The theme of the most recent Pacific Pointe Wine Tasting Club (“PPWTC”) was International Chardonnay. Inspiration for this theme came from my recent tastings of the Chardonnay of Chablis and Burgundy. I was virtually an ABC (“Anything But Chardonnay”) person before the tastings of French Chardonnay. They are so different from most California Chardonnay I’ve…
Category: Wine Tasting
Wine of the Week; 2011 JC Cellars Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel
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 JC Cellars Isabel Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel. The Winery JC Cellars (“JCC”) is an award-winning urban winery located in Oakland, CA. Jeff Cohn is…
My New Everyday Bubbly; Kirkland Prosecco!
A friend of mine, who adores sparkling wine, especially Prosecco, IM’d me last week. The message said “Martin go get yourself 2 bottles of Costco brand prosecco…….it will blow your mind for the price….I was just shocked”. He drinks a lot of Prosecco. That’s high praise. Since my wife and I were hosting a wine…
The Best of North Coast Rhone Wines
I attended the North Coast (California) Chapter of the Rhone Rangers (“NCRR”) tasting last month. The tasting was held in Oakland, at Campovida’s Taste of Place Oakland. With the Rhone Rangers riding into the Bay Area next week, April 5-6 for the 17th Annual Rhone Rangers San Francisco Bay Area Weekend Celebration of American Rhones, I thought I’d share some of my favorites…
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,…
#WineWednesday Review-Geyser Peak Uncensored
Geyser Peak Winery was founded in 1880 as California’s 29th bonded winery by German immigrant Augustus Quitzow, one of Sonoma County’s pioneer winemakers. Geyser Peak is located in Alexander Valley in Northern Sonoma County. Although, they announced last month they will be moving to the former Alderbrook property in Healdsburg. The new Geyser Peak location will be near the…
Wine of the Week; 2010 Woodenhead Zinfandel Leras Ranches Bertoli
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 2010 Woodenhead Zinfandel Leras Ranches Bertoli. The Winery Woodenhead Vintners is owned by Nikolai Stez, and Zina Bower. Nikolai grew up in the…
Wine of the Week; 2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial
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 2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial. The Winery La Rioja Alta is one of the most renowned producers of…
Wine of the Week: 2009 Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
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 2009 Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. The Winery Ridge Vineyards is a California winery with two estates, Monte Bello in Cupertino, and Lytton…
#DrinkPink Rosé of the Week: 2012 Domaine de la Mordorée Rosé La Dame Rousse
Yes, it’s still that time of year… Yes, it’s Rosé season (which is year-round in my book; granted most folks don’t see it that way)!. With that in mind, I’ve embarked upon a series of weekly “Drink Pink!“ Rosé tastings. This week’s Rosé is the 2012 Domaine de la Modorée La Dame Rousse Tavel Rosé. The Winery Domaine de la Mordorée is…