I 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 moreI have always loved experiencing red blend wines because I feel it expresses what the winemaker thought was the best wine possible with the grapes they had available. To me, these blended wines are the “Winemaker’s Signature” since they adapted the wine to the flavors they enjoy. Today I am sipping the Cuvaison “Prince & Pedro” Red Blend Brandlin Vineyard
Read moreThe red grape Barbera is an Italian varietal that produces wines that are deep in color, full body, with low tannins and higher acidity. Barbera can be grown just about anywhere but if you s a bottle on the shelf at your local store, chances are, it will be from Italy. It is still one of the most planted grape
Read moreI like a winery that will try something new and take some intelligent chances in their wine making efforts! Sticking to traditional ways is great when you have found perfection, but sometimes those creative juices start flowing and you want to…you know….bend the rules a bit. The wine I am tasting today is the Calculated Risk Monterey Pinot Noir 2016
Read moreThe Lodi growing region in California is sometimes a mystery to me since I have yet to travel there to explore all its wonders and its wineries! I DO know that the Lodi region is very well known for growing Zinfandel grapes and producing excellent Zinfandel wines. I know that Lodi also produces about 40% of California’s premium Zinfandel since
Read moreStories of King Arthur, Merlin, dragons, and medieval days are all brought back to life in a wondrous red wine from Trefethen Family Vineyards called “Dragons Tooth”. Or maybe watching an episode of the Game of Thrones series on HBO makes a “dragon” wine label more appealing to you! Because I enjoy stories of dragons and medieval days, the wine
Read moreItaly is a place that has an amazingly long history and I have found it is best to learn about it while enjoying a glass of fantastic Italian wine. The Sangiovese grape is king in Italy and many Italian red wines are made using Sangiovese exclusively or in a blend. Sangiovese means the “blood of Jupiter” and is a well
Read moreIt is exciting to find a tasty red wine that can beat the summertime heat and also pair with all the great foods of summer too! I am enjoying the Helioterra Pinot Noir Vintners Select 2015 and it is from one of the best Pinot Noir growing regions, the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Pinot Noir loves to grow in warm
Read more
Wine Splash! 