Category Archives: California

Tongue Dancer: New 2019 Releases from Sonoma County

Posted on December 22, 2019 by mike

These two new releases from James McPhail’s Tongue Dancer are a welcome addition to the bevy of Sonoma County wines on the market. As we have written previously James is one of California’s top winemakers and Tongue Dancer is a … Continue reading →

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Margerum: New Releases from Santa Barbara

Posted on October 28, 2019 by mike

Margerum Wine Company is owned and operated by Doug Margerum, one of Santa Barbara’s leading winemaking entrepreneurs. It produces small quantities of premium wines made from estate-grown and purchased grapes from top neighboring vineyards. We visited Doug at the winery … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Lawer Estates of Knights Valley

Posted on September 16, 2019 by don

Lawer Estates is a Calistoga-based winery owned and operated by David and Betsy Lawer.   Originally from Alaska, the Lawers launched their operation in 2003.   With their extended family and the help of an experienced team of vineyard managers and winemakers,  … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Rosé, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Hawk and Horse Selections from Lake County

Posted on August 26, 2019 by don

Hawk and Horse is a family-owned and operated, certified biodynamic vineyard located in the Mayacamas Mountain range of the Red Hills AVA of Lake County.  Red Hills is one of the six sub-appellations of Lake County. The 18 acre, mostly … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dessert Wine, Fortified, Petite Sirah, Red Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Spann Vineyards Wines: New Releases from Sonoma County

Posted on August 22, 2019 by mike

These new releases from Peter and Betsy Spann are wonderful examples of the authentic and artisanal wines being crafted in Sonoma Valley today. They are ripe and juicy wines, mainly red Bordeaux blends and single varietal reds. They include a … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Santa Barbara’s Happy Canyon Vineyard

Posted on July 31, 2019 by don

Happy Canyon Vineyard is a family owned and operated estate vineyard and boutique winery in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County.  It was purchased in the early 1990s by Tom Barrack, a polo enthusiast who also has a … Continue reading →

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Tongue Dancer Wines: New Releases from Sonoma County

Posted on July 3, 2019 by don

James Mac Phail, one of California’s most accomplished winemakers, is crafting some superb wines under a new project called Tongue Dancer. The unusual name was chosen to reflect his special interest in wines that have texture and mouth feel. Under … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Rosé, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Francis Ford Coppola: New Releases from Napa Valley and Sonoma County

Posted on July 2, 2019 by don

The four wines reviewed here are exemplary of the depth and breadth of Francis Ford Coppola’s wine portfolio. This foursome offers excellent Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at an affordable price and two delicious proprietary red blends. The 2016 Eleanor … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rosés of Pinot Noir from Around the World: The 2018 Vintage

Posted on June 13, 2019 by don

Rosés made of Pinot Noir are the stars of this year’s rosé tasting. They’re typically light red in color, fragrant with red cherry and pomegranate scents, medium bodied with good fullness in the mouth, and flavorful with flavors that mirror … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Countries and Regions, France, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Rosé, South Africa, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment

New Sparkling Rosés from North America, Europe and South Africa

Posted on June 10, 2019 by don

Sparkling rosé is made all over the world.  In this article, we review new releases from North America [California, New York, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia] and Europe [Austria, France] and South Africa. Sparkling rosés come from numerous grapes—almost … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, California, Countries and Regions, France, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment