2014 Cotiere Syrah
Strike up the band? Put into wine terms, the orchestra of fruit and flavors in this Santa Maria Valley 100% Syrah hits all the right chords. Loads of juicy plum, black currant and black cherry fruit echo right along with very aromatic violets, soft cigar box aromas, black pepper...
Did You Know …… Fact #6
The French appellation Graves is considered the oldest wine region in Bordeaux. This Left Bank region, known as the Birthplace of Claret, is the only renowned Bordeaux appellation that produces red wine (mostly Cabernet), dry white wine (blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon), and sweet wine (Sauternes)....
2015 Forchini Old Vine Zinfandel
It’s been years since I tasted this old friend and quite happy with the updated reunion. Culled from 100 year old vines in the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, the striking deep ruby color and fragrant aroma shows thorny dark berries, blackberry and cherry with black pepper, mint...
Ridge Lytton Springs Vertical Tasting
A vertical tasting is when you open multiple bottles of the same wine from different vintages. It is the perfect way to find out how those wines are aging in the cellar, plus experience all the different nuances they reveal as they age....
This is not your Grandma’s Riesling
Spring is always the most exciting time of the year. Warm weather abounds, grass is growing, flowers are blooming, patios, barbeques and the need to be outdoors overwhelming. As a wine lover, it’s time to give those big comfort reds a break and bring out the refreshing wines of...
What is the number one tourist attraction in California?
For many years, Disneyland ruled. Now, wineries are king. The wine industry now attracts more than 18 million visitors to its wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards. Who would have ever thought grapes could overtake a couple of cute mice....
2014 Frick Cinsaut
I am always on the hunt for something new and different to tease my taste buds. The typical varietals are everywhere among us, I am in search for something rare and unusual. I had enjoyed this wine years ago but only recently had the opportunity to experience it once...
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripe and ready for picking, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at Pride Mountain Vineyard are considered some of the best in Napa Valley. High atop Spring Mountain in the western part of the valley, their fabulous wines are rivaled by the spectacular views and the winery itself. ...
Decoding a Wine Label – Part 1
I was having dinner recently with friends who happen to be wine novices. They enjoy wine, love trying new things and are learning what they do and don’t like about both red and whites. But most of all, they are very interested in increasing their wine knowledge. I mentioned...
Who are Crljenak Kastelanski and Tribidrag?
It’s our good friend, Mr. Zinfandel. Thought to be a native California grape, Zinfandel’s origins actually belong to the country of Croatia. The varietal also spread it’s wings to southern Italy, where it is grown and known as Primitivo....