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Author Archives: winellama
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 cabernet franc, Israel, kosher, merlot, red wine, syrah, Tulip Winery
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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
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 Columbia Gorge AVA, Dominio IV Wines, mcminnville, oregon, red wine, tempranillo
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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 Empson, New Zealand, pinot noir, Rossendale, Seven Terraces, wine
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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 Cooley Distillery, Ireland, single malt, spirits, Tyrconnell, whiskey
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 carignan, garnacha, genium cellers, grenache, merlot, poboleda, priorat doq, spain, syrah
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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 j wrigley vineyard, mcminnville, oregon, pinot noir
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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
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 argentina, Bodegas Salentein, Cabernet Sauvignon
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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 George Fistonich, New Zealand, New Zealand wine, pinot noir, private bin, Villa Group, villa maria
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