Wine of the Week; 2011 Big Basin Vineyards Homestead

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2011 Big Basin Vineyards Homestead. The Winery Big Basin Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery. Founder Bradley Brown is…

What A #CabernetDay!! Library Tasting of Monte Bello and SCM Estate at Ridge Vineyards

Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet Day Library Tasting What better way to kick off California Wine Month, than Cabernet Day?!   I’d been looking forward to this superb opportunity to taste the iconic Ridge Monte Bello that, along with the Santa Cruz Mountains Estate, is a Bordeaux blend.  It was also a chance to taste a…

Cali Zinfandel Flavor Characteristics

According to Wikipidia: California regions In California, 20% of the Zinfandel-growing counties hold 80% of the Zinfandel growing area; however, major producing areas such as San Joaquin County, Stanislaus County, and Madera County produce Zinfandel primarily for blends or jug wine. Certain California regions are regarded as “exceptional” for Zinfandel, each with identifiable flavor characteristics….