Looking For Value in Northern Rhône? Look For Crozes-Hermitage!#Winophiles

This month the French Winophiles are exploring the Northern Rhône Valley. “The Northern Rhône Valley is dwarfed by its neighbor to the south in terms of sheer size of production. Defined growing areas are typically much smaller in the north, and a substantial number of the region’s better vineyards are planted on steep, terraced granite…

Italian Reds Smackdown – 9 Italian Red Wines Blind Tasted

I can hardly believe it, but our community wine tasting club – The Pacific Pointe Wine Tasting Club (“PPWTC”) is entering its fifth year, and going stronger than ever. Our most recent gathering had an Italian theme.  Since we’ve previously tasted Chianti, and Barbera those were not options.  But with over 500 different Italian grape varieties,…

Wine Of The Week – 2005 Rosenblum Cellars Syrah Reserve Kick Ranch

My wine of the week for April 7-April 13 is the 2005 Rosenblum Cellars Syrah Reserve Kick Ranch. The Winery Rosenblum Cellars is an urban winery in Alameda, CA.  It was founded by Kent Rosenblum, a veterinarian in 1978.  In 2008 it was sold to beverage giant Diageo.   Rosenblum made their reputation making premium Zinfandel, but they also…

Big, Dark, and Delicious

I was headed home Friday after another week of too many hours, and not enough rest. I decided to pick up a pizza on the way home because we’d opened a 2006 Rosenblum Cellars Richard Sauret Zinfandel (88pts) the night before. I decided to get a pizza topped with grilled chicken, sausage, linguica, roma tomatoes, red…