Category Archives: RED
Merlot, Upper Bench Estate Winery, Okanagan Valley VQA, BC, 2012, 14.3% abv, C$26
I visited this winery in mid-August 2015 on the day they were actually harvesting Chardonnay for sparkling wine out back. Yes, in August! While I had real trouble getting the attention of those behind the bar for tastings, eventually I … Continue reading
Tarima, Organic, Monastrell, Alicante DO, Spain, 14.5% abv, 2012, C$14++
What exactly is Monastrell? In France it’s called Mourvèdre, and in Australia, Mataro. In those two countries, the grape is part the common blend called GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) with each of the grapes bringing something special to the blend. … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, The Princess and the Peasant, Signal Ridge Vineyard, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, 2014, 13.9% abv.
We’ve been to Napa and Sonoma before and for sure, they’ve got the storied, now chi-chi vineyards – all buttressed by the legacy of that 1976 double blind Judgement of Paris tasting that introduced California to Europe. They have their … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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