Wine Reviews
Big Secret in Napa Valley
Written by shawn on date 30 March 2016 in Wine Regions, Wine Reviews, Winemakers
Napa Valley Cabernet is so often the go to wine for many wine aficionados. I have often been curious to the question of how/when a Cabernet producer like Screaming Eagle, Bryant Family, Harlan Estate, and so many others, move from entering the market place, to becoming a high demand, California Cult Wine.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with an assistant to one of the worlds most notable cult winemakers (Heidi Barrett), his name, Tony Arcudi. Arcudi, now producing a very limited production (around 250 cases) of his first wine released under the name, Arcudi.
After speaking with ...
Read more10 Great Wines of Garagiste
Written by shawn on date 16 February 2016 in Central Coast, Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara County, Wine Festivals , Wine Reviews, Winemakers
The Garagiste Festival is one of those great wine events where visitors can discover numerous super small brands. In some cases these winemakers only produce a few barrels of wine. It is also worth mentioning that many of these wines are not found in a tasting room, or store shelves due to such low production.
The Saturday seminar in Solvang (Santa Ynez Valley) kicked off with a much lessor known varietal, Mourvedre. The panelist included (left) Bob Tillman from Alta Colina in Paso Robles, Eric Mohseni (middle) from the long time famed Zaca Mesa of Santa Barbara County, and Mr ...
Read moreThanksgiving / Turkey Wine Pairings
Written by shawn on date 20 November 2015 in Wine Dinners, Wine Pairing , Wine Reviews
Larner Vineyard, A Focused Wine Tasting
Written by shawn on date 27 May 2015 in Santa Barbara County, Wine Regions, Wine Reviews, Winemakers
It is often said, "Wine is made in the vineyard." If this statement is true, then it might be a foregone conclusion that winemakers select their vineyards very carefully. Most industry professionals would likely agree that the fruit source is key, and is the reason so many consumers buy wines from specific regions and designated vineyards.
I had the honor being included in a rare viewing/tasting of the Larner Vineyard located in a newly (Oct 2013) designated AVA, Ballard Canyon, in Santa Barbara County. The tasting was a focused tasting of seven different winemakers' wines, all sourcing from the ...
Read moreHappy Canyon of Santa Barbara Ready To Splash Westerly
Written by shawn on date 04 April 2015 in Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara County, Wine Reviews, Winemakers
Turkish Wines VinoRai
Written by shawn on date 28 February 2015 in Wine Regions, Wine Reviews
Turkish Wine History:
Top Wines of 2014 Wine That Will Blow Up Your Skirt
Written by shawn on date 28 November 2014 in Happy Canyon, Oregon Wine Country , Santa Barbara County, Wine Reviews
There are always a lot of wines to choose from, and it can be difficult to know what are suggested purchases without having tasted a wine. Few are willing to spend $30, $50, or more on a wine, hoping it will be money well spent.
Vintages change, picking decisions change, blendings can change, and sometimes even winemakers change. I am fortunate enough to taste many wines each year. Some wines I taste at various events and dinners, some are samples sent to me, while others may be tasted in the tasting room. When I see a wine scores a 95 ...
Read moreJ Wrigley Vineyards Brings The Family
Written by shawn on date 12 June 2014 in Oregon Wine Country , Wine Reviews
On occasion in the wine industry, there are inspiring and interesting wines, people, and places. In rare instances, one might discover a trifecta of all three.
J Wrigley (Family) Vineyards hits the mark for everything people look for when hitting the wine trail. Kind hearted real people, a welcoming sense from them, a beautiful location, and of course great wines. A visit to the tasting room of J Wrigley in McMinville Oregon inside of the Wilamette Valley, would likely be the highlight to wine travelers day.
I had a unique opportunity to meet with John and Jody Wrigley, in southern ...
Read moreAndrew Murray Vineyards Syrah
Written by shawn on date 16 January 2014 in Santa Barbara County, Wine Reviews
Like it or not, there are certain things in life that are dependable. Alcatraz is a secure prison, the bank will have my money when I ask them for it, politics gets some people emotional, Mc Donald's drive thru will stop all breakfast orders at 10:29 AM, and Andrew Murray will always deliver a quality wine that taste like I paid a lot more.
Not all of these aspects are great, however they are dependable. Andrew Murray continues like clock work to keep the train going of high quality and amazing values.
I must admit, I hit Costco ...
Read moreTop Wines That Will Blow Up Your Skirt
Written by shawn on date 26 October 2013 in Wine Reviews
Throughout the year I drink wine at dinners, various wine events, festivals, tasting rooms, and have samples submitted for review. In most cases it can be difficult to properly review a wine without bottle submission, however, there are moments when a wine seems to hit all cylinders even with a small pour. These are the wines that immediately say "Hello!"
Some wine media produces publications with wines that are too scarce or soldout. Their 'Top 100' in my view often becomes much like going to a restaurant and looking at pictures of the food and then going home.
Wines That ...
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