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…
Tag: Pinot noir
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 Baxter Pinot Noir Run Dog Vineyard
Each week, I love spotlighting a wine that truly stands out—whether for its unique personality, compelling backstory, or the sheer joy it brings in the glass. This week’s pick is all three: the 2020 Baxter Pinot Noir Run Dog Vineyard, is a pure, vibrant expression of an Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. It’s a bottle that…
Pinot, Memories, and Dry Creek Charm: A Taste of Papapietro Perry
One of the things I love most about wine is its power to unlock memories with a single sip. That’s exactly what happened when I opened the sample bottles of Papapietro Perry’s 2021 Pinot Noirs. Suddenly, I was transported back to our cherished Passport to Dry Creek weekends—an annual tradition shared with friends for many…
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…
From the Dolomites to Your Glass: Tasting 4 Alpine Reds and a Refreshing Kretzer #ItalianFWT
This month the Italian Food Wine and Travel (#ItalianFWT) group is diving into Italian reds and whites—or in my case, a rosato! Our exploration is hosted Cam of Culinary Cam, and you can find her invitation post here. Recently, I had the chance to join a fascinating webinar introducing Kellerei Bozen, a prominent cooperative winery…
Exploring the Artistry of Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai
Last year, I had the pleasure of sampling a selection of wines from Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai, a boutique winery known for its artisanal approach to winemaking. You can read about my initial impressions and the delightful array of wines I tasted here. This year, I’m thrilled to receive another set of samples from this esteemed…
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 Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai Wines
May is Oregon Wine Month and I’m excited to share a few new-to-me Oregon wineries! Disclosure: Wines were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine. About Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai An all to familiar trope about winemaking is that it is a blend of science and art. Now more than…