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World of Wine News- Host of the Italian Wine Podcast Receives Vinitaly Lifetime Achievement Award
- ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY REOPENS ITS HISTORIC OAKVILLE ESTATE FOLLOWING A MULTI-YEAR TRANSFORMATION
- The Catalina Wine Mixer Returns To Descanso Beach Club May 29-30, 2026
- Frederick Wildman & Sons Expands National Alignment with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Author Archives: winellama
Vouette et Sorbée, Cuvée Fidèle, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, NV, C$90.00
I have slaved, seriously slaved for several years. So, after finding out I passed my final set of WSET Diploma exams, I wanted something worthy for the celebration. Into the fridge popped this bottle. Named after two vineyards, the Fidèle, Extra … Continue reading
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 Brunello, Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Sangiovese, Trader Joes
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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 biodynamic, chenin blanc, domaine huet, loire, vouvray, White
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 california, caymus, napa valley, rutherford, zinfandel
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 bandol, chateaux pradeaux, mourvedre, provence
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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
Posted in France, Sauvignon Blanc, WHITE
Tagged Comte Henri D'Assay, france, Kimmeridgian, loire, pouilly fume, sauvignon blanc, white wine
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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 muga, pink wine, rioja, rose, spain
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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
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
Posted in France, Grenache / Garnacha
Tagged france, grenache, red wine, southern rhone valley
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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
Posted in Australia, Marsanne, WHITE
Tagged Australia, marsanne, Nagambie Lakes, Tahbilk, white wine
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