Left Coast Cellars is a catchy name for this 350-acre contiguous plot of land in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Winemaker Joe Wright is a man after my own heart, a former wine retailer who caught the winemaking bug – and how! Left Coast is making flavorful wines at affordable prices – a recipe for much deserved […]
An Attractively Named White with Flavors to Match Read More »
When’s the last time you drank a truly lovable glass of wine? Italian immigrants set up shop in California’s Dry Creek Valley in the early 20th century. They were looking to grow vines that produced copious amounts of grapes to provide for their mealtimes in the manner of the old country. Yes, we’re talking about
Have This Red Zinfandel on Hand Next Time You Fire Up the Grill Read More »
Many of you are familiar with the Albariño grape, (Alvarinho in Portugal) that produces vibrant whites from Galicia, in the upper left-hand corner of Spain. Galicia’s subregion of Rías Baixas contains windswept vineyards, extremely affected by their ocean proximity, with grapes containing a “crunchy,” thirst-quenching acidity. Today’s example, a new release from Viña Zaco, spends
Windswept White from the Western Coast of Spain Read More »
Another year, another Campo Viejo Gran Reserva review. Yes, it’s Rioja’s largest estate, producing oceans of Tempranillo-based red. But its super-star bottling, the “Gran Reserva” (two years in oak, three years before release) remains a relative bargain in the world of “special” wine. Campo Viejo still retains that golden metal netting around each of these
‘A Real Keeper’ Rioja Red Read More »
Founded in 1983 and located south of Calistoga, Napa Valley, Clos Pegase Winery was built with architectural splendor to house owner Jan Shrem’s art collection as well as produce outstanding wines. Recently sold to Vintage Wine Estates, today’s wine was made under the previous auspices and it will be hard to top. Clos Pegase is
A Rich Napa Valley Red Read More »
Sometimes wine writers get caught up in the “what’s new” syndrome. How boring to write about the tried and true – “of course readers know about that!” But sometimes that is that for a reason. My wife and I recently celebrated a stay at a fancy hotel, and to toast the night away I brought
A Bubbly for Your Valentine Read More »
Organic wines? That’s old news. How about vegan wines? Not only devoid of pesticides and herbicides, but never using gelatin or egg whites (animal products) to “fine” or clarify the wines. (They use bentonite or charcoal.) “They” are Ciù Ciù (pronounced choo choo), a winery located in the Marche region on Italy’s Adriatic coast. The
A Vegan Vineyard Offering Read More »
Look around and you’ll see that almost every wine-producing nation now makes a bubbly. Prosecco, of course, is hot, hot, hot, and it’s not even made by the process that real Champagne is. But people love the off-dry easiness that the Glera grape offers, and farmers are planting it in droves. One country that does make
A Must-Try Cava Sparkler Read More »
Some wines just don’t get any respect. Or, better stated, some wines go in and out of fashion. Most of you remember when Merlot was the hottest ticket going. We in the wine biz couldn’t keep the stuff – any stuff with that name attached – on the shelves. Then Merlot cooled and it still
A Merlot That’s Never Gone Out of Style Read More »
Today’s review comes with a twist. Even if you can’t find today’s wine, I heartily recommend that you go to your nearest wine shop and pick up a bottle of reasonably priced Portuguese Dão. This regional wine has been a favorite of mine for decades, and it continues to be a best buy in characterful
Try This ‘Everyday’ Red with Any Savory Dish Read More »
