Monday, September 27, 2021
2017 The Shepherd Estate Red
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Winery Adventure: Porter Family Vineyards
- 2020 Sandpiper Rosé
- 2018 Beverly's Chardonnay
- 2016 Sandpiper Red Blend
- 2016 Cave Dwellers Blend
- 2016 Barre Azure Blend
- and a "bonus" pour of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rosemary Marcona Almonds (2018 Beverly's Chardonnay)
- Aged Gouda Cheese (2016 Sandpiper Red Blend)
- Iberico Cheese (2016 Cave Dwellers Blend)
- Porter Cabernet Chocolate Truffle (2016 Barre Azure Blend
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
2018 Patland Vineyards Select Barrel Reserve Malbec
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
2018 Flora Springs Trilogy
Monday, April 19, 2021
2018 Flora Springs Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Napa Valley, CA
Suggested retail price: $50.00
Drink The Bottles score: 90/100
Friday, March 26, 2021
2018 Patland Estate Vineyards Select Barrel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, CA
295 cases produced
Suggested retail price: $200.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
Thursday, February 25, 2021
2019 Pope Valley Winery Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Valley, CA
1,050 cases produced
Suggested retail price: $20.00
Drink The Bottles score: 91/100
Friday, February 12, 2021
2017 Patel Winery Sauvignon Blanc
Thursday, January 7, 2021
2017 Baldacci Vineyards Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
Thursday, December 3, 2020
2016 Patel Napa Valley Malbec
Napa Valley, California
125 cases produced
Suggested retail price: $125.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
2016 Baldacci Vineyards Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
ABV: 14.5%
Napa Valley, California
1,027 cases produced
Suggested retail price: $90.00
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
Monday, August 31, 2020
2017 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon
Any time we are afforded the opportunity to taste a Cathy Corison wine, we know that we are in for a real treat. The soon-to-be-released 2017 Corison Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is absolutely no exception. This bottle was tasted in a line up of other Napa cabs about seven weeks ago and we have purposely held off writing about it until the release date is near.
What immediately struck us was how mature and fine this wine appeared in the glass and on the nose, introducing layers of fresh violet bouquet, cedar plank, dusty spice box and whiffs of tar. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvingon and it rewards the taster with black cherry, plum, blackberry pie with a sweet crust and dried spices. The violets are always dancing in the glass. The finesse on this work of art is evident by the long and memorable, effortless finish. You get mesmerized by the amazing fragrances and stunning color of this wine and it is truly one that makes you wish your glass was bottomless. Incredible!
Friday, July 31, 2020
2018 Baldacci Family Vineyards Fraternity
Monday, July 20, 2020
2017 Pope Valley Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Monday, July 13, 2020
2016 Coquerel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Navigating Wine Country During a Pandemic (aka let's help each other)
- If you're headed to Napa like we are, check out the new health guidelines before you go.
- Bring a mask or several masks. (Nobody wants to wear a wine-stained mask). If you don't have one, stay home. You'll be turned around at the cellar door without one.
- Make reservations because they are required now. Long gone are the days of just "popping into" a winery for a quick tasting.
- Keep your distance and be respectful. Re-opening to the public after being closed for months can be scary and foreign to your hosts. Tread lightly and follow their lead.
- If you like the wine, consider making a purchase and/or joining a wine club. Most wineries are family owned and have suffered greatly because of the pandemic. Show some love and you'll be rewarded with your incredible wine purchases.
- Communication. Seems easy enough, right? You would be surprised. I have reached out to about twenty California wineries during the planning of our upcoming trip. I am amazed at how many of them never even bother responding to an email. We get it; the wineries and tasting rooms are starting to get busy with re-opening in its infancy. But if we have specific needs or your web site scheduling tool doesn't work, we have to email you in order to plan our tasting experience. The lack of communication sends a message of apathy and we could have been your newest and biggest fans. I call this a "don't be a dick rule".
- Create a memorable experience. We understand that some areas and experiences may still be closed, but wineries still have an incredible opportunity to create lifelong memories for their guests. In lieu of a cave tour or super secret hidden gem tasting room that is inaccessible, maybe a sit-down with the vintner or a special library bottle tasting could be an extra-special treat? Or perhaps it is connecting us with the most special wine tasting room host who would blow our socks off with his/her knowledge, personality, humor and kindness?
- Try not to make things too sterile or uncomfortable. We're all scared. And we, as guests, promise to follow all of the rules and breathe the hot summer California air through our uncomfortable masks. We ask in return that the tasting room doesn't smell of hospital disinfectants and everyone doesn't spray us down with Lysol if we clear our throat.
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