Tag Archives: wine

Meeting a 5th Generation Vigneron in Meursault, France – Domaine Millot-Bernard

In August 2025, I took a ten day solo trip to Burgundy during the harvest.  A year prior, I’d made a friend who connected me with his family.  I returned during harvest to experience as much as was possible in … Continue reading

Posted in Aligote, Burgundy, Chardonnay, France, Gamay, OTHER, Pinot Noir, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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

9 Late Llama Wine Posts

Back in 2013 when I started this blog (has it been that long?), I did so because I needed to get faster and better at recording WSET tasting notes in anticipation of Diploma exams. My theory at the time was … Continue reading

Posted in BC, Burgundy, France, Italy, OTHER, RED, Red, SPIRITS, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pinot Noir, Les Épenotes, Premier Cru, Maison Evenstad, Beaune, Burgundy, France, 13.5% abv., US$110

One of the tasting experiences during my day in Burgundy was at Domaine du Château de la Crée in very tiny Santenay.  The Château dates back to 1431, and its main building was burned down during the French Revolution. Santenay … Continue reading

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Sangiovese, Occhio di Pernice, Avignonesi Winery, Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC, Montepulciano, Toscana, Italia, 2005, 12.5% abv, 50 € (100 ml)

Before we travelled to Italy, I had planned a casual visit to the Avignonesi Winery, imagining I’d simply enjoy some Vino Nobile di Montepulciano on the patio enroute from Perugia to Greve.  I had enjoyed their wine before in Canada, … Continue reading

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Chardonnay, Filius, Vasse Felix, Margaret River, Australia, 2019, 12.5% abv., 1,050 Thai Baht/C$40

What’s the saying? When in Rome… Well, I was in Thailand recently, and decided to do my tasting poolside at The Banyan Tree, Phuket where Khun Tiffy helped us put together a pretty table. The Filius, from Margaret River’s premier, … Continue reading

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Wine in the time of Covid-19

Since my last post, the world has changed significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Between physical distancing and global travel restrictions,  the closing of non-essential services and businesses, border closures, and entire countries under lock down, writing about a bottle … Continue reading

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Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Avignonesi, Montepulciano DOCG, Italia, 13.5% abv, C$42

Avignonesi is Italy’s largest biodynamic winery, located in tiny Valiano, Tuscany between Cortona and Montepulciano. Its owner, Virginie Saverys, a former lawyer from Belgium,  purchased it in 2009 from the original owners, the Avignonesi family, and has spent the last … Continue reading

Posted in Italy, RED, Sangiovese | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Gringet, Brut, Domaine Belluard et Fils, Ayse, Savoie AOC, France, NV, 12% abv.

Nestled in a valley between Geneva and Mont Blanc at an altitude of 400m, Domaine Belluard et Fils is a biodynamic (since 2001) and organic vineyard growing several grapes – but one that is most unusual and unique – Gringet. … Continue reading

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Turbiana and the White Wines of Lugana DOC, Italy

I met Ambra Berardi of the Consorzio Tutela Lugana at the 2018 Wine Writer’s Conference in Walla Walla, Washington when I was looking for light and delicate white wines at the opening tasting reception.  I was hooked instantly by the … Continue reading

Posted in Italy, Turbiana, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments