Sunday, 30 November 2014

Haydn?s Review of the Hard Row to Hoe Shameless Hussy Sangiovese Dry Rose

Winery: Hard Row to Hoe Appellation: Lake Chelan AVA (just established last year!) Price: $22 Haydn gives this wine: 90pts You can buy this wine: Hard Row to Hoe’s website At least for me, when it comes to summertime, the rose wine jumps right up to the top. Along with those crisp whites (hello New [...]

Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/haydns-review-of-the-hard-row-to-hoe-shameless-hussy-sangiovese-dry-rose/

Tempranillo Dolcetto Malbec Red Wine White Wine

OTBN 13: A Night of Regret & Discovery

Although I was an avid and longtime reader of Dottie Gaiter and John Brecher’s weekly Wall Street Journal wine column, I never have participated in Open That Bottle Night (OTBN). Started in 2000, the event was created as an excuse to open a special wine that remains for whatever reason languishing in your cellar. I […]

OTBN 13: A Night of Regret & Discovery originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/FUsu7Y9Hwbo/

Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia

5 Questions for Thi Tran

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/08/5-questions-for-thi-tran.html

Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith

Weekend reading from the blogs and beyond

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/weekend_reading_from_the_blogs.html

Shafer Firebreak Sinskey Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/02/old-franc-chinon-1996-clos-de-lolive.html

Fisher Foxen Girard Groth

Art and Wine Country

Art and Wine Country There are many wineries where wine country travelers can view “Art in the Wine Country.” The Clos Pegase Winery in the Napa Valley, in this photo, is just one. However, it is one of our favorites for these reasons. First and foremost, the architecture, which is a Postmodern design. It is […]

The post Art and Wine Country appeared first on Wine Country Getaways.

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/art-wine-country/

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/dinner-with-lou-early-spring-apero.html

Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer Shafer Firebreak

A random act of generosity at Woodberry Kitchen

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/woodberry_diners_treated_to_di.html

Grenache Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera

Your weekend dining PLUS

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/your_weekend_dining_plus_13.html

La Jota Loring Lyeth Markham Meeker

Any minute now, meanwhile

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/any_minute_now_meanwhile.html

Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek Rochioli Rosenblum St. Clement

2007 Medoc 5. Grand Cru Class�

Here you'll find an overview of the ratings of the 2007 Medoc 4. Grand Cru Class�. We have gathered all ratings from Robert Parker, Decanter and Wine Spectator.

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/33/2007-medoc-5-grand-cru-classe/

Fisher Foxen Girard Groth Keenan Cab

Saturday, 29 November 2014

Food FYI: Actors reading Yelp reviews

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/food-fyi-actors-reading-yelp-reviews.html

Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain

The Burke's auction....

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/the_burkes_auction.html

Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer Shafer Firebreak Sinskey

?A glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for a child?s development, researchers have found?

As with anything you eat or drink, moderation and common sense, not prohibition, often makes the most sense. via The Telegraph “A glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for a child?s development, researchers have found” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

“A glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for a child?s development, researchers have found” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/6oLSMQqQ9Dk/A-glass-of-wine-a-day-while-pregnant-will-not-harm-your-baby.html

St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara

Time to Sniff, Swirl, Spit

Two weeks from today, nearly 100 international wine judges will converge on Fairplex to sniff, swirl and spit their way through more than 3,000 wines – all in attempt to�crown the best of the best. �The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition begins May 27. Right now, wine staff are busy preparing the thousands [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=39

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros�

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won?t break your budget and is widely available? If so, you might want to try the 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington State. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating of […]

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/81LiaKW71zc/

Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo

The Lifestyle of An A-List Wine Critic

A-List wine critics are the celebrities of the wine geek but we don’t get a chance to learn much about them. Just Google for interviews of Robert Parker or James Laube and you will see very little outside of promotional stuff. But Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate seems to be more open and has […]

The Lifestyle of An A-List Wine Critic originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/r0JKYBK5oFQ/

Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain

Weekly Roundup for November 16th, 2014: AVAs, Local Achievements, Veterans Day, Direct Shipping and Uncovering the Obscure

Source: http://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2014/11/weekly-roundup-for-november-16th-2014-avas-local-achievements-direct-shipping-and-the-obscure.html

Viognier Roussanne Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc

Naked Wines? Latest Marketing Campaign a bit See-Through?

I just received the latest email marketing campaign from Naked Wines (the UK office – now that they have a presence in the US and Australia this probably needs to be stated), and I’m a little disappointed. I’ve always thought highly of their marketing savvy. The move to rate wines not by stars or points, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/k39pkvJkEaM/

Benziger Beringer, KV Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista

Wine Event Announces Winners

The winners of the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition were announced June 10 at a media roll-out in Los Angeles. Find the winners here.

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=110

Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese

Naked Wines? Latest Marketing Campaign a bit See-Through?

I just received the latest email marketing campaign from Naked Wines (the UK office – now that they have a presence in the US and Australia this probably needs to be stated), and I’m a little disappointed. I’ve always thought highly of their marketing savvy. The move to rate wines not by stars or points, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/k39pkvJkEaM/

Markham Meeker Mondavi Pine Ridge

Bistro Don Giovanni for lunch in the Napa Valley

Bistro Don Giovanni for lunch After a tour and tasting at Truchard Vineyards in Carneros on Thursday, we headed down to Bistro Don Giovanni for lunch. The Bistro is located near the town of Napa, just off Highway 29 on Howard Lane. Bistro Don Giovanni has been a fixture on the Napa Valley restaurant scene […]

The post Bistro Don Giovanni for lunch in the Napa Valley appeared first on Wine Country Getaways.

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/bistro-don-giovanni-for-lunch/

Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia

Friday, 28 November 2014

A random act of generosity at Woodberry Kitchen

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/woodberry_diners_treated_to_di.html

Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista Cain Cuvee Castoro

?A glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for a child?s development, researchers have found?

As with anything you eat or drink, moderation and common sense, not prohibition, often makes the most sense. via The Telegraph “A glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for a child?s development, researchers have found” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

“A glass of wine a day will not harm your baby and may actually be good for a child?s development, researchers have found” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/6oLSMQqQ9Dk/A-glass-of-wine-a-day-while-pregnant-will-not-harm-your-baby.html

Benziger Beringer, KV Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista

20% Off Yellow Dot Sale at Yankee Spirits [MA Only]

Massachusetts wine retailer Yankee Spirits is running a 20% off sale on "Yellow Dot" bottles of wine.  With locations in Attleboro, Swansea, and Sturbridge they're a retailer I've heard good things about but have never personally visited.

I noticed the Yellow Dot sale on their e-commerce site while poking around Wine-Searcher looking for a great price on Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova. After being blown away by the 2006 Tenuta Nuova and then visiting them this past summer I was interested in picking up some more of that specific bottling. But I didn't want to the ~$80 release price the wine comes with.

So I was thrilled to see the 2008 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova for just $49.98 (with no tax in Massachusetts).

As is often the case - procuring this wine becomes a tricky proposition. If you buy just one bottle the per-bottle shipping costs will wreck the QPR. If you buy too many bottles of the same wine you might not find enough occasions in the next few years to justify the financial outlay. And if you buy too many other "filler" bottles to round out the order you might end up buying more wine than you really wanted.

If you're like me you've got more wine on hand than you really need or want. Yet you find yourself lacking compelling wines at guilt-free price points you can open and enjoy and enjoy any time. So my strategy here would be to secure a bottle or two of the target bottle (for me the Tenuta Nuova) while replenishing my stock of reliable favorites and exploring a bit in a new area of interest.

The way this Yellow Dot sale works is you get 20% off qualifying bottles so long as you buy a total of 12 or more assorted bottles. Their regular 12 bottle case discount is 10%. And some items (like the Tenuta Nuova) are not eligible for further discounts. Given these parameters I'd recommend searching their website in categories of interest and putting together a mixed case based on your areas of interest.

For me at the moment that's new world Pinot Noir, California Sauvignon Blanc, and some favorites and continued exploration from recent travels to Spain and Italy. With that in mind here are 12 picks from their store to get you started...

2008 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova $49.98 (no further discounts on this one)

This is the best price currently available for any vintage of Tenuta Nuova anywhere in the US on Wine-Searcher. 94 points Wine Spectator. Great stuff, great buy.

Losada ($14.99 - $19.99)

I've been on the prowl for these Spanish reds since tasting them on our flight back from Europe. The $19.99 is only eligible for 10% off but it's the one I liked. The $14.99 one is eligible for 20% off. I'd be willing to try some of both.

Honig ($14.99 - $89.99)

Honig's bread & butter is their reliably delicious and affordable Sauvignon Blanc and their terrific Napa Cab. They've got these at favorable prices as well as some more rare bottlings.

2010 Domaine Serene Evenstad $59.98 (no further discounts available)

This is the best Oregon Pinot Noir I've ever had and after it landed in Wine Spectator's Top 10 last year it's been hard to find it around.

2012 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir $24.99 (eligible for 20% off)

Contrary to my preference for California Pinot Noir over Oregon Pinot Noir, I've been having better luck with 2012s from Oregon. This one got 91 points for Spectator. I've enjoyed prior vintages. Good QPR here.

Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir $49.99 (eligible for 20% off)

The vintage isn't mentioned here but you know what? Doesn't matter. This is a solid bottle of wine year in and year out and I can never seem to keep it on hand.

2009 Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir $29.99 (eligible for 20% off)

Now this is what I'm talking about. I've been really enjoying Melville and Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noirs lately and this one goes back to the 2009 vintage which was so reliably delicous. 92 Wine Advocate for this one. At 20% off that drops it down to $24/btl + ~$3 for shipping which lands it at an attractive price point for the quality.

Banshee Pinot Noir $19.99 (eligible for 20% off)

Banshee wines have been a reliable friend over the years. At $16 plus shipping this is sure to go quickly through the rotation.

Felsina Rancia $44.99 (eligible for 20% off)

I went into our visit to Fattoria di Felsina looking to see what else they had besides Fontalloro and discovered I like Rancia as much or more. And it's a bit cheaper.

Juan Gil Monastrell $13.99 (eligible for 20% off)

Since discovering this one at The Capital Grille a couple years ago then going absolutely crazy for it while visiting in person I still can't seem to keep this wine on hand. The best I've seen this for is around $12/btl. So as a filler to get to $13.99 before discounts - without having to leave the house - this is a solid addition to a mixed case.

2012 Castano Solanera $12.99 (eligible for 20% off)

94 points Wine Advocate? For $12.99? Don't be afraid to search under $15 when you're looking at Spanish wines. The QPR sets the standard for the world. The Castano family is the real deal. I love their $6.99 bottling. Although I tasted this on their property I was probably distracted by how good their entry level bottling was. I've got to go back and taste this one on my home turf.

2010 Tridente Mencia $10.99 (eligible for 20% off)

Another Spanish red from Gil Family Estates I've wanted to try. Love the QPR of these Spanish wines.


Shipping costs about $36 for a case to MA addresses (and like all MA retailers they can't ship out of state) so be sure to add $3 to each price in your head to see if it's a good deal. More affordable wines might be better to buy at a store you can drive to.

This Yankee Spirits Yellow Dot offer valid in October 2014.

If you like hearing about wine deals but don't want to spend time wading through junk check out new WWP advertiser Wine Nabber (read more). I wrote about them last year and I'm pleased to now have them as a site sponsor.

Retailers: If you're running a sale and would like me to peruse it to surface up some great deals drop me an email and I'll have a look.

Question of the Day: What are some of the best deals you see at Yankee Spirits right now?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/oZlHlfvbNOA/20-off-yellow-dot-sale-at-yankee.html

Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese

Naked Wines? Latest Marketing Campaign a bit See-Through?

I just received the latest email marketing campaign from Naked Wines (the UK office – now that they have a presence in the US and Australia this probably needs to be stated), and I’m a little disappointed. I’ve always thought highly of their marketing savvy. The move to rate wines not by stars or points, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheWineConversation/~3/k39pkvJkEaM/

Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier Roussanne Marsanne

Haydn?s Review of the Hard Row to Hoe Shameless Hussy Sangiovese Dry Rose

Winery: Hard Row to Hoe Appellation: Lake Chelan AVA (just established last year!) Price: $22 Haydn gives this wine: 90pts You can buy this wine: Hard Row to Hoe’s website At least for me, when it comes to summertime, the rose wine jumps right up to the top. Along with those crisp whites (hello New [...]

Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/haydns-review-of-the-hard-row-to-hoe-shameless-hussy-sangiovese-dry-rose/

Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo

ALT Hotel :: Toronto

It’s a boutique no frills hotel, but still has the bells and whistles. ALT boasts of individuality, as expected of a boutique hotel. If you are stopping over for a night in Toronto this is the perfect place. You easily get into the shuttle train and after a quick ride walk across and right into […]

The post ALT Hotel :: Toronto appeared first on Vagablond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/oUNKKY4353M/

Shafer Shafer Firebreak Sinskey Smith Madrone Tablas Creek

Lemonade Will Soon Occupy Clusi Batusi's Old Slot on Sawtelle

Source: http://la.eater.com/2014/11/26/7296587/lemonade-clusi-batusis-switcheroo-sawtelle

Rosenblum St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap

Ways for Wine Consumers and Retailers to Maximize AmEx Small Business Saturday

American Express Small Business Saturday is coming November 29th, 2014.

Here's how it works:

First, you have to register each American Express card you have in order to take advantage of the offer. Do this now because registration will fill up before the 29th.

Once registered, each American Express card can receive a $10 statement credit for up to 3 in-store transactions of $10 or more at qualified small businesses on November 29th. That's a total of $30 per card.

Keep in mind that each American Express card can and needs to be registered. This is where this can potentially be quite a bonanza. Authorized user cards qualify. And certain prepaid cards (like Serve and Bluebird) qualify. I just registered 10 cards so I'm positioned to spend (and receive statement credits for) $300.

Once you've got your cards registered, search for qualified retailers near you.
Make sure you confirm retailer participation
Not all wine retailers are small businesses!

Wine retailers: This is where you come in!


The way this offer is set it up conjures up images of families strolling down main street visiting one little shop after another, spending $50-$100 or more at each with their precious American Express card. And earning $10 statement credits for each of these larger purchases.

But that's not the best way to play it. What I'd like to do is spend all of the money at a single retailer that I really like rather than driving all over town. To do that I need retailers to make it easy.

First, be willing to split a transactions across multiple cards. For example, if I bought $32.40 worth of wine I'd like to split it up into 2 $10 transactions and one $12.40 transaction, effectively paying just $2.40 for $32.40 worth of wine after statement credits.

But even better than allowing split transactions is if a retailer sells $10 gift cards that can be combined on future orders. Set up a cash register or two just to process gift card sales. If a retailer I like is willing to do that (many are!) I'd drive straight there and swipe my 10 cards 3 times each for $300 worth of gift cards I could use on future transactions.

And wouldn't it be nice if retailers offered some sales to coincide with this deal? Like for example having a bunch of wine for sale at exactly $10? With no tax in Massachusetts this could be a terrific way to optimize the deal.

Here are the terms:
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/small-business/pdf/shop-small/offerterms.pdf

Note that the terms say the purchases need to be in-store (not online).

Two Questions of the Day...

Consumers: Where/how are you shopping on the 29th?
Retailers: What are you doing to make it easy for consumers to shop with you this Small Business Saturday?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/LSt5PtrOFuU/maximizing-amex-small-business-saturday.html

Sauvignon Blanc Riesling Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon

Announcing Wine Blogging Wednesday 80, Dry Ros�

Back in the the first year of wine blogging (2004 for those just joining us) Lenn Thompson of LENNDEVOURS (now New York Cork Report) made a modest proposal and Wine Blogging Wednesday (WBW) was born. I joined the monthly virtual tasting back at WBW 7 in early 2005 and have continued off and on over […]

Announcing Wine Blogging Wednesday 80, Dry Rosé originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/X__cXo3Az7A/

Benziger Beringer, KV Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista

Tenuta Sette Ponti Wine Dinner at Tresca North End Boston

Kobrand is offering a winemaker dinner featuring Tenuta Sette Ponti and Agricola Punica at Tresca in Boston's North End.

This event provides an opportunity to taste a few wines from each producer's portfolio, including the famous Sette Ponti Oreno.

See also: Visiting Tenuta Sette Ponti

September 9, 2014 7:00 pm
Tresca
233 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
$85 plus tax and gratuity

Guest Speakers:
Giovanna Moretti (Tenuta Sette Ponti)
Sebastiano Rosa (Agricola Punica)

Menu

Antipasti

Tuna Tartar ? costini, micro greens, basil oil
Pizza ? sunchoke pur�e, fontina, olives, baby arugula
Wine: Orvieto Classico Superiore, Tenuta di Salviano

First Course

Grilled Octopus Salad ? new potatoes, saia vinaigrette, pickled fresno peppers, micro arugula
Wine: Nero d?Avola, Saia, Feudo Maccari

Second Course

Wild Boar Ragu ? pappardelle, shitake mushrooms, taleggio crema
Wine: Montessu, Isola dei Nuraghi, Agricola Punica

Third Course

Lamb Strip ? seared goat cheese gnocchi, tomato pur�e, verbena oil, rosemary lardo
Wine: Cabernet/Merlot, Solideo, Lago di Corabara, Tenuta di Silviano

Fourth Course

Cheese Plate ? with accompaniments
Wine: Oreno, Tenuta Sette Ponti & Barrua, Isola dei Nuraghi, Agricola Punica

For Reservations Call:
617-742-8240

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/xtlfu1l6WoI/tenuta-sette-ponti-wine-dinner-at.html

Dolcetto Malbec Red Wine White Wine Champagne

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/02/science-of-smell-dear-caveman-when-i.html

Girard Groth Keenan Cab Keenan Chard Kenwood

?Chance has a great deal to do with the awards that wines win.?

The results here are not that surprising to me given the venue. At a state fair the conditions are far from ideal and the judges have to taste too many wines in a short period of time. I have always believed a wine should be tasted over a period of time (1-2 days minimum) and […]

“Chance has a great deal to do with the awards that wines win.” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/DF_h_5ZFrMk/wine-tasting-junk-science-analysis

Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo

Thursday, 27 November 2014

Deal Alert: 5% off Gift Cards at Table & Vine

West Springfield, MA retailer Table & Vine is back with an offer they run each year around this time: 5% off Gift Cards with code GIFTCARD

5% may not seem like a ton (and in reality it isn't enough to go out of your way for). But here's why I might consider this and how I'd maximize its value...

First, the gift cards don't expire now so you can order them now (for yourself of course!) then use them later when you see they have a deal on a wine you're looking for.

Second, since they're gift cards you can stack the 5% with other savings like 10% off a straight case. Table & Vine's pricing model doesn't employ case discounts as significantly as other retailers because they don't mark up base prices as much as other retailers.

Third, since Table & Vine is owned by Big Y (a grocery store) purchases at Table & Vine code as grocery which can get you 5% or more if you've got a credit card that bonuses grocery spending. You can use this nifty utility to see which category specific retailers code as for Visa. I see Table & Vine coding as a grocery store. Nice!

Here's an example if you roll this all together...

Take the 2011 Clio they have in stock for $39.99/btl.

First, buy enough gift cards to cover the majority of your purchase. This saves you 5% on the gift card purchase and another 5% if you've got a credit card that bonuses grocery spend.

To be fair the 5% advantage depends on your current credit card profile and should be compared to the best card you could use at a wine shop. So it's not a full 5% better than your next-best card. But it is beneficial to generally consider the advantage of buying wine from retailers that code as grocery I think.

Later, once the gift card has arrived, buy a straight case of a wine you want they've got at a good price and cover the overshoot with the same credit card that bonuses grocery spend.

This brings the per-bottle price down to $32.48/btl - theoretically cheaper than the amazingly-low $33.33/btl price I mentioned a couple days ago.

Then, pick up the wine in-store next time you're passing through Springfield. Like on your way to Cooperstown or while visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame. They do ship in-state at not-so-terrible prices but that diminishes the savings and Table & Vine is a fun place to visit (trip report) anyway.

All in all, it's a bit complicated and involves buying a straight case (and visiting in-store) to maximize. But hey - if you're in the area and have your eye on a straight case of wine they stock at a reasonable price I say go for it.

Go here to take advantage of the deal

Offer ends December 1st, 2014

Subscribe to the WWP for future deal alerts!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/ur2fmGgGJe0/deal-alert-5-off-gift-cards-at-table.html

Marsanne Albariño Pinot Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Domaine Pierre Usseglio

I frequently participate in press-wine tastings in Copenhagen. Normally its about tasting the recent vintage or vintages from a particular wine producer - maybe with one or two older vintages. Nothing wrong with that. Its always the latest vintage that is going on the shelves and where the need for good press is welcomed.
But I [...]

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/42/domaine-pierre-usseglio/

Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer

Let?s Get Fizzacle!

Sure, bubbly is boss on New Years and even at celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, but why not add its charming sparkle to silly-sweet St. Valentine?s Day? I can?t think of a lustier toast ? except for maybe Bedrock?s ravishing Ode to Lulu ros�, or a sinful zinfandel, or ?. Here?s my go-to list: NV [...]

Source: http://www.beyondnapavalley.com/blog/lets-get-fizzacle/

Malbec Red Wine White Wine Champagne

Dishonesty and Deception Among Alcohol Partisans

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/rQ4mcjhwWUE/dishonesty-and-deception-among-alcohol-partisans.html

Beringer, KV Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista Cain Cuvee

Weekend reading from the blogs and beyond

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/weekend_reading_from_the_blogs.html

Arrowood Beckmen Benziger Beringer, KV Buehler

Food FYI: Actors reading Yelp reviews

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/food-fyi-actors-reading-yelp-reviews.html

Sangiovese Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-greek-vin-de-pays-de-tegea-2005.html

Dehlinger Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone

The Art of Wine Criticism and Robert Hughes

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/l4s-qosWdT0/the-art-of-wine-criticism-and-robert-hughes.html

Pinot Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz

The search for summery wines

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-search-for-summery-wines.html

Riesling Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer

The Silence of the Wine Consumer

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/7bzsQ6b3L6I/the-silence-of-the-wine-consumer.html

St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/bloody-wine-gaillac-2004-renaissance.html

Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Rockin? at Wine & Cars

Everyone had a great time at Wine & Cars Under the Stars last weekend. Don’t believe me? Check out the video: The evening was a great success, netting nearly $50,000 for the foundations at Fairplex and their programs. If you missed Wine & Cars, you can taste the award-winning wines of the Los Angeles International [...]

Source: http://blogs.fairplex.com/blog/wine/?p=100

Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer Muscat Viognier

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2009/03/madiran-2002-vieilles-vignes-chateau.html

Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese

The Return of Great Wine Content

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/Y2t3VVs7ajQ/the-return-of-great-wine-content.html

Ch. Souverain Dehlinger Eno Far Niente Field Stone

Pontotoc,Texas the next Texas Wine destination

By: Dave & Kelli Potter I will have to admit that this year?s trip to the Texas Hill Country was so organized and tight that a spreadsheet had to be produced just to make sure we were on track and on time.� Some might even say that is not a fun way to have a […]

Source: http://thegrapesaroundtexas.com/2013/05/29/pontotoctexas-the-next-texas-wine-destination/

Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara Shafer Shafer Firebreak Sinskey

Vacation Tasting Report: Bachelor Ben's Envolve Winery Pinot Noir

2011 Envolve Winery Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir
One of my favorite things to do while on vacation is check out local shops to see what they have to offer in the way of beer & wine. Long-time readers might recall that South Haven, MI is a place we return to almost every summer and this year was no exception. Here's a blog post from my 9 year old describing why this is such a great place: Go to Michigan!

The best shop in town for wine is The Depot. Every time I go in there I'm amazed at the quality and assortment they offer in such a tiny shop in such a small town. The prices aren't bad either. I like to pick up a few summer beers here too but it's always nice to have some red wine on hand for relaxing evening consumption.

See also: Beer's Inherent Summer Advantage

The wine that jumped out at me this year was a bottle of 2011 Envolve Winery Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir. You might recognize the Envolve name from Bachelor Ben Flajnik's involvement. Ben always struck me as a likable regular guy on the show so I made a mental note to pick up a bottle of his wine if I ever saw it around. Curious what Ben is up to these days? This article provides a nice little summary.

Especially after visiting Sonoma last week (Kosta Browne, CIRQ, Radio-Coteau) I was going through California Pinot Noir withdrawal so this bottle hit the spot.

Envolve Winery is a collaboration between childhood friends Ben Flajnik, Danny Fay and Mike Benzinger (yes the Benzinger wine family). Just so there's no confusion: This isn't a winery that Bachelor Ben started to leverage his fame. Winemaking was his thing when he showed up for the show.

Leveraging his fame from The Bachelor to increase the visibility of his wines must be a tricky proposition. Wine Spectator has done a few articles about Flajnik over the yeras. They've rated the Envolve wines mostly in the 86-89 point range. However, I was surprised to find not a single tasting note for their 2011 Lennox Pinot on CellarTracker. That's unusual even for a low production wine.

I was glad I grabbed it for $35 since it carries a retail price of $59. After tasting the wine I was even more pleased. Here's my note:

2011 Envolve Winery Lennox Vineyard Pinot Noir
14.8% Alcohol
$59 Release Price

Appealing black cherry, cola, and dried herbs on the nose. The mouthfeel oscillates between round viscosity and ultra-fine tannins. Long, powerful finish. Very nice stuff.

91/100 WWP: Outstanding

Check 'em out:
Envolve Winery
http://envolvewinery.com
@EnvolveWinery

Question of the Day: Have you tasted the Envolve wines? Visited them? If so, what did you think?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/yHnqcVKHIGo/vacation-tasting-report-bachelor-bens.html

Markham Meeker Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche

Wine Tasting Dinner: Sauvignon Blanc from Around the World

Sauvignon Blanc has been one of our favorite white varieties for years. We have a soft spot for Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand, which was solidified on our trip to the region in 2005. Ever since, we have made it a point to try Sauvignon Blanc from other countries/regions when we […]

Wine Tasting Dinner: Sauvignon Blanc from Around the World was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/nx9gJo2FTTU/

Dehlinger Eno Far Niente Field Stone Firestone

Patience (forgetfulness) is rewarded

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2012/10/patience-forgetfulness-is-rewarded.html

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel

TasteCamp East: Voracious Wine Bloggers Taste Throughout the Finger�Lakes

This past weekend, I was among a group of wine bloggers who participated in the 2nd TasteCamp East, this year in the Finger Lakes.� The local wine industry is the inspiration for this blog and my business as I’ve mentioned to you before.� I had nothing to do with the selection of our region as […]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/tastecamp-east-voracious-wine-bloggers-taste-throughout-the-finger-lakes/

Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger

The Lifestyle of An A-List Wine Critic

A-List wine critics are the celebrities of the wine geek but we don’t get a chance to learn much about them. Just Google for interviews of Robert Parker or James Laube and you will see very little outside of promotional stuff. But Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate seems to be more open and has […]

The Lifestyle of An A-List Wine Critic originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/r0JKYBK5oFQ/

Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring Lyeth Markham

Decoding Orin Swift Winemaker Dave Phinney's "E" Spanish Red

icon
I keep seeing email offers for this "E" wine and seeing it on retailer shelves so I decided to buy a bottle of it. I vaguely knew that it was part of Orin Swift (the Prisoner being probably their most famous wine) winemaker's foray into international wines.

Reading a bit more about it, it sounds like these are old world grapes made in a new world style. This particular bottling, E-2 (the E is for Esapana, and this is their second non-vintage bottling from Spain), is comprised of red grapes from some of Spain's most desirable regions: Priorat, Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero.

For me, Spain is the next best place to look if you've gotten into wine through California and you're looking to branch out. The wines have a similar flavor profile and are more wallet-friendly. You can't just throw darts but it doesn't take much sleuthing to find tremendous value wines from Spain.

So this wine sounds right in my wheelhouse. And tasting it - it is. Rich, juicy fruit - it presents itself with more "sweetness" (a term I hesitate to use as it implies residual sugar, but I don't know how else to say it) than Alto Moncayo Veraton for example. Where Alto Moncayo (Veraton and proper) differentiate themselves compared to this E bottling is that Alto Moncayo brings more savory notes, which I find tremendously appealing when combined with rich fruit and vibrant acidity.

I'd rate the E-2 in the 88-89 point range.

According to Wine.com Robert Parker went nuts for these wines:
If you judge wines on how they taste and the degree of pleasure they offer, they are all incredible efforts. The three new cuvees I tasted are among the finest wine values one could hope to find. Moreover, there are 50,000 cases of each, no easy feat given the grapes Phinney has accessed and the quality he has turned out. As of now, Dave Phinney might be my ?value winemaker of the year? candidate. P.S. It?s too expensive for this report, but I am including it as an hommage to what Dave Phinney has achieved. If there are better wines for under $20 a bottle in the world today, please share that information with The Wine Advocate.
93 Points The Wine Advocate
You can buy this at Wine.com using code AMEX30 to get $30 off $100. Use it to round out a purchase at just over $100. At $17.99 in Massachusetts with 30% off, free shipping and no tax that would bring the price down to ~$12.59 a bottle. More info on how to maximize the Wine.com deal here.

Click here to shop for this on Wine.com (affiliate link):
Locations by Dave Phinney E on Wine.com

Question of the Day: Have you had any of these Locations wines from Dave Phinney? If so, what did you think?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/c_sbOKI6-_g/decoding-orin-swift-winemaker-dave.html

Tempranillo Dolcetto Malbec Red Wine White Wine


WBW80: Dry Ros�

Back when I first started podcasting about wine, in late 2004, there were maybe 40 podcasts in the world. But there were even fewer wine blogs and soon I discovered the monthly tasting event called Wine Blogging Wednesday joining on its eighth outing back in early 2005. Over the years I have participated in WBW […]

WBW80: Dry Rosé originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/AGQhCma5w0w/

Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane Chardonnay

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Alsace and Biodynamics

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2012/10/alsace-and-biodynamics.html

Lagier Meredith La Jota Loring Lyeth Markham

The Wine Vacation: Napa vs Sonoma

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/6zWmxIAD6hI/the-wine-vacation-napa-vs-sonoma.html

Fisher Foxen Girard Groth Keenan Cab

Quick Deal: $50 Zachys Gift Card for $250 Purchase

New York wine retailer Zachys is offering a $50 gift card towards a future purchase when spending $250 with code ZACHYSBUCKS.

I think the best way to play this would be to find well-priced wines like the 2012 Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to get to $250. Then use the $50 gift card at some point in the future when they're running a free shipping promo.

They've also got some of the Wine Spectator Top 10/100 wines that are being revealed this week at fair prices.

Offer runs November 10-13 2014.

Like wine deals? Check out WWP advertiser WineNabber that makes it easy to find the kind of wine deals you're interested without flooding your inbox.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WellesleyWinePress/~3/vP5y2osCc1c/quick-deal-50-zachys-gift-card-for-250.html

St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap Santa Barbara

The Bossy Wife Calls it Quits In West Hollywood, New Concept on the Way

Source: http://la.eater.com/2014/11/25/7282583/the-bossy-wife-west-hollywood-shutter-new-concept

Beringer, KV Buehler David Bruce Buena Vista Cain Cuvee

Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Media Edition

Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…

Rex Pickett

If you’re not reading Rex Pickett’s (author of Sideways and Vertical) blog, you are officially remiss.

Pickett is a gifted writer who cranks out perfectly incubated long-form posts with turns of phrase that are both wry and rich, offering insight into the machinations of publishing, film and stage that few culture vultures grasp.

Pickett recently wrote an extensive (3900 word) post on the reasons why a film sequel to Sideways (directed by Alexander Payne) would not be made from Vertical, Pickett’s book sequel.  In doing so, Pickett offered a discursive meditation on Payne’s artistic pathos and the factors that may be playing into Vertical’s stall on the way to celluloid.

image

Unfortunately, Pickett removed the post after re-publishing a second version that deleted much of the armchair psychologist rumination he originally channeled from Payne’s psyche.  An email inquiry to Pickett on why he removed the post (in either iteration) has gone unanswered.

If I were a muckraker, I would publish the post because Pickett’s deletion of the post from his site did not delete the post from RSS feed readers like Bloglines or Google Reader.  But, I’m not a muckraker…

Hopefully, Pickett will revisit the topic in a manner that is less confessional and more elucidation because it was worth the extended read time.  Until then you can read the other posts on his site and gain tremendous insight into the vicissitudes of the publishing process, what the afterglow is like after capturing the cultural zeitgeist and how he’s helping bring Sideways to the theatre with a stage version.

It’s definitely recommended reading.

A Discovery of Witches

While we’re on the topic of books and authors (and with Halloween around the corner), a reinforcing mention goes to Deb Harkness of Good Wine Under $20.  Earlier this year a little book she wrote called, “A Discovery of Witches” was published and immediately shot up the best sellers lists.  The movie rights were acquired this summer by Warner Bros, likely securing Harkness’ financial future in the process.

While I read fiction infrequently (the last fiction book being Vertical by Rex Pickett), those that I know who can tell the difference between kindling and a classic call A Discovery of Witches “mad genius.”
Any conversation about a wine blogger doing good should begin with Deb Harkness who is now dabbling in rarified air.  Pick up her book if you haven’t yet.

Bargain Wine Books

There’s little doubt, in the prolonged US economic malaise we’re experiencing, that “value wine” and “bargain wine” are hot topics.  Heck, an entire channel of business has been defined with “Flash” wine sale sites.  Given that, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a couple of wine books would be published with this specific focus.

image

What is a surprise is that the books are authored by wine writers with real chops engaged in offering a deeper narrative than the slapdash compendiums of wine lists that has passed muster in years gone by.
Just in time for the holidays, Natalie MacLean has Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines publishing on November 1st and George Taber, a wine writer on a tear with his fourth book in six years, has A Toast to Bargain Wines: How Innovators, Iconoclasts, and Winemaking Revolutionaries Are Changing the Way the World Drinks publishing on November 15th.

An Idea worth Duplicating?

Celebrity deaths come in threes and new wine ideas come in twos.

We’ve seen this duplicative market entry in recent years with winery reservation systems CellarPass and VinoVisit and now we’re seeing it with quasi-wine search engines.

WineMatch and VinoMatch are both in the early stages of launch purporting to help a consumer match their likes with wines they might enjoy.

Meh.  The problem with these sites isn’t that consumers don’t need help finding a wine they like, the problem is that most wine consumers don’t understand what kind of wine they like.  Yes, it’s the tannins that dry the back of the mouth and its residual sugar that makes that K-J so delectable…

By the time consumers figure out their likes and dislikes graduating beyond the “go-to,” they don’t care about having somebody help them “match” their wines to their tastes because they’re on their own adventure.

It’s just my opinion, but these sites face looooong odds of finding consumer success and short of the slick willy seduction that happens with some wineries who haven’t been bitten and as such aren’t twice shy, they won’t find *any* success.  But, I’ve been wrong before, at least once.

Pictures and Pithiness

While we’re on the topic of online wine services, I’m not sure whether I should be happy or aghast that I’ve been a habitué of the online wine scene for long enough to see a derivative – it’s like watching a remake of the movie Footloose when I was saw the original in the theatre.

There’s a new wine site called TasteJive that takes the concept of a wine blog called Chateau Petrogasm, popular in 2007 and 2008, to new heights.

image

Around the premise that a picture is worth a thousand words even if that picture has nothing to do with wine, they have created a site that provides nothing but visual metaphors with a 140 character description for finding wines you might like.

I loved the idea of Chateau Petrogasm, I like the idea of a perfectly crafted 140 character slug, but I’m very uncertain about the community aspect of TasteJive—the users who control the uploading of pictures and descriptions.

As noted mid-20th century photographer Diane Arbus said, “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.”

Not exactly a recipe for success in bumping into a wine.

Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/field_notes_from_a_wine_life_media_edition/

Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain Dehlinger

Controversial Promoter Says Marketers and Media Are Hurting Wine

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/Z79bDACRKE8/pancho-campo-says-marketers-media-hurt-wilne.html

Keenan Chard Kenwood Laetitia Lagier Meredith La Jota

The Silence of the Wine Consumer

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/7bzsQ6b3L6I/the-silence-of-the-wine-consumer.html

Riesling Chenin Blanc Pinot Grigio Sémillon Gewürztraminer

Source: http://thecaveman.blogspot.com/2013/05/after-somewhereness-comes-soulfullness.html

Sinskey Smith Madrone Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane

The Silence of the Wine Consumer

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/7bzsQ6b3L6I/the-silence-of-the-wine-consumer.html

Rose Alex. Vall. Vyds Andrew Murray Arrowood Beckmen

Dining@Large is closed

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/dininglarge_is_closed.html

Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek Rochioli

College Level Philosophy: The Wine Edition

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/NQQzydnskHE/college-level-philosophy-the-wine-edition.html

Rosenblum St. Clement Staglin Stag\\\'s Leap Stags\\\' Leap

Monday, 24 November 2014

Kate Moss makes a Champagne A-cup

Kate Moss has launched a new line of champagne stemware taken from a mold of her breast. The model famously displayed her skin-and-bone frame (topless) in ads for Calvin Klein’s Obsession. Which might lead one to think the champagne coupe is called the A-cup? But apparently not. The coupe was purportedly modeled on Marie Antoinette’s […]

The post Kate Moss makes a Champagne A-cup appeared first on Dr Vino's wine blog.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/GuSC/~3/Y2csqoS3G6o/

Andrew Murray Arrowood Beckmen Benziger Beringer, KV

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros�

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won?t break your budget and is widely available? If so, you might want to try the 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington State. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating of […]

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/81LiaKW71zc/

Far Niente Field Stone Firestone Fisher

What's Best For Wine Consumers?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/okZhSVUCyOY/whats-best-for-wine-consumers.html

Malbec Red Wine White Wine Champagne Sparkling White Wine

Viognier Theme for WBW78

Nice theme for summer. Join us June 20th. Source: WordPress Via: Drink What You Like I?m delighted to announce that I am hosting Wine Blogging Wednesday #78 on Wednesday, June 20th. WBW78 will mark my second time hosting this monthly virtual wine event. Our theme for this month will be a grape that is near […]

Viognier Theme for WBW78 originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/SaN6i1INvI8/

Gamay Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo Dolcetto

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros�

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won?t break your budget and is widely available? If so, you might want to try the 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington State. Our selection criteria include: A very good Quality rating of […]

A Wine for Tonight: 2013 Julia?s Dazzle Ros� was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WinePeeps/~3/81LiaKW71zc/

Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese Gamay

The Art of Wine Criticism and Robert Hughes

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FermentationTheDailyWineBlog/~3/l4s-qosWdT0/the-art-of-wine-criticism-and-robert-hughes.html

Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese

How sharp are your kitchen knives?

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2012/07/how-sharp-are-your-kitchen-knives.html

Nebbiolo Barbera Tempranillo Dolcetto Malbec

Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart

I’m sitting here in my new home office with a fresh perspective and a touch of the misties, as in misty-eyes.� Rich and I have been moved into the place for just over a month and it has made a huge difference in how we feel about things.� I now recognize that we were both […]

Source: http://familylovewine.wordpress.com/2010/08/13/thank-you-from-the-bottom-of-my-heart/

Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache Sangiovese

?Chance has a great deal to do with the awards that wines win.?

The results here are not that surprising to me given the venue. At a state fair the conditions are far from ideal and the judges have to taste too many wines in a short period of time. I have always believed a wine should be tasted over a period of time (1-2 days minimum) and […]

“Chance has a great deal to do with the awards that wines win.” originally appeared on Winecast. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Winecast/~3/DF_h_5ZFrMk/wine-tasting-junk-science-analysis

Markham Meeker Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche

Calistoga Inn is looking good

Calistoga Inn The Calistoga Inn is looking good these days. It has been open about a year and half since a fire had forced it to close down. All is good these days and the Inn portion of the property and been re-done. �The restaurant still looks the same old quaint and cozy spot and […]

The post Calistoga Inn is looking good appeared first on Wine Country Getaways.

Source: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com/calistoga-inn-looking-good/

Cain Cuvee Castoro Caymus Ch. St. Jean Ch. Souverain

Tom Colicchio`s Heritage Steak :: Las Vegas

This is my Vegas go-to restaurant. The menu is not overdone, i.e. good selection but not so large that the kitchen is in mass production mode. We ordered a 8oz A5 Wagyu strip to share as an app. One bite and it ruined any other steak I will ever eat again. Recommend any of the […]

The post Tom Colicchio`s Heritage Steak :: Las Vegas appeared first on Vagablond.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/vagablond/ysSN/~3/QPeFGsFg1Vo/

Arrowood Beckmen Benziger Beringer, KV Buehler

Sunday, 23 November 2014

Dining@Large is closed

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/reviews/blog/2011/06/dininglarge_is_closed.html

Meeker Mondavi Pine Ridge Phelps Pastiche Ritchie Creek

Domaine Pierre Usseglio

I frequently participate in press-wine tastings in Copenhagen. Normally its about tasting the recent vintage or vintages from a particular wine producer - maybe with one or two older vintages. Nothing wrong with that. Its always the latest vintage that is going on the shelves and where the need for good press is welcomed.
But I [...]

Source: http://www.wine4freaks.com/42/domaine-pierre-usseglio/

Tablas Creek Talley Whitehall Lane Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc

Field Notes from a Wine Life ? Power Structure Edition

Odds and ends from a life lived through the prism of the wine glass…

Naked Wine and Occupy Wall Street

It’s not hard to notice the parallels between the natural wine movement and Occupy Wall Street - both are valid causes sorely lacking coherence and a rallying point that would move them from fringe head-scratcher to mainstream momentum.

  Natural wine is about purity of wine expression—shepherding grapes grown without chemicals to the bottle with as little human manipulation as possible, representing the place where they came from in the process.


  Occupy Wall Street is about re-calibrating the world’s best economic system – capitalism—to preserve the middle-class, the labor force that has allowed the U.S. to create the most productive economy in the world.

Neither movement represents fringe radicalism as some would have you believe.  I look at both as being valid inflection points and, at their core, about keeping a balance between big and small, allowing every man and woman an equal opportunity at pursuing success around their particular truth.

image

What reasonable person would deny the validity of either if not clouded by confusion?

One idea well-conceived and well-communicated can change the world, but, unfortunately, both the natural wine movement and Occupy Wall Street are prevaricating from their essential truth, rendering them both toothless and feckless.

No need to crib from Che Guevara, but appealing to base logic and the common denominator would do both movements some good.

Just one man’s opinion…

On the Aussies, Redux

A few weeks back, I noted how the Australian wine industry was poised for a rebound in public perception due in part to two things happening in concert – public backlash to Yellow Tail wine, what I call the, “Derision Decision,” and an unspoken coalition of influencers recognizing Australia’s artisanal wine production – the antithesis of Yellow Tail.  I cited recent sympathetic mentions from Jay McInerney in the Wall Street Journal and Dan Berger, wine writing’s current patriarch, as proof points.

You can add to the list of sympathetic mentions about artisanal Australia with recent mentions from Jancis Robinson and James Suckling.

Don’t sleep on Australia.  It’s making a comeback slowly, but surely in public perception.

Tim Mondavi and Wine Spectator

Thomas Matthews, the Executive Editor for Wine Spectator magazine (WS), has commented on my site a few times.  Each of these instances has been to protect or project Wine Spectator around its editorial goals.

image

Good on Thomas for not being afraid to get in the ring.  Certainly, WS takes its fair share of shots from the wine chatterati, mostly with grace and aplomb.

Lest I cast myself as anything but objective, I should note that James Laube’s article on Tim Mondavi and Continuum in the current issue of WS (November 15th issue) is everything right about what mainstream wine media can offer wine consumers that online wine writing (mostly) doesn’t –long-form, depth, first-person access and an effort that takes weeks and not hours.

Laube’s piece is excellent - well-written and balanced; acknowledgement thereof is in order.

Besides the Wine

Jordan winery has two wines – a Cabernet and Chardonnay, but they really have a triumvirate in terms of things to buy.  Jordan focuses on food and wine as being partners at the table and, to that end, any purchase from Jordan should also include their olive oil.  Wow!

The Jordan olive oil makes Trader Joe’s EVOO seem like Two Buck Chuck, comparatively speaking.  A little whole wheat Barilla pasta, some homemade pesto using the Jordan olive oil and some artisan bread in five minutes a day and you’re assuredly living the good life.  The rub is I wouldn’t pour the round Jordan Chard with the pesto, probably a Sauvignon Blanc, but don’t let that dissuade you from picking up their olive oil – it’s good stuff.

Source: http://goodgrape.com/index.php/site/field_notes_from_a_wine_life_power_structure_edition/

Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah or Shiraz Zinfandel Grenache