TaylorEason.com: Foodies unite » Sustainable/Organic

Wine review: Sea Smoke 2007 “Ten” Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

Taylor Eason — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:40:19 +0000

It's rare that I review expensive wines. But occasionally one runs across my tongue that sends tingles through my nervous system that channel through my fingers. Happened recently when I popped open a Sea Smoke, a cult winery from the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County in southern California.

Sam’s Club releases its own wine label: Infinite 2008 Spanish Red

Taylor Eason — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:35:01 +0000

I suppose it was bound to happen. That partytrain known as wine sales had to arrive in Generica, stopping at the Sam's Club station. Like the last guy at a party to realize his fly is open, Sam Walton's masterminding crew has released its own private wine retail label. I should've expected it... I should've sensed it in the air. But the moment the press release entered my inbox offering up a sample of this new Spanish red blend, I HAD to try it.

Wine review: Errazuriz 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Aconcagua Valley

Taylor Eason — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:00:56 +0000

Chile is just now getting to the point where they produce good cabernets. I've enjoyed their white wines for as long as I can remember but their reds always wallowed in green pepper and asparagus... and not in a good way with dollop of hollandaise. Errazuriz, a winery founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errazuriz, has established themselves internationally as a quality-driven business. They also farm their vineyards sustainably, taking care of the soil for the coming generations.

Spring has sprung: Wines reviews to get you drinking

Taylor Eason — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 22:36:14 +0000

Spring has sprung. The newly back-from-vacation birds are chirping… the honeybees are busy, and all the animals are horny. Makes me want a drink… or a cigarette, but I don't smoke. Then, naturally, my mind turns to wine, my favorite beverage. This time of year, as warmth slowly creeps back into the days, I can’t help but shun the heavy reds and pair the weather with something a little more refreshing… mostly rich whites and light-bodied reds.

Brazin 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi

Taylor Eason — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:30:05 +0000

Not everyone can craft really tasty zinfandel. Sometimes, this varietal wine can be overly alcoholic, with fumes wafting up your nose. Other times, it's too intense and brash like a pushy whore wearing too much makeup. Not this one.

Wine review: Willakenzie 2006 Pinot Noir Pierre Leon

Taylor Eason — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:53:26 +0000

This pinot house has been cranking out incredible wine since 1995, when high-tech biz man Bernard Lacroute saw an ad for Oregon land in the Wine Spectator. 420-acres of cattle land to be precise. Back then, the price for Yamhill dirt wasn't as offensive as it might be today.

Wine review: Jean Bousquet 2007 Malbec Mendoza

Taylor Eason — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:27:50 +0000

One winery who sniffed out the organic trend before it happened: Domaine Jean Bouquet in Argentina. Third-generation French winemaker Jean Bousquet moved to Mendoza's Tupungato Valley in 1997, planting the vineyard in a climate that didn't require chemicals and pesticides to thrive. They grow a little bit of everything, from the indigenous Torrontes grape to Merlot to this delicious

Parducci 2008 Pinot Grigio California + Humboldt Fog Cheese

Taylor Eason — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:26:55 +0000

Pinot grigio might be a bit "pedestrian" for wine snobs out there, basically because of the cheap crap from Italy. This fruity yet tart, organically-farmed number from California might turn heads. Pair it with Humboldt Fog cheese and it's

Wine review: Domaine Le Garrigon 2008 Côtes du Rhône

Taylor Eason — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:32:15 +0000

Are you ready for something a little different... daring... even shocking? Bring out this wine at your next gathering. It's wine in a box, 'cept it it's not in a thin, cheap cardboard box labeled Franzia-- it's literally in a wooden box. And it has GOOD wine in it.

Wine review: Merieau 2007 Gamay de Touraine Le Bois Jacou

Taylor Eason — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:04:44 +0000

Right now, the unknown wine regions are THE deals in France. Forget trying to find a cheap Red Burgundy or Bordeaux and dive into the obscure frontier. Got $20? You've can slurp a fruity gamay from Loire Valley's Touraine region, thank you very much.

Domaine Carneros 2005 Brut

Taylor Eason — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:14:59 +0000

Domaine Carneros is the California outpost of France's famed Taittinger Champagne house, located in a opulent chateau on the eastern side of Carneros in Napa Valley. In 2008, they received certifed organic status for their vineyards -- the first sparkling wine house to achieve that in

Wine review: MezzaCorona 2008 Pinot Noir Trentino

Taylor Eason — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Pinot noir isn’t particularly the expertise of the Italians, but this inexpensive pinot doesn’t suck. The grapes are sourced from the cooler, mountainous climes of northeastern Italy, an environment pinot loves. This wine isn’t magical, but great for the price, and everything a pinot noir should be.

Wine review: Pacific Rim Dry Riesling

Taylor Eason — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This is a project that Randall Grahm consults on and the quality reflects his hand. The label says “dry” but it’s not really dry. That doesn’t mean it’s not super yummy. Pineapple, red apple and a slight whiff of “petrol” or diesel. Give into your inner sweet cravings with this affordable little gem.

Sweetness: 4 out of 10 Rating: 4 stars

Geode 2006 Chardonnay Santa Barbara

Taylor Eason — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

This winery is so vibrantly green, they even send out seed-studded press sheets with their sample bottles. But what the wines boast in eco-friendliness, they lack in taste. Essence of popcorn Jelly Bellies. But worse. Kinda depressing. 2 stars out of 5. Sweetness=3 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $16

Paul Dolan 2006 Zinfandel Mendocino

Taylor Eason — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:52:24 +0000

Rich with what makes zin so scrumptious: blackberry, blueberry, earthy cocoa, white peppery spiciness, soft tannins and sweet vanilla. A big, robust wine but so smooth, the bottom of the bottle will hit you fast. Sw=2. 4 stars. $18.

Tenuta Rapitala 2008 Camporeale Nero d’Avola

Taylor Eason — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The 30-year-old Camporeale vineyard lies in the rolling hills on the island of Sicily. This lovely nero d’avola is awash with plum, strong-brewed tea and ripe blackberry. Supple tannins, medium-boy and enough acidity to pair with roasted meats. Delicious.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $13

Crios de Susana Balbo 2007 Malbec Mendoza

Taylor Eason — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Fabulously delicious. Medium-bodied and flirtatious. Fragrant blackberry that explodes in your mouth then kisses you with smoky oak, rich vanilla, ripe plum and black cherry. Finish is forever. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15

Helfrich 2007 Riesling Alsace (France)

Taylor Eason — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

This semi-dry riesling smells like Estee Lauder perfume then eases into honeyed tangerine, lemon and luscious honeysuckle. Finishes with crisp acidity and wet stone minerality. Complex and deliciously affordable. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $12

Bonny Doon 2008 Vin Gris de Cigare California

Taylor Eason — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

From Randall Grahm’s infamous Bonny Doon winery comes a grenache-based rosé that smells like a fresh spring day. Zesty citrus, steely raspberry and orange blossom flavors with a clean, refreshing, red apple finish. 4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15

Capcanes 2004 Mas Donis Montsant

Taylor Eason — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The Monsant wine region surrounds Spain’s Priorat area like a taco, wrapping snuggly around a region known for its hefty wines and corresponding prices. I can’t afford Priorat so Monsant it is. A blend of grenache and syrah, the 2004 Capcanes is a big, Old World-type wine bursting with ripe black cherry and earthy mushrooms caked in dirt. Medium sweet tannins and