Category Archives: OTHER
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
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
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
Chenin Blanc, David Monopole, Arnaud Lambert, Brézé, Saumur AOC, Loire Valley, France, 2020, 13.9% abv., US$88
In September 2023, we dropped into Monterey, California for the Rennsport 7 Reunion, a kind of convention for Porsche enthusiasts. On the last night, and to celebrate 20 years of being together, we dined at ‘Passionfish’. We are no slouches … Continue reading
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
Viura, Viña Otano, Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2015, 13% abv., US$29
I bought two of these, but now wish I’d purchased two cases. A white Rioja made of 85% Viura with 10% Garnacha Blanca and 5% Maturana Blanca, this wine is a definite treat and can be held for a long … Continue reading
Chenin Blanc, Clos de la Coulée de Serrant, Appellation Savennières – Coulée de Serrant Contrôlée, Savennières, Loire Valley, France 2010, 15% abv., US$68.70 (in 2014)
I read a lot about wine, and the one thing that consistently irritates me about so many reviews is the fawning, oh-my-god-this-wine-is-amazing accolades that many churn out. The thing though is that, truly, there are many wines of the world … Continue reading
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Velenosi, DOC, Classico, Italia, 2021, 12.5% abv., C$27
Verdicchio, the name of the grape used for this wine made in Le Marche, is often referred to as ‘the little green one’. The wines produced tend to be crisp and powerful with great acidity and minerality. Verdicchio is grown … Continue reading
Riesling, Poet’s Leap, Long Shadows Vintners Collection, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington, USA, 12.5% abv., 2021, US$16
What’s the saying, ‘When in Rome…?’ Well, when in Washington State, find yourself some Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling from the Columbia Valley, because it’s one of the grapes they do best there. Pale yellow with aromas of green apple, … Continue reading
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