Have just finished tasting through a crop of current releases from Calera — still one of my go-to producers. Here are my favorites of the lot: Calera 2009 Chardonnay Central Coast ($16). I could happily make this my everyday Chardonnay, for its balance of pretty stonefruit, crisp citrus notes and floral and mineral accents that [...]
Read more →I recently tasted through a lineup of new releases from Niner Wine Estates – here are two that really stood out for me, paired with a two-course menu featuring a version of a dill-flecked Greek salad, grilled sausages and sauteed haricots vert tossed with roasted cashews and blue cheese. Niner Wine Estates was founed in 2001 in Paso Robles, California [...]
Read more →I recently tasted four wines from Washington’s Seven Hills Winery and honestly liked each one of them. Founded in 1988 by Casey and Vicky McClellan, Seven Hills is based in the Walla Walla Valley and is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux-varietal reds. (Though the Tempranillo, Riesling and Pinot Gris that I tasted [...]
Read more →A few months ago, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Murray Cook, Assistant Winemaker for New Zealand’s Villa Maria Estate. Founded in 1961 by George Fistonich, who remains the sole owner and Managing Director, Villa Maria is one of the most recognized names in New Zealand wine. This is surely, in part, due [...]
Read more →It’s rare that I like EVERY SINGLE WINE in a batch of samples, but in this case, I’d honestly have a hard time picking which of these three delicious Tangent wines I enjoyed most. They each feature vibrant, unoaked fruit that is clean, complex and forward but not over-extracted, and they are all food-friendly and affordable. [...]
Read more →Here are two wines from Carneros’ Saintsbury — both are tasty, balanced, available and affordable — you’ll probably find both for under $20. Enjoy! Saintsbury 2008 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Ripe but balanced, offering bright tropical citrus and rich creamy character playing off crisp green apple and tangerine notes. Long, mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over [...]
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