Category Archives: California

Chorus Cuvée Rouge, Brendel, Napa Valley AVA, California, 2021, 13% abv., US$35

What a refreshingly gorgeous red wine this is – the Chorus Cuvée is a Napa Valley field blend co-ferment of 32% Tempranillo, 26% Touriga Nacional, 22% Tinta Cão, 12% Tinta Madeira, and 8% Trousseau. It’s a translucent beauty offering aromas … Continue reading

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Charity fundraising tasting

During Cov*d, I offered a wine tasting with paired hors d’oeuvres to a local Rotary Club fundraiser for the Victoria Hospice Society in the memory of my father-in-law, Ken, who spent his last days there. Of course, because of Cov*d, … Continue reading

Posted in cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Italy, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Petite Sirah, Plavac Mali, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Zinfandel, Split Rail, St. Anne’s Crossing Winery, Dry Creek Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California, 15.7% abv., 2020, US$44

On a recent trip to California, I met some truly fabulous people – people who treated me like a member of their own family, and who I can’t wait to host in BC some day.  Brenda and Joe were two … Continue reading

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Pinot Noir, Walraven Vineyard, Domaine Anderson, Anderson Valley AVA, California, 14.5% abv., 2019 US$70

Travelling down the highway from Mendocino on our way to Truckee, California, I yearned for a tasting at Domaine Anderson.  We’d been to the Anderson Valley several years prior, but had visited their sister winery, Roederer at that time.   Domaine … Continue reading

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Roussanne, Uni, Stolpman Vineyards, Ballard Canyon AVA, Los Olivos, California, 12% abv., 2021, US$30

The night before I’d been to a renowned restaurant that listed Stolpman Vineyards on their wine list, so I thought I’d pay them a visit at their outdoor tasting room in lovely Los Olivos, California – a small town with … Continue reading

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Grenache, Santa Ynez Valley, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Qupé, Santa Maria, California, 2006, 14.5% abv., $80

In September 2023, I stopped while passing through Buellton, California for dinner at The Hitching Post II.  I’d been planning this dinner in my head for a while and had already decided to order a special bottle to enjoy – … Continue reading

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White Pinot Noir, Eclipse, Tenbrink Vineyards, Tolenas Winery, Suisun Valley AVA, Fairfield, California, 2022, 14% abv., US$37

This is pretty cool and happening stuff.  While Pinot Noir grapes have been pressed and used forever as part of sparkling wines and blends, it’s rare to find white versions as still wine. This is the wine that won winemaker … Continue reading

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Chardonnay, Dream Field, Babcock Winery, Peake and Bien Nacido Vineyards, Lompoc, Sta. Rita AVA, Santa Barbara County, California, 2021, 13.9% abv., US$58

I have visited tasting rooms in seven countries, but this one nestled in the Santa Rita Hills is the most intriguing and relaxing I’ve ever been to. Take a seat outside at one of the trendy, weather-worn tables decorated with … Continue reading

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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

Posted in Alicante Bouschet, California, Carignan, Petite Sirah, RED, Red, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Syrah, Ramey Wine Cellars, Sonoma Coast AVA, California, 2013, 14.5% abv (US$59)

Four years ago this month, I graduated with the WSET Diploma – a credential anyone who works in wine and spirits will know is that difficult.  Drinking lots of interesting things to support my wine studies and habit has never … Continue reading

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