Author Archives: winellama

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About winellama

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

Sommavite, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2008, 14% abv, US$19.99 @ Trader Joe’s

I will admit to having experienced a small amount of panic when I opened this because of some extra alcoholic vapours and concerns about faults.  But those literally blew over and off and although the cork was grainy and falling … Continue reading

Posted in Italy, RED, Sangiovese | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Domaine Huet, Le Haut Lieu, Molleux, Vouvray AC, Loire, France, 2008, 12.5% abv

During our June 2012 visit to France, we visited Domaine Huet and enjoyed a tasting and tour with Johan. Before leaving for a scrumptious lunch of local Loire specialities engineered by Chef Christophe and his wife Natalie at a nearby … Continue reading

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Caymus, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 15.2% abv, C$46.00

Owned for 40 years in Rutherford, California by the Wagner family, the Caymus wines are some of the most dependable and tasty produced in Napa Valley. Over the course of time, they’ve diversified with several product lines and quality levels. … Continue reading

Posted in California, RED, Red, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Chateau Pradeaux, Bandol AOP, Provence, France 2007, 14.5% abv, US$45.95

Mention Provence and most people conjure up images of the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean, olive trees and pink wines.  In this case, the pictures are accurate – except for the wine.  This nectar is the famous red Provencal wine from the … Continue reading

Posted in France, Mouvedre, Monastrell, RED | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Chateau de Tracy, Pouilly-Fumé AOP, Loire, France, 2011, 13% abv, C$51

Pouilly-Fumé AOP is in the eastern Loire Valley, just across the Loire River and to the east of Sancerre. This region is known now for its white Sauvignon Blanc wines that have characteristically pungent aromas and flavours of gooseberry and flint, but … Continue reading

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Rose, Bodegas Muga, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$18

Summer is meant for rose wine – or is it the other way around?  I often wonder why rose is not called ‘pink’ wine in English – we have white and red, so why not pink? This pink wine is fresh, … Continue reading

Posted in Grenache / Garnacha, ROSE, Spain, Tempranillo, Viura / White Rioja | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Church & State, Viognier, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, 2012, 13.2% abv

Viognier – Fifty years ago, there were only 14 ha of this white grape planted in Condrieu AC and at tiny Chateau Grillet in the Northern Rhone’s Cote Rotie.  However, now it’s literally planted everywhere in the world. It’s either a … Continue reading

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Les Solitaires, Chateau la Begude, Gigondas AC, Gabriel Meffre Negociant-Eleveur, France, 2010, 14.5% abv

Gigondas is well-known as the little sibling to Chateauneuf-de-Pape and hails from France’s Southern Rhone Valley. An Appellation Controlee since 1971, most wines made here are red and may be no more than 80% Grenache. Some roses are made, but no … Continue reading

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Tahbilk, Museum Release, Marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria, Australia, 2007, 12% abv, C$21

This is a fabulous find that will not break your bank but tastes great.  It’s made from Marsanne grapes that are sometimes called ‘Ermitage’ because they originated in France’s Rhone Valley and were used in white Hermitage wines.  These days, Marsanne … Continue reading

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Champagne Louis de Sacy, Brut Rose Grand Cru, NV, Verzy, Champagne, France, 12% abv, 375 ml

In December 2013, we had bought a bottle of the Louis de Sacy Brut Grand Cru and really enjoyed it (review here).  Louis de Sacy is the kind of brand I like to support – relatively small production and mostly … Continue reading

Posted in Champagne, France, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, ROSE | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment