We recently had a bottle of the 2016 Comstock Rockpile Petite Sirah along with a few other wines. Petite Sirah is well known for often being dark, brooding, and taking a long time to come around to peak drinkability. This was just the opposite. It was bright, lively and downright elegant. It was the wine…
Have you heard of tiny houses? There’ve been a few television shows about them. My wife Karen occasionally watches them and I’ll sometimes lift my head up from wine-related Facebook conversations to see what’s up. Basically, people downsize to a minimum level of possessions and space requirements in order to live in very small residences,…
It’s been a few years since the wild and crazy Ted Plemons entertained Cass Winery lovers on the patio of Salt Creek Grille, and I for one won’t be missing it. Not only will Ted, co-partner at the winery, be there he will be introducing no less than FIVE of their latest vintages to pair…
When I think of Ferrari-Carano, I immediately think of Fumé Blanc. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Many years ago, I remember ordering a bottle of this delicious refreshing wine with the Ferrari-Carano label at a San Francisco restaurant. But this winery is about a lot more than that. The winery was founded in…
I just had a very nice tasting with a female vintner new to me – and I bet new to most for making wine here and in Bordeaux? Really? Read on as all will be revealed after the tasting. Tasting RareCat 2014 Grenache Rose “Brigitte”, California (East Napa Valley, sourced near Davis) $24 With a…
The origin of Chardonnay is from the Burgundy region of France. Like French Bordeaux and Burgundy wines the French Chardonnays are named according to the region that they come from. French Chardonnays are commonly called White Burgundies since they are believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France. French and American Chardonnays are…
CARMEL, CA – Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites has partnered with 14 local Monterey County wineries to create a unique guest experience celebrating the bounty of Monterey County’s vineyards. Each winery sponsors one room or suite, providing its own creative touches. From the McIntyre Vineyards room with its impressive 100-year-old section of grapevine to J….
I am sure that it has crossed your mind on many occasion why wine smells and taste certain ways. What I also find interesting is that wine smells and tastes like virtually every fruit except grapes. With this in mind, how do vintners develop aromas of vanilla or flavors of cherry? The answer is quite…
I was so excited about visiting winemaker Mitch Cosentino at his new tasting room! I’ve tasted his wines every year for the past few years here in Santa Clarita but had never visited him. And his new label, PureCru, has a new perfect pairing: a wine tasting bar (which means it’s open at night too)…
Grape of the Night (GOTN) got together to explore the elegance of Chardonnay. This varietal is claimed to be the most popular of both the reds and whites. Chardonnay wines have a huge following by people that want that crisp, fresh,pure quality that this wine delivers. The palate gives way to flavors of pear and…