Wine reviews, pairings, events, and getaways
The weather is getting warmer, meals getting lighter, and it’s time to start talking abundantly about white wines again. Remember my story from yesterday about how I found a secret little wine shop disguised as a liquor store? Well, I went back. How could I not? Traveling, often solo, that aisle dedicated to the art of the half-bottle is like a treasure trove. And it was here that I found Hall Wines 2015 Sauvignon Blanc — a perfect spring time wine. (It even has a bunny on the label…)
Walking home from work, I decided to pop into a local, boutique wine shop. I was hesitant because it looked like a run-of-the-mill liquor store from the exterior, boasting “deli sandwiches,” “fine cigars,” and — oh yeah, right — “premium wines.” But thinking about the meal for one I had waiting at home, I peaked in to see if maybe they had a little something to accompany my evening plans. I hit the hole-in-the-wall jackpot at this place. Wines from reputable winemakers big and small lined the walls. Even better, suiting my personal needs, there is a whole isle dedicated to half bottles. And so it was here that I discovered Miner Family Winery and their delectable Viognier.
Fellow wine enthusiasts, you know the drill. Birthdays, holidays, and “thinking of you” gifts all come in the form of…wine accessories. Go ahead, look in your kitchen drawers, wine credenza, or wherever you stash that stuff. How many corkscrews, Rabbits, and wine glass charms do you have? And I’m sure, especially when it comes to corkscrews — despite the many options you may have — there’s the one you just always use. Yes, I am the same way. So when offered a chance to try Avina Wine Tools Swan, I was skeptical to say the least. Stick with me, friends, this is worth the read.
There’s not a lot happening in downtown San Jose. Unfortunately it seems like more venues are closing up shop than opening. Even with the “uprising” of the “art district” SoFa — there’s nary a decent place to hang out for any significant amount of time. But bumming around the desolate downtown, I came across a glimmer of hope on First Street when I saw that construction is nearly completed on a new pub, Uproar Brewing.
I’m last on board for Washington Wine Month, but better late than never. And, to use another cliché, some things are worth the wait. As you can probably tell, I’m most familiar with California wines, predominantly due to proximity and availability — not to mention the added bonus that I can often meet with the winemakers directly. When it comes to Washington, I know my Chateau St. Michele from my Charles Smith and have tasted from the more boutique Amavi Cellars. But when I heard that DeLille Cellars is Washington’s Bordeaux-style pioneers, I was more than willing to reach outside my border. I present to you DeLille Cellars 2014 D2 Bordeaux-style red blend.
