Category Archives: Grenache / Garnacha

Spreading the Love; Wine and Whiskey Tastings

So far, 2025 has been the year of monthly wine and whiskey tastings, plus the second installment of a something we call ‘Gin’Mas’ around these parts. I’ve been a frequently invited volunteer at one of the local long term care … Continue reading

Posted in Chardonnay, Grenache / Garnacha, Red, red wine, Savagnin, Spain, SPIRITS, Vernaccia, Whiskey/Whisky | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tempranillo, Vina Bosconia, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja DOCa., Spain, 2009, 13.5% abv. US$50

I’m going to be dreaming about having enjoyed this bottle for a while yet.  It’s a classic Riojan red blend from benchmark winery, Lopez de Heredia – one of my absolute favourite houses. A stunning blend of Tempranillo (80) with … Continue reading

Posted in Graciano, Grenache / Garnacha, Mazuelo, OTHER, RED, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

Posted in California, Grenache / Garnacha, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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 , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rosé, Whispering Angel, Caves D’Esclans, Domaines Sacha Lichine, Côtes-de-Provence, France, 2017, US$21

I drank it all.  Every drop.  By myself.  And I was so distracted, I even forgot to take a picture of the bottle before I drained it. But I think this is what happens with the easily quaffable Whispering Angel. … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, OTHER, Rolle, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah, Vermentino | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rosé, Domaine Houchart, Côtes de Provence AC, France, 13% abv, 2016, C$20++

It’s so warm these days, I can’t bring myself to drink anything other than gin and tonic … or perhaps a bottle of Rosé. This Rosé, made of typical Provençal grapes – Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah – is bottled at … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, OTHER, RED, ROSE, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rosé, Bastide Blanche, Château de Castillon, Bandol AC, France, 2015, 13.5% abv. US$20

Rosé and summer go swell together.  Consider adding this one to your long weekend activities. Rosé is the best known style of wine from Bandol – a tiny wine region on the French shores of the Mediterranean.  Bandol is part … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, France, Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, ROSE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

GSM, Cuvée Mirabelle, Lauren Ashton Cellars, Colombia Valley AVA, Washington, 2012, 14.5% abv. US$50

This GSM (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre) is a delicious Washington state wine you can taste and buy at their Woodinville headquarters. Have you stopped in at Woodinville lately?  Really, it’s the best idea ever – located only 30 minutes outside … Continue reading

Posted in Grenache / Garnacha, Mouvedre, Monastrell, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Washington State | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment