Is it just me, or is there something soothing about Chardonnay? Cold and rich and silky… it can be just the ticket when I need the wine equivalent of the other side of the pillow. Here are five from California that I’ve enjoyed lately — Cheers! Wente 2010 Chardonnay Arroyo Seco Riva Ranch ($20). A solid [...]
Read more →Seems like every year around this time, I go on a Sauvignon Blanc bender — all that crisp, bright, tangy acidity is like a squeeze of citrus on whatever food is also on the table. Perfect for weekends on the patio and paired with the lighter dishes that emerge this time of year. Here are [...]
Read more →
Grüner Veltliner. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, does it? In fact, unless you speak German, you’ll probably never get it exactly right. But the English-accented version goes something like: GROO-ner Velt-LEEN-er. (Though it seems that most every English-speaking person misses that accent on the second word and goes with VELT-leen-er, instead. Just try to correct [...]
Read more →New World Chardonnay continues to get a bad rap in wine circles these days — sort of that “love to hate,” punching bag example of heavy handed, over-manipulated wines that no one should like. But Chardonnay (even New World Chardonnay) can be a really lovely wine, offering richness and body, with classic varietal flavors. In fact, I’ve had [...]
Read more →Last week I presented a few Pinot Noirs under $25 — now here are three I’ve tasted lately that are well worth the extra bucks: Davis Bynum 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($35). Ripe raspberry and bright red cherry aromas and flavors pick up touches of dried floral and delicate herbal notes, staying rich and graceful [...]
Read more →Pinot Noir can be a great choice for summer red wine — delicate, even refreshing, and it pairs nicely with everything from fresh goat cheese slathered on crostini to grilled salmon and lamb kabobs. Here are three under-$25 choices I’ve enjoyed lately: Calera 2009 Pinot Noir Central Coast ($24). Always a good bet, Calera’s Central Coast Pinot [...]
Read more →