Tag: red wine

Thomas Fogarty Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2012

Living along the San Francisco Peninsula, I’m no stranger to Thomas Fogarty wines or the winery. But, as Tommy Fogarty, current managing proprietor of the estate will admit, a trip up the steep slopes of Woodside to this secluded winery is a dedicated trip — the sole prize atop that mountainside is Thomas Fogarty wines. And I feel that holds true for the wines themselves. So unique are his productions that, when seeking out a Thomas Fogarty wine, you’re seeking out a specific feeling and flavor.

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Qupé Central Coast Syrah 2013

As the resident wine writer, I’m also often the resident somm. No problem. I geek out enough on wine and wine pairings, I don’t mind shouldering that responsibility honestly. But I’m going to admit that the night I drank Qupé Syrah, I did not pick it. Not my idea. And it was the best idea I never had.

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Cannonball Sonoma County Merlot 2014

I’ve always been intimidated by Cannonball wines, which is so the opposite of their mission statement. But I think it’s because I actually don’t see it a lot at my local stores and when I do, it’s usually the half-bottle Cab attached to a price tag worth a full bottle. So I thought Cannonball wines were super serious. Luckily, while I was milling about the wine aisle, I came across Cannonball Merlot — not only affordable, but also on sale to boot. This was my chance to see what all the hub bub is really about.

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Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

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.

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Gundlach Bundschu Sonoma Valley Merlot 2012

The cool kids at Gun Bun are like cheerleaders for good wine…

After being blown away by Gun Bun’s Chardonnay, I was thrilled to find their Merlot at my local Safeway as well. One of the things I love about this vintner is that none of their wines get more general than “estate.” And they take such pride in their Rhinefarm estate vineyard that it’s hard not to fall in love with a wine just by reading about it. Ok ok…let’s jump in and taste already, shall we?

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