Category Archives: RED

Cairanne, Peyre Blanche, Famille Perrin, Côtes du Rhône Villages AC, France, 2012, 14.5% abv, C$24++

Today I ran into a friend who also reads this blog and made my day by saying she loves it! Usually I get, “Yes, well, ummm, I’m kinda busy.  Isn’t it good enough that I subscribed?  You mean I have to … Continue reading

Posted in France, Grenache / Garnacha, OTHER, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Merlot, Charles Shaw, California, 2012, 12.5% abv, US$2.98

The Two Buck Chuck nickname is a bit of a misnomer in this day and age of inflation.  Still, that’s about all this is worth – with its watered down body and astringent flavours and aromas.   But let’s be … Continue reading

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Faro, Bonavita, Superiore, Faro DOC, Messina, Italia, 14.5% abv, 2012, US$38

Bonavita is located on only 2.5 ha of land in northeastern Sicily near Messina and owned by Giovanni Scarfone – one winemaker determined to bring back the use of local grapes that have almost become extinct. This wine is comprised … Continue reading

Posted in Nerello Capuccio, Nerello Mascalese, Nocera, OTHER, RED, red wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cabernet Sauvignon, Bosché Vineyard, Freemark Abbey, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, 13.8% abv, 2004, US$120

It’s possible I may have a bit of a bucket list for wine-related things, just sayin’. I’ve enjoyed fresh oysters in Cancale buttressed by glasses of Muscadet, had a private tasting with the Queen of Priorat, and in summer 2015, … Continue reading

Posted in cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, OTHER, RED | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Bobal, Corazón Loco, Rosé , DO Manchuela, Spain, 13% abv, C$20

From a landlocked DO west of Valencia and Utiel-Requena off the southwest coast of Spain comes the Corazón Loco – the crazy heart – a rosé made from Spanish varietal Bobal.  Named after the Latin bovale for its (apparent) similarity … Continue reading

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Rosé, Lumineaux, Hawks Butte Vineyard, Bink Winery, Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County, Anderson Valley, California, 2014, 14% abv.

Winemaker Deb Schatzlein has made some gorgeous treasures with Anderson Valley fruit and custom crushes at neighbour Balo. At their tasting room located in The Madrones (yes, you need to stay there or at The Brambles where we did), we … Continue reading

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, 2008, 13.5% abv.

Sometimes the Winellama writes about wine and sometimes she writes about an experience. This time, she’s writing about an experience topped by equally outstanding wine. We pulled up for the trade tasting at Jordan in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley and … Continue reading

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Rosé, Faustine, Domaine Abbatucci, Corsica, 2014, 13% abv, C$45++

This rosé is made from Sciaccarellu (local dialect for Sciacarello) grapes grown on 18ha of 20 year old vines at Jean-Charles Abbatucci’s Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyards in Corsica. Abbatucci is a direct descendant and namesake of General Jean-Charles Abbatucci from Ajaccio who was … Continue reading

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Malbec, Old Vine, Llama, Belasco de Bacqudano, Alto Agrelo Valley, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.8% abv, 2012, C$18++

Honestly, I was going to keep on walking straight through to Spain or France.   Do you really think I’m about to fall victim to buying a critter wine called ‘Llama’?  And I admit it – I never buy Malbec. … Continue reading

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Les Cornuds, Famille Perrin, Vinsobres AC, France, 2011, 14.5% abv. C$20++

Here’s a classic 50-50 Syrah and Grenache blend from Vinsobres which is located in the northern part of France’s Southern Rhône Valley. Vinsobres became its own AC in 2006; before that it was part of the Côtes du Rhône Villages. … Continue reading

Posted in France, Grenache / Garnacha, RED, Shiraz / Syrah | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments