Author Archives: winellama
Pinot Noir, Dehart Vineyard, Martin’s Lane Winery, Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia, 2015, 14% abv., C$100
From the heavily lauded Martin’s Lane Winery located in Kelowna, BC, this Pinot Noir is absolutely world class. Its translucent garnet tone offers a deep nose of mulberry, cherry, deeply ripened strawberry, freshly turned soil, and mushroom. The palate has … Continue reading
Chardonnay, Premier Cru Chablis, Kirkland Signature, AOC Chablis, France, 2019, 13.5% abv., US$17.79
While perusing the shelves at Costco Lihue, I picked this Premier Cru Chablis up for a song. Aged in stainless steel for a year, this was a great wine to enjoy in the warmth of Kauai on the lanai. I … Continue reading
Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Gérard Bertrand, Côte des Roses, Languedoc AOP, France, 2020, 13.5% abv. US$15
One of the things I like to do most when in the US is to shop in the liquor section in Costco. Usually that just serves to get me really riled up though – because I become overwhelmingly jealous at … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Ayoub Estate Vineyard, Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 13.5% abv., 2017, US$65
Mo Ayoub is a fascinating person and well-reviewed vintner for whom growing grapes and making wine is a retirement gig – and what a gig it is. His wines are eagerly sought after and elusive, as he doesn’t make much, … Continue reading
Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, 2003, 13.5% abv.
Offspring of the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most renowned red grapes of the world, rivalled only by Merlot for worldwide plantings and popularity. Its power base is in Bordeaux and especially on … Continue reading
Cactus Red and White Blends, Desert Hills Estate Winery, Oliver, BC, Okanagan Valley VQA, 2020
I don’t know about you, but I am always on the lookout for red and white wines that are not going to break my bank, but that meet all – or at least most – of my criteria. That includes … Continue reading
Maréchal Foch, ‘Carbeau’, Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery, Vancouver Island, BC, 2019, 11.2% abv.
There I was, standing in front of the wine cabinet, trying to find something appropriate to pair with our holiday luncheon, and boom – the Carbeau hit me. The Carbeau is made of Maréchal Foch, a French hybrid red grape … Continue reading
Zinfandel, Three Valleys, Ridge Vineyards, Sonoma County, California, 2013, 14.4% abv., C$60
You know, I think we are all still feeling a little pandemic-bluesy. In an effort to bring some significant happiness and good vibes to our home, I decided to open this bottle purchased at Ridge during a tasting stop in … Continue reading
Cabernet Sauvignon (Artist Series Clone 337), Chappellet Winery, Napa Valley AVA, California, 2008, 14.9% abv., US$80
This is a clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery’s Artist’s Series,’ purchased during a visit to Chappellet in 2016. Chappellet’s famous Pritchard Hill vineyard was founded in 1967 by Donn Chappellet in the eastern hills over looking the … Continue reading
Lumette! (non-alcoholic distilled spirit), Sheringham Distillery, Sooke, BC, Canada, 0% abv, 750 ml, C$35.99
I am waiting for some surgery, so decided to look into substitutes for that early evening cocktail I’ve grown to love. Once the orthopaedic surgeon comes calling with a date, I’ll need to change up a few deeply ingrained habits! … Continue reading
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