complete with early-blooming mustard, a…

  • Don’t be the Bishop of Norwich and Remember to Pass the Port on #PortDay

    Ed Thralls
    17 Dec 2011 | 11:34 am
    Growing up there was always Port in the house.  My father was in the Navy for 23 years where he learned about Port from centuries of naval history and tradition, which began with the 18th century British naval forces.  Thanks to the Methuen Treaty of 1703, merchants were immediately allowed to import wines from Portugal at low cost.  Britain just happened to be at war with France during this time and were denied French wine, so they quickly became Port fans.  At first, the wine would often spoil on its long journey by ship from Portugal to England, so they began to fortify these wines via…

  • Inaugural Wine Tourism Conference 2011

    Ed Thralls
    15 Dec 2011 | 3:28 pm
    As originally posted on the Wine Bloggers Conference blog: The inaugural Wine Tourism Conference was held November 16-17 at the newly revived Napa Marriott hot on the heels of yet another inaugural Napa event, the Napa Valley Film Festival.  This is the first conference focused on increasing and enhancing tourism to wine regions around the globe by discussing industry trends and issues as well as sharing best practices.  It was interesting to hear that 35% of attendees were from states other than California. Zephyr Adventures, creators of the well established Wine Bloggers Conference and…
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    Wine Channel TV

  • Live Wine Experience: Wine Wednesday at Walgreens with WineChannelTV

    JustJess
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:39 am
    Wine Wednesday at Walgreens with the Godfather of Zinfandel, MasterChef Suzy Singh and a full house of “wowed” wine lovers was the perfect recipe for the Kickoff Event at the new Flagship Store of Walgreens at State and Randolph in Chicago. Joel Peterson, of Ravenswood, Celebrity Chef Suzy Singh from MasterChef  Season 2 joined Jessica Altieri, CEO and host of WineChannelTV for a fun filled, wine lifestyle event that paired great food, fashion and wine lifestyle conversation. Stay tuned for upcoming events including Super Bowl Wine Wednesday, and a special Valentines Day…

  • 2nd Annual New Zealand Wine Day Event Feb 4, 2012

    JustJess
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:23 am
    It’s that time of year again and in case you missed last years New Zealand Wine Day, now is  your chance to register  and attend this years event on February 4, 2012. Wine Channel TV  in partnership with Complexity Fine wines is celebrating Waitangi Day (NZ’s National holiday) with a virtual wine tasting and cooking demonstration – and you’re invited to ‘come along’!  With Celebrity Winemakers in attendance, and a live audience in Chicago, you’ll have the opportunity to message in questions as you sip along with us from the comfort of your living…

  • Romantic Super Bowl Party: Port,Truffles and Rosemary Sea Salt Caramel

    JustJess
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:10 am
    Wings, nachos, beer and cheese dip move over. Looking for a special way to spend 3 hours in front of the Super Bowl game. I’m going for a combination of Penfolds Grandfather Rare Tawny Port, Truffles and lets kick in a taste of Rosemary Sea Salt Caramel. Now thats a challenge for most guys who would rather pick up a case of beer and a Taco Bell 12 pack. You know what. You can get your port, truffles and Rosemary Sea Salt at Walgreens. How easy is that. You could also pick up some flowers and make this event called the Super Bowl a really “super” romantic event. Easy Choice!

  • Coach Ditka on Wine with Walgreens and WineChannelTV

    JustJess
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:13 am
    Who would Coach Ditka like to share one last glass of wine with? Here’s a hint, two football coaching legends. When you have passion, it shows in all you do. Coach Ditka is one of only 2 people in the history of the NFL to win a Super Bowl as a player, coach and assistant coach. And yet, his passion for wine can be described as “Super Bowl” like. We had the pleasure of speaking with “Da Coach” at a Walgreens and Wine Special Event where fans and wine lovers got a chance to meet with the coach and talk football and wine. Cheers to great people with passion! Jess…

  • Walgreens Pairs Wine, Manicures and Sushi

    JustJess
    17 Jan 2012 | 8:43 am
    “Up-Market” is what its being called. I call it “Wine Served Well. With a spectacular conveyor belt wine showcase, it makes you wonder if you are in Disney. The Flagship store at State and Randolph offers over 700 wines, manicures and eyebrow shaping, made-to-order sushi, a juice and smoothie bar, self-serve frozen yogurt and even a humidor. The new Walgreen’s will also offer a clinic and an upscale cosmetics department.Make sure you stop by the Flagship location in Chicago if you get a chance! Wine and Walgreens is Wine Served Well!
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    NorCal Wine Blog

  • Wine Events for the Weekend, January 27 - 29

    27 Jan 2012 | 1:18 am
    The. 49ers. Lost. Woe is us! Normally, I don't recommend drowning one's sorrows. But, this week, I recommend drowning your sorrows. And here are about 16 great opportunities to do so. You can have... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Top Picks in 2009 Bordeaux from the Union des Grands Crus Tasting in San Francisco

    25 Jan 2012 | 3:28 pm
    Today we take a brief detour from California to France. I attended the Union des Grands Crus Tasting of 2009 Bordeaux on Saturday, January 21 at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco. It was a consumer... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • J Vineyards & Winery Certified Sustainable by CSWA

    23 Jan 2012 | 4:38 pm
    J Vineyards & Winery has announced it has been certified sustainable in accordance with the California Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance (CSWA) program. That program, established in 2010, features... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • New Wine and Viticulture Classes in San Diego

    20 Jan 2012 | 1:41 pm
    At one time, before Prohibition, San Diego County led California in grape production. The industry was slow to recover from Prohibition and, after WWII, much of the vineyard land was lost to urban... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • 15 Wine Events for Friday through Sunday, January 20 - 22, 2012

    19 Jan 2012 | 5:06 pm
    We've had beautiful weather for months it seems. Now, it's finally getting cold and a trifle damp. That has me feeling crabby. Dungeness crabby to be exact. Wineries appear to be feeling it too. So,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
 
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    Wine of the Day

  • 2006 Yorba Syrah Shake Ridge Vineyards Amador County

    26 Jan 2012 | 4:54 pm
    Zinfandel is the wine most associated with the Sierra Foothills AVA. 40% of the red wine grapes planted in that region are Zinfandel. Cabernet Sauvignon is second in acreage at just 11%. Surprisingly, Syrah is a very close third with just 50 fewer acres under vine. And in Amador County, Syrah is the more popular with 219 acres vs. 193. Growing conditions there are good for Syrah. It welcomes the hot days, yielding wines with fruity richness, but the much cooler evenings help it retain acidity. The wines also hang onto Syrah’s interesting side notes of black pepper and leather rather than…

  • 2009 Fisher Vineyards UNITY Cabernet Sauvignon

    25 Jan 2012 | 8:05 am
    Fisher Vineyards is best known for closely connected to a specific place. The Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon, Lamb Vineyard Cabernet and RCF Vineyard Merlot are made from estate-owned vineyards in eastern Calistoga. The winery is located on the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain. There, various combinations of facings, steep grades and old vines produce distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Mountain Estate Vineyard and the Wedding Vineyard. However, there is only so much wine you can produce from a given vineyard. And only so many vineyards you can own. Fisher Vineyards’ UNITY wines…

  • 2009 Black Sears Estate Zinfandel Howell Mountain

    23 Jan 2012 | 6:36 pm
    Black Sears is a Howell Mountain vineyard and winery. Its owners, Joyce Black and Jerre Sears purchased the property in 1979, were married there in 1981 and it has long been a source of acclaimed Zinfandel grapes. The fruit has been featured in Black Sears’ own wines, but also top-scoring bottles from Turley and others. There are just 17 acres of the Zinfandel, planted in 1975 and dry-farmed. Black Sears wines are made on site at the top of Howell Mountain by Thomas Rivers Brown. A highly sought-after winemaker of highly sought-after wines, Brown started out at Turley 15 years ago. Now, his…

  • 2010 Donati Family Sorelle per Sempre Central Coast Unoaked Chardonnay

    13 Jan 2012 | 4:26 pm
    Donati Family Vineyards produced their first wines from the 2003 vintage. Much of the fruit comes from their own vineyard in the Paicines AVA which the Donati’s purchased in 1998. That AVA is in the northeastern San Benito County lowlands where it’s cooled at night by sea air rushing inland toward the Central Valley. In addition to Chardonnay, Donati Family grows Pinot Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The Donati Family Vineyards tasting room is well-located in Templeton (south Paso Robles) very near the Cypher and Turley tasting rooms. It…

  • 2009 Tres Sabores Rutherford Zinfandel

    11 Jan 2012 | 7:41 pm
    Tres Sabores is a Rutherford producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. They also produce a Sonoma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc from the Farina Vineyard and, this year, a Chardonnay from that same vineyard. Tres Sabores estate vineyard was purchased by Frog's Leap Winery in 1987 with established Zinfandel vines. Current Tres Sabores’ owner-winemaker Julie Johnson was a co-founder of Frog’s Leap with her then-husband, John Williams, and Larry Turley. The grapes were used in Zinfandel blends. By 2001 though, Johnson was having Zinfandel wines made under the Tres Sabores label.
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    RJ's Wine Blog

  • Gramercy Cellars 2009 - Part II

    RJ's Wine Blog
    3 Jan 2012 | 2:00 pm
    It probably comes as no surprise, but I find myself again gushing over the Gramercy Cellars wines. I try so hard not to like them, to find flaws, to find something - anything - that will allow me to say "well, if they had just done this differently" or "finally, one that doesn't suit my palate." But, again, I come up empty. Greg Harrington and his crew over at Gramercy Cellars are making beautiful wines, plain and simple.In this, Part II of the new releases (you can find Gramercy Cellars Part I here), I review two more of the wines: the 2008 Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2009…

  • Gramercy Cellars 2009 - Part I

    RJ's Wine Blog
    29 Dec 2011 | 11:00 pm
    Oh man, it's been a long time. Way too long, in my opinion. But, sometimes life just gets busy and my 2011 was just that - BUSY - and, unfortunately, the thing that suffered the most was this blog. Now, I'm not self absorbed enough to believe that anyone truly cared or I ruined anyone's day (although, shockingly, I gained over 1,500 twitter followers while I was "away") but, it has occurred to me that I personally started missing the fun of it all. I guess beyond just loving wine, there's something inside me that needs to talk about the wines I drink and not just with my nerdy wine geek…

  • Kosta Browne 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

    RJ's Wine Blog
    22 Nov 2011 | 4:02 pm
    For those of you who have followed me pretty regularly in the past, you probably noticed that I've fallen off a cliff this year with only a few blog posts.  Sorry about that - real life took hold and my time has been very limited this year.  I'm hoping to get the time to start back up in full force soon, but, in the meantime, I wanted to re-post one of my few posts this week that just showed up as the #1 wine on Wine Spectator's Top 100 for 2011 - the Kosta Browne 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.  Wine Spectator gave it a 95, I gave it a 93, so it looks like like I'll need to dig…

  • 2007 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Arcus Chêne d'Oregon Arcus Estate

    RJ's Wine Blog
    2 May 2011 | 3:00 pm
    One of the stronger Pinot Noir's I've tasted from Willamette Valley. Strong in substance and structure, but elegant in its weight and mouth feel, this wine truly delivers. Plenty of good red and black fruit, but not overbearing, with nice earth on the palate. There is also a little mushroom and sage on the finish. Paired well with both halibut and wagyu strip loin. Solid Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills.My rating: 91

  • 2009 Veramonte Pinot Noir Ritual

    RJ's Wine Blog
    28 Apr 2011 | 5:30 pm
    I have to admit that the further I get into wine, the less Pinot Noir shows up on my "go to" wines. My wife loves Pinot, so that allows me to keep up with what's out there, but if I had to choose, it's not the type of wine I'd pull from the cellar on any given night. However, this Pinot Noir from Chile is one I would pull on any weekday to enjoy something a little out of the ordinary.There is very little fruit on this wine (which is fine with me as I find delicate, over-fruity Pinots not to my liking) and the complexity comes from a mix of not-yet-ripe dark black fruit and earth. Not for all…
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    Snooth - Articles

  • Top 5 White Wines from 2011

    Gregory Dal Piaz
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I find I am least loyal to my casual white wines. I buy what’s hot (or cold), and bounce around from producer to varietal, to region like nobody's business. Having said that, it seems as though I drink an inordinate amount of Italian wine even when it comes to white, but I’ve been duly impressed by whites from around the globe this year!Once again, this list is a best of in as much as it applies to the wines I look forward to trying again. These five wines have all been standouts for me this year, and truth be known, I’ve already revisited most of them. They are a…

  • 5 Top Pairings for Chardonnay

    Gregory Dal Piaz
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I’ve been letting people know about my recent rediscovery of Chardonnay. While so many bottles get drained as a cocktail wine, the most successful of those will probably not appeal to me. The reason? They are made to be fruity and rich, so they’re generally a bit soft.My new found flirtatious relationship with Chardonnay revolves around our dining together, and for that you need a partner with some sass. Bright with juicy acids, that’s what I’m looking for in my Chardonnay. When I find the right one, I’ll sit her down and share her over some gorgeous meals.Check…

  • Top 5 Red Wines from 2011

    Gregory Dal Piaz
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm
    Being the heart of winter, it would have been easy to skew my Best Reds of 2011 list towards big bruisers. The truth is, I generally prefer more elegant reds because they are all weather, year-round wines.The list that follows shows a sort of stylistic trend that I tend to favor, at least for three of the five wines. Spicy, rich but not too heavy, complex and not terribly oaky. I have to say that I was torn when compiling these suggestions. Several wines that scored lower than these wines were tough to cut from consideration. They just offered so much pleasure and enjoyment it reminded me, as…

  • Top 5 Chardonnay Wines from 2011

    Gregory Dal Piaz
    25 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I don’t know what is happening to me, this past year has seen my consumption of Chardonnay explode from close to zero to several bottles a month!What happened you ask? Perhaps it’s just that I taste many more than I used to, or perhaps it’s that I taste so much red wine that I appreciate the rest a white affords my palate, but I perhaps it’s something else entirely. I think I’ve finally started treating Chardonnay correctly by pairing it with food. ABP: Always Be Pairing, your Chardonnay that is. I’ve really come to appreciate the ease with which Chardonnay…

  • 5 Australian Wines to Try

    Gregory Dal Piaz
    25 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm
    It’s Australia Day, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a bottle of Australian wine. If you’re not sure which Australian wine to grab, you’re in luck! I’m going to lay it out for you.I know, you’re not sure if this is even worth reading then, but let me tell you, Australian wine is way more than cheap Shiraz. It’s easy to say that Australia is a land of overblown wines, and there are some particularly egregious examples to help illustrate that point, but when you return back to the prices us mere mortals will pay, you’ll find that…
 
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    Napa Valley Wine Blog

  • Monticello Vineyards experiments with wine flavored cheese

    Ray
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:13 am
    This is a guest blog post by Vintage Wine Taster and good friend Ray Conti. Ray and his wife recently took a trip to the Monticello winery on Big Ranch Road in the Napa Valley. They escorted two friends who own a dairy near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their two Santa Fe friends, Ed & Michael Lobaugh, own The Old Windmill Dairy® just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. They make a wonderful variety of artisan goat and cow cheeses. At a Wine & Cheese festival in Carlsbad, Monticello Vineyard’s Stephen Corley approached them and indicated the winery might be interested in combining the…

  • A Napa Valley wine trip down memory lane

    joe
    18 Jan 2012 | 3:09 pm
    There are some 400 wineries in the Napa Valley that one can visit. The majority of those wineries were established after 1990. Why not take a trip down memory lane by visiting one or more of the handful of wineries that have been in existence in the Napa Valley for 100 years or more? Most of these wineries have tours and memorabilia that will give you a glimpse of what life in the Napa Valley was like way back when. Here are a few suggestions with a map below should you need it. Nichelini Winery Well off the radar of most travelers is the Nichelini Winery. This winery has had 121 consecutive…

  • Nichelini Winery – 121 Consecutive Harvests

    joe
    5 Jan 2012 | 4:05 pm
    This is the final article on our recent visit to three very different mountain wineries in the Napa Valley. Our first visit was to the Stony Hill Vineyard on Spring Mountain, then on to Ladera Winery on Howell Mountain. Our final winery visit took us south of Howell Mountain to Chiles Valley and to one of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries, Nichelini Winery, atop Sage Canyon Road. This little hidden winery in the Napa Valley may perhaps be best described as the “The Little Winery That Could.” Through the prohibition era this winery kept chugging and chugging, making wines. Prohibition forced…

  • Ladera Winery on Howell Mountain

    joe
    29 Dec 2011 | 4:34 pm
    This is the second of our three-part series on visits to mountain wineries in the Napa Valley. We left Stony Hill Vineyard on Spring Mountain and traveled across the Valley on Deer Park Road, then up the mountain turning left onto White Cottage Road to Ladera Winery. Talk about opposites in wineries! Stony Hill’s first vintage was 1952, Ladera’s was 2000. At Stony Hill the winery is still hanging on to equipment used when the winery was first established with no signs of any high-tech equipment anywhere. At Ladera, it is quite the opposite with no expenses spared in this state-of-the-art…

  • Mike Chelini – Longest tenured winemaker in the Napa Valley – Stony Hill Vineyard

    joe
    21 Dec 2011 | 5:03 pm
    Last week we toured three completely different Napa Valley mountain wineries. We visited Stony Hill Vineyard on Spring Mountain, Ladera Winery on Howell Mountain, and Nichelini Winery at the summit of Sage Canyon Road. This will be the first of three posts comparing these Napa Valley mountain wineries. Stony Hill Vineyard on Spring Mountain is one of the oldest wineries in the Napa Valley and one steeped in tradition. Fred and Eleanor McCrea purchased the land in 1943 and released their first vintage in 1952. In 1972, young Mike Chelini began his stint as winemaker at Stony Hill and he…
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    Dirty South Wine

  • Micro-Post- How to change the world starting with Starbucks

    Hardy Wallace
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:35 pm
    Super-Size sissy drink for Hardyn-- Who the hell is that? Simple steps to change the world in 2012. Starbucks- There are far greater evils in the world than Starbucks.  But, hey, we do what we can where we are at. The simple protest could be to just walk away and vow never to enter, but sometime you just need free internet, a clean restroom, and a coffee milkshake. Two Simple Ways to Create Change: Name:  About 10 years ago, the asking of your name, and the ceremonious calling out from behind the bar of your 23 syllable drink / name combo was something to rejoice in.  It was a "check…

  • The 2012 Wine Survey

    Hardy Wallace
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:55 am
    This is important Go on-  Take it! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012winefuture

  • Oh H*** NO! Hardy P Wallace Jr dot com?

    Hardy Wallace
    19 Jan 2012 | 11:09 am
    That's right.  The hardypwallacejr.com site has launched.  I'm o-fficially a super-goon for hire.

  • The One Wine Wine Dinner?

    Hardy Wallace
    10 Jan 2012 | 1:22 pm
    The one wine wine dinner. A few weeks back, I wrote a bit about porking corks (cruising through a gazillion bottles wine dinners and rushing through the flights) and perhaps mising what that wine had to say. It got me thinking a bit of a knee jerk thang-  what about the exact opposite?  One multi course dinner with a single wine.  Before you go "Ah Hell Naw!"  It isn't about consuming less-  A man gets thirsty at the table- I know!  But that multiple bottles (if needed) of the same wine are poured for the dinner.  This isn't about leaving them parched, it is about…

  • Wine- Otterpops, Space Aliens, and Cher

    Hardy Wallace
    6 Jan 2012 | 12:59 pm
    So going deeper-  Why not just have wine?  Why does it have to be pigeonholed as "natural," "industrial," "made," "commercial," or whatever you want to call it?  Perhaps that is the easy way?  "Everyone is a weiner!" (even though we hate your guts, and my kid is wayyy better than your lil' Ricky who can't field a grounder unless it came rolling towards him in a KFC bucket)- It isn't that there has to be pigeonholing (which might be worse than a cornholing)- but we hope that process or lack of it is something to celebrate. It…
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    STEVE HEIMOFF| WINE BLOG

  • Giving Sauvignon Blanc its due

    steve
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:16 am
    Lord knows I haven’t been a big fan of California Sauvignon Blanc over the years. I thought that, compared to white Bordeaux, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, and even Marlborough, my state has been a distant second, or third. The wines have tended to be either overly sweet, or green, or just plain thin and acidic. But in the past year, I noticed I’m giving some pretty good scores to Sauv Blanc. I gave a little thought to blogging about it, but the moment never seemed right, until yesterday, when, by coincidence, two things happened. First, I got an email telling me I was mentioned in a…

  • Where’s Napa Valley’s next Great Leap Forward in the 21st century?

    steve
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:10 am
    I am, as many of you know, something of a student of the history of wine, and of California wine in particular. I’ve always had a hankering for history–any era, any country–although I do have my favorites: World War II is one (I have almost as many books on that as I do on wine), and I also enjoy the history of science, especially of modern physics. But my wine education began with a study of California’s wine history, and it’s still going on. That’s the thing about history: it keeps on happening. I’m mindful of this, because I’ve been thinking about how Francis Ford…

  • Hey Joe, lighten up on the social media thing

    steve
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:10 am
    It must drive wineries crazy to read stuff like Joe Roberts’ post today at 1WineDude. Winery owners are doing everything they can to keep afloat in this dour economy. Most of them are tinkering with social media to some extent; some of them even have dedicated employees for it, if they can afford it. Inbetween buying corks and capsules, hoping the bottling line doesn’t break down, filling out employee forms, patching up hoses, worrying about drought or swamps in the vineyard, pruning, staking, riding the mule around the vineyard, topping off, racking, tinkering with valves and dials and…

  • Six traits of a successful regional winery association

    steve
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:55 am
    There’s always some tension between wineries and the associations that represent their regions. The association acts on behalf of its members, but ultimately, on behalf of itself: any organization’s #1 Darwinian duty is to survive. A winery, on the other hand, has first and foremost to promote its own interests. Sometimes, the interests of the association and the winery do not coincide. There’s another problem, too. In some cases, winery members pay association fees based on their case production. That means that larger members can have more say in how the association is…

  • How the right turned brie and chablis into an epithet

    steve
    23 Jan 2012 | 1:10 am
    I like brie, that famously runny, aromatic cheese that comes from the Brie department of central France. Brie and Chablis wine, which hails from the Yonne department just to Brie’s south, have been a historic pairing for centuries (although Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher wrote, in the Wall Street Journal “we wouldn’t say we’re crazy about the combination of Brie and Chablis”). Yet “brie and Chablis” (or “wine and cheese”) has long been a derisory term for liberals, and no liberals in America arouse the wrath of the right more than San Franciscans. When did wine…
 
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    O'Vineyards Carcassonne Wine Blog

  • Vinisud 2012 Winemaker Information

    mroconnell
    22 Jan 2012 | 3:13 am
    This post is about my vineyard’s activities at Vinisud 2012. If you’re looking for a list of all the winemakers at Vinisud, consult the official list on the vinisud website. If you’re in Montpellier on February 20-22, there are many ways to interact with O’Vineyards while we attend Vinisud. O’Vineyards official stand Cité de Carcassonne – Hall 1, Allée B, Stand 21 We have a space in the Cité de Carcassonne space in Hall 1, Allée B, Stand 21. When you come into the conference through the main entrance, go straight forward and Hall 1 is the first building…

  • Le Grand Mechant Loup’s Trah Lah Lah

    mroconnell
    19 Jan 2012 | 12:17 pm
    Every day in January gets a new Trah Lah Lah song… which it turns out is a lot of songs.  THIRTY-ONE of them.  Today’s song brings us to the realm of kid music.  A french version of the Big Bad Wolf who brings down some Tra la la on the three little pigs.   Related Posts:Champagne Trah Lah Lah I'm spending a bit of time touring Champagne this weekend. But that doesn't mean we can't sing Tra la la like every other ...Funky Tra la la Every day in January brings a new tra la la song.  Yesterday was a little too country for comfort, so it's time to get ...Country Music Tra la…

  • Wine Tourism in Champagne compared to the Languedoc

    mroconnell
    18 Jan 2012 | 11:13 am
    This article compares research findings about wine tourism in Champagne and the Languedoc.  If you’re looking for a vineyard to visit in Champagne, I suggest Tarlant who organized my entire trip there.  If you’re looking for a vineyard to visit in the Languedoc, I suggest mine because I want to meet you. While I visited Champagne last weekend, the Reims Management School was hosting a Fête de la Recherche (and it always sounded like they were telling me to do research “Faites de la recherche!”).  One of the first research projects they presented was a study of wine…

  • Trah Lah Lah Lah, Young People

    mroconnell
    18 Jan 2012 | 10:12 am
    When I was little, I had a huge crush on Shirley Temple so she’s going to help you sing Tra la la today. I’m crushed that I can’t embed this video. But just follow this link to the closing musical number in the 1940 movie Young People. Sing a little tra la la with Shirley Temple, Jack Oakie, and Charlotte Greenwood as the Ballantine family.  The audience sing along chorus harmonies at 5:23 are one of those gloriously 1940 era movie moments. When things go wrong, it’s just the song to chase your cares away. a-Way. Ay-way. Tra la la la what a merry world we live in.

  • Buvons un Coup Ensemble – Corbieres and Minervois meetings

    mroconnell
    18 Jan 2012 | 3:39 am
    This Friday, there are a couple cool events about wine communication and sales online. There’s one in the morning in the CIVL’s Narbonne HQ. And the evening will be at a Chateau in Laure Minervois. Here are the invitations: Minervois BUCE invitation Corbieres BUCE invitation It’s organized by the same gang that does the Université de la Vigne et du Vin which I wrote about in 2011. Related Posts:Volem Dire al Pais – Video of Winemaker Testimonials at Wine Conference Volem Dire al Pais is a video series that aired at the Université de la Vigne et du Vin in 2011 in…
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    Jordan Winery

  • Video: reducing our energy consumption first

    Lisa
    22 Jan 2012 | 9:13 pm
    Last fall, California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and respected green business consultant John Garn approached us about collaborating on a video that would highlight our extensive... Get a taste of everyday life at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.

  • 4on4 Art Competition: Dallas artist call for entries, submission guidelines

    Lisa
    18 Jan 2012 | 9:36 pm
    In honor of its 40th anniversary in 2012, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has created the 4 on 4 Art Competition, a four-city initiative that challenges local artists to create a commemorative work of... Get a taste of everyday life at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.

  • Los Angeles artists help us celebrate 40 years

    Lisa
    17 Jan 2012 | 5:38 pm
    JORDAN VINEYARD & WINERY ANNOUNCES 4 ON 4 ART COMPETITION WITH LOS ANGELES ART COMMUNITY Southern California artists wanted for a chance to win up to $5,000 in cash prizes HEALDSBURG, CA (January... Get a taste of everyday life at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.

  • 4on4 Art Competition: Los Angeles artist call for entries, submission guidelines

    Lisa
    16 Jan 2012 | 9:35 pm
      In honor of its 40th anniversary in 2012, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has created the 4on4 Art Competition, a four-city initiative in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and Dallas that challenges... Get a taste of everyday life at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.

  • Miami kicks off Jordan Winery 4 on 4 Art Competition

    Lisa
    9 Jan 2012 | 4:15 pm
    JORDAN VINEYARD & WINERY LAUNCHES 4 ON 4 ART COMPETITION WITH MIAMI ART COMMUNITY South Florida artists wanted for a chance to win up to $5,000 in cash prizes HEALDSBURG, CA (January 9, 2012) –... Get a taste of everyday life at Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley.
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    The Rosa d'Oro Vineyards Blog

  • Rosa d'Oro Wine Dinner at the Tallman Hotel January 28th

    17 Jan 2012 | 11:44 am
    For reservation information please click HERESaturday, January 28 - Four course Italian feast paired with the Italian Style wines of Rosa d'Oro Vineyards in Kelseyville.  Owner Nick Buttitta and family members will be here along with Chef Nick Heidemann to introduce each course.  $60Meet some of Lake County's finest owners and winemakers at this series of monthly Winemaker Dinners in the beautiful dining room of the Tallman hotel.  The evening features a sumptuous four course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Nick Heidemann (at left) and…

  • 2011 Vintage Report

    30 Dec 2011 | 9:35 pm
    The hand is the window to the mind. - KantWeather is often a big part of the grape story. La Niña has been with us for a bit and this winter is expected to look somewhat like the last one. Tahoe needs snow and the Central Valley needs rain while LA floods. The future weather pattern is expected to be less dramatic than last winter's though, and Lake County has a fairly good level of mountainous protection from the Coastal influence and the Central Valley. The quick chart below shows the precipitation numbers for Kelseyville South (our area) and I am always impressed by the rainfall totals…

  • Updated Vineyard Map 2011

    4 Dec 2011 | 10:23 pm
    View Rosa d'Oro Vineyards in a larger map

  • Finished

    18 Nov 2011 | 12:03 am

  • Delicious Irony - Primitivo awarded "Best Red"

    6 Nov 2011 | 10:30 am
    In a delicious bit of irony our 2009 Primitivo was pleased to be crowned the "Best Red" of the 2011 People's Choice Wine Awards held at Langtry Estate and Vineyards yesterday.Almost 300 consumers cast their votes for their favorite wines yesterday after a panel of 13 professional judges whittled down a field of 165 entries to 57 that passed through for judging.It is a somewhat contentious wine at 16.2% alcohol, totally dry with minimal oak and old-world inflected black pepper and earth characteristics and Dry Creek-style chalky tannin finish. Estate grown in our Kelseyville Bench area…
 
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    Cheers2Wine Blog

  • Creative Valentine Ideas

    25 Jan 2012 | 10:04 am
    Do you want to do something different on Valentine's Day? You've found Creative Valentine Ideas. Learn unique ideas for valentines day right here.

  • Discover Amador County Wineries

    25 Jan 2012 | 9:32 am
    Plan your own California Wine Tour to Amador County Wineries. Enjoy fine wines and mountain air in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Learn about Amador wineries.

  • Oakville Wineries of Napa

    24 Jan 2012 | 10:12 pm
    Discover the Oakville wineries of Napa Valley with recommendations for Napa restaurants and wine country lodging. Enjoy Napa wine tasting at its best.

  • Napa Valley Wine Tours - Napa

    24 Jan 2012 | 9:40 pm
    Enjoy Napa Valley Wine Tours - Napa. Use our Napa winery guide to visit a Napa winery, Napa restaurant, and find Napa lodging. Enjoy Napa wine tasting!

  • Calistoga Wineries for your Napa Wine Tour

    24 Jan 2012 | 10:08 am
    Let us help you plan your Calistoga Wine Tour. Wine tasting is fun at Calistoga Wineries and are not to be missed during a Napa Wine Tour.
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    The Reverse Wine Snob

  • Jack Tone Vineyards White Wine Bottle Blend 3 Liter Bag In Box - Breaking Into The Box (Part Two)

    Jon Thorsen
    27 Jan 2012 | 8:30 am
    A non-vintage blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Muscat from California. SRP of $20 and available at that price for a 3 Liter Bag-in-Box. (Equivalent to four standard 750ml bottles.) Sample received courtesy McManis Family Vineyards for review purposes. From the bottle: "McManis Family Vineyards' tradition has always been to make the highest quality wine, while over delivering on value. Our eco-friendly Jack Tone 3 Liter Box provides that same quality of wine that we put in our bottle. This allows us to pass on the savings to you, with the equivalent of 4 bottles of premium wine - at a…

  • Jack Tone Vineyards Red Wine Bottle Blend 3 Liter Bag In Box - Breaking Into The Box

    Jon Thorsen
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:30 am
    A non-vintage blend of Petit Sirah and Syrah from California. SRP of $22.99 and available for as low as $20 for a 3 Liter Bag-in-Box. (Equivalent to four standard 750ml bottles.) Sample received courtesy McManis Family Vineyards for review purposes. From the bottle: "McManis Family Vineyards' tradition has always been to make the highest quality wine, while over delivering on value. Our eco-friendly Jack Tone 3 Liter Box provides that same quality of wine that we put in our bottle. This allows us to pass on the savings to you, with the equivalent of 4 bottles of premium wine - at a very…

  • How To Buy Wine Online

    Jon Thorsen
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:30 am
    My guest post on how to buy wine online is live over at the Crushpad blog. Here's an excerpt: For many of us online shopping has become a big part of our lives. And while buying from Amazon has become the norm, you may still be hesitant about shifting your wine buying online – after all, this is precious cargo we’re talking about here! But buying wine online doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can, however, take some work and has some caveats. Here are some tips and tricks that should help you begin the process painlessly.Read The Rest! New! Have you tried this wine? Click the wine name…

  • Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2009 - Bridging The Great Divide

    Jon Thorsen
    24 Jan 2012 | 8:30 am
    100% Chardonnay from Monterey County, California. SRP of $16 and available for as low as $10. Sample received courtesy the winemaker for review purposes. From the bottle: "Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay is sourced from two distinct vineyards in Monterey County that, when blended together, achieve a lovely complexity and optimal balance of ripe fruit and acidity. Half of the fruit is fermented in French oak and undergoes malolactic fermentation, and the other half is fermented in stainless steel. This mix of techniques creates a creamy texture and rich flavors of pear,…

  • Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret 2009 - A Capital British Blend From California

    Jon Thorsen
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:30 am
    81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from California. SRP of $20 and available for $12.99 at Costco. Sample received courtesy the winery for review purposes. From the bottle:"Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret, as its British-derived name implies, is made in the same style as Bordeaux's finest Medoc type wines. A Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine blended in a Bordeaux style, this wine exhibits an exceptional depth and truly unique flavors. In honoring the authenticity and heritage of wines made in this style by Captain Niebaum himself from…
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    Belated Growth

  • The old stand-alone 20-foot post (that in the days used to...

    27 Jan 2012 | 2:41 pm
    The old stand-alone 20-foot post (that in the days used to support a falling branch of the big cottonwood in front the casita) pretty much fell over when someone sneezed near it so we decided to have Ken Wolverton, he of the magic bull Samson, have at it to make two totems to guard our grapes, family and house.  This is the work in progress.

  • Simply awesome wedding/Xmas present from Jennifer and Colin that...

    27 Dec 2011 | 3:52 pm
    Simply awesome wedding/Xmas present from Jennifer and Colin that is taking its just place on the wall in the main house at 942 Old Church Road.

  • The vines have been dormant for several weeks now…and so...

    23 Dec 2011 | 6:02 pm
    Queen vineyard under the snow Queen vineyard, redux Goat Pen vineyard, also under the snow The front yard's light dusting Ice petanque anyone? This is one cold froggy The vines have been dormant for several weeks now…and so has this blog!  We woke up this morning  to this gorgeous white cover.  Which promptly melted by noon as the temperatures reached a balmy 36F.

  • Totally cool map of the wines of France in the style of a metro...

    16 Oct 2011 | 8:09 pm
    Totally cool map of the wines of France in the style of a metro map.  Informational too!

  • Overdue

    7 Oct 2011 | 11:20 pm
    I know, posts on this randomly and infrequently updated blog are overdue.  But we are entering the dormant season for grapes so not much will happen to the vineyards.  And, compounding the issue are the fact that I have been very busy with work (six concurrent clients for The Marketing Distillery) and trying to get pregnant (well, Amy Nadine, but you know what I mean).  Turns out that I have a little sperm morphology problem (everything else checks out).  Lots of hunchbacked little sperm… Which means tests galore to figure out why (fortunately, experts have said my biking is not the…
 
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    Wine News | BoozeMonkey

  • 80-90% of Lafite Rothschild Sold In China Is Fake

    27 Jan 2012 | 6:07 am
    According to statistics for Bordeaux consumption, China is consuming more top Bordeaux wine than the the region produces, highlighting the prevalence of fake wine in the country. A report on ChinChinJobs says that factory ships moored in Hong Kong are reportedly being used to fake bottles from ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Ripper Blend That Harks Back To The '70s

    23 Jan 2012 | 2:32 pm
    The late Jim Barry often delighted in telling of his "scientific approach" to creating his first Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the 1970s he'd make up a few with varying proportions of each wine, leave them open on the kitchen sink, and then watch and taste their development over the coming ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • That's right! TWO Vintage Updates!

    20 Jan 2012 | 4:08 am
    It's always a cross between absolute excitement and apprehension when you release a new vintage. Truly, you know the wine is good, but how will the public react? Worry no more, at last nights tasting both our 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2010 Chardonnay were received with a great response! Aaaagh, ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • A Black Label Drop That's A Steal

    17 Jan 2012 | 5:40 pm
    Put the name Neil McGuigan together with "Black Label" that we normally associate with the best on the top-shelf, and you can expect that a McGuigan Wines' Black Label is going to be a pretty pricey drop whereas in fact it's a steal for price, value and sheer enjoyment at just $9.99 a bottle. There ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Wine Marketing In China

    26 Dec 2011 | 8:09 am
    This infographic, created by G+ (not to be confused with Google+), takes a look at Chinas answer to social networking. Of the countrys half billion Internet users, half of them are on multiple social networks and 30% log into at least one network each day. Chinese citizens spend ...read more on BoozeMonkey NOW!
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    RJonWine.com

  • Syrah: The Rodney Dangerfield of Wine

    Richard Jennings
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:56 am
    Syrah is a black grape that, unlike Pinot Noir, is relatively easy to grow and to make great wines from. Unfortunately, while it is a grape that is popular with winemakers, and there are many very well made and reasonably priced bottlings on the market, it has yet to gain much respect among U.S. consumers. The standard joke in the wine business the past couple years has been, “What’s the difference between syphilis and Syrah? You can get rid of a case of syphilis.” I believe the lack of consumer acceptance in this country has a lot to do with the different styles of Syrah, and the fact…

  • Fabulous 2009 Bordeaux: 2012 UGC Tasting

    Richard Jennings
    23 Jan 2012 | 12:06 am
    2009 BORDEAUX AT 2012 UGC TASTING – Bentley Reserve, San Francisco, California (1/21/2012) I always look forward to the annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tasting, which kicks off the year for major tastings. It gives an unusually broad perspective on a major region, and is completely focused on the latest vintage to be bottled. I was particularly excited about sampling the much ballyhooed 2009s. Despite the major Occupy Wall Street West demonstration that tied up all of Market Street downtown, bringing traffic to a crawl and making it impossible to park where I’d originally…

  • Wine’s Hidden Beauty: The Ultimate Pleasure of Aged Wine

    Richard Jennings
    18 Jan 2012 | 1:41 am
    The greatest, most pleasurable aspect of wine tends to be hidden from most consumers. You can buy wine from the store, purchase a glass or bottle at a restaurant, or attend a tasting at most wine stores or consumer tasting events and be totally oblivious of the phenomenon that is the holy grail for fine wine lovers. That is the incredible, often jaw-droppingly complex aromas, flavors and sublime beauty of a great wine that has been aged to maturity. Not all wines are made for aging. Over 90% of wines in the marketplace are produced to be enjoyed soon after release, so I am not talking about…

  • The Many Moods of Pinot Noir

    Richard Jennings
    11 Jan 2012 | 12:54 am
    So far in discussing different styles of wine, we’ve explored two of the most widely planted grapes in the world—Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Now it’s time to talk about what may be the world’s most beloved grape, Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir from its region of origin, France’s Burgundy appellation, has an almost fanatic following among wine geeks and collectors. The top vineyards of Burgundy—its “grand crus” and “premier crus”—are, on the whole, very small, and usually divided up among many producers. There’s a relatively tiny quantity of red Burgundy, which is what…

  • 2011 Pinot on the River: Delicious Sonoma Pinot Noirs

    Richard Jennings
    9 Jan 2012 | 12:59 am
    2011 PINOT ON THE RIVER – Town Square, Healdsburg, California (10/23/2011) This eighth annual edition of Pinot on the River was a very fun event, with lots of great wines. Most of the producers come from Sonoma County, but Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot was the focus of the event’s morning seminar. The location and weather proved ideal for the grand tasting portion of the event this year, with cool, sunny skies on the square in Healdsburg. I tasted a total of 147 wines from 65 producers, which was nearly everything on hand, including 91 from the supple and generally delicious 2009…
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    Nosso Vinho

  • Ruggeri Giustino B 2010 Prosecco di Valdobbiadene D.O.C. Extra Dry 2010

    Paulo Queiroz
    25 Jan 2012 | 7:18 pm
    Há duas semanas atrás fiz uma enquente na página do NOSSO VINHO no Facebook, perguntando para as pessoas: “No verão, quando você bebe vinho, prefere…” As respostas ficaram bem divididas, mas dos 52 respondentes, 16 preferem espumantes brancos no verão. Pois bem, esse aqui é uma solução luxuosa para uma noite de verão. O Ruggeri [...]

  • Finca Tobella Negre Priorat 2009

    Paulo Queiroz
    22 Jan 2012 | 7:46 pm
    Comprei no final do ano passado, um lote de 28 garrafas do meu amigo Ronaldo Severino, que comercializa vinhos Espanhois. Entre eles estavam 8 garrafas do Finca Tobella Negre 2009. Um vinho muito interessante, de excelente relação custo benefícios, como quase tudo que o Ronaldo comercializa. Este vinho tem uma boa presença de fruta, com [...]

  • Chateau Pontet-Canet 2006

    Paulo Queiroz
    21 Jan 2012 | 9:59 am
    Já escrevi um artigo sobre esse Grand Cru Classe de Bordeaux, mas não sobre essa safra. Ele é um vinho musculoso com forte sabor de fruta, taninos bem secos e bastante madeiradp, tem um toque de especiarias e seu final traz chocolate. O vinho ainda está bastante bruto e pode ficar longos anos na adega. [...]

  • Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 1997

    Paulo Queiroz
    14 Jan 2012 | 4:05 pm
    Este Brunello de 14 anos na garrafa foi uma oferta do José Aurélio em um dos nossos últimos jantares de 2011, no restaurante paulistano Varanda. O Castel Giocondo fica à sudoeste de Montalcino na Toscana. É uma propriedade razoavelmente grande para a região, com 815 hectares, sendo 235 de vinhedos. Uma empresa do império de [...]

  • 10 coisas que descobri sobre os vinhos Italianos em 2011

    Paulo Queiroz
    12 Jan 2012 | 7:47 pm
    O bacana da vida é aprender algo novo todo dia e logo depois rever os conceitos e melhorar a cada dia a percepção das coisas, pensar diferente, ousar, experimentar. Já provei alguns milhares de vinhos e algumas centenas de vinhos italianos, minha paixão. Aqui uma lista sucinta do que aprendi de novo em 2011. Pode [...]
 
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    Wine Blog - Bacchus & Beery

  • “Sobriety Pill” Would it affect your wine consumption?

    Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:07 pm
    If you didn’t get that pleasant buzz with your favorite glass of wine, would your still enjoy the wine as much? Would you drink at all? Or would guaranteed sobriety be a gift, allowing you to enjoy more wines without intoxication and hangovers from overindulgence? A “sobriety pill” may be on the way according to an article in New Scientist (Read Here). Researchers believe extracts from a Chinese variety of the oriental raisin tree could be the answer. Chinese drinkers have used the extract for over 500 years to reduce the effects of hangovers. Researchers have found that…

  • Health Benefits of Wine – It’s Confusing

    Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog
    17 Jan 2012 | 5:24 pm
    Wine, it seems, get more press regarding health benefits than anything else we consume on a regular basis. Just when we’re sure we are drinking from the fountain youth, out comes a study that contradicts the first. To make matters worse, ABC News reports “A University of Connecticut researcher  (Dr. Dipak Das) known for his work on red wine’s benefits to cardiovascular health falsified his data in more than 100 instances, university officials said Wednesday. UConn officials said nearly a dozen scientific journals are being warned of the potential problems after publishing his…

  • Win Tickets to the ZAP Zinfandel Festival 2012 – San Francisco

    Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog
    29 Dec 2011 | 4:05 pm
    CONTEST CLOSED Congrats to Winners: Michael Stites & Shanna Vanderstoel It’s cold…It’s gray… What is the perfect wine to share with your honey in front of the fire or as that stew simmers in the kitchen? Nothing makes the moment like a rich – jammy ZINFANDEL! We at Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog love our Zins and will give 2 lucky winners (21 or older)  a pair of tickets to this year’s Zinfandel Festival in San Francisco from January 26th to 28th.  Let’s be clear, each winner gets 2 tickets only, no airfare, no hotels…just 2 sought after tickets to either the EPICURA…

  • The Unlikely Conversion of a Wine Evangelist (Pt. 1)

    Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog
    19 Dec 2011 | 1:33 pm
    I call myself a “Wine Evangelist.” Most who spend time around me would agree with that moniker, as I merrily move through life aiming to convert as many as possible to the gospel of the grape. I admit I am a zealot, one who loves to speak of nothing other than wine. My role as self-appointed Wine Evangelist is simple. I live to teach about wine as art and as an expression of passion. Within each bottle I revel in the nuance and flair created by both vineyard and winemaker. Before we get too deep here, not all good wine is expensive and not all expensive wines are good. Yes, there are…

  • Wine Lover Holiday Gift Guide 2011

    Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog
    1 Dec 2011 | 1:01 pm
    It’s Holiday Time again and you are wondering what intriguing gift would excite the wine enthusiast in your life… Here are a few ideas that will bring a smile to any wine lover. Wine Club Membership. First, a question. Does your wine lover want wines from their favorite winery or a wine club that adds to their exploration of the wine world? A wine club membership from your wine lover’s favorite winery seems like an easy call but what about the perks? Often membership has its privileges. Does the wine club offer free tastings and tours if you visit, special wine tastings with food…
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    Millesima Wine Blog

  • Jay’s Picks for January

    Millesima
    23 Jan 2012 | 11:07 am
    Bodegas Hijos de Guan Jil Monastrell Juan Gil 2009 Monastrell, known in southern France as Mourvedre, is the primary grape of the Jumilla region where old vines, many unaffected by phylloxera, yield rich, concentrated reds. This wine has a profile of dark fruits and blackberry aromas, it is a ripe wine with “rounded” tannins. A perfect alternative to Malbec and certainly more unique, this wine is great with red meat, stews or any dish with a richer sauce. – Jay Buy Now! Fattoria Il Coroncino Verdicchio Il Coroncino 2009 “I do what I can, I put a sign to remember where I got to…

  • Hortense’s Picks for January

    Millesima
    23 Jan 2012 | 11:05 am

  • Milton’s Picks for January

    Millesima
    21 Jan 2012 | 7:00 pm
    Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco 2008 Any fan of Piedmont wines knows it can take years or even decades for many a Barolo to age, but the 2008 Perbacco, by master vintner Alfredo Curado, though youthful, is drinking well now. Full of rich red fruits and the classic aromas of violets, tar, and earth. A great accompaniment for richer, wintry dishes like roasts and steak. – Milton Buy Now! Parigot & Richard Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs My resolution for the new year is to drink more sparkling wines!! So I am starting off on the right foot by going with this cremant by Parigot. Mostly…

  • William’s Picks for January

    Millesima
    17 Jan 2012 | 7:47 pm
    Bellus Wines “Girasole” 2007 Tuscan Blend The first release from sommelier Jordan Salcito, the Girasole is a blend of roughly equal parts Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grown in the hillsides surrounding Montalcino. This is a rare “Super Tuscan” in that it is actually attempting to say something about its origin as opposed to just its upbringing. – William Buy Now! Domaine du Haut Bourg Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu 2010 Some wines just out-and-out deserve to be more popular than they are. Muscadet is unquestionably one of those wines. Given the…

  • Free Tasting of two Fifth Growths from Pauillac

    Millesima
    17 Jan 2012 | 7:32 pm
    Join us on Monday, January 23rd from 5 pm to 8 pm at our Store, for a tasting of two Pauillac Fifth Growths: Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2008 and Château Haut-Batailley 2002 conducted by Emeline Borie. “This estate counts up to 90 hectares of land out of which 55 are dedicated to vine, with a little reserve of land of 2 or 3 hectares that will be planted in the coming years. Our domain remains exceptional, thanks to its location, as its terroir is held all in one piece, with the exact same cadastral layout as when it was classified back in 1855.” – François-Xavier Borie,…
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    Winston's Wisdoms - A WineEnthusiast.com Blog

  • Products That Tell Your Wine, “I Love You”! by Erika S.

    Erika S.
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 pm
    With Valentine’s Day only weeks away, it’s the perfect time of year to appreciate the people (and wine!) we love. No doubt we will all be opening a special bottle on the 14th, but I’d like to highlight some of the products that will heighten your love of wine all year round. Here are some personal favorites. Which wine gadgets and wine accessories do you own that tell your wine, “I Love You!”? Label Savers – One of our all-time best sellers, label savers are a quick and easy way to make lasting memories from a special bottle.  Sold in sets of 10, these nifty laminators work by…

  • Meet Our Wine Storage Consultants: Lou Ann Hesch by Erika S.

    Erika S.
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:31 am
    Last week we introduced you to Marshall Tilden, one of our expert Wine Storage Consultants who doubles as a Sales Manager here at Wine Enthusiast. This week meet Lou Ann Hesch who has been building beautiful wine cellars and helping customers here for 15 years! Lou Ann grew up in a very Sicilian family and developed a love for “the fruit of the vine” by selling tomatoes by the pound as a kid. She also enjoyed visiting her Grandfather’s grapevines. What was your “Epiphany” wine?  Historically my frame of reference has been homemade Italian red wine. Shortly after…

  • Meet Our Wine Storage Consultants: Marshall Tilden by Erika S.

    Erika S.
    19 Jan 2012 | 3:07 pm
    For over thirty years, we at Wine Enthusiast have been building beautiful wine cellars for our customers. From speaking with hundreds of wine lovers a day, our team has unparalleled insight into what makes customers happy. Whether you are building a 2,000 bottle custom wine cellar for your home, have a 100+ bottle collection and need a freestanding cabinet to put in your garage or have 20 bottles you are looking to properly store, our experts are here to help.  It’s time to meet our Wine Storage Consultants! Or, as our Facebook audience likes to call them, “Masters of…

  • What’s Your New Years Wine Resolution? Wine Enthusiast Staff Responds by Erika S.

    Erika S.
    11 Jan 2012 | 12:23 pm
    Just a week into January, I wouldn’t be surprised if plenty of folks had already abandoned their New Years Resolutions. This is the time of year when we promise to be at the gym at 6AM and eat more vegetables. But how about some fun resolutions that may last the whole year and beyond? We asked some of the biggest oenophiles here at Wine Enthusiast, for their New Years Wine Resolutions. Check them out for inspiration! And share yours! “To store my 100+ bottles in one central place (that’s safe from my son’s curious hands!) instead of in various wine racks scattered in our dining…

  • BYOG? Bringing Your Own Glassware to Restaurants, Now Celebrity-Approved! by Jacqueline S.

    Jacqueline S.
    29 Dec 2011 | 10:04 am
    Dining out and bringing wine is a common habit for some.  Whether a special night and a reserved bottle or a casual weeknight out – bringing your own wine has many perks. We have discussed BYO etiquette in the past in our our Five Golden Rules of Bringing Your Own Wine. But those who think of cost-cutting as #1 where BYO is concerned might be amazed to see celebrities in the mix. This past week the media has been buzzing about a new BYO trend started by the singularly named icon – Madonna. Last week Madonna was spotted at a restaurant with her current boyfriend Brahim Zaibat, in New York…
 
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    Wine Virtuosity

  • Austrian Wine Adventures; Part 9 – Going south to Eisenberg

    Niklas Jorgensen
    22 Jan 2012 | 5:33 pm
    Besides hanging here, why not also give Wine Virtuosity a like on Facebook? Or perhaps send me a tweet? The season starts around mid-April and ends on the 24th of June. Spargelsaison. The Germans are crazy about their asparagus but I'm wondering if the Austrians isn't taking it even a step further? Don't get me wrong. Asparagus is great and next to a green salad drenched in a simple vinegar, it's one of my favorite starters. But when sitting in Wachter-Wiesler's restaurant, in Ratschen, it's almost a relief to see the spargel presented in purée form. Served with a dry-cured ham and a…

  • Sicilian Wine Adventures – Part 27; I Vigneri. “…..always remember, wine is made with grapes.”

    Niklas Jorgensen
    17 Jan 2012 | 5:41 am
    Besides hanging here, why not also give Wine Virtuosity a like on Facebook? Or perhaps send me a tweet? I haven't. Chosen side. Should I go for the guys who follows the phases of the moon, the biodynamics, or should I stick to the empirical track and what we know, we know? Perhaps I should mock both sides and choose a third way, going for organic wines? No, I know. I choose.....wine! The debate is actually not only tiresome, but also forgetting what wine basically is all about. Sure, it is great that wine stirs up emotions and create feelings, but do we have to choose side for that? Do we…

  • Sicilian Wine Adventures – Part 26; Passopisciaro. Master of Le Contrade dell’Etna

    Niklas Jorgensen
    13 Jan 2012 | 8:52 am
    Besides hanging here, why not also give Wine Virtuosity a like on Facebook? Or perhaps send me a tweet? There was a time when single vineyard wines were the thing and everyone had to be in on the race. But not all wines benefit from being bottled as a unique site; the blend should never be underestimated. Some regions has learned that empirically. Ask Chianti for example. However, if there's one younger wine region that really is exciting to follow, when it regards single vineyard bottlings, it is Etna. Young you think, how does that correlate with the fact that many of the producers are…

  • 2011 – An Odyssey from A to Z

    Niklas Jorgensen
    27 Dec 2011 | 8:01 pm
    2011. The end of the world for some, or at least one guy who predicted a day in May to be the final call for all of us. When failing to calculate the judgement day it was revised to the 21st of October. Again, nothing happened. Sorry to break the news Harold, but the world is still alive and kicking. So. Yet an apocalypse failure accomplished. Yet an year to sum up. Don't expect a list of the best I've had (how fun is that to read about...), more a personalized summary of what made my wine world rock, stumble or just reminded me why I'm doing this. Here's to 2011. Cheers! 2011. The year when…

  • Austrian Wine Adventures – Part 8; Deutschkreutz

    Niklas Jorgensen
    2 Dec 2011 | 6:05 am
    Why not follow Wine Virtuosity on Facebook or Twitter? Once an important Jewish community. Deutschkreutz. After the expulsion, ordered by the Emperor Leopold I, ended in 1671, many Jews settled again in the Hungarian kingdom. The village of Deutschkreutz, back then named Németkeresztúr, became a haven for Jews. But then, after the world war I, the community, or rather the whole area, was given to Austria in 1921 and the number of jews were gradually reduced. Not because of the handing over but for reasons we all now happened a decade and two later. Today, there are some outposts left that…
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    Hoot 'n Annie

  • Customer Service: What Turns You ON?

    Hoot 'n Annie
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:44 am
    Please read again??? We received a ton of feedback after a recent post we did on customer service so it has been our goal to start a regular series on the good, the bad, and the ugly of customer relations in our daily lives. Our number one goal is not to bash any person or business, but to get people to understand what they’re doing correctly…and what they are doing incorrectly. So let’s begin this journey by asking you what you look for in a customer service experience. What’s the one thing that turns you ON to a business and what’s the main thing that turns…

  • Nature’s Touch at Paso Robles Garagiste Festival

    Hoot 'n Annie
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:32 am
    Natures Touch Samples You’ve seen us sipping on wine at the Paso Robles Garagiste Festival…we’ve shown you the small production winemakers that are living on the edge, making wine and living the dream! We’ve also given you the “feel” for the event, from the setting to the crowd to the food.  What we haven’t shown you is one of the attendees that stands out; Natures Touch. What’s a Natures Touch, you ask? Well that’s easy! It’s a living, breathing, local market in downtown Templeton. What Does Natures Touch Offer? Natures Touch is…

  • Talley Vineyards and Wine Tasting Room

    Hoot 'n Annie
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:26 am
    Talley Vineyards are located in a beautiful part of San Luis Obispo (although there aren’t really any ugly parts of this county) very close to where Orcutt Rd. and Lopez Dr. meet. Talley Vineyards I’m not going to bore you with all the generic information other than to say that the wines we tasted through were very nice. There are two different tasting lists, one is $6.00 for five tastes and the other is $12.00 for five tastes. This area of San Luis Obispo really does make some great Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs due to the cooler temperatures, and Talley is no different. They also have a…

  • Montana de Oro – Our Adventure #2 of 2012

    Hoot 'n Annie
    20 Jan 2012 | 7:20 am
    Water Running Over the Rocks I think we found the promised land…and it’s in Los Osos, CA. Well, if it’s not the promised land then it’s certainly up there. The place is called Montana de Oro and it is Disneyland for the outdoor lover and beautiful scenery seeker!! There are numerous (as in a LOT) trails you can jump on and walk, run, or bike (even a handful that you can take your horse on) your heart out. While many trails lead you toward the coast, some of the trails are on the east side of the road which take you up in elevation through wilderness to amazing viewpoints of the…

  • Schooner’s Wharf, Cayucos, California – Bar Bites

    Hoot 'n Annie
    18 Jan 2012 | 7:35 am
    The View....See??? We love the ocean…not sure if you’ve noticed that before, but it’s both of our favorite place to just “go” to. The ocean is peaceful, yet powerful; beautiful, yet dangerous; familiar, yet mysterious. There’s definitely a pull there, whether it’s the tide or just an emotional kind of thing, we both feel excited to go, at peace when we arrive, and sad to leave the ocean. So, one of our favorite ocean spots is Cayucos, California. It’s the quintessential funky beach town located right between Morro Bay and Cambria on the Central…
 
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    Wine Bargains and Values

  • Mud House Pinot Noir – Bargain Wine Alert 11

    Joe
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:06 am
    Vintage Wine Taster Bruce first tipped us off to this intriguing Pinot Noir that is available at K&L Wines in San Francisco and Redwood City. The price is $10.99. Normally we would post this on Monday in our weekly picks of bargain wines. However, we see that at all stores the inventory is low on these wines, thus today’s Wine Alert. 2008 Mud House “Swan” Pinot Noir Central Otago New Zealand Bruce’s favorite varietal is Pinot Noir and he states: “I bought a bottle of Mud House at K&L in RWC and went back today and bought 6 more. It is fruity, soft and balanced, as…

  • Tuscany Blend 2009 Viticcio Bere tops are picks of the week – January 23

    Joe
    23 Jan 2012 | 3:29 pm
    Each week we post the favorite bargain wines we have tasted during the previous week. These are wines that we have purchased from various stores on the San Francisco Peninsula. Each week our Vintage Wine Club suggests wine for this list. Here are the picks for January 23. 2009 Viticcio Bere Tuscana – The Wine Stop, KL Wines $11.99 (Joe’s Pick) This is a very nice Italian blend from Tuscany. It has more flavors and character than the average Chianti that is made with Sangiovese grapes. This one has 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot. It is very soft on the palate, with…

  • Chronicle Wine Competition – A guide for the bargain wine hunter

    Joe
    19 Jan 2012 | 11:35 am
    5600 wine entries The Chronicle Wine Competition is one mega wine tasting contest. This event took place in Cloverdale a couple of weeks ago. During the week 65 wine judges evaluated 5600 wine entries from 1,379 wineries from 25 states. Wow, what a task! Bargain wine hunters should study results For bargain wine seekers, one of the best features of this event is the fact that this competition divides the popular varietals by price range. Take Sauvignon Blanc, for example. There are two categories in the bargain price range: “Up to $13.99” and “$14.00 to $19.99.” Within each category…

  • Mendoza red blend tops our wine picks of the week

    Joe
    16 Jan 2012 | 2:12 pm
    Each week we post our favorite bargain wines we had tasted during the previous week. These are wines that we had purchased from various stores on the San Francisco Peninsula. Each week our Vintage Wine Club suggests wine for this list. Here are the most interesting picks for January 16. Clos de Chacras’s 2008 Cavas de Crianza $12.99 at KL Wines and The Wine Stop – Joe’s Pick This is a terrific deal for this wonderful blend from Mendoza in Argentina. It is 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot. I found this wine to be loaded with plum and spice characteristics, and it…

  • Screw Top Wine – The wine bargain hunter’s curse

    Joe
    12 Jan 2012 | 2:59 pm
    I’m very old fashioned and sentimental when it comes to wine closures. Most of my 40-year career of wine drinking has involved opening wines with a real cork. I get a thrill each time I use my waiter’s corkscrew to open a bottle of wine. There is nothing like that popping sound when I pull the cork from the bottle. That sound has come to mean something very special to me, one that signifies I am about to embark on very pleasurable adventure. The unfortunate part of being a bargain wine hunter today is that many reasonably priced wines come with screw tops. With a screw top there is less…
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    Gonzo Gastronomy

  • “Kid you good-a-lookin’ but you don’t a-know what’s cookin’…”

    Katie Pizzuto
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:33 pm
    The quickest way to lure an Italian into an argument is to weave the subject of meatballs into a conversation. There are, to be sure, at least 300,000 other ways to lure an Italian into an argument, but meatballs is easily the quickest. I grew up in a Cuban household, being nurtured by a mother who wasn’t content to feed us until any and all protein was cooked so thoroughly that it was guaranteed not to give us botulism, salmonella, mad cow, or e-coli…which at that point was also guaranteed to be dry as a rehab counselor. So my formative years weren’t afforded the luxury of a…

  • “I read the news today, oh boy…”

    Katie Pizzuto
    17 Jan 2012 | 12:25 pm
    Jersey Government Proves it is Not Completely Corrupt In what has probably been the single most aggravating, nail-biting, ass-dragging legislative bill passing in the history of The Garden State, it looks like we will finally be gaining the right to have wine shipped direct-to-consumer. With stipulations, of course. You’re not surprised are you? The bill (which passed 51 to 18) will allow “plenary” wineries (those that produce a maximum of 250,000 gallons per year) to ship up to 12 cases of wine per year to NJ residents. If your favorite cult winery makes 251,000 gallons, consider…

  • WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: “You ain’t a bitch or a ho…”

    Katie Pizzuto
    11 Jan 2012 | 7:23 am

  • “Four hundred empty acres that used to be my farm…”

    Katie Pizzuto
    6 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    Sometimes, land must lay fallow. After it’s been plowed and harrowed, it must remain dormant…unsown…inactive…if it’s to restore its fertility. And sometimes, in an equally organic method, it simply needs to be covered with a healthy dose of crap. Only at the best and worst of times are you fortunate enough to witness both happening at once. You lucky devil, you. Details, as you well know if you read Gonzo, are for sissies. Suffice it to say that 2011 got flipped not one but two birds at midnight, December 31st. It wasn’t so happy and it wasn’t so healthy. As if because of some…

  • “I hope you have a good one, I hope momma gets her shoppin’ done…”

    Katie Pizzuto
    7 Dec 2011 | 12:49 pm
    I am a geek in so many different ways I’m no longer sure what gets a bigger rise out of me. One of the guys at work likes good beer, so I can often talk suds with him. He also happens to have broad tastes in music, so I know I can kibitz with him about the new album Black Sabbath is recording. But when I told him I was recently able to get my hands on a hard-to-get bottle of Dogfish Head Faithfull (a tribute to Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary of their seminal album Ten), and that I plan on drinking it while listening to the album on vinyl, he looked at me and said, “You are…
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    Washington State Beer and Wine

  • Free Lamb Cooking Demo with Wine Tasting

    Nancy
    25 Jan 2012 | 10:45 pm
    Do you love lamb yet wonder how to prepare it at home? Would you like to have confidence when selecting a wine to match? This Sunday is your chance to learn from two acclaimed Seattle chefs and two amazing Washington winemakers.  You’ve seen Bean wax poetic about American Lamb and wine after attending Lamb Jam. Well, consider this a MUCH smaller yet very intimate, scaled down Lamb Jam. On one burner Chef Tom Black of soon to open Restaurant Bea will be whipping up some Lamb Meatballs. Heating up the other side of the kitchen, Chef Brian O’Connor of Skillet Diner will prepare…

  • Old Wooly 2011

    Bean
    1 Dec 2011 | 4:25 pm
    Does anything say December like Big Time Brewery’s Old Wooly Barley wine? Old Wooly Barley Wine A gorgeous mahogany color, this is a hearty beer for the darker days of December. Smooth and hoppy, it shows the best aspects of both malt and hops. The nose is more malty caramel than hoppy but this isn’t a sweet candy beer. That caramel is chased by the hops, giving the caramel taste but not sweet syrupy coating you find in some malty winter brews. Drew Cluley, Big Time Brewery This definitely has the Drew Cluley stamp on this Washington beer. This is the first vintage of Old Wooly…

  • Tempranillo and Tapas at Wine World

    Ed
    19 Nov 2011 | 10:26 am
    Recently, Wine World (sponsor) hosted “Tempranillo and Tapas: Washington Style” a panel discussion of Washington Tempranillo wine makers and Tempranillo wine tasting. The wine makers talked about Tempranillo being an ideal food wine. That point was well proven during the winemaker reception, pairing  their Tempranillo wines and delicious appetizers from Tango Restaurant, as well as Lenny Rede’s famous paella. Tapas from Tango Washington Tempranillo is a bridge between new world and old world wine styles. The fruit is restrained and elegant Tempranillo and Tapas: Washington…

  • World Recognition for Washington Wine

    Bean
    15 Nov 2011 | 1:14 am
    Wine Spectator is offering a sneak peak at the Top 100 wines of 2011 and Washington is there. Today, they revealed the wines ranking number six through ten. Congratulations to Baer Winery of Woodinville, their Ursa 2008 ranked as the number 6 best wine in the world for 2011. Baer Ursa 2008 Harvey Weinstein, editor of the Wine Spectator talks about the Baer Winery Ursa, click to watch his video. The Ursa 2008 is a red wine blend, predominantly of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. I tasted this lovely wine during a vertical Ursa tasting during Grape Killers 2010. I tasted a lot of great wines that…

  • Pairing Chocolate with Beer

    Nancy
    11 Nov 2011 | 7:15 pm
    A chocolate rimmed glass of Fremont Brewing "Susan" Last April we asked the question, “Is pairing wine with chocolate like having sex on the beach?” Well, what about pairing beer and chocolate? The Finkels of Pike Brewing celebrate the pairing of beer and chocolate each year right before Valentine’s Day with their Chocofest that they like to bill as “foreplay before the big day.” So maybe this is the pairing we should be romanticizing. The challenge when pairing wine with chocolate is that if the wine isn’t as sweet as or sweeter than the chocolate, it spanks the fruit…
 
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    Jeff Leve | The Wine Cellar Insider Bordeaux Wine

  • 2009 St Estephe Haut Medoc Bordeaux In Bottle Tasting Notes

    Jeff Leve
    26 Jan 2012 | 3:37 pm
    Great Bordeaux wine vintages are not defined by the wines at the top. That’s easy. They have the money and the terroir to make quality wine in every vintage. One of the hallmarks of a top Bordeaux wine vintage is when all the appellations produce strong wine. 2009 Bordeaux fits that bill perfectly. The Haut Medoc appellation, located in the Left Bank of Bordeaux was successful in 2009 producing powerful, rich, supple, stylish Bordeaux wine. St. Estephe made stunning wines at the top end, but once past the best Classified Growths in St. Estephe, the results were uneven. 2009 Haut Medoc…

  • 2009 Sauternes, Sweet Bordeaux Wine in Bottle Tasting Notes

    Jeff Leve
    25 Jan 2012 | 3:06 pm
    Chateau Coutet Aline Baly Sauternes, the sweet white Bordeaux wine appellation produces some of the finest, if not the best,  sweet dessert wines in the world!  At their best, they combine intense, honey coated, tropical fruit, spice and floral aromas with pure, sweet, succulent, honey coated fruit flavors and refreshing levels of acidity. The wines can age effortlessly for decades.  They are the most expensive wines to produce in Bordeaux. Yet for all their expensive labor costs and ability to age, they sell for reasonable rates. Sauternes and Barsac, as well as other sweet Bordeaux…

  • Colorado’s Wine Industry Enters a Higher State

    Jeff Leve
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:10 pm
    Colorado Wine Vineyards Written by Kyle Schlachter of the Colorado Wine Press http://www.coloradowinepress.com/ Colorado has a long history in the wine industry. Grapevines were first planted in Colorado in the late 1800s.  The industry was growing steadily until 1916. That was the year the Colorado General Assembly passed a state prohibition law. Things went from bad to worse. Even with the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933, it took until 1968 for Colorado’s first modern commercial winery to open in Denver, Ivanice Winery. Ivanice Winery initially used grapes bought from California to…

  • American Comfort Food. California Cabernet Sauvignon

    Jeff Leve
    13 Jan 2012 | 11:12 am
      On cold winter nights, especially during the holiday season, there is no better pairing than one of your favorite comfort food dishes and a great California wine. Like Romeo and Juliette, cookies and milk, Foies Gras with Chateau d’Yquem and truffles with almost everything, it’s a perfect pairing. Comfort food is true soul food. Every country, state, cite and neighborhood have their own version of comfort food. In our house, it was meatloaf. Every time I have the dish, it reminds of growing up. I’m instantly transported back to the innocence of childhood and sharing…

  • Bordeaux Wine Trade with Ireland during the 18th Century

    Jeff Leve
    12 Jan 2012 | 7:46 pm
    Several famous Bordeaux wine producers made the move from Ireland to Bordeaux. Tom Barton emigrated from Ireland in 1772. His family eventually made Leoville Barton and Langoa Barton famous. Jean Baptiste Lynch created Chateau Lynch Bages. Chateau Kirwan was founded by Sir John Collingwood. Bernard Phelan created Chateau Phelan Segur and Chateau Boyd Cantenac, which was founded by James Boyd from Belfast. A recent discovery of letters unearthed by Professor Thomas M. Truxes of New York University sheds new light on, amongst many other things, the wine trade between Bordeaux and Ireland in the…
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    Wine Passionista

  • Niagara is much more than just Ice Wine

    Wine Passionista
    31 Dec 2011 | 4:44 pm
    This is my second consecutive Christmas in St Catharines, Canada and although there isn’t as much snow as last year (none, in fact), it is still a fabulous place to be during the holidays.  One of the most exciting attractions of the area for me, is that it’s only a short drive from one of [...]

  • Hunter Valley. Semillon. McGuigan. Enough Said.

    Wine Passionista
    4 Dec 2011 | 2:42 am
    Ok, maybe not quite enough said (is a blog with only headlines still a blog?).  The Hunter Valley is practically synonymous with Semillon and thankfully many more people are discovering the incredible, deep, rich wines this grape can produce.  Leading the way is winemaker Neil McGuigan with his McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon. Neil recently visited [...]

  • Louis Roederer Wine List of the Year 2011…

    Wine Passionista
    16 Nov 2011 | 12:34 pm
    As a wine lover, there is little I enjoy more than getting together with friends and sharing a meal accompanied by beautiful wine.  It is one of life’s simple pleasures and one of my most cherished pursuits. I recently did just this with a group of wine blogger friends.  Tom Harrow, the Wine Chap (@WineChapUK) [...]

  • WineYields.com has a new Contributing Editor!

    Wine Passionista
    25 Oct 2011 | 11:08 am
    I’m really chuffed to have been asked to come on board with www.wineyields.com as Contributing Editor.  Jackson Taylor started WineYields in June to discuss and debate the world of fine wine and investment and in such a short space of time has attained a large and loyal following. Jackson is a passionate wine lover and [...]

  • Tempus Two comes to the UK

    Wine Passionista
    29 Sep 2011 | 3:10 pm
    There is no doubt that writing this blog about wine has its perks. Today was one of them.  I attended the UK media lunch at the Soho Hotel to introduce Tempus Two, a premium Australian wine range, to the UK. Groggy from a 20-hour journey yesterday, I was hoping to remain alert enough to carry [...]
 
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    The Life of Vines

  • Yoga for Wine Lovers

    Marie
    25 Jan 2012 | 5:12 pm
      Find it hard to stay in shape and enjoy your favorite beverage?      

  • Memorable quotes from Sideways

    Marie
    20 Jan 2012 | 7:55 am
        In preparation for January 25th’s #winechat with Rex Pickett, here are some of the most memorable wine quotes from the movie Sideways:   On tasting wine …   Miles: Let me show you how this is done. First thing, hold the glass up and examine the wine against the light. You’re looking for color and clarity. Just, get a sense of it. OK? Uhh, thick? Thin? Watery? Syrupy? OK? Alright. Now, tip it. What you’re doing here is checking for color density as it thins out towards the rim. Uhh, that’s gonna tell you how old it is, among other things.

  • Mushroom soup and Bordeaux

    Marie
    12 Jan 2012 | 4:29 pm
        Sometimes my favorite thing is to hole up for a day or two and cook soup, trying different wines with what I make. It takes a long time for me to make soup as I refuse to use store-bought veggie stock (salted water, blech). Roasting the vegetables takes longer but adds a ton of flavor.   With these recipes, the  flavors blend together creating a dish where the whole is more than the sum of the parts. With this thought for the soup, it only seemed natural to reach for a Bordeaux, a region where blending is an art.   My local wine shop suggested the 2005 Clarendelle…

  • A Mediterranean meal: Chianti Classico Riserva and White Bean Salad

    Marie
    5 Jan 2012 | 5:08 pm
      as served in Cappadocia Turkey   I love Mediterranean comfort food, especially in the winter.   This white bean salad was discovered while hiking in Turkey, at a hole in the wall restaurant that had only one vegetarian option on the menu: “cannoli beans in olive oil.” It was so delicious that I made up a recipe when I arrived home.   I think I have it mostly right although I can tell by the color that there were more tomatoes in theirs.   Delicious served hot or cold, I prefer this dish at room temperature. Pairing it with a Mediterranean wine makes…
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    WineZag

  • Wine Blog Confessions

    adamjapko
    26 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am
    As the 2012 wine blogging season kicked off, three notable wine bloggers weighed in with wine blogosphere predictions, analysis, and reflections.  In the last month, Steve Heimoff, Tom Wark, and Alder Yarrow posted their opinions on the evolution of the wine blogosphere, sustainable wine content creation, and/or why they blog.  I regularly follow these guys because they write with authentically developed voices.  I can’t always relate to all their points of view, but the content is usually entertaining. Heimoff heralded and pivoted off a recent Jason Calacanis claim that…

  • Grower Champagne Makes Sense

    adamjapko
    24 Jan 2012 | 4:30 am
    The last few years taught me that Champagne is wine, not just bottled fireworks poised to explode on special occasions.  Champagne’s food and aperitif friendliness are more interesting to me now than at any other time during my twenty seven year wine zag. I used to zag around Champagne while others zigged straight at it.  I wanted to love Champagne, but couldn’t.  Bubbles distracted my ability to detect flavors while effervescence made it challenging for wines to linger comfortably in my mouth.  I deemed myself a wine misfit. Champagne prices were always relatively high and…

  • Wine In Vessels Photo Series

    adamjapko
    19 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am
    As crazy as it sounds, I really like to look at wine; in shops, cellar tanks, barrels, wine cellar racks, and especially proper glassware.  When you think about connecting visually with wine after juice leaves grape, vessels are non negotiable.  Unless, of course, spilling all over your rug or tablecloth produces perverse visual jollies.  Wine just doesn’t easily hang out.  It can’t lean up against a bar or sit on a stool ready to cheer up the person next to it.  It requires something wood, steel, glass, cement, or clay…something to prevent it from just falling apart;…
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    The Sip-Worthy Cellar

  • Blandy’s Madeira Malmsey 5 Year

    Brandon
    11 Jan 2012 | 10:30 am
    Madeira and Chocolate Truffles Happy Happy New Year Everyone!  I’d like to say that I was starting the year off with Madeira and chocolate, but I actually ended last year with it.  Nevertheless, it was so darn good I had to share.  Some of you may be asking, “What the heck is Madeira?”.  Well, I’ve got the answer.  Madeira is a fortified wine from Portugal.  The wine is “fortified” by adding grape spirits producing something akin to Port. This particular Madeira is sweet with hints of toffee and caramel.  If you like sweet wine, you should give…

  • 2005 Blue Rock – Alexander Valley, Sonoma

    Brandon
    22 Dec 2011 | 10:30 am
    Something For Those Special Nights Most of the wines I recommend here on The Sip-Worthy Cellar are reasonably priced.  I make an effort to find great wines at great prices because I believe you don’t have to spend a lot of money to drink good wine.  However, on occasion I come across wines that are a little pricey, but nonetheless worth every penny - Blue Rock is one of those wines.  Priced at approximately $40, it is a great wine for a special occasion, dinner with the boss or a really “good” friend.  Blue Rock is a nice Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is full-bodied with…

  • Bortolotti Treviso Prosecco – Extra Dry

    Brandon
    19 Dec 2011 | 10:30 am
    Prosecco..Let me count the ways I love Prosecco.  Of all the sparkling wines out there, Prosecco holds a special place in my heart.  It is one of those wines that make me feel good when I drink it.  I think it is because it is so unassuming, inexpensive and delicious.  Prosecco is an Italian white wine normally made from Glera (“Prosecco”) grapes.  This Prosecco from Bortolotti was a real treat.  Bortolotti’s Prosecco Trevsio is produced extra dry, which confusingly means it is not that dry.  It is kind of middle of the road dry and not as dry as a sparkling wine…

  • Hugo (Huber to Go) Rosé Sparking Wine

    Brandon
    14 Dec 2011 | 10:30 am
    Think Pink for the Holidays I came across this rosé sparkling wine while attending a wine tasting last week at Regency Wines in Fairlawn, Ohio (check them out – great selection).  I am always on the hunt for something off the beaten path and this sparkler was right up my alley.  To start, it is from Austria….yeah that’s what I said…Austria?  It doesn’t stop there my friends…it is made using a grape called Zweigelt.  This grape is the most widely grown red grape in Austria.  It is dry and very fruity with hints of fresh berries topped with a delicate…
 
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    Wine Videos | BoozeMonkey

  • Five Spicy Southern Hemisphere Reds

    24 Jan 2012 | 3:09 pm
    Are Syrah/Shiraz from three different countries and rugged Australian Durif too spicy for Simon Woods? Watch and find out... ...watch the video on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Cavas with Simon Woods (pt 2)

    19 Jan 2012 | 3:05 am
    Simon Woods samples a fascinating trio of sparkling wines from Spain. If you've never experienced Grenache & Shiraz with bubbles, start here... ...watch the video on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Cavas with Simon Woods (pt 1)

    18 Jan 2012 | 7:01 pm
    Five Cavas ranging from a supermarket own-label to a 2005 Gran Reserva. Which does Simon Woods prefer? ...watch the video on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Progress Report....

    11 Jan 2012 | 10:05 am
    Following up with a progress report on our Kickstarter Campaign and a big thank you to those of you who have pledged to help me share the story of What's up with the wine down under. ...watch the video on BoozeMonkey NOW!

  • Meet the Winemaker: Conor Martin, Clairault

    9 Jan 2012 | 4:04 am
    Debra Meiburg meets Conor Martin of Clairault in Australias Margaret River, one of the regions oldest wineries, established in 1976. As a family owned and run winery, Debra gets the lowdown on exactly which of the three brothers does the hardest work (dirt or desk?), as well as discussing the challenges ...watch the video on BoozeMonkey NOW!
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    Enobytes

  • 2007 Zaca Mesa Reserve Santa Ynez Valley Syrah

    Marc Hinton
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    Another wonderful wine from one of the central coasts best winemakers Clay Brock. Back in the mid-nineties, I fell in love with the wines from Zaca Mesa. It was very hard not to especially when they were served alongside with a freshly made pizza from Giuseppe’s in Pismo Beach or the rustic cuisine Chris Cherry was [...]

  • 2006 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Castel Giocondo Brunello di Montalcino

    Marc Hinton
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    A classic Brunello showcasing all the nuances the alluring Sangiovese grape can offer. This wine undergoes 42 months of aging prior to release, 36 months in oak and six months bottle aging. Even with all that time in oak and on the shelf this wine still need a few more years cellaring before all the [...]

  • NV Gran Pasión Cava Brut Reserva Spain

    Marc Hinton
    20 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    Textbook Cava, pleasant crisp and refreshing. There is the usual slight amount of residual sugar that will be appreciated if this wine is paired with spicy food. Texturally it is a joy to consume and the balance is just right. Citrusy with a bit of baked apple flavor the wine is a good example of [...]

  • The Feast of St. Vincent

    Jeffrey L. Lamy
    18 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    Saint Vincent Tournante The winegrowers of Burgundy have a wonderful tradition. During the last week of January each year, they observe a celebration of their patron saint, Vincent of Saragossa. Saint Vincent of Saragossa, patron saint of vignerons During the persecution of Christians under Roman Emperor Diocletion, Deacon Vincent was tortured to death by Spain’s [...]

  • 2009 Murphy-Goode California Merlot

    Marc Hinton
    16 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    This wine is a good example of California Merlot. It is not however the distinctive quality I have come to expect from Murphy-Goode. This wine is not to be confused with the burly Alexander Valley Sonoma Merlot for a couple of extra dollars. If the Sonoma is available, spend the extra cash you will be [...]
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    50 States of Wine - A Wine Blog

  • Wine Wit: The Wine Taster

    27 Jan 2012 | 7:13 am
    Source: http://www.funnyden.com In an alcohol factory the regular taster died and the director was in urgent need of looking for a replacement. A drunkard with ragged, dirty look came to apply for the position.. The director of the factory wondered how to send him away. They tested him. They gave him a glass with a drink. He tried it and said, "It's red wine, a muscat, three years old, grown on a north slope, matured in steel containers." "That's correct", said the boss. Another glass. "It's red wine, cabernet, eight years old, a south-western slope, oak barrels." "Correct." A third glass.

  • Grapes Under Pressure: Rush and Wine

    26 Jan 2012 | 6:12 am
    I love music and wine, so I'm always excited to find connections. Here's an excerpt from an article in Guitar Aficionado that features an interview with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush. Rush were the one of the bands I first saw in concert, so an article about rock and roll wine and them is just perfect. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson recall in vivid detail the night of November 12, 1974, when a bottle of wine changed their lives. Ontour, they ordered bottles of Château Margaux and Château Latour Bordeaux and instantly turned into wine connoisseurs.

  • Unquenchable Book Review

    25 Jan 2012 | 7:35 am
    In Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest For the World’s Best Bargain Wines (NY, NY: Penguin Group, 2011), author Natalie MacLean writes in a mostly conversational tone ~ in her words: “I’m neurotically personal, prone to tangential digressions and Bridget Jones-like overreactions.” That’s not to say she can’t use winespeak with the best of them. Don’t believe me? How about “Saturated fruit flavors flood my mouth and pool around my taste buds before slipping down to deeper pleasure centers.” Love it. As Natalie wrote in her first book, red, white, AND drunk all over (New…

  • Tuesday Tasting: Long Arm Lot 81

    24 Jan 2012 | 7:47 am
    Familia Nueva Long Arm Lot 81 Paso Robles Red Blend N/V $5.99 (purchased at Trader Joe’s) Aroma: Tart berry Texture: Light to medium bodied, dry Taste: Initial sweetness then drying Finish: Relatively short Familia Nueva is a label owned by Ancient Peaks Winery and this Lot 81 is unmarked as to what varietals go into the blend, but it’s a food friendly wine, also decent on its own. Decent for the price. Would you like your wine reviewed? Contact me at Kovas@50statesofwine.com! Like 50 States Of Wine on Facebook Follow 50 States Of Wine on Twitter

  • Is Organic Wine Better?

    23 Jan 2012 | 8:03 am
    Photograph by Jeff Harris Organic labels on wine don’t guarantee better quality — or even best eco-practices. Now that organic has become a magic word, many high-end wineries are spending a fortune to convert their operations. Some eagerly splash the word all over their labels, but others hardly bother to tell anyone. Understanding the reason top winemakers are conflicted about the organic hype can help you pick wines that are better for the Earth without compromising on taste. There are four main claims you’ll see on bottles: 100 Percent Organic Wine, Made From Organically Grown…
 
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    Vint-ed

  • Sips: An odd couple that proves to be a superb food and wine matchup

    Vint-ed
    20 Jan 2012 | 8:14 am
    I had a delightful revelation about food and wine the other night. But first, a little background on how I got there. For years, I’ve had an unwritten rule about Italian-inspired food: match it with Italian wines, which so often seem just the right choice. With linguine and white clam sauce is there anything better than a pinot grigio from Alto Adige or a Vernaccia di San Gimignano? Don’t tomato-based sauces, with or without meat, seem made for Chianti Classico or Barbera d’Alba? With that in mind, I was headed in the direction of Italian wine the other night as I made a simple sauce…

  • Swirls: Restaurant wine follow-up – some perspective from a venerable New York establishment that does the right thing

    Vint-ed
    19 Jan 2012 | 9:06 am
    Once a week or so, I make it a point to sneak out of my office for a quick lunch, which inevitably leads me on a 10-minute walk to the famed Oyster Bar & Restaurant at Grand Central Station. There, I almost always order one of New York’s great cheap meals – an overflowing bowl of New England clam chowder, which goes for $6.25 (a tomato-based Manhattan chowder is $5.75). The price includes a homemade roll and all the crackers you can eat. I never order wine at lunch, but yesterday I left with one of the Oyster Bar’s menus, which, on the reverse side of the large single page, features…

  • Swirls: The coming out of organic wine -- some things to keep in mind

    Vint-ed
    12 Jan 2012 | 10:30 am
    Suddenly, it seems, the organic wine crowd is coming out of the woodwork. From growers to importers to supermarkets and other retailers, the wine world is seizing on “organic” as never before. Some growers, of course, have been making natural wines for years, including quite a few in France’s Loire Valley where most choose not to call attention to the fact, preferring to let the wines speak for themselves. And many of them do as wines of distinction. So the bar is high for wineries that trumpet the fact that they are producing organic wines or wines made from organic grapes (I’ll…

  • Eats: What may be the best $2 meal in NYC (or the country)

    Vint-ed
    10 Jan 2012 | 10:34 am
    Over the holidays I found myself a couple of times in New York's Chinatown, a place that, despite its fame and familiarity, remains a largely separate world. Whenever I'm there, I make a point of stopping by the hole-in-the-wall restaurant simply called "Fried Dumpling" on Mosco Street, a one-block lane you'll have to search for. The name is pedestrian but says it all. They make their own fried pork dumplings here and that's it. They are crispy and delicious. Five for $1, 10 for $2, which is about enough for two people to split on a walk through the neighborhood on a brisk January day. With a…

  • Swirls: In a restaurant, feeling like a prisoner of excessive wine markups

    Vint-ed
    9 Jan 2012 | 11:07 am
    How often, when enjoying an evening out, are you distracted by annoying wine issues? For us, a case in point came the other night when friends invited us to dinner at a restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village. In these budget-conscious times, don’t we all want to believe we’re getting good value when eating out in both food and wine? But that was hard at this restaurant, where the least expensive white wine on the list was a vidal blanc from the Finger Lakes at $42 and where I ended up choosing a sauvignon blanc from France’s Loire Valley, Domaine de la Chaises’s 2010 Touraine, a…
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    The Wine'dUp

  • Life and Wine… It’s all about the details

    Matthew
    21 Jan 2012 | 10:35 am
    Good Morning! I normally write about wine and I promise I will get to the subject of wine, but I have to share with you while the feelings of my morning are still so fresh. I just returned home from Floresville, Texas and I was a volunteer for Extreme Home Makeover. I was not swinging a hammer or loading furniture. I worked in the food tent and I think I made about 40-50 gallons of coffee and unloaded about 6 vans of food and bottled water. I have been an avid watcher and total crying mess of the show for all these years. I sometimes watch and listen to the stories of the people who have the…

  • Why Does My Wine Taste Like Dirty Feet and Smell Like Band-Aids?

    Matthew
    14 Jan 2012 | 8:06 pm
    Last night, I was thrilled to open a bottle of 2007 Château Vaissière Minervois. This is a modestly-priced, beautifully-labeled red wine, and after eight very long hours of sitting through an interminable board meeting, I was ready to drift away on this wine’s buoyant aroma and flavor. True to wine etiquette, I poured the garnet liquid through an aerated pourer to ensure flavor development and even engaged in some hypnotic swirling to coax the aroma from the glass. Then, I inhaled deeply and was struck with the insulting aroma of Band-Aid. This was certainly not the gentle descent into…

  • Wine and Your Body: The Good, The Bad, and The Wasted

    Matthew
    2 Jan 2012 | 9:52 pm
      “Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, make the sage frolic, and the serious smile.” So observed Homer, one of history’s greatest authors and truer words could not be spoken when describing the effects of well-made wine. Since before recorded history, wine has influenced cultures and continues to leave its joyous mark on the modern world. Today, there exists much speculation on the true effects of alcohol and wine in particular. Undoubtedly, benefits are noticeable, but the fact remains that alcohol can also have negative consequences. Wine deserves a fair trial and I venture…

  • Barley Wine: Not To Be Confused With “Grape Beer”

    Matthew
    24 Dec 2011 | 6:17 pm
    In the quest to become a well-rounded Wine-O, I truly believe that you should try to understand not just the mainstream varietals, but also the unconventional wines. We first started helping our readers open up to different methods of wine making in our article “Unconventional Methods of Wine Fermentation“, in which we dived into the worlds of Carbonic Maceration and Malolactic Fermentation. And when a friend of ours recently approached us about Barley Wine, a little known “wine” that we had never heard of, we felt our mission was extended. It just so happened to be…

  • DeLille Cellars and Chris Upchurch – Wine Masters of Washington

    Matthew
    17 Dec 2011 | 11:27 pm
    “Winemaking is a lifelong endeavor.” This truthful and passionate statement was made by professional winemaker and owner of DeLILLE Cellars Chris Upchurch. He has devoted the majority of his life to the art of growing premium grapes and making exceptional wine. DeLILLE Cellars is located in Redmond, Washington, a state which has been producing fine wines and experiencing well-deserved increasing popularity as a result. In contrast with many winery websites, DeLILLE Cellars does not provide a lengthy history or focus on a vast list of achievements, rather their sight is set on future wine…
 
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    Wine Folly

  • Getting to Know Washington Syrah

    madelinep
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    The first Washington syrah that made my toes curl : McCrea Boushey Vineyard 2005 SyrahWashington Syrah is Awesome and Here’s WhyThe secret sauce behind Washington syrah is the growing conditions of Eastern Washington. The long, hot summer days with massive temperature drops at night (it can get down to 40 degrees(1)) and the right mix of volcanic pumice and dense loamy soil make for complex flavors and well maintained fruit acidity. Acidity is one of the 4 conditions that makes wine age worthy, providing longevity to Washington syrah and making it a great wine to add to your cellar…

  • How to Open a Bottle of Wine

    JustinH
    25 Jan 2012 | 11:45 am
    What You NeedBefore you learn how to open a bottle of wine you’ll need one essential tool, a simple waiters friend corkscrew. They are widely available at most grocery stores and cost around $5-10. Don’t get fancy, in nearly all cases the waiters friend corkscrew will outperform other alternatives. Make sure it has a serrated blade, this will make cutting the foil much easier. Ready to start opening that bottle?How to Open a Bottle of WineHold the bottle of wine stationary.Cut across the front, back, and top of the foil. Keep your fingers clear of the blade and the foil.Set the…

  • Wine Buying Cheat Sheet

    madelinep
    23 Jan 2012 | 2:42 pm
    Wine Buying Cheat SheetWalking into a wine store is overwhelming; my mind goes blank and I stare bewildered at a sea of wine bottle labels. Does this sound familiar? Then you need our convenient wine buying cheat sheet. It’s FREE and available in PDF, print it out or keep it on your phone. Just sign up to the newsletter below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.Free download when you signup to our newsletter. Get the wine buying cheat sheet with details on the current top values and producers for over 15 major wine styles.Get the Wine Buying Cheat Sheet FREE when you sign up…

  • How to Spit Wine

    JustinH
    20 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am
    Should You Spit?Spit or swallow, that is the question. You’ll find a lot of people advocating it’s ‘cool to spit’ and you know what?  It is. And it’s time you learn how to spit wine and why you should.Why do people spit wine while tasting?  The most compelling reason to spit is because you can’t taste wine while drunk. You’re at a wine tasting, right? There are technical reasons why spitting (or even swallowing) can help when tasting wine, but, it’s sufficient to simply introduce the idea that spitting is an option.At a typical wine tasting…

  • Pandora Cellars

    JustinH
    18 Jan 2012 | 11:30 am
     Pandora Cellars is a new winery founded in 2010 by wine enthusiast Dan Williams and winemaker Sam Keirsey. We had a chance to catch up with Sam to hear his story and check out their cooperative winemaking space.Since they source grapes from vineyards in Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Horse Heaven Hills, there is a dynamic range of fruit to work with. With a focus on Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec, as well as several white wines, Pandora Cellars is bringing much needed value to premium wines out of Washington. If you’re interested in learning more about Pandora Cellars or tasting…
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    Pure Luxury Wine Tours

  • Quivira Vineyards & Winery Winter Farm-to-Table Dinner

    gina
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    A couple of weeks ago we announced our 2012 Explore Napa Valley wine tour package. Today we’d like to introduce you to our eco friendly Sustainably Grown wine tour package. With a focus on wineries working to impact the environment in a positive way while preserving natural resources, our Sustainably Grown wine tour visits three award-winning wineries in Russian River and Dry Creek Valleys – Moshin Vineyards, Everett Ridge, and Quivira Vineyards & Winery. Click here for details about our Sustainably Grown wine tour package. Another opportunity for wine-lovers to learn more about how…

  • Olive’s Well in Sonoma with Annual Fruit Festival

    Carey Sweet
    24 Jan 2012 | 3:37 pm
    Sonoma is known as Wine Country, but it may well be called Olive Country, too, since the tangy orbs are actually the Valley’s second-largest crop. And did you know that olives are an alternate bearing fruit? Meaning that one year, a tree may produce plentiful harvest, but the next year, the branches may be nearly bare. One thing is consistent, however, and that is Sonoma’s annual olive festivals. Starting Saturday Jan. 28, the celebration kicks off with the Eleventh Annual Feast of the Olive Dinner, hosted at Ramekins Culinary School in Sonoma and showcasing the talents of eighteen chefs…

  • Good vs Evil: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain & Eric Ripert at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

    gina
    19 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    We’re all familiar with this scene on television and movies. The defendant takes the stand. The attorney for the other side probes, asserts, and interrogates until the defendant breaks down or the attorney has exhausted an arsenal of questions. What we’re not familiar with is this scene involving two master chefs who are also great friends. Good vs Evil: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain & Eric Ripert, presented on February 10, 2012 at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, begins with what Bourdain has referred to as “a cross examination” of one another. Audiences enjoy the goodhearted…

  • Lift Your Glass of Sparkling Wines Year ‘Round

    Carey Sweet
    16 Jan 2012 | 6:32 pm
    Some people only sip sparkling wines during the holidays, or for a special event. So sad. Because one of the great joys of sparkling wine is that it is so universally appropriate for so many occasions. What doesn’t make life better than a bit of effervescence, and a slightly sweet dance on the tongue? Sparkling wines go exquisitely with so many foods too, because the bubbles help cut through fat, tempering richness. They add a calming tickle to the palate when eating fiery foods, and brighten up everything from heavy meats to light fish. You can sip them at midnight (a toast!), with meals,…

  • Winemaker Dinners in Napa Valley with Cornerstone Cellars

    gina
    12 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am
    Pure Luxury Transportation is starting 2012 with a few updated wine tour packages! Our Explore Napa Valley package features Monticello Vineyards, Cornerstone Cellars, and Freemark Abbey. Click here for more information on our Explore Napa Valley Wine Tour Package. For another unique experience with one of our partner wineries, make sure to mark your calendar for January 27, and February 17, 2012. Each day brings a food and wine experience where a chef and a winemaker work together to create an unforgettable experience. On January 27, Cornerstone Cellars’ Winemaker Jeff Keane and Brix…
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    Wine Catz

  • Bouquet of Gasoline a Good Thing?

    Judy
    27 Jan 2012 | 4:50 pm
    I just read a review of a highly rated wine that smelled of, and I quote, “petrol and old parchment with a hint of waxiness.” Oh wow. Sign me up for a bottle of that… Not. I know some wine lovers feel that a wine like Riesling’s ability to morph flavors from fruit and flowers to gasoline and floor wax is a positive thing, but don’t count me among them. I like my whites fresh and fruity, and hope that my palate never becomes jaded enough to go pleasure hunting in the garage for new experiences. Nor would you think that touting the fact that the bottle of wine you…

  • 2009 Ex Umbris Syrah

    Craig
    19 Jan 2012 | 8:09 pm
    Christmas is a season for surprises for sure, but not all come from under the tree. The Catz had their traditional prime rib roast for Christmas dinner and the surprise was the wine I took a chance on, Ex Umbris  2009 Syrah. Well… OK… maybe not a big chance as Wine Spectator rated it #25 in their highly regarded top 100 list and gave it a solid 93 points. This is one of those special wines that are equally good with food as they are when accompanied by just you and a glass. This Syrah is a bold wine with rich fruit with smokey under tones. What we found exceptional about this…

  • Wine Time

    The Catz
    4 Jan 2012 | 3:49 pm
    Ok, these are really funny. Once you watch one, you’ll want to know what Marissa Ross thinks of all the wines she swigs.

  • Sofia Rosé 2010 by Francis Ford Coppola Winery

    Judy
    31 Dec 2011 | 6:35 pm
    Craig and Judy (collectively, the Catz) had a fine time this summer exploring rosé wines from all over the globe. We learned that we really, really love rosé, and are a bit miffed at wine distributors, sellers, or whatever powers that be, that, if pinkish wines are to appear on local shelves at all, choose unworthy white zins and the like. Summer waned and our focus wandered to wintery reds. But we weren’t quite ready to stop drinking rosé. In fact, we rather disagree with the common thought that rosé is a summer wine. We think that rosé is a wine to bridge all seasons. Lovely for…

  • Move over Pinot

    Craig
    22 Dec 2011 | 5:17 pm
    Say “Oregon Wine” and Pinot Noir rolls off the tongue. But we’re here to say that Tempranillo, (yes I said Tempranillo) in the right hands is a wine capable of reaching the same lofty heights as the best Pinot. And those right hands can be found at Abacela winery. Having had the wonderful opportunity to attend a vertical Tempranillo tasting at Abacela this fall, we were able to experience the evolution of this wine through the years. From the 1998 Estate Tempranillo that won double gold medals at the San Francisco International Wine Competition in 2000, to the 2007 Reserve…
 
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