Pinot noir, chardonnay blends 8-31-2022

Many great wines are blends. Red Bordeaux is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and a smattering of other reds. Southern Rhône GSM wines are grenache, syrah, mourvèdre blends. In whites, sauvignon blanc and semillon enjoy a classic marriage. Continue reading “Pinot noir, chardonnay blends 8-31-2022”

Italian classification system 8-24-2022

Buying wine can be intimidating. How do you know if the wine is any good without buying a bottle and tasting it? Wine critics may help, but not all wines have a current score and you may find descriptors are just gobbledygook. Continue reading “Italian classification system 8-24-2022”

Sparkling stemware 8-17-2022

The proper Champagne or sparkling wine vessel is a pain in the glass. Wine professionals largely agree on what glass best presents the wine for tasting, but that is not the whole story.

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Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel, Contra Costa County 2020

Deep ruby color; blackberry, raspberry, plum, strawberry on the nose; raspberry, strawberry, plum, black cherry, oak, chocolate, cinnamon spice on the palate. Continue reading “Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel, Contra Costa County 2020”

Masseria Li Veli Askos Susumaniello Rosato Salento IGT 2021

Medium copper color; pink grapefruit, watermelon, blood orange, flowers on the nose; mandarin orange, melon, strawberry, watermelon on the palate. Continue reading “Masseria Li Veli Askos Susumaniello Rosato Salento IGT 2021”

Weingut Meyer-Näkel Pinot Noir Rosé, Ahr 2020

Deep copper color; cherry, raspberry, strawberry, red fruit, violets on the nose; cherry, raspberry, watermelon, blood orange, citrus on the palate. Continue reading “Weingut Meyer-Näkel Pinot Noir Rosé, Ahr 2020”

Hamel Family Wines Hamel Family Ranch Red Wine 2016

Deep ruby color; cherry, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla on the nose; cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, oak, chocolate, cinnamon on the palate. Continue reading “Hamel Family Wines Hamel Family Ranch Red Wine 2016”

Chehalem Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley 2021

Pale-medium copper color; strawberry, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, white flowers on the nose; strawberry, peach, pink grapefruit, raspberry, minerality on the palate. Continue reading “Chehalem Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley 2021”

Most searched Napa wines 8-10-2022

Napa is universally recognized as one of the world’s premier wine regions, and you pay to enjoy its exalted pours. How much and which wines get the most attention? Continue reading “Most searched Napa wines 8-10-2022”