Sure, it’s a hefty price to pay, but sometimes cult wines are worth it. OK, not often by my standards but the Cinq Cepages (translation from French: “five grape varieties”) falls in the “Worth It” category.
... Read More »Impressive/Gift
Reviews of impressive wines for gifts.
Wine review: Hugel 2006 Pinot Gris Classic Alsace
Unlike many labels that lure you in with clever labels (this one is designed by Ralph Steadman), the juice inside this bottle isn’t plonk. The Hugel family brand from France’s Alsace region is known for its quality, 370 year history and dedication to the land.
... Read More »Wine reviews: Villa Maria 2009 Cellar Selection Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc
A few months ago, Villa Maria Estate got a Vitamin B-12 shot in their marketing. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates — the sales and marketing powerhouse behind Ste. Michelle Winery, Columbia Crest and Erath — began importing and marketing New Zealand’s “biggest boutique winery.” ... Read More »
Five American red and white wines over $30 worth the price
Current reports say wine prices won’t reach the offensive heights we’ve seen in the past ten years for quite a while, if ever again. Value is the new norm. Bad for the wineries who have enjoyed mega profits and success but good thing for us, right? Now, we can enjoy $60, $80, $100 for ... Read More »
Wine review: Wallace Brook 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
This second label, brought to us by the famed Adelsheim Vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, couldn’t be better. Most of the time, a second label is where a winery tucks in their lesser grapes — those that didn’t make the cut for the flagship bottling, especially during ... Read More »
Wine reviews: Hogue Cellars 2008 Genesis Riesling and 2007 Meritage
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 ... Read More »
Wine review: Dry Creek 2009 Dry Chenin Blanc and 2006 Mariner
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 ... Read More »
Wine review: Sea Smoke 2007 “Ten” Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
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. ... Read More »
Wine review: Clos la Coutale 2007 Cahors (France)
From the other place where Malbec grows free and is celebrated, Cahors in Southwestern France, comes a Malbec unlike any you’ve tried from the warm climes of Argentina.
... Read More »Wine review: Luchador 2007 Shiraz South Australia
I’d heard rumors about this wine before encountering it in my glass. Shazam, this is a BIG wine. Concentrated and inky (almost opaque) like a cup of espresso, except made with grapes. I think.
... Read More »Wine Review: Carina Cellars 2007 Clairvoyant
I met Carina Cellars during a trip to Santa Barbara wine country back in 2003 after they’d just started. Founders David Hardee and Joel Tensley knew their wines weren’t sold in the states where my column was published but they wanted feedback. So I gave it to them, as my friends know I’m ... Read More »
Wine review: Sbragia 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Home Ranch
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.
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