After years of being maligned due to the preferences of a grumpy character in the movie Sideways, Merlot is back. Again. Merlot never went away really, it’s just been patiently waiting for you to rediscover its many charms. Dark and inky in in the glass, with soft to medium tannins, Merlot remains one of the […]
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most planted white grapes. Its many styles, from creamy to bright, oaked or unoaked , make it a versatile choice for a variety of pairings. Chardonnay is typically full to medium in body and acidity with low to no tannins. From bold and rich, to lean and lithe it’s […]
Here in Sonoma County, in the Russian River Valley and along the Sonoma Coast, we have some of world’s best vineyards and growing conditions for producing classic Pinot Noir of elegance and complexity.
It’s getting hot in here! So let’s open up all the Zin’s! Although Zinfandel originated in Croatia where it’s known as Tribidrag—the grape is embraced as All-American and has been grown and cultivated in California since the 1800’s. This medium-bodied dry red wine has a range of flavors that include raspberry, blueberry, red and black […]
Strawberries cherries and an angel’s kiss in springMy summer wine is really made from all these things Those are the opening lines to Nancy Sinatra’s song, Summer Wine written by Lee Hazlewood. And how apt the lyrics are in capturing the essence of Rosé. Fresh, bright, fruity and floral it’s the raison d’être for the […]
Summer is the season of the grill and a great red wine for pairing with things from the BBQ is Sangiovese. Originating in Italy, Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. This medium-bodied dry red wine has a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried […]
Grenache or Granacha as it’s known in Spain, is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all […]
Widely planted around the world, Sauvignon Blanc has an array of styles from lean and bright, to juicy and plush. Sauvignon Blanc typically offers great aromatics and flavors that range from zesty citrus, to tart apple, to creamy peach and lean nectarine. Best bets for paring are briny oysters, Thai food, crab cakes, and goat […]
Barbera, a variety native to Italy, can vary in flavor depending on where it’s grown; be it warm or cool climate, and how it is produced. Wines from cool climes tend to display brighter tart red fruits and warmer climes revel deeper dark berry fruit flavors. Typically Barbera is delightfully spicy with good acidity, and […]
When we think of Malbec the first thing that may come to mind is Argentina. But the variety actually originated in the Cahors region of France and is one of the building blocks of Boudreaux blends. But Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina is where the grape developed it’s following and found it’s place […]