There were more food, wine, lifestyle vendors and appreciative guests this year, in only its second time around, at Reyes Winery for the Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival last weekend. While VIPs were given early access and other perks, every guest seemed to be feeling the VIP treatment with unlimited access to both commercial and…
James Bond strode briskly into the Le Louis XV Restaurant of Monte Carlo’s Hotel de Paris. Once his eye caught sight of chef Alain Ducasse, Bond called for his attention. “Yes, Monsieur Bond,” he flashed a quick nod. “How may I be of service?” “Alain, am I correct when I say that a…
Just east of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most prolific wine regions. Known as “Winelands,” it is a seemingly mystical land conjured from a fantasy tale. The landscape is fringed with craggy mountains whose peaks ascend high into the clouds. Green valleys are dotted with 300 year old camphor trees, fields of flowers…
Verde Valley (Green) is now producing some very exciting wines. Verde Valley is also excelling in the realm of organic wines. Where is Verde valley? Jerome, Arizona, of course. Not only is this unlikely region producing wines of distinction, they are the vision of one whom some may consider, an unlikely source. Caduceus Cellars is…
As the verdant slopes of Mt. Meliton stretch down to mingle with the crystal clear waters of Toroneo Bay, 475 hectares of the largest Greek vineyards lie in amphitheatre-like formation. The “Slopes of Mt. Meliton” vineyards are some of the largest in Europe and a model of organic viniculture…Domaine Porto Carras. The vineyards of Domaine…
In this final installment of my series of articles about alcohol levels in Zinfandel, we hear from two gentlemen who are on the forefront of preserving some of California great old vineyards. Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co. (www.bedrockwineco.com) grew up with Zinfandel – literally. His father is Joel Peterson, founder of Ravenswood Winery and,…
Last week, I started exploring the issue of alcohol levels in Zinfandel, and received comments from Claire Silver, co-owner of Tobin James Cellars and Janell Dusi, winemaker and owner of J Dusi Wines. In this week’s article, we hear from Karl Wicka, winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars’ Templeton location: “Zinfandel as a variety has uneven…
When I am asked about my preferences in wine, my usual answer is, “Italian wines are my forte and Spanish wines are my heritage. However, Georgian wines are my passion.” Another of my passions, in the world of wines, is “terroir. online pharmacy doxycycline no prescription pharmacy ” I come from the school of thought…
Quintessa (All blends using Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere) 2010 Both aromas and flavors of spiced-up blueberries, freshly cracked green peppercorns, rich Swiss dark chocolate and firm tannins. 2009 Woods after the rain, blackest of blackberries, sautéed mushrooms, black licorice, fresh anise and balanced tannins. 2008 This had…
Wines to be reviewed are stacking up at Chez Bushman and you know what that means? The pressure to drink is overwhelming! Now, I didn’t do these three all on the same night but I did get through them and made ample notes to prove it: Red Lava Vineyards 2005 Syrah 14.5% alcohol 100% Red…