Each week, I spotlight a wine that captivates—whether for its distinctive character, fascinating story, or sheer delight in the glass. This week’s feature: the 2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that channels both the rugged beauty and timeless spirit of Spring Mountain. Widely regarded as an exceptional vintage in Napa Valley, 2021 offered an ideal…
Tag: Wine of the Week
The Golden Hue of Curiosity — 2021 Matthiasson Ribolla Gialla
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…
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…
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…
Wine of the Week; 2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling
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: the 2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling, a wine that stands apart for all the right reasons. In a region famed for bold Cabernet and opulent Chardonnay, this mountain-grown Riesling is…
Wine of the Week; 2024 Massican Pinot Grigio
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 comes from a new-to-me producer I first discovered just last year: Massican Wines. After being thoroughly impressed with that first taste, I didn’t hesitate to order…