Category: Booze

Wine reviews, pairings, events, and getaways

This Week’s Latest Wine Headlines: June 7—June 12

To put it mildly, there is a lot going on in our industry right now. Whoever said that wine and food wasn’t political, well, was just wrong. Scroll through these headlines to see what I mean.

A few specific pieces I want to call out—Dorothy Gaiter’s first-person perspective on what it’s like to be a black woman in a predominantly white wine industry; Eric Asimov on why wine is worth exploring and enjoying during the height of these global crises; and Amber LeBeau’s well-written blog post on why may not be the right time for tasting room re-openings, but—if your business is insistent on doing so—what kind of experience is mostly likely to draw us back.

Of course I’ve included the Bon Appétit and AAWE “scandals.” Curious what my fellow wine industry colleagues are thinking/feeling on that latter issue. (Check out what Tom Wark’s economic investigation uncovered.)

I hope you’re all doing well, staying safe and healthy—whether you’re still sipping at home or re-entering the wine world—we’re all in this together. Cheers.

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Passaggio 2017 Connect Red Blend

I don’t have an adequate introduction to this wine. Only to say that I am thoroughly impressed by the wide range of styles Cindy can produce. Taste this wine. You have to taste this wine.

Paired with crispy skin duck breast and rice pilaf (food photo below review)

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Rutherford Ranch 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

I know what I just said about not often being in the mood for a Cabernet Sauvignon. Maybe it’s the temperament of the times, or maybe because “tis the season to rosé all day and sip white wine on the porch,” and I’m nothing if not a wine rebel. Hah. Anyway, the mood struck me for a classic Cabernet. And by “classic,” I mean a wine that is in keeping with its varietal character, in keeping with the stylistic expectations of the region—and so not fancy. Because, Friday, you know? Well, that’s when I reach for good old reliable Rutherford Ranch estate Cabernet.

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J. Lohr 2018 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

I was just in the mood for a Cab. That mood doesn’t strike me often, so when it does I want something deliciously reliable. Luckily I had just received a shipment of new releases from J. Lohr that included their Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon. Done deal.

Photo Courtesy of J. Lohr

P.S. I didn’t pair this wine with a burger (though that’s a fab idea). I actually paired it with a pizza (also a fab idea—especially if you like a bit of peppery heat on your pie.)

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Emeritus Vineyards 2017 Pinot Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

Last year, I was able to tasted the 2015 vintage of this very wine. This year, I’ve been able to reconnect with Emeritus, attending their bi-monthly webinar series, specifically catered to wine professionals. President Mari Jones, along with vineyard manager Kirk Lokka and winemaker David Lattin deep dive into how and why soil, climate, and clones, along with viticultural management practices, all effect the resulting wine.

So while I obviously enjoyed the Pinot Hill Pinot Noir last year, and even had a personal kind of geek-out on their vineyard location, this year I have a whole new level of appreciation. Education, man. It does something to you…

I also want to note that I enjoyed this wine as part of my date-night-in anniversary dinner. We paired the wine with a dish we simply call “Forbes.” The close-up picture of this dish is below the wine review. PM me if you want to know what it is 😉

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