Wine Archives - Page 5 of 11 - The Boozy Epicure

2013 Valley Vineyards, The Royal Chenin Blanc

September 27, 2014September 9, 2016

I've been drinking a lot of Chenin Blanc recently, mostly Vouvray from the Loire region of France. So when I saw The Royal at Total Wine, I was curious to see what South African Chenin Blanc (also called Steen in South Africa) tasted like. For less than $10, I've got... Read More

Pinot Noir Tasting USA Wine

2011 Peay Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

September 21, 2014September 9, 2016

Pinot Noir is one of those grapes that can be expressed so many different ways in wine. From silky and light, to complex and rich, it not only expresses where it is grown, its terroir, but also the choices and preferences of the winemaker. Its blessing can also be its... Read More

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Tasting USA Wine

2010 Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve

September 5, 2014September 9, 2016

There are lots of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends coming out of Napa Valley priced in the $30-$40 range. Many are, in my humble opinion, overpriced and banking on the fame of Napa as a wine region. Not so with the Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve. This blend (72%... Read More

France Mouvedre Red Blends/Other Tasting Wine

2010 Domaine Tempier Bandol

September 2, 2014September 9, 2016

In Provence, France, the Peyraud Family is producing some really stunning wines. Founded in 1834, Domaine Tempier uses organic farming, hand harvesting, and family tradition to create a Mourvedre blend that is an iconic expression of the Bandol appellation. When I first opened the bottle, it seemed tight and closed... Read More

Italy Nebbiolo Tasting Wine

2008 Michele Chiarlo Barolo Tortoniano

August 31, 2014September 9, 2016

Barolo is one of the iconic wines in the world. Made from the noble Nebbiolo grape in Piedmont, Italy, it's known for being powerful, high acid, high tannin, high alcohol and very long lived. In fact, until recently, the idea of drinking Barolo young would've been sacrilege. The last decade... Read More

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Italy Sangiovese Tasting Wine

2010 Renieri Invetro

August 23, 2014September 9, 2016

Sometimes, I pick up a bottle of wine for a completely random reason. Like tonight. I bought this IGT Super Tuscan at Total Wine for one reason only, because it had a glass stopper instead of a regular cork. Oh, yeah, and it cost $14. The Vino-Lok system uses glass... Read More

France Pinot Noir Tasting Wine

2008 Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur Vosne-Romanee

August 17, 2014September 9, 2016

When it comes to my most beloved wines, red Burgundy is very high on the list. Nowhere else in the world does Pinot Noir achieve the magical, ethereal quality that it does in this part of France. All that magic though, comes at a price. The reputation of certain villages,... Read More

France Gamay Tasting Wine

2009 Domaine Diochon Moulin-a-Vent

August 12, 2014September 9, 2016

Why don't people drink more Beaujolais? Every time I open a bottle, I ask myself that very question. For roughly $25 you can get a great (not just good, not just tasty, but really damn nice) bottle of wine and tonight's Moulin-a-Vent (one of the 10 Beaujolais crus) proves my point exactly.... Read More

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot France Tasting Wine

2009 Le Baron de Brane, Margaux

July 28, 2014September 9, 2016

Let's talk for a second about Bordeaux. Some of the most expensive, highly demanded wines in the world come from this region. Unlike the rest of France where the vineyard is king, in Bordeaux, the Chateau that makes the wine is often the driving factor regarding price. Names like Mouton,... Read More

Italy Montepulciano Red Blends/Other Tasting Wine

2003 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

July 4, 2014September 9, 2016

I had never heard of Emidio Pepe when I bought this bottle of wine. I was talking to a shop owner, asking questions and looking for something "interesting" and he pulled out this bottle. I was confused. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from 2003? My general rule was to drink Montepulciano nice and... Read More