I’ve been having fun experimenting with Zinfandels lately. I found that the key to this experiment is to chose from reputable wineries who reside in the heart of Zinfandel heaven (Sonoma). This may mean gazing your eyes upward in the wine aisle, and it may mean stretching that price limit a few dollars higher. But I say to you, as an average wine consumer who’s in the throws of discovering what “good wine” really means, it’s worth it. And St. Francis Zinfandel? It’s totally worth it.
Winemaker One-on-One: Jean-Francois Pellet
Walla Walla, Washington Winemaker Jean Francois Pellet

Before the Wine & Spirit Magazine Top 100 Tasting event, I sat down with Pepper Bridge Winery and Amavi Cellars winemaker Jean Francois Pellet to taste and discuss his Washington Wines.
Wine & Spirit Magazine Top 100 Tasting 2016
Wine & Spirits Editors Tara Q. Thomas and Luke Sykora talk about the 2016 Top 100
After the Wine & Spirit Magazine Top 100 Tasting, I spoke with Tara and Luke to discuss this year’s list, the selection process, and got a sneak peek at the 30th Annual Wine Buying Guide
And get my Top Four Wineries & Wines to Try
Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Sauvignon Blanc has never been my go-to wine, but I’ve recently found a new appreciation for the varietal. I mean, I guess it’s true with any wine — there will by bad ones and there will be good ones and it all depends on the land, the hands, and the man (or woman). What I mean is, regardless of grape, the end result will be a product of its environment as well as the winemaker’s hand in the winemaking process. I had a chance to sip and savor this Sauvignon Blanc alongside Kenwood Vineyards winemaker himself, Pat Henderson, and learn first hand what went in to crafting this SB.
Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
This Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon was included in the line up during my one-on-one tasting with Kenwood Vineyards winemaker Pat Henderson. Previous to this, I had only tasted the Jack London Zinfandel, which I had a mixed-review for. But this Cab — well, you’ll just have to read the review.