Category Archives: California

Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California, 2003, 13.5% abv.

Posted on January 11, 2022 by winellama

Offspring of the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most renowned red grapes of the world, rivalled only by Merlot for worldwide plantings and popularity. Its power base is in Bordeaux and especially on … Continue reading →

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, 1 litre, 2014, 14.8% abv, US$90

Posted on February 1, 2017 by winellama

It doesn’t get much better or more stereotypical Napa Valley red than this! Caymus is an entrenched Napa brand.  Big time rich, deep, and larger than life, their wines are those one thinks of when lusting after one the luscious … Continue reading →

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Caymus, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 15.2% abv, C$46.00

Posted on August 14, 2014 by winellama

Owned for 40 years in Rutherford, California by the Wagner family, the Caymus wines are some of the most dependable and tasty produced in Napa Valley. Over the course of time, they’ve diversified with several product lines and quality levels. … Continue reading →

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Andretti Winery, Sangiovese, Napa Valley, California, 2009, 14.9% abv.

Posted on May 10, 2014 by winellama

Sangiovese is a black grape native to Central Italy and primarily Toscana whose name literally means ‘Blood of Jove’, the Italian name for Jupiter. It’s Italy’s most planted variety, is the only grape allowed in Brunello di Montalcino and is … Continue reading →

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Zinfandel, Mickey’s Block, Brown Estate, Chiles Valley, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 15.2% abv.

Posted on April 20, 2014 by winellama

Oh Mickey, you’re so fine. You’re so fine, you … know the rest. Meet Mickey. We’ve held onto this Zinfandel wine for a year now to see what a little time in the bottle would do to it.  It’s hard … Continue reading →

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Pinot Noir, Rosella’s Vineyard, Miner Family, Santa Lucia Highlands, Silverado Trail, Napa Valley AVA, California, 14.4% abv, US$60

Posted on August 23, 2013 by winellama

This Pinot Noir has been waiting to be uncorked ever since our trip to Napa Valley. So, tonight in honour of a certain rugby player going off to university, we cracked it to enjoy with pistachio encrusted salmon and a … Continue reading →

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Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, 2008, 13.5%, C$52

Posted on August 23, 2013 by winellama

Meeting Jordan Winery’s Lisa Mattson at the Wine Bloggers’ Conference of North America in Penticton was a real highlight of the weekend. And the after party – fabulous. At that event, Lisa graciously opened up a vertical tasting of at … Continue reading →

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Roderer, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Philo, Anderson Valley, California 11.5%, US$19.00

Posted on August 15, 2013 by winellama

Here’s a style of wine you won’t find every day. In fact, it’s not even listed on the Roederer website; it was explained to me in March 2013 when we visited the winery that it was a bit of an … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, ROSE | 1 Comment

Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Alexander Valley, Magnum, 2005, 13.5% abv

Posted on July 12, 2013 by winellama

On an evening not so long ago, we opened three bottles with two friends and one blind tasting ensued. One of us doesn’t drink pretty much anything. I know, can you imagine? He is one disciplined dude. So, we felt … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, California, RED, Sonoma | 2 Comments

Whitehall Lane Winery, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, 14.2% abv

Posted on June 25, 2013 by winellama

I had the opportunity to visit Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards in March when we were in Napa. Located in St. Helena, they produce about 45,000 cases per year made by their winemaker ‘Dean’ who has actually spent wine time … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Merlot, RED | 2 Comments