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Dec
2019

Pop Quiz: The Australian Alternative to French Favorites Part 2

categories: General Knowledge (L3), Wine, Wine 101

During service a customer asks you to recommend an Australian alternative for his two favorite French wines. Recommend alternative wines that have a similar style, quality, and price. You must account for the factors in the vineyard and winery which make your choices appropriate. Also explain any important differences in the wine.

Before reading on, make sure to read through Part 1 of this short answer quiz, in which the wine in question was Mersault Premier Cru. The second wine our fancy client is asking about: Margaux. So, let’s move to the southwestern portion of France to…Bordeaux.

Courtesy Fernando Beteta

[Information based on WSET Level 3 material]

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Apr
2019

Big Sur Vineyard Rosé

categories: Booze, Wine

I’m not all into the “rosé craze” because I’m actually quite particular about the pink I drink. I expect it to be light and delicate but I also expect it to have substance and structure. I tasted this rosé “blind,” as in I didn’t look at any tasting notes or tech sheet before enjoying and there was zero information on the back of the bottle. Not that I usually rely on that kind of information, but with a rosé, as with my blends, I prefer to know what it is a rosé of. Now that I found my tech sheet (it fell behind the wine rack…) I can see why I enjoyed this rosé so much. (Who likes Rhone-style blends? Raise your hand…)

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Mar
2019

Napa Valley Vintner John R. Shafer Dies at Age 94

categories: Booze, Wine

Long-time Winery Owner and Innovator Left His Mark on Wine Industry and Napa Valley Charities

The Shafer family is deeply saddened to announce the death of their father, longtime vintner, philanthropist and winery founder, John Shafer on March 2, 2019.

“The world of wine always inspired Dad and he loved nothing more than to work with the Shafer team to improve quality, enhance everything we do, and to discuss future projects,” says Doug Shafer, president, Shafer Vineyards, who worked with his father since 1983. “He also loved Napa Valley, worked to make it a better place for everyone, and we’re receiving amazing messages from a huge number of people whose lives he touched with his generous spirit.”

Environmental portrait of John Shafer surrounded by grapevines at Shafer Winery.

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Feb
2019

Passaggio 2016 GSM Red Blend

categories: Booze, Wine

I don’t often write about wines I relive, but some winemakers’ wines are just too good not to talk about. And it’s amazing the difference a vintage can make. But one thing that remains consistent year after year is Cindy Cosco’s ability to craft the most delicate, nuanced wines from even the heartiest of red wine grapes. So keep reading to learn about the Passaggio 2016 GSM Red Blend, and if you haven’t already, take a look at what the Passaggio 2015 GSM was like. Both offer up their own subtleties, but I paired them with wildly different cuisines. Enjoy!

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