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 ... Read More »
Everyday
Wine reviews for everyday drinking and enjoyment.
Wine review: Bogle 2008 Pinot Noir California
Tasty, inexpensive pinot noir made by a hands-on, family-owned winery.
... Read More »Spring has sprung: Wines reviews to get you drinking
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 ... Read More »
Brazin 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi
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.
... Read More »Wine review: Clayhouse 2007 Adobe Red Paso Robles
Founded in 2003, Clayhouse is a boutique winery located in California’s south-central Paso Robles wine region. Since 1990, the Middleton family has farmed a gigantic 1,700-acre estate where they grow 20 different grapes, from petite sirah to sauvignon blanc. Clayhouse put some damn fine drinking ... Read More »
Wine review: 337 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi
Ok, so the name sucks, but the wine doesn’t. This juicy, perfumey wine is named after France’s 337 cabernet sauvignon clone. In the world of grapes, “clone” is a term used for naturally-occurring (sometimes mutating) genetic subtypes of the same grape variety.
... Read More »Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2007 Parallèle 45
Made by a French, family-owned winery in the Rhône region, this is a deliciously affordable blend of sustainably-farmed grenache and syrah grapes.
... Read More »Irony 2006 Pinot Noir Monterey
This family-owned winery is located in Napa Valley, but thankfully they look outside of its great-for-cabernet-and-merlot soil to the cooler climate of Monterey County for its pinot noirs. (Read more about Monterey County wines here.)
... Read More »Segura Viudas Aria Brut Cava
Affordable decadence defines Spanish Cavas. Bubbles without the trouble; tastiness without the tawdry price. But Spanish Cava can be a mystery. Weird grape names, little hype. If the bottle doesn’t read “Champagne”many people overlook this sparkling segment, even if it costs less ... Read More »
Estancia 2008 Chardonnay Pinnacles Ranch Monterey
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 ... Read More »
Georges Duboeuf 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau
By far the best and most complex Nouveau I sampled this year. I can’t say it’s “the best vintage in 50 years” but it’s good enough for more than a whimsical trip down Beaujolais Lane. Loaded with juicy black cherry and blackberry, it sports mildly sweet tannins, pumpkin pie spices
... Read More »Wine review: Calina 2008 Chardonnay Reserva Casablanca
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
... Read More »