You know the deal; the more some folks learn about a topic, the more shortcuts/slang/acronyms/initials/technical jargon can be tossed around. I’m here to help you understand those sometimes mysterious words and phrases, thus – Wine Words Demystified! Since harvest is in full effect here in Northern California, I’ll be featuring harvest related terms the next several weeks!…
Category: Wine
Wine of the Week: Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay Reserve
The 2010 Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay Reserve is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 22-September 28. The Winery The Robert Mondavi Winery was established in 1966 by Robert Mondavi, one of the most influential and esteemed winemakers in California history (Click here for his story). It was the first major winery built in Napa Valley. For decades it was California’s most…
Paso Robles Redux-Central Coast Wine Touring-Day 3
After a great couple of days of wine tasting, first in Paso Robles on Friday, then the Lompoc Wine Ghetto on Saturday, we still hadn’t had our fill of the marvelous Central Coast Wine Region. Since we were staying in Paso Robles, we decided to do some more tasting there before heading home. Our first…
Five Most Food Friendly Wines For #SundaySupper
When I saw the theme for this week’s #SundaySupper – Dishes in 5 Ingredients or Less – my first thought was “Wow, that’s going to be a challenge”, because I’ve seen the creativity and passion my BFFs (Best Foodie Friends;-) bring to the #SundaySupper table. Then I thought, why not try to pair the undoubtedly diverse…
Wine Of The Week; 2011 Dashe Cellars Les Enfants Terribles Grenache
My wine of the week for September 15-September 21 is the 2011 Dashe Cellars Les Enfants Terribles Grenache, Dry Creek Valley. The Winery Dashe Cellars, founded by Michael and Ann Dashe in 1996, is an urban winery located near Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. Michael Dashe is the Winemaker, and Anne Dashe is the General Manager. Between the…
Wine Of The Week: Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard
The 2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 8th-September14th. The Winery Ancien Wines is a Napa based winery founded by Ken and Teresa Bernards. Ken is the winemaker. Like so many winemakers, he has a background in science. He worked his first harvest in 1986, while still pursuing his degree in chemistry at…
Family Winemakers of California – Recap of 2012 San Francisco Tasting
I attended the 22nd annual Family Winemakers of California event held September 9th and 10th. The event was held at the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco. The Family Winemakers of California (“FWC”) is the trade advocate for California’s “small family” wineries, and a huge tasting like this brings in trade, media, and wine…
Wine Pairings For A Mexican Fiesta #SundaySupper
I was excited when I saw the theme for this week’s Mexican Fiesta #SundaySupper in honor of Mexican Independence Day. Mexican food is one of my favorites. I think it’s underrated as a cuisine. You know how the remembrance of a meal can take you to a time and place? One of the best meals I’ve…
Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer – A Winning Trio
When I received media samples that included a trio of 2011 Castello di Amorosa Gewürztraminer, I was intrigued. First, Gewürztraminer, it isn’t a well-known, or for that matter appreciated grape varietal ( I enjoy it ). I like what Karen MacNeil says about Gewürztraminer in the Wine Bible… Like Lucille Ball or Goldie Hawn, Gewürztraminer is a…
Wine of the Week – 2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve
The 2010 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Reserve is my Wine of the Week (“WoW”) for September 1st-September 7th. It was my wine of choice for the 3rd annual #PinotSmackdown on September 6th! The Winery The Robert Mondavi Winery was established in 1966 by Robert Mondavi, one of the most influential and esteemed winemakers in California history (Click here for his story). It…