Category Archives: California

Titus Vineyards: Impressive New Releases from Napa Valley

Posted on May 26, 2022 by don

The Titus family recently celebrated their 50th anniversary growing grapes and making wine in the Napa Valley.  Lee Titus purchased what is now the 50 acre Titus Ranch Estate in the heart of the St. Helena Appellation in 1968 and … Continue reading →

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New Releases of BARRA and Girasole Wines from Mendocino County

Posted on May 21, 2022 by don

The Barra family farms over 300 acres of organically cultivated wine grapes on the benchlands above the headwaters of the Russian River. Winemaker Randy Meyer follows strict guidelines in producing the winery’s certified organic wines, including low sulfite content (45-65 … Continue reading →

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Tongue Dancer: Exciting New Releases from Sonoma & Mendocino

Posted on May 16, 2022 by don

James Mac Phail, one of California’s most accomplished winemakers, is with his wife and partner Kerry crafting some superb wines under his Tongue Dancer label.  The wines are reasonably priced in view of their high quality and the small volume … Continue reading →

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

Tyler Winery: Growing Fast in the Sta Rita Hills

Posted on March 16, 2022 by don

Justin Tyler Willett began the Tyler Winery in 2005 at age 24 after working with winemaker Joe Davis at Arcadian.  His wine trajectory since that time has been steep.  In 2011 He established the Lieu Dit label with sommelier Eric … Continue reading →

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Flora Springs of Napa Valley: New Releases of Soliloquy and Trilogy

Posted on March 9, 2022 by mike

Flora Spring is a family-owned and operated winery in Napa Valley producing superior quality, handcrafted wines.   The two wines reviewed here are their flagship white wine Soliloquy and red blend Trilogy.  In our review of the previous vintages of these … Continue reading →

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The Hilt: Cool Climate Wines from the Radian and Bentrock Vineyards

Posted on March 1, 2022 by don

In 1844, the Mexican governor of California granted Rancho Cañada de Salsipuedes (“leave if you can”) to Pedro Regalado Cordero.  Fast forward 178 years, and Rancho Salsipuedes is home to two of California’s top vineyards for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir … Continue reading →

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Dutton Goldfield New Releases: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir from the 2019 Vintage

Posted on February 26, 2022 by don

This article reviews the new, 2019 releases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Dutton Goldfield winery near Sebastopol. The 2019 vintage in Northern California was cool, reminiscent of vintages two or three decades ago.  At least until the Kincade … Continue reading →

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Selections from Eden Estate, a Boutique Winery in Saratoga

Posted on February 24, 2022 by don

John Couch, former Apple executive, created the Eden Estate vineyard and winery in Saratoga in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, and asked Bill Brosseau to help him make the wine.  We review their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon selections below. The … Continue reading →

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Santa Barbara’s SAMsARA Winery: Current Releases

Posted on February 22, 2022 by don

Located in Goleta, home to UC Santa Barbara, the SAMsARA winery is owned by Joan and Dave Szkutak who purchased it in 2017 from Chad Melville.  SAMsARA sources grapes from some of Santa Barbara’s best vineyards in the Sta. Rita … Continue reading →

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Liquid Farm: In Search of Burgundy in the Sta Rita Hills

Posted on February 15, 2022 by don

The Sta Rita Hills is a collegial place where vineyards share fruit and winemakers share their knowledge and experience. Inspired by the wines of Burgundy, Jeff Nelson started Liquid Farm in 2009 with assistance from Brandon Sparks-Gillis, winemaker at Dragonette. … Continue reading →

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