Where did the summer go? Today is the first day of autumn and the Wine Goddess has already begun her fall gardening protocol: Relocating plants, pruning shrubs, taking down water fountains, putting patio furniture in the shed, etc. As I recline in the pergola drinking a nice, cool white wine from the Cotes du Rhone, […]
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Mill City Oenophiles discover international treasures
The Mill City Oenophile Club met in late August to review an international selection of Sauvignon Blancs and one red wine — an outstanding Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo San Martino Rosso. The six tasters — five Sun reporters and yours truly– judged the wines in five categories: appearance, aroma, body (texture), taste and finish. Points […]
Savoring David Phinney's Abstract work
There are very few wine drinking experiences I enjoy more than filling up a glass with a David Phinney wine, savoring it, and trying to figure out the bottle’s label. The Napa Valley winemaker has made his wines and labels into a high-art form since founding Orin Swift Cellars in 1998. Since then, Phinney has […]
Villa Gemma a uniquely refreshing rosé
The summer of 2016 has turned out to be my summer of fabulous rosé. I’ve tasted at least two dozen different bottlings from all over the world — even Israel — and each one has left a positive impression. They’re light, fruity, dry and exquisitely refreshing. Everyone who makes wine seems to be getting in […]
Raise a glass to toast France at the Olympics in Rio
As of my writing deadline, France had won two gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, and was tied for fifth in the overall medal count with six. If there was any national team that I wanted to see do well, besides the United States, it was France. Why? Since […]
Going coast-to-coast with race Rieslings
I like my Riesling well-chilled, racy, overflowing with tropical flavor, and dry. Match them with spicy Asian or Thai cuisine, and Riesling’s crisp acidity and citrus flavors produce a delightful sensation. Riesling is also a refreshing, stand-a-lone beverage on hot, hazy summer days. Two of the best I’ve tasted for the price are actually coastal […]
Plenty of pop in Kirkland's $25 Chateauneaf-du-Pape
If you’re a Costco warehouse chain cardholder, you’ve probably seen its exclusive Kirkland Signature brand of wines sold only in the store. They’re produced at the Kirkland winery in Healdsburg, Calif., located in Sonoma County. Kirkland’s domestic and foreign wines usually sell for $20 or less and are decent for every-day drinking. One of the best […]
Franciscan's whites pass the blind taste test
, jcampanini@lowellsun.com Janet Myers has built a reputation for crafting fine Cabernet Sauvignon at Napa Valley’s Franciscan Estate Winery, yet her white wines are also special. Myers has produced two beauties in the 2015 vintage: Equilibrium white blend and Sauvignon Blanc. Both exhibit intense floral aromas and exotic flavors, a welcome sign of fresh, ripe […]
Rally your lobster roll with these summer wines
Click here to see wine photos If it’s summer in New England, one of the first thing that comes to mind is: Where can I get a good lobster roll? Well, after you find it, the next hunt should be for a delicious cool summer white or rose to accompany that sweet, succulent lobsta’ meat. […]
For under $20, Pike Road leads to wine value
For five generations the Campbell family of Gaston, Ore., have grown grapes and crafted wine, building a successful enterprise at Elk Cove Vineyards which was launched in 1974. Several years ago, Pat and Joe Campbell started a sister brand, Pike Road, hoping to deliver a quality Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris at affordable prices. Elk […]
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