It glows in the glass like late-afternoon sun caught in amber — not white, not red, but something beautifully in between. At first glance, it looks like a contradiction. But take a sip, and you realize: it’s harmony. This week’s Wine of the Week is the 2021 Matthiasson Ribolla Gialla, a quietly profound expression of…
Author: Martin D. Redmond
Wine of the Week: 2022 Sandlands Assyrtiko
What if one of Greece’s most iconic grapes could thrive under California sun? That’s the question the 2022 Sandlands Assyrtiko answers—deliciously. Lodi, already home to more than 100 wine grape varieties, has become a proving ground for the unexpected. From Iberian to Italian to Rhône, Mediterranean grapes flourish here, and now Assyrtiko—famed for its origins…
Sipping with Purpose: AVIVO’s Regenerative White & Rosé
AVIVO Wines, the sister winery of DaVero Farms & Winery, was founded by Ridgely Evers with a clear vision: to craft wines that are as good for the planet as they are enjoyable at the table. Guided by principles of transparency and sustainability, AVIVO sources its fruit exclusively from certified organic and regenerative vineyards. The…
Wine of the Week; 2022 Tablas Creek Counoise
Every once in a while, a wine comes along that feels like a discovery. My pick this week, the 2022 Tablas Creek Counoise, is just that kind of bottle—a little-known Rhône grape variety that rarely steps into the spotlight but rewards curiosity with brightness, spice, and charm. Add in the fact that it’s farmed regeneratively,…
Wine of the Week: 2020 Domaine Carneros Single Vineyard ‘Crane Cuvée’ Brut Rosé
This week’s Wine of the Week is more than a sparkling rosé—it’s a tribute. The 2020 Domaine Carneros Single Vineyard Crane Cuvée Brut Rosé not only delights the palate but also honors the legacy of one of California’s great sparkling wine pioneers. Distinctive, delicious, and deeply rooted in tradition, it’s a wine that resonates far…
Sip Spotlight: 2021 Gary Farrell Lancel Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
Summer is my favorite season, and one of the things I’ve always loved about California is its gift of Indian Summer—the way warm afternoons stretch the season of alfresco dining, grilling, and BBQ well into fall. With that spirit in mind, I was excited to uncork a sample of the 2021 Gary Farrell Lancel Creek…
Wine of the Week: 2020 Vazisubani Estate 3 Qvevri
This week’s wine takes us to the Republic of Georgia, often called the birthplace of wine. The 2020 Vazisubani Estate 3 Qvevri Amber is a remarkable example of how history, culture, and craftsmanship come together in the glass. Made from three indigenous grapes—Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Kisi—it’s crafted in qvevri, the large clay pots buried underground…
Wine Of The Week; 2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Oakville Farmhouse
Each week, I spotlight a wine that delivers—whether through character, story, or sheer pleasure in the glass. This week’s pick, the 2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Oakville Farmhouse, is one I saved for a special occasion—my birthday. And what a fitting choice it turned out to be. In a Napa Valley landscape dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon,…
Wine of the Week; 2023 Domaine De L’Olivette Bandol Rosé
Each week, I spotlight a wine that delivers—whether through character, story, or sheer pleasure in the glass. This week’s pick, the 2023 Domaine de L’Olivette Bandol Rosé, hits every note—and then some. I found it at my local Costco for just $15.99, a rare price for a Bandol Rosé, which typically runs twice that. It…
Wine of the Week: 2020 William Harrison Cabernet Franc
Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, compelling backstory, or the simple joy it brings in the glass. This week’s feature, the 2020 William Harrison Cabernet Franc, delivers on all counts. Once considered just a supporting player in Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Franc has stepped into the spotlight in recent…