Monthly Archives: October 2014

Cabernet Franc Selections from Chile

Posted on October 30, 2014 by don

Our recent tastings of five Chilean Cabernet Francs from producers in Casablanca and Colchagua suggests this variety is likely to become a more important part of Chile’s wine industry offerings in the near future. When we last travelled through Chile  for our Report … Continue reading →

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Evening Land Vineyards: New Releases of 2012 Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Posted on October 24, 2014 by mike

Evening Land is an international wine company that produces terroir-driven wines from vineyards in Burgundy, the Sonoma Coast and Eola Amity Hills. In the Eola Amity Hills the  outstanding 70-acre Seven Springs Vineyard is the main source of grapes for … Continue reading →

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Sandhi and Domaine de la Cote: More Magnificent Wines from the Sta Rita Hills

Posted on October 24, 2014 by mike

 Sandhi is an exciting joint venture founded in 2010 by  Rajat Parr, the gifted wine director for Michael Mina Restaurants, Charles Banks, the former owner of Jonata and Screaming Eagle, and the talented winemaker, Sashi Moorman.   Their goal is to … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Barolo and Barbaresco: The King and Queen of Italian Wine by Kerin O’Keefe

Posted on October 22, 2014 by don

Kerin O’Keefe’s newest monograph, just published by the University of California Press, is a welcome addition to the literature about Italian wines and a solid update about these famous wines. The last book in English about them, Barolo, by Michael … Continue reading →

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The Winery San Francisco: New Releases

Posted on October 17, 2014 by mike

These wines are produced at The Winery SF, a 20,000 square foot winemaking facility located on a former Naval Base on Treasure Island, a man-made island situated between Oakland and San Francisco. They are crafted by the talented winemaker, Bryan Kane, … Continue reading →

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AVANT: Delicious New Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Red Blend

Posted on October 15, 2014 by mike

These three AVANT wines from Kendall-Jackson are delicious  and easy-drinking.  They deliver excellent aromas and flavors through to the finish and at terrific prices.  They are also terrific food wines.  Avant 2013 Sauvignon Blanc California ($13) 89  The Avant Sauvignon … Continue reading →

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Michel Rolland’s New Spanish Wines

Posted on October 14, 2014 by don

Michel Rolland has made wine all over the world, and we’ve tasted his wines in many of the places where we’ve traveled—Argentina, South Africa, and, of course, France.  Now, he extends his global reach to a neighboring country, Spain, where … Continue reading →

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Howell Mountain Vineyards: New 2011 Releases

Posted on October 9, 2014 by mike

Howell Mountain Vineyards is a 34 acre property,  owned and operated by grower Mike Beatty and his family.  A true pioneer and visionary who recognized Howell Mountain’s potential,  Mike acquired the property in 1977 that became known as Beatty Ranch … Continue reading →

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Tannat Wines from Marichal of Uruguay

Posted on October 8, 2014 by don

Brothers Alejandro and Juan Andrés Marichal make the wine at their family-owned, Marichal winery located at Etchevarría in the province of Canelones, just north of Montevideo (see map below). All their wines come from estate grapes grown on calcareous-clay soils, … Continue reading →

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New Releases from Chateau Margene and Mooney Family

Posted on October 6, 2014 by mike

Chateau Margene is a tiny winery located in Paso Robles.  Established in 1998 by Michael and Margene Mooney it produces small quantities of super premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style blends from a 5.5 acre estate vineyard.  Under the Mooney Family … Continue reading →

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