I was invited by USA Wine Ratings to help judge their San Francisco wine tasting competition last July and I was intrigued by the way they scored the wines in their competition. All the other wine competitions I have participated in based their scores solely on the flavor and characteristics of the wines. But with the USA Wine Ratings competition,
Read moreI use many sources when I search for wines that interest me and entice me enough to buy them. Sometimes it’s at the grocery store or a restaurant, other times it’s a local gourmet wine shop, researching online, or even traveling to a winery. I see many wine brands on the shelves (and some I would like to forget), but
Read moreI can’t get enough of the vineyards, fresh air, and some great Spanish wine! Something about putting all 3 together is so fulfilling. Today I am sampling the Can Maurisset Red Blend which is 50% Garnacha and 50% Carinena from the Priorat region of Spain. This is a bold and lively red that is full bodied with noticeable tannins. (Which
Read moreA snowy Winter has me indoors doing intriguing puzzles and sipping amazing wines! This beautiful Winter sunset is so spiritual and full of promise for the next day. But I am not waiting until tomorrow to enjoy this Fenn Valley Winery Barrel Select Meritage from Michigan tho! The 2017 Meritage is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Read moreI am enjoying the Domaine Besson Chablis Premier Cru 2018 from the Vaillons vineyard of Burgundy, France. Vaillons is one of the largest Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis and is always known for its award winning wines! In France, many wines are named after the regions they are grown in and by French law, these vineyards can only grow that
Read moreEveryday of life is a celebration! And you can celebrate life with your favorite food, favorite wine, favorite beverage, favorite ice cream, or whatever. Sparkling wines have been a part of most every celebration since the beginning of…..well….bubbles. Speaking of bubbles, tonight I am sipping the 2015 Veuve Doussot Cuvée “Ernestine” Brut Champagne and it is explosive! A blend of
Read moreI am thoroughly enjoying the 2014 Nota Bene Cellars Red Blend from the Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA in Washington State! An enticing blend of 39% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 29% Merlot all grown on the Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard. Aged 22 months in export style French oak barrels truly brings out complexities and
Read moreItaly is known for making some fantastic, classic wines that make you long for them again and again. Wines that are sophisticated with unique flavors that are distinct only to Italy and known for their quality. The Brunello di Montalcino wines are one of these classics. All Brunello wines are made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and they all carry the
Read moreThere always seems to be rumors in the air with just about everything and it is your decision to believe whether the rumor is true for you or not. Lately, I have been hearing rumors that Brick and Mortar Wines have been getting increasingly better over the years and I should find a few bottles and taste them myself. (Twist
Read moreChardonnay has always been a favorite in my white wine category since it can be developed into so many different styles! It can be aged in oak, stainless steel, concrete, or just in the bottle. Chardonnay can be lightly oaked, unoaked, sparkling, dry, fruity, blended with other grapes, and so much more. The region the grapes are grown in and
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Wine Splash! 