I belong to a group known as the Century Club. In order to be a member of this most unique group, one must meet the requirement of having sampled a minimum of 100 grape varietals. Now that is varietals, not wines. When you think about it, many people who enjoy wine seldom get beyond the…
The SCV Custom Crush Services, the only winemaking facility in Santa Clarita, will play wine tasting host and wine educator in a fast-approaching fundraiser on Sunday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A large portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the work of the Unitarian Universalists of Santa Clarita. Just like in…
Now and then I actually write about wine. Well, take that back, I go to a blind Syrah tasting, hosted by my friends in the Santa Clarita Vintners and Grower’s Association, ask them to take down notes and send them to me. So this really is a wine review column, but not just from 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…
We played a game the other day in the Pulchella Tasting Room. Winemaker Steve Lemley removed his tasting notes and we spent nearly two hours talking winemaking practices, the effects of the past 2010 and 2011 cold Paso years and that these wines we were to taste were from the “2012 No Excuses” vintage –…
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…
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…
Santiago, Chile. It has been some time since my last visit. Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Monseratt Araya. We are in one of her favorite city spots, Cafe Mosqueto. From our patio table, we have a wonderful view of one of the city’s most popular streets. Calle Monjitas, in the Bellas…
I’m challenging myself this week to learn more about Kosher wines, recommend a few non-kosher wines and basically soak your holidays up through New Years, whether you’re lighting Menorah candles or Christmas trees. I’ve had the Kosher Manischewitz wine at a couple of Bris ceremonies: Fruit juice that a newborn boy could happily suckle off…
I often receive emails asking what are some of my favorite California wines and why I don’t review more of our gems. For the record, I have a preference for Sonoma County, and a penchant for the Russian River Valley. You guessed correctly, I am passionate about Pinot Noir. I also feel my colleagues…