Category Archives: Uncategorized

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 →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Countries and Regions, Red Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Raventós i Blanc and Can Sumoi: New Releases

Posted on May 21, 2022 by don

Raventós i Blanc  The house of Josep Raventós i Blanc was established in 1986 in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia by Josep-Maria Raventós, a breakaway member of the Codorníu family, with the objective of making Cavas of exceptional quality. Today, Josep’s grandson … 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 →

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

Rosés from the Peloponnese, Central Greece and its Neighbors

Posted on May 18, 2022 by don

On our recent trip to Greece,  we tasted more high-quality rosés from Peloponnese than any other wine region.  Most of the top rosés were made from Agiorgitiko an indigenous grape grown in Nemea, and the prink-skinned  Moschofilero,  grown in the … 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

The Rosés of Crete

Posted on May 12, 2022 by don

The island of Crete is home to many indigenous grape varieties, some of which undoubtedly derive from those grown by the Minoans over four thousand years ago.  We recently visited Crete to meet the winemakers, tour the vineyards, and taste … Continue reading →

Posted in Countries and Regions, Great Winemakers, Greece, Greek Wines, Rosé, Uncategorized, Wine Articles, Wine Type | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Greek Rosés of Xinomavro

Posted on May 10, 2022 by don

  Often compared to Nebbiolo grown in Italy’s Piedmont, Greece’s Xinomavro is one of southern Europe’s most noble varieties.  As discussed below, it’s particularly well suited for the making of rosé, and we tasted several excellent rosés during our recent … Continue reading →

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Monemvasia Winery: Rediscovering Peloponnese’s Vinous Past

Posted on May 5, 2022 by don

As far back as the 12th century, Monemvasia was renown for its sweet white wine called Malvasia, but production ceased in the 16th century during Ottoman rule. Almost seven centuries later, in 1997, Giorgos Tsimpidis, just graduated from the University … Continue reading →

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IWR’s Visit to Greece

Posted on April 27, 2022 by mike

IWR recently returned from a two-week trip of winery visits and tastings in Northern Greece, the Peloponnese and Crete.  We also conducted a comprehensive tasting of the wines of Central Greece, including Epirus, Thessaly and the Ionian Islands.  In this … Continue reading →

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Pence Vineyards: Crafting Wines with Passion

Posted on April 3, 2022 by don

Pence Vineyard and Winery is part of a 200 acre working ranch within the Sta. Rita Hills located along route 246.  It is owned by Blair Pence, a successful Los Angeles realtor, who purchased the property some 20 years ago … Continue reading →

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