TaylorEason.com: Foodies unite » White

Wine reviews: Hogue Cellars 2008 Genesis Riesling and 2007 Meritage

Taylor Eason — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:42:49 +0000

On a recent trip to Hogue Cellars in Eastern Washington State, I tasted pretty much every wine they make. The 2008 Genesis Riesling -- they have three tiers of wines: Hogue, Hogue Genesis, Hogue Terroir -- impressed me like the cured salmon and crème fraiche they paired it with. But when I blind-tasted the red blend Meritage a few weeks ago (and again during the trip), I knew things had

Wine review: Dry Creek 2009 Dry Chenin Blanc and 2006 Mariner

Taylor Eason — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:16:50 +0000

Dry Creek Vineyards isn't one of those jump up and down, shouting "look at me!" wineries. They thankfully haven't gone down the animal-on-the-label road nor have they succumbed to posting promotional drivel on Facebook and Twitter. They're thoughtful, consistent and course-stayers like the tortoise in the fable. Dry Creek's tasty juice remains solid year after year, their marketing conservative, and their prices stay pretty reasonable. Not to mention that they're still family-owned (since 1972), a marvelous feat in an industry that keeps consolidating as the recession crushes sales.

Wine review: Kim Crawford 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Taylor Eason — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:03:39 +0000

Overwhelming flavors, reminiscent of sucking on a key lime. Grapefruit and green herbs rush up the nose and onto the tongue. The acidity is almost too present -- the wine isn't as balanced or as smooth as other vintages.

Wine review for World Cup: Indaba 2009 Chenin Blanc South Africa

Taylor Eason — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:18:31 +0000

Perhaps you're looking for a refreshing white wine to guzzle with World Cup matches? This South African Chenin Blanc (aka "Steen") scores well in the extreme value department, as well as the deliciousness.

Wine review: Sbragia 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Home Ranch

Taylor Eason — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:21:19 +0000

I'm not sure what they're thinking trying to sell a $18-$20 sauvignon blanc in this economy, but I'd pay that for it since I've tasted it. Here I am jumping up and down, trying to tell you that Ed Sbragia is frickin' brilliant. Brilliant, I tell you.

Corporate wineries: The best of the worst

Taylor Eason — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 23:13:59 +0000

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with wines produced by massive corporations, but as I've harped on before, the little guys generally make better wine, displaying more heart and soul. Both attempt to produce income but corporations exist solely to do so. So I already have a prejudice against them... their practices make my fave beverage so... so... crass. Which is why my sneaky husband recently (and unbeknownst to me) set up a blind tasting of my most harshly judged, corporately-produced wines. My report:

Wine review: Vionta 2008 Albarino Rias Baixas

Taylor Eason — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:08:55 +0000

I've been a rabid fan of the refreshing Spanish white, albariño, since I visited the region a few years ago. Since it rains all the time in this grape's homeland of Rias Baixas, situated in the northwestern corner of Spain (just above Portugal), vineyard managers must grow their grapes above the ground to prevent the fruit from drowning. This is a great example of one.

Wine review: Laurenz V Gruner Veltliner “Singing” (Austria)

Taylor Eason — Sat, 22 May 2010 15:43:46 +0000

There simply isn’t a better warm weather pool wine than the under-rated, under-appreciated grüner veltliner grape. Yes, the name is a mouthful and annoying to say, but the industry has handily shortened it to “grooner”, after the way it’s pronounced. And the eager Austrians sure do want you to try their fabulously tart grog. They’re even releasing affordable ones.

Grüner

Wine review: Buried Cane 2007 Riesling Washington

Taylor Eason — Sat, 15 May 2010 15:00:20 +0000

So this might be one of the times you can accuse riesling of being sweet. Not cloying and sugary, but sweet like being kissed lightly on the cheek and offering you a gourmet meal. The good kind of sweet. Buried Cane, an affordable line of wines from Washington State, is virtually unknown but it's slowly making its way through the maze of wholesalers throughout the country.

Wine review: Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Taylor Eason — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:40:13 +0000

I've always despised this brand's name, conjuring thoughts of the forums, test cases and focus groups that must've gone into its development. Even Adam Richardson, winemaker for Cupcake, sheepishly admitted to me the name wasn't "inspired" by much. But I begrudgingly admit their wines are popular, even tasty, with a soft, drinkable-ness and romance associated with America's love of cupcakes. It seems to work.

Wine review: Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Gewürztraminer

Taylor Eason — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:43:36 +0000

Man oh man, this grape throws people like the mechanical bull in Urban Cowboy. Even if you drink it often, gewürztraminer is practically unpronounceable when buzzed... wine industry people screw it up frequently. The correct way (and please feel free to pass this around): geh-VERTS-trah-mee-ner. Funky name aside, it's deliciously aromatic and rich.

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.

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

Hugel et Fils 2007 Gewürztraminer Alsace

Taylor Eason — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:28:36 +0000

This mouthful of a grape (pronounced geh-VERTS-trah-mee-ner) doesn't get much play in the U.S. Wine geeks gravitate towards it for myriad reasons --soft n' fruity, pairs with food, pretty affordable -- but the average consumer reads that multi-syllabic name on a wine list or shelf and says, "Huh?"

Smart transition: J Vineyards and Winery story

Taylor Eason — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:42:36 +0000

Sometimes people can see the writing on the wall. Call them sages, clairvoyants or simply smart, but wineries -- who typically wallow stagnantly in tradition -- occasionally do the right thing for their business. And some do it before everyone else does. Three years ago, Judy Jordan, Founder and President of California sparkling wine house J Vineyards and Winery in Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, sensed her industry might be headed for some rough times. The economy was wavering, the housing bubble hadn't burst yet and Americans, unlike the relaxed Europeans, still viewed daily bubbly consumption as luxurious decadence.

AVA Lesson: Firestone 2008 Discoveries Chardonnay California

Taylor Eason — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:18:54 +0000

The "California" appellation (aka AVA) on a bottle can be a good thing... but it can also mean "cheap swill" lurks inside the bottle. Not sure where Firestone got their goods, but this chardonnay is

Good wine deals at Sam’s Club

Taylor Eason — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:00:59 +0000

Yea, yea, I shouldn't be supporting "big box" wine sellers, but the reality is... although I'd love most consumers to frequent their neighborhood wine shop, sooo many don't. That's a shame, but at least this list will help you drink better wines from Sam's Club.

Estancia 2008 Chardonnay Pinnacles Ranch Monterey

Taylor Eason — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:26:06 +0000

Oddly enough, at a wine dinner I attended in Monterey — hosted by the Estancia Director of Winemaking, Scott Kelly — I found their reserve chardonnay too oaky, too sweet and too, well, manipulated. But this simple little gem paired better with more food than most of the carefully chosen wines at the dinner. Shockingly great quality, especially from a

Wine review: Talbott 2007 Logan Chardonnay Monterey

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

Family-owned Talbott Vineyards has been growing superior chardonnay and pinot noir grapes for 25 years.

Wine review: Calina 2008 Chardonnay Reserva Casablanca

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

Did you know 95 percent of Chilean wine is exported to places like the U.S. and the U.K.? Sucks to be Chilean because this smacks of quality California chardonnay, but half the price. Smooth and juicy with creamy, buttery peaches, melon and vanilla. 4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $8