Warmth is finally peeking out from underneath the underbelly of winter, escaping to where people wear shorts and sandals. When the mercury rises to this level, it’s difficult to slurp red wine, so I recommend these five inexpensive white and sparkling wines that should quench the thirst tugging ... Read More »
Almost perfect
Reviews of wines that are almost perfect quality.
Sparkling wine review: Sorelle Bronca Prosecco Brut (Veneto, Italy)
Used to be bubbles were out of reach for everyday drinking, but then quality Italian Prosecco came along. Like the Sorelle Bronca Prosecco that I tasted at a wine bar in Santa Rosa in Northern California. By the glass for $8. An absolute steal.
... Read More »Wine review: Quivira 2008 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley grows some of the best Zinfandel in California and Quivira lies in the middle of it all. When I visited their biodynamically-farmed vineyards in Sonoma County a few years ago, I was pretty awed with everything they produced.
... Read More »Wine reviews: La Crema 2009 Monterey Pinot Noir and 09 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Melissa Stackhouse, a fantastically talented Pinot and Chardonnay winemaker, was recently promoted at Kendall Jackson (who owns La Crema Winery) to Pinot Noir Winemaster for all of Jackson Family Wines. I’m not surprised since her gorgeous creations continue to overdeliver for the price. I’ll ... Read More »
Wine review: Mulderbosch 2008 Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch (South Africa)
In new world regions like South Africa, Chenin Blanc transforms. They often call this white grape “Steen” in South Africa. And the Mulderbosch Chenin was mistaken for a White Burgundy at a recent blind tasting… embarrassing all the certified sommeliers in attendance.
... Read More »Wine review: Montecillo 2001 Rioja Gran Reserva
In Europe, gender equality in the wine world still hovers in the Middle Ages, but strong-willed females have made progress. In 1975, Maria Martinez, a warm-hearted yet tough survivor, began her wine career in Spain’s Rioja region. After only four years of working in the cellars, she earned her spot ... Read More »
Wine review: The Climber 2009 Sauvignon Blanc California
The Clif Family — yes, the same people who make the cand…er… “nutrition” bars — started making wine in 2004 after moving to Napa Valley. Like their bars, they source from sustainably and organically-grown vineyards (link) in northern California. Winemakers Sarah ... Read More »
Wine review: Zind Humbrecht 2009 Pinot Gris
Of all the French wine regions, Alsace (ALL sass) is the easiest to understand. Unlike other regions, it labels its bottles by varietal name, making the selection — and pronunciation — less problematic. This Pinot Gris from Zind Humbrecht is nearly perfect.
... Read More »Wine review: Matanzas Creek 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma (California)
This California winery boasts a fantastically talented French winemaker who crafts decidedly European-style white and red wines. In essence: food wines with more acidity. This is a “grown-up” Sauvignon Blanc.
... Read More »Wine review: Heron 2009 Pinot Noir California
Heron Winery out of San Francisco might be what you’d call an “alternative” winery. They don’t own vineyards, don’t have a tasting room and make wines from grapes sourced from all over the world. Really tasty wines like this $15 Pinot Noir.
... Read More »Wine review: Two Hands Angel’s Share 2008 Shiraz
As fall creeps into the weather pattern, so does my need for red wine. I despise being part of a stereotype but something in the chilly air calls for the beefier stuff. That’s where Shiraz from Australia’s McLaren Vale comes in. Especially the good stuff from Two Hands.
... Read More »Wine review: Milbrandt 2007 Traditions Merlot Columbia Valley
Gawd… this is yet another fabulous example of delicious Washington State Merlot. Butch and Jerry Milbrandt came from a long line of families who “worked the land” and they planted grapevines in 1997. But it wasn’t until 2007 that they launched a brand with their name on it. ... Read More »