Wine of the Week: 2021 Hanzell “Estate” Chardonnay, Moon Mountain District Some wines delight; others ground you in place. This week’s Wine of the Week, the 2021 Hanzell “Estate” Chardonnay, does both. I’ve admired Hanzell for years, though I’ve never purchased a bottle—not for lack of availability, but because Sonoma offers so many standout Chardonnays….
Tag: Chardonnay
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…
Wine of the Week; 2020 Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs
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 Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs, carries both a personal connection and a lasting impression. A few years ago, during a visit to Domaine Carneros, we tasted…
Wine of the Week; Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Black Label
Each week, I love spotlighting a wine that truly stands out—whether it’s for its singular character, captivating backstory, or the sheer joy it delivers in the glass. This week’s pick is a true crowd-pleaser: the Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Black Label. This sparkling wine is the best kind of overachiever: polished, impressive, yet never too serious….
Wine of the Week; Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley
Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly stands out—whether for its singular character, compelling backstory, or the sheer joy it brings in the glass. This week’s pick: the Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley. This bottle is a staple in our home—dependable, elegant, and remarkably well-priced for the quality it delivers. It’s the kind of…
Wine of the Week; 2022 Enfield Wine Co. Chardonnay Brosseau Vineyard
Each week, I highlight a wine that leaves a lasting impression—whether for its distinctive character, compelling story, or sheer drinking pleasure. This week’s standout: the 2022 Enfield Wine Co. Chardonnay Brousseau Vineyard. This week’s pick is especially exciting because I’m a huge fan of Enfield Wine Co.’s Chardonnays. They’re always fresh, beautifully textured, and bursting with…
Wine of the Week: 2016 Copain Chardonnay DuPratt Vineyard
Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, fascinating story, or the sheer delight it brings to the glass. This week’s feature is the 2016 Copain Chardonnay DuPratt Vineyard, a gem hailing from the remote, western reaches of the Anderson Valley along Greenwood Ridge. With some of the oldest vines…
Wine of the Week; 2018 Enfield Wine Co. Chardonnay Rorick Vineyard
Each week, I highlight a wine that truly captivates me—whether for its distinct character, fascinating story, or sheer pleasure in the glass. This week, the 2018 Enfield Wine Co. Chardonnay Rorick Vineyard takes the spotlight. What sets this wine apart isn’t just its undeniable quality, but its unexpected origin. Grown in the rugged Sierra Foothills—far…
A Taste of Eila Wines
“I’m making Pinot Noir for people who appreciate traditionally made Pinot Noirs.—Peter Sturn Whenever I think of Pinot Noir in the United States, the Willamette Valley in Oregon is top of mind. Its cool and often maritime-influenced climate provides the temperature moderation necessary for the slow, even ripening of Pinot Noir grapes. And, with its…
A Taste of Iris Vineyards
These are delicious, high QPR wines showing ripe fresh fruit flavors buoyed with shimmering acidity and modest alcohol. I’m wrapping up Oregon Wine Month with Iris Vineyards, a new-to-me winery that, for me, is a microcosm of the wines that the Willamette Valley in Oregon are most renown for and does best; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,…