Archive

Good friend and Toast of Kentucky rep Barry Downing dropped in for a tasting of some kick ass Italian and Spanish wines, as well as more from their soon-to-be-renowned South African repertoire: Bodegas Piqueras Sauvignon-Verdejo Almansa 2010 (3 liter box). Grade=Above Average. This is a straight-up, tasty white blend, showing fresh and clean flavors of [...]

Recently, I had planned a little weekend getaway for the wife and I. After meeting with Sarah McAleer from Indiana’s Oliver Winery back in May, I had arranged with her a stay at Oliver’s guest house, an old, restored farmhouse tucked away amidst their Creekbend Vineyard. The days leading up to the retreat had been [...]

Recently, I had planned a little weekend getaway for the wife and I. After meeting with Sarah McAleer from Indiana’s Oliver Winery back in May, I had arranged with her a stay at Oliver’s guest house, an old, restored farmhouse tucked away amidst their Creekbend Vineyard. The days leading up to the retreat had been [...]

Brother Lou dropped by with one of our favorite Cali producers: Hahn Pinot Gris Monterey 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Hints of pear and apple with light touches of plantain, this light-bodied white is slightly rounded yet still possessing bright acidity. Hahn Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Creamy stone fruit and tropical fruit aromas and flavors, with [...]

I am not what you would call an “extrovert.” In fact, if you didn’t know me, you would be hard-pressed to believe I was ever a frontman for a rock band (actually 3 different rock bands, but who’s counting). These days, I quite like being a homebody. So it was a change of pace for [...]

Recently, the good people at Vintner Select hosted the third in a series of seminars pertaining to the incredible portfolio of Terry Thiese, with this one concerning the truly unsung and no less magnificent Grower Champagnes. As before with the German and Austrian seminars earlier this year, our speaker and champion was none other than [...]

SWS/Crane manager, friend and wine troubadour Mr. Harold dropped in on The Deuce with an old friend who has changed teams, now batting clean-up for Negociants USA, Anthony Hendrie. Anthony was in town showing off a few values from Yalumba: Oxford Landing Chardonnay South Australia 2010. Grade=Outstanding. A solid, unwooded Chardonnay, showing clean notes of [...]

Vanguard Wonder Twin Michael dropped in with his veritable gang of pour: Eola Hills Pinot Gris Oregon 2009. Grade=Above Average. Peach and apples abound yet this comes off more acidic than many of its counterparts. Nice with a minerally note, some white spices and more a hint of persimmon. Chateau Coupe Roses La Bastide Minervois [...]

Mistress Lauren came by with Mark Caron from Vintus, and I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to greet him, which I will get to later. Mark had some of their flagship wines open for Shannon and I to try: Errazuriz Chardonnay Single Vineyard Wild Ferment 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Always love the Wild Ferment stuff, [...]

Top Jimmy, our good friend and Bryant sales manager, stopped by the Studio, with a grab bag of adult beverages: Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay Napa Valley 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Medium-bodied with creamy apple, butterscotch, toffee and toasted oak, finishing with lemon custard and baked pears, it’s got all you want in a Napa Chard, for not a [...]