You can tell the seasons are changing when I start experimenting with bigger, bolder reds. As the weather gets colder, there’s something so comforting in a large pour of red wine. And I’ve been taking some risks, trying vintners I’ve never tasted from before — some whom I’ve never even heard of. But, when you find a winery you love, you can’t just ignore it. Chateau Ste. Michelle is like a tried and true friend — it never disappoints so I’m comfortable trying even the most “challenging” wines with them. So when I saw they had a Cab I’d never tried before, I figured, well, I have to try it. And if the Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay is any indicator of what those vineyards can provide, my interest and tastebuds are peaked.
Searching for "syrah"
Starmont Winery & Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012
I’ve never heard of Starmont Winery before. This was an honest-to-goodness random pick at my local TJ’s. My only requirements were a) Pinot was a must and b) I was specifically craving a California Pinot. And this particular TJ’s is slim-pickins’ in the wine aisle (ok, I guess requirement “c” was that it wasn’t labeled as a TJ wine). Anyway…I had two choices and this one was more in my price bucket. So I nabbed it, crossed my fingers it’d taste how I was craving, picked up my pizza, and went home. Read more.
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 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.