Author Archives: winellama
Tempranillo, Miner Family Vineyards, Sierra Foothills, Silverado Trail, Napa Valley AVA, California, 2010, 14.5% abv, $US28
We’re back in Canada from our trip to Napa – and you know what that means. Taxes and duties on alcohol at the border. I paid duty and taxes at the border on the 20 non-exempt bottles of wine to … Continue reading
Syrah, Porter Creek, Timbervine Ranch, Russian River Valley, California, 2010, 14.5%, US$46
We walked into Yountville’s best wine store Groezinger’s and asked owner Rick, “If there was one wine in this store we should buy, what would it be?” What followed was the most hilarious rant I’ve ever experienced from a wine … Continue reading
Beaux Frères Winery, Newberg, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
We really only had one full day in Willamette and hadn’t planned appropriately by calling ahead and reserving tastings. So, when we pulled up in front of the venerable Beaux Frères vineyard, I curled up in embarrassment in the front … Continue reading
Highflyer, Somerston Vineyards, Grenache Blanc, Napa Valley 2011, 14.1%, US$20
It’s a warm afternoon in Newburg, Oregon and we just arrived having stayed in Mount Shasta, California last evening. Missing the Napa Valley already, so maybe this will remind me of it. A Grenache Blanc or Garnacha Blanca from Somerston … Continue reading
Brown Estate Vineyards, Chiles Valley, Napa Valley, California
Brown Estate Vineyards is rustic elegance; exclusive, understated, in one word, outstanding. Not traditionally a fan of Zinfandel, I’ll admit to having initially low expectations. After all, who is Brown? I’ve never heard of their wines, never seen their label, … Continue reading
Napa Essence, Sauvignon Blanc, Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 13.5% abv, US$48
I don’t drink much Sauvignon Blanc – or Fume Blanc – as this was presented to me at the Estate while were in Napa Valley. So, for me to purchase a bottle, especially while visiting the home of Californian Chardonnay … Continue reading
Sonoma and Napa Valley, California
When the third WSET Diploma course started, I realized it was time to get out of BC and put some of those studies to the test. Let the rubber hit the road, so to speak. Get out and and smell … Continue reading
Iron Horse Ranch and Vineyards, Sebastopol, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
The Russian River Valley is stunning. There, I’m done. What more is there to say? Its soft green, undulating hills, covered by gentle creeping mists of fog and the rippling river itself hide one of the best kept secrets about … Continue reading
Jordan Winery, Healdsburg, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
I’ve been ‘Jordanized’. It’s quite clear Jordan Winery knows what it’s doing. The attention to detail at this trade tasting and tour was apparent from start to finish – from the moment I stepped out of the car and was … Continue reading
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