Category Archives: California

Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Honig, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Over the years this has been my go-to Sauvignon for events with groups visiting California. The wine speaks of citrus with refreshing acidity while at the same time not having the overwhelming austerity of … Continue reading

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Dan McCoog

Today we learned of the passing of Dan McCoog, one of the most genteel experts in the world of wine. He served a plethora of consumers in the restaurants for which he purchased wine and consulted on wine selection. At … Continue reading

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The wines of South Coast Winery

South Coast Winery, Temecula Valley, Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Wine nv The nose is quite aromatic, assertive in its fruity and floral characters. I was reminded of the vibrant aromas that I associate with top-notch Prosecco from the Veneto. It is … Continue reading

Posted in California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Super Tuscan, Temecula | Tagged | Leave a comment

Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio 2009

Turning Leaf, California, Pinot Grigio 2009 The nose sports citrus which follows through on the palate. The acidity of a lemon adds zippiness that is tempered by a touch of creaminess in this light-bodied Grigio. This bottle is a media … Continue reading

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ZAP Super Tasting on Saturday in San Francisco

Peg Melnik of the Press Democrat has posted some recommendations and a question on her blog about the upcoming Zinfandel tasting at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Let her know why you’re going and what you plan to taste: http://tastingroom.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/2011/01/21/you-in-are-you-going-to-zap/ … Continue reading

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Designated Drivers for Wine Events

Peg Melnik of the Press Democrat recently posted an interesting piece on her blog about designated drivers. She has opened a discussion about responsible ways to safely attend the many wine events that are ongoing in wine regions like the … Continue reading

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J. Keverson Pinot Noir 2008

J. Keverson, Sonoma Mountain, Haas Family Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2008 I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this team’s Pinot since the ’06 vintage and I can tell you that the wines are still on form.  This Pinot Noir embodies … Continue reading

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Rose 2009

I was riffling through my wines today and spotted that I had left a few bottles of pink wine undrunk from the summer stash – time to get cracking! Villa Wolf, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Rose 2009 The aromatics are muted … Continue reading

Posted in California, Contra Costa County, Germany, Mourvedre, Pfalz, Pinot Noir, Rosé | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc – Viognier 2008

Pine Ridge, California, Chenin Blanc – Viognier 2008 The nose features melons and peaches, very fresh. In the mouth the same fruits delight with a touch of residual sugar and thirst-quenching acidity – very nice yet again. This wine has … Continue reading

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Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Quivira, Dry Creek Valley, Fig Tree Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 This is a vivacious Sauvignon, a lively expression of citrus, crisp and refreshing. The vineyard takes its name from the 130-year old Mission fig tree on the property, near the … Continue reading

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