Author Archives: winellama

Unknown's avatar

About winellama

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

Espero, Tulip Winery, Galilee, Israel, 2012, 14.5% abv

It pays to have relatives living on the opposite side of the earth when your interests include tasting and writing about wines made in esoteric styles, or in off-the-beaten-track wine countries, or from unusual grapes. Here we have a sample from Israel’s Tulip Winery … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Israel, Merlot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Viader, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, 2001, 14% abv, US$80

The first thing Doug said when I met him was ‘I only drink vodka and Californian wines’.   Who says that?!  Then he sent me a bottle of Viader.  Now at least I understand the method of his madness – … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, RED | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dominio IV, The Tango, Tempranillo, Columbia Gorge AVA, Three Sleeps Vineyard, Oregon, US, 2006, 13.8% abv, US$45

I’m so confused. Most who know me would say that’s a permanent state (insert raised eyebrow here).  That aside, herein lies the source of my befuddlement. This wine is made from Tempranillo, but the winery is based in Oregon’s McMinnville … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon, RED, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pinot Noir, Seven Terraces, Rossendale Winery, Canterbury, New Zealand, 2012, 13% abv, C$27

Wine is about people and community – it’s usually best enjoyed with others and it always has a story. This Pinot Noir is no exception to that general rule.  From New Zealand’s South Island just 13 km south of Christchurch, it’s made … Continue reading

Posted in New Zealand, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Tyrconnell, Single Malt, Irish Whiskey, Andrew A Watt & Co., Ireland, 40% abv, C$60

The Tyrconnell was a horse owned by the Watt family that was entered into the Irish national stakes in 1876 and won against enormous odds of 100-1. Now the name is used for this Irish whiskey produced at the Cooley Distillery, … Continue reading

Posted in Ireland, OTHER, SPIRITS, Whiskey/Whisky | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Genium Cellers, Costers vi de Guarda, Poboleda, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2005, 14.5% abv

One thing I have learned about winemakers and winery owners is that showing even a little interest in their work usually yields immensely positive results for anyone wanting to learn more.  Most are keen to share and you realize very quickly … Continue reading

Posted in Carignan, Grenache / Garnacha, Merlot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pinot Noir, Proposal Bloc, J Wrigley Vineyards, McMinnville AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA, 2012, 14% abv

Little brother Allan purchased this across the border in Bellingham, WA where the owner of the winery and winemaker, John Wrigley, was doing a tasting. I have a soft spot for McMinnville having visited several wineries there in August, 2013.  There … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon, OTHER, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sol Lucet, Koshu, Kurambon Wine, Japan, 2013, 11.5% abv C$24 (UK L13)

Eight.  Yes, eight different Marks & Spencer’s stores.  That’s exactly how many stores Brian visited to find this bottle of wine for me during a recent business trip to London, England. All praise be to Brian, best (and most persistent) … Continue reading

Posted in WHITE | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Salentein Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina, 2012, 14.5% abv

Argentina’s vineyards are some of the highest in the world – most start at about 600m and can go as high as 1,600m. Almost all of them are on the country’s western strip bordering the Andes mountains toward Chile and … Continue reading

Posted in Argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, RED | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Villa Maria, Pinot Noir, Private Bin, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2011, C$22

This is wine.  It’s correct and it’s doing its thing, but there isn’t anything about it that makes you sit up and take notice, write poetry or break into song. In fact, the most exciting thing about this wine is … Continue reading

Posted in New Zealand, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment