Tasting Archives - Page 3 of 10

2009 Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera

December 14, 2014September 9, 2016

I've got friends who are Amarone addicts and for a long time, I didn't see what all the fuss was about. Amarone comes from the Valpolicella district in Northeastern Italy's Veneto region, made from a blend of grapes (primarily Corvina) that have been dried. The grapes are picked in bunches... Read More

France Gamay Tasting Wine

Comparative Tasting 2012 Chateau Bonnet Beaujolais, Saint-Amour and Moulin-A-Vent

December 13, 2014September 9, 2016

I love side-by-side tasting. Nothing makes similarities and differences more apparent than by tasting wines together. I'm a big fan of Beaujolais, especially during the holiday season. People rave about the ease of pairing Pinot Noir to lots of different foods, but Gamay is even easier. Low in tannin, happy... Read More

France Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Wine

2009 Henri Bourgeois Pouilly-Fume La Demoiselle de Bourgeois

October 30, 2014September 9, 2016

Sauvignon Blanc is an easy grape to love, and when it is grown in the Loire Valley of France, it's even better. I'm a big fan of Sancerre (another region in the Loire) and in general, Pouilly-Fume (not to be confused with Pouilly-Fuisse which is Chardonnay from Burgundy) doesn't disappoint.... Read More

Chardonnay Tasting USA Wine

2012 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Rochioli-Allen

October 28, 2014September 9, 2016

Chardonnay, especially when made in the United States, was a tough sell for me. I found the overly oaky, buttery styles heavy handed, clumsy, and really out of balance. It's not that I hate oak in white wine, or that I dislike the flavor profile of Chardonnay. I was having... Read More

Tasting USA Wine Zinfandel

2011 Frei Brothers Zinfandel Reserve

October 19, 2014September 9, 2016

I was a latecomer to the Zinfandel fan club. There are so many unbalanced, hot, jammy, fruit bombs out there that I didn't feel much love for the grape. Then I started drinking Ridge wines, and my world turned upside down. Finally, Zinfandel that held onto the luscious fruit, but... Read More

France Pinot Noir Tasting Wine

2010 Alain Corcia Les Avaux Beanue 1er Cru Pinot Noir

October 6, 2014September 9, 2016

Burgundy is tricky. As I've written before, some of my favorite wines are Pinot Noir from this prestigious region in France, but every time I try a new producer, I know it's a gamble. I'm not going to say I lost that bet with today's wine, I just didn't win.... Read More

Chenin Blanc Misc. South Africa Tasting Wine

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