Tag: california wine


Aug
2016

2013 Carmel Road Drew’s Blend Pinot Noir

categories: Booze, Wine

This was one of those times where I was looking for a wine specifically to pair with my dinner plans. I was looking for something light and refreshing, but red. I was walking down the Pinot Noir aisle and right in my line of vision is a Pinot by Carmel Road.

So I picked up the bottle and — what’s this? Wine by Drew Barrymore? Ok ok…I know she’s making wine now — let’s face it, most celebrities are. And, for me, that could be a potential put-off: is it gimicky? is the wine going to taste as fake as Hollywood?

I’ve only ever had Carmel Road’s Unoaked Chardonnay (which is not associated with DB), and my mind was telling me what a reliable producer Carmel Road is. Besides, if their Chard is unoaked, perhaps they’ll keep the oak to a minimum in their reds. And with grapes grown in the steady climate of Monterey with its fresh ocean air and sweet sea breezes — how could this not be the cool and refreshing red wine I’m looking for?

Obviously I bought the wine… (more…)


Aug
2016

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Chardonnay

categories: Booze, Wine

Oh just another example of me looking for a wine to pair with my meal. Honest-to-goodness, I was looking for a total Cal-oaky Chard, but my partner in wine crime was not in the mood for a buttery indulgence. “I want an oaked wine,” he said, “but I don’t want it to taste oaky.” Sometimes in marriage, you have to compromise, right? Well we found that compromise with Alexander Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Chardonnay.

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Aug
2016

2015 Markham Sauvignon Blanc

categories: Booze, Wine

I love Markham Vineyards wine. They have some pretty schmancy stuff that can cost a good dollar (well worth it in my book, though), but then they have stuff for everyday consumers like myself. And, what I like, is that I don’t feel like they skimp on the affordable wines. When I taste a $10 dollar wine from Markham, I still feel like I’m sipping something special. And so it is with Markham’s 2015 Sauvignon Blanc.

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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…

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Aug
2016

Testarossa 2013 Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir

categories: Booze, Wine

Testarossa wines have a special place in my heart. Not just because I was married at their beautiful Los Gatos winery (although…that doesn’t hurt…) but also because their wines are just…so…good. In fact, one of the main reasons I chose to get married at Testarossa was because I fell in love with their wines. And what better way to celebrate love than with love?

Their wines are friendly and approachable and yet have such depth and complexity — casual and serious drinkers alike are bound to enjoy.

I’ve been a wine club member off and on for several years, so I’ve got a good few bottles of Testarossa’s finest in my cellar. And any time a birthday, anniversary, or I just feel like an occasion calls for something nice, I pull out a Testarossa and try to accompany it with a complimentary meal.

Today, let’s celebrate with a bottle of Testarossa’s 2013 Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir.

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