Tag: food and wine

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.

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Joel Gott California Unoaked Chardonnay 2015

If you’re from California or enjoy California wines, the concept of an “unoaked” Chardonnay may confuse and baffle you. Like, what’s the point? But, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, winemakers are like chefs: they know their ingredients in their separate parts, and they know their ingredients as a combined whole. With that experienced knowledge, winemakers will make their harvesting, pressing, fermenting, and aging choices. And good winemakers, like good chefs, will never distribute something they’re not 100% proud of. Now, that’s not to say that it will be to every person’s palate. If you’re a hardcore Cal-oaky Chard kind of person, then that’s your right and privilege. Personally, I like to experiment. And, though, I’ve had a few (unmentionable) un-tasty unoaked Chards in my time, I figured, why not give Joel Gott a go. I’ve had good experiences with his wines in the past (see Joel Gott Pinot Gris), his wines, on the whole, have a good reputation, and for ten bucks — might as well, right? So, I present to you, Joel Gott California Unoaked Chardonnay…

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