Wine Education and Reviews

St. Supéry Endive, Pear & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

March 26, 2010

I love the wines from St. Supéry. I’ve been the lucky recipient of some of their wines and love the experience of tasting the wine with one of their own recipes.

Food and Wine Pairing Event – Fundraiser for Susan G. Komen

October 27, 2009

I was part of a trio of women who decided to do a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen. One of our group, Aleece participated in the Race for the Cure in honor of family and friends who have been stricken with cancer including her sister Shelly who died of ovarian cancer; her sister Debbi who [...]

2007 A to Z Oregon Pinot Gris

July 12, 2009

I just had this wine at an event I held at my home; a Cellar Masters Meetup. Meetup organizers determine a region and attendees bring a bottle from that region and an appetizer and we all have a great opportunity to try some new wine (and food) while meeting people who share a passion for [...]

Rosso Conero Serrano (Umani Ronchi)

June 3, 2009

We specifically wanted an Italian red for a Lasagna with Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Béchamel Sauce we were taking to a wine group and this was a great suggestion from Sommelier William Davis; we were not disappointed. Red Berry and spice notes abound in this soft red which is a blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano. We [...]

E. Guigal 2003 St. Joseph Syrah

May 22, 2009

The northern Rhone Valley in France is home to some of the world’s greatest Syrah. While many aficionados are familiar with the powerful wines from Cote Rotie and Hermitage, the Syrahs from the Cornas and St. Joseph appellations are often overlooked. E. Guigal is one of the world’s best winemakers year after year. Their 2003 [...]

Denner Vineyards “Ditch Digger” Rhone-Style Blend

May 22, 2009

The 2005 Ditch Digger is a blend of 43% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, and 8% Counoise (could this be a Paso Robles version of the famed Chateauneuf du Pape Beaucastel?). A deep ruby/purple color, full body, superb richness, and notes of truffle oil intermixed with black cherries, blackberries, asphalt, smoke, and camphor emerge from [...]

Chappellet 2004 Napa Merlot

May 22, 2009

Chappellet’s 2004 Merlot is an outstanding example of the merlot varietal. Bold, rich and concentrated, with ripe, focused currant, blackberry, cedar and spice aromas that fill out on the palate, ending with firm but ripe tannins and a rich mocha note. This merlot is simply beautiful with flowery, plum, blueberry, and black cherry flavors cascading [...]

Razor’s Edge Shiraz Grenache 2006 – McLaren Vale, Australia

May 21, 2009

We unscrewed the cap of this wine last night… don’t let the second word of that sentence cause you pause. It could have been the guests at our house or the warm and saucy lasagna or just the wine itself, but whatever it was… it was good! The wine is very easy to drink (and [...]

King Estates (Organic) Pinot Gris Vin Glace’ (Oregon) $17+:

May 6, 2009

Vin Glace is another way of saying “Ice Wine”, but it is not a true Ice wine. (Ice Wine is made from ripe grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine and then pressed- Glace is when they intentionally freeze the grapes) King Estates has done a nice job here. Shows a light straw hue, [...]

Cristalino Brut Cava

May 26, 2008

Straw color, smooth and fresh aromas; fine and fruity palate with a dry aftertaste. Clean, dry and crisp with citrus and apple flavors. “Cristalino is always a solid go-to Cava. This brut is round, slightly yeasty and shows citrus aromas that veer toward lemon-lime. The palate is healthy and clean, with a narrow set of [...]