Searching for "event"


Aug
2016

2014 Leverage Trajectory GSM Red Blend

categories: Booze, Wine

A big bold red blend crafted with elegance and finesse. That’s the 2014 Leverage Trajectory GSM Red Blend. Yes, it packs a lot of flavor, and those flavors are so well-balanced, even the timid sipper will find enjoyment in this blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mouvédre.

Trajectory is the flagship wine of Leverage Wines — a boutique, artisan winery from the heart of Paso Robles. No you won’t find this wine, or any Leverage wine, in stores or restaurants, but I tell you as a regular consumer of those readily available Safeway, BevMo, Coscto, TJ, WF wines…this is a boutique winery worth seeking out. And this Trajectory GSM red blend is a peak example of what these boys can do.

2014 Leverage Trajectory Red Blend

(more…)


Aug
2016

2012 J. Lohr 2012 South Ridge Estates Paso Robles Syrah

categories: Booze, Wine

I was at the Paso Robles seminar and grande tasting event in Oakland awhile back and stopped by the J.Lohr tasting table. I can’t help it. I know they’re a big name brand, but they feel simultaneously local. Maybe its because their Bay Area tasting room is literally around the corner from my house. Maybe it’s because I see them at every Wine Walk up and down the Penninsula. Or maybe it’s because every time I stop by their tasting room, tasting table, etc, I’m greeted with a warm, friendly face willing to talk to me at length about any and all of their wines — from Safeway finds to “members only” selections.

So I’m at this Paso Robles event, and I’m talking to Mark Hess, a J. Lohr Regional Manager, and we’re going through the tasting flight when we get to the Syrah. Now this is one that is available to the public, but for some reason it’s hard for me to find — not always available at Safeway, I sometimes have to go to a local market, Zonattos, just to find this Syrah-treat. Mark and I are sipping, and talking, and my mind always goes to “what food would go with this.” And as we discuss this topic, I get hungry. So, the following weekend, I buy this wine and whip up, what I think, is the perfect food pairing.

(more…)


Aug
2016

Rhone Style Red: 2014 Leverage Acceleration

categories: Booze, Wine

I’m beginning to have a new appreciation for the Paso Robles AVA and that may be because I’ve found a new wine love: Rhone-style wines. I went to this year’s Rhone Ranger seminar and tasting, as well as the Paso Robles seminar and tasting, and what I’ve learned is that the Paso Robles AVA most mimics the terroir and climate of the French AVAs known to produce Bordeaux and Rhone.

Well, it was at the Rhone Rangers seminar where I first met Jason DiFrancesco of Leverage Wines who introduced me to a great line-up of his productions — everything from a “Big Boy” Rose to a soft and supple Grenache. So when he kindly gifted me some of his newest releases for sampling and reviewing, I knew I was in for a treat.

(more…)


Aug
2016

Ancient Oak Cellars 2013 Chardonnay

categories: Booze, Wine

I’m walking down the wine aisle of my local Safeway, filling up that six-pack wine crate so I can get my awesome bulk-buy discount. Who do I run in to? Ken Moholt-Siebert — owner of Ancient Oak Cellars. I originally met Ken at SF Pinot Days where I tasted two very different Pinots, both of which were noteworthy (in fact, I encourage you to read my notes).

So knowing the love they put into their Pinots, I was quite curious to try Ancient Oak’s Chardonnay. Ok, this wine is so special, even those lame Safeway-provided dixie cups couldn’t hide the depth and complexity of flavors. I had to buy a bottle — and I’m not going to lie, I drank it that night…

(more…)


Jul
2016

Louis Jadot 2013 Beaujolais – A 100% ‘Gamay’ Changer

categories: Booze, Wine

I don’t know if it was my recent visit to the Rhone Rangers seminar and tasting or what, but lately I’ve been super into experimenting with French and French-inspired wines. I had such a great experience with Louis Jadot’s 2012 Pinot Noir and, as I was researching more about the vineyard and available wines, became quite curious about their Beaujolais.

As luck would have it, a contact from Louis Jadot was kind enough to provide me with their 2013 Beaujolais to sample and review. I must admit, I held on to this wine, wanting to make sure I enjoyed it thoroughly — with the right food and mood. And I did! Louis Jadot 2013 Beaujolais is yet another excellent example of a regularly available, affordable French wine that tastes like it came straight from the Motherland.

(more…)