Author Archives: winellama

About winellama

I love wine...and finally decided to do something about it.

Tempranillo, Vina Bosconia, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja DOCa., Spain, 2009, 13.5% abv. US$50

I’m going to be dreaming about having enjoyed this bottle for a while yet.  It’s a classic Riojan red blend from benchmark winery, Lopez de Heredia – one of my absolute favourite houses. A stunning blend of Tempranillo (80) with … Continue reading

Posted in Graciano, Grenache / Garnacha, Mazuelo, OTHER, RED, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gin, Lady Trieu, Hoi An Spice Road; The Lab Series, Edition 1, Nguyen Nguyen Distillery, Cu Chi, Vietnam, 43% abv., 700 ml., US$50

We took a trip recently to Vietnam – I highly recommend this country as a place to travel to.  The people are extraordinarily gracious, the food is almost uniformly delicious everywhere you go, and the country is incredibly beautiful. There’s … Continue reading

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Charity fundraising tasting

During Cov*d, I offered a wine tasting with paired hors d’oeuvres to a local Rotary Club fundraiser for the Victoria Hospice Society in the memory of my father-in-law, Ken, who spent his last days there. Of course, because of Cov*d, … Continue reading

Posted in cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Italy, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Petite Sirah, Plavac Mali, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Zinfandel, Split Rail, St. Anne’s Crossing Winery, Dry Creek Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California, 15.7% abv., 2020, US$44

On a recent trip to California, I met some truly fabulous people – people who treated me like a member of their own family, and who I can’t wait to host in BC some day.  Brenda and Joe were two … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Walraven Vineyard, Domaine Anderson, Anderson Valley AVA, California, 14.5% abv., 2019 US$70

Travelling down the highway from Mendocino on our way to Truckee, California, I yearned for a tasting at Domaine Anderson.  We’d been to the Anderson Valley several years prior, but had visited their sister winery, Roederer at that time.   Domaine … Continue reading

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Roussanne, Uni, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon AVA, Los Olivos, California, 12% abv., 2021, US$30

The night before I’d been to a renowned restaurant that listed Stolpman Vineyards on their wine list, so I thought I’d pay them a visit at their outdoor tasting room in lovely Los Olivos, California – a small town with … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, OTHER, Rousanne, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chenin Blanc, David Monopole, Arnaud Lambert, Brézé, Saumur AOC, Loire Valley, France, 2020, 13.9% abv., US$88

In September 2023, we dropped into Monterey, California for the Rennsport 7 Reunion, a kind of convention for Porsche enthusiasts.  On the last night, and to celebrate 20 years of being together, we dined at ‘Passionfish’. We are no slouches … Continue reading

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Loire, OTHER, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Qupé, Santa Maria, California, 2006, 14.5% abv., $80

In September 2023, I stopped while passing through Buellton, California for dinner at The Hitching Post II.  I’d been planning this dinner in my head for a while and had already decided to order a special bottle to enjoy – … Continue reading

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White Pinot Noir, Eclipse, Tenbrink Vineyards, Tolenas Winery, Suisun Valley AVA, Fairfield, California, 2022, 14% abv., US$37

This is pretty cool and happening stuff.  While Pinot Noir grapes have been pressed and used forever as part of sparkling wines and blends, it’s rare to find white versions as still wine. This is the wine that won winemaker … Continue reading

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Chardonnay, Dream Field, Babcock Winery, Peake and Bien Nacido Vineyards, Lompoc, Sta. Rita AVA, Santa Barbara County, California, 2021, 13.9% abv., US$58

I have visited tasting rooms in seven countries, but this one nestled in the Santa Rita Hills is the most intriguing and relaxing I’ve ever been to. Take a seat outside at one of the trendy, weather-worn tables decorated with … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, OTHER, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment