Proving that Petite Sirah is on the way up in the wine circles, J Lohr is confident enough in this grape’s popularity to produce a single-vineyard offering — from the warm growing region of Paso Robles.
... Read More »Impressive/Gift
Reviews of impressive wines for gifts.
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 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: 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: La Craie 2009 Vouvray
Full-bodied and elegant, La Craie Vouvray explodes with fragrant fruit: peaches and apricots drizzled with honey, earthy chamomile. It has a burst of sweetness on the tongue but finishes dry and luscious. The best of both worlds.
... 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 »Sparkling wine review: Domaine Carneros 2006 Brut Cuvee
As the American outpost of the famed French Champagne house Taittinger, vintage after vintage, Domaine Carneros the best way to drink Champagne-ish on a craft beer budget. Great value for the money.
... Read More »Wine review: Paul Dolan 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino
I’m not ashamed to admit that I respect and admire Paul Dolan, his biodynamic and organic farming philosophies and his vision for the future. The hard work shows up in the glass bottle after bottle, including this one.
... Read More »Duval Leroy Rose Champagne Non Vintage
Yes, there’s definitely something sensual, sexy and seductive about a glass of Champagne. And if it has a tint of salmon pink color to it, it give me chills like I’m about to enjoy well… you get the point. The result in this French bubbly yields red fruit on the tongue… tart ... Read More »
Foppiano 2008 Petite Sirah Russian River Valley
Petite Sirah, the re-emerged bastard French wine child from royal pedigree, is called Durif in many parts of the world. It was engineered in the late 1800s by a French guy named — you guessed it — Durif. He cross-pollinated the venerated syrah grape with an obscure French peasant grape called ... Read More »
Wine review: Louis Latour 2008 Pouilly Fuisse
The fancy name — Pouilly Fuissé — might scare people off from checking out this wine, but don’t be intimidated. With fruit and acidity like this, it’s not scared of you. Pouilly Fuissé is a subregion of Maconnais in France’s Burgundy area (this might make it clearer: ... 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.
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