The passion and energy of wine
(The second of two parts on Gary Farrell Winery’s “cru” wines focuses on Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.) When it comes to crafting wines for Gary Farrell Winery, Theresa Heredia has a simple philosophy: Let the vineyard and fruit do the talking. Heredia, Gary Farrell’s winemaker since 2012, knows Sonoma County as if she sprung […]
(This first of two articles on Gary Farrell Winery’s “cru” wines focuses on three premium Chardonnay bottlings made in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. The second explores Pinot Noir.) The point about single-vineyard wines is to express the unique terroir – mesoclimates, soils, landscape, etc. – in which the vines are planted and the influence it […]
If Julius Caesar were alive today, he’d be proud to call the debut vintage of the 2020 “Crossing The Rubicon” rosso his own. Crossing The Rubicon is a home-crafted wine using 100 percent Old Vine Zinfandel grapes purchased from a longtime California grower in the San Joaquin Valley. The architect of this savory gem […]
Here is my tasting review on Mateus Dry Rose`, followed by a story on the history of Mateus and my own family experiences with this great Portuguese wine. Mateus Dry Rose` 2020, Portugal (abv. 12%), SRP $12.99 – An impressive dry rose` for the price packing Portugal’s top quality native Baga grapes and homegrown Shiraz […]
Quinta do Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde 2019, Portugal, SRP: $17 (abv. 11%) – The winery dates back to 1710 and is located in northwest Portugal and its oldest vila, Ponte de Lima. The municipality is named after a medieval bridge, first built by the Romans in 1 AD, that crosses the Lima River. The river […]
When I open a bottle of Tussock Jumper wine, I anticipate big flavor and a lasting finish. So I was overjoyed with my first tasting of TJ’s 2020 vintage of Chenin Blanc from South Africa and the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Call it “blanc” season at Tussock Jumper, a wine company based in France […]
When it comes to pairing a cool wine with spicy Asian or Indian takeout, I always grab for the “gutsy” Gewurztraminer (geh-VURTZ-tra-MEEN-er). Alsatian versions of the grape are preferably the best, but I’m not fussy especially when I can get a racy, quality white that fits my retirement pocketbook. That’s why I can’t get enough […]
For the past five years I’ve written a column suggesting my top wine recommendations for the Easter and Passover holiday celebrations. Traditionally, the column is released a week before the holiday, which this year falls on Sunday, April 4. Well, recently I tasted a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is just too good to […]
All across the globe the talk is about clean and renewable energy in order to save the planet. What about clean and renewable vineyards that produce no-chemical, all-organic wines from sustainable farming methods? They are sweeping the globe much to the delight of like-minded consumers. Like screwcaps on bottles, wine drinkers are very adaptable. Quality, […]
I’ve made a good start on the new year stocking up on some rare and ancient white wines from southern Italy. Several are from exotic places where grapes grow in volcanic soils or t by the sea shore. The wines are local sensations and in most cases have very limited production. Still, the alert wine […]
