Category Archives: OTHER

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

Posted on October 17, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, OTHER, Rousanne, WHITE | Tagged Ballard Canyon, california, California wine, La Cuadrilla, Los Olivos, Peter Stolpman, Roussanne, sea urchin, Stolpman Vineyards, Stolpman wines, uni, white wine | Leave a comment

Chenin Blanc, David Monopole, Arnaud Lambert, Brézé, Saumur AOC, Loire Valley, France, 2020, 13.9% abv., US$88

Posted on October 12, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Loire, OTHER, WHITE | Tagged arnaud lambert, california, chenin blanc, france, French wine, loire valley, Loire Valley AC, Monterey, monterey california, Passionfish, Saumur AOC, white wine | 2 Comments

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

Posted on October 10, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in California, OTHER, Pinot Noir, WHITE | Tagged California wine, Lisa Tenbrink, pinot noir, Suisun Valley AVA, Tenbrink Winery, Tolenas Winery, white pinot noir, yuppiefarmgirl | Leave a comment

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

Posted on October 9, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, OTHER, WHITE | Tagged Bien Nacido, Bryan Babcock, California wine, chardonnay, James Beard Foundation, Lisa Babcock, Lompoc, Lompoc wine, Peake Vineyard, Santa Barbara Valley, Santa Barbara Wine, Santa Rita AVA, Sta Rita AVA, Tasting rooms, white wine | Leave a comment

Viura, Viña Otano, Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2015, 13% abv., US$29

Posted on September 1, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Grenache blanc, Oregon, OTHER, Spain, WHITE, White Grenache / Garnacha / Garnaxa | Tagged Alta, Espana, Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOC, spain, Vina Otano, viura, white rioja | Leave a comment

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)

Posted on June 20, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Loire, OTHER, WHITE | Tagged biodynamic, biodynamic wine, Coulee de Serrant, france, loire valley, New Natural Movement, Nicolas Joly, NNM, virginie joly, white wine | Leave a comment

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Velenosi, DOC, Classico, Italia, 2021, 12.5% abv., C$27

Posted on May 10, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in Italy, OTHER, Verdicchio, WHITE | Tagged italia, Italy, Le Marche, Little green one, Velenosi, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC, white wine | Leave a comment

Riesling, Poet’s Leap, Long Shadows Vintners Collection, Columbia Valley AVA, Washington, USA, 12.5% abv., 2021, US$16

Posted on April 4, 2023 by winellama

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 →

Posted in OTHER, Riesling, Washington State, WHITE | Tagged Armin Diel, Columbia Valley AVA, gilles nicault, Long Shadows Collection, Poet's Leap, riesling, US wine, washington state, white wine | Leave a comment

Tempranillo, Viña Cubillo, Crianza, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja Alta, Spain, 2012, 13.5 abv., US$40

Posted on February 23, 2023 by winellama

Classic, classic, classic – it doesn’t get much better than this developed, yet still bright, mostly Tempranillo wine from benchmark Rioja winery, Lopez de Heredia. The Cubillo vineyard has vines that are about 40 years old and the 65% Tempranillo … Continue reading →

Posted in Graciano, Grenache / Garnacha, Mazuelo, OTHER, RED, Tempranillo | Tagged Espana, Lopez de Heredia, red wine, rioja, spain, spanish wine, Vina Cubillo | Leave a comment

Pinot Noir, Clone Collection Dijon 777, Code Wines, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, BC, 2020, 13.5% abv. C$34

Posted on January 12, 2023 by winellama

Owners Shay and Harlee Code decided in 2016 to purchase land in Okanagan Falls on which they planted Viognier, Syrah, several clones of Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes. In 2021, they made the full time move once their home and … Continue reading →

Posted in British Columbia, OTHER, Pinot Noir, RED | Tagged BC wine, Canadian wine, Code Wines, Dijon 777, Harlee Code, okanagan, Okanagan Falls, red wine, Shay Code, Upper Bench | Leave a comment