The Mettler Family’s grapegrowing roots date back to the 1770’s, so they’ve had a couple of years to get the farming formula in California’s Lodi region right. Their 2007 Epicenter Zin is not a wine for those seeking light-hearted red wine. Burly, muscular, concentrated flavors ... Read More »
Red
Reviews of red wines
Wine review: Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cepages
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 »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 »
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 »
Mojo Rising: Things have changed for Rioja and Ribera del Duero Spanish wines
Rioja and Ribera del Duero wine producers have woken up, smelled the potential profits and have begun making wine the new-fashioned way — using clean and modern equipment, becoming judicious with their use of oak barrels, and letting the fruit shine through.
... 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 »
3 great boxed wines – yes, tasty 3 liter wines in a box exist
I’ve been a proponent of wine-in-a-box, or “cask wine” as the Aussies call it, for years. But with the recession siphoning our wallets, these vinous countertop accoutrement are becoming as popular as half off restaurant coupons. Whereas before Australian wineries ruled the boxed ... Read More »
Wine review: Four Vines 2007 Syrah Paso Robles
Known for its Zinfandels and Naked Chardonnay, Four Vines Winery is capable of so much more. Creative and fun, these guys boast wines named Biker and Heretic, and the aforementioned “Naked” line, indicating its lack of oak usage in the Chardonnay. Sourced from Paso Robles, where warm weather ... 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 »