Tag Archives: Cabernet Franc

Wine And A Pyramid Too!

We recently visited Summerhill Pyramid Winery as part of a Pre-Conference Excursion to the Wine Bloggers’ Conference 2013 in Penticton, British Columbia. The excursion was planned for us by Tourism Kelowna and included a tour and dinner at the winery. Continue reading

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South African Wines

Last Thursday night’s tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton featured wines from South Africa. George and Gail, owners of the wine shop, visited South Africa several years ago and shared their experiences and a bit about the history of wine making in the region with us. Continue reading

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Rosé – Not Just to Make Fun of Anymore

As the weather begins to warm, we naturally start to think about what to drink during the summer months. During the warmest months, I prefer lighter wine in general. Rosé always comes to mind. The Thursday night tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton was, of course, Rosé. Continue reading

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The Wines of Howell Mountain

Howell Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA), located within the Napa AVA, was the first sub-appellation to be designated in 1983. Howell Mountain is located on the northeast side of Napa Valley. The AVA ranges from 1400 to 2200 feet, putting it above the fog line. Continue reading

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Right Bank Bordeaux Vintages 2005 to 2009

The Thursday night tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton had us tasting Right Bank Bordeaux vintages 2005 to 2009. All wines originated from Pomerol. Kind of. Except for one. George, the wine shop owner, was short one Right Bank wine for this vintage range, so he chose a Left Bank wine with the highest percentage of Merlot he had in his cellar. He knows how to improvise. Continue reading

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Left Bank Bordeaux Vintages 2005 – 2009

The Thursday night wine tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton was a study of five recent Bordeaux vintages. Two of these vintages, 2005 and 2009, are considered great. The growing seasons were warm and produced lush fruit and opulent, complex wines. The others, 2006, 2007 and 2008, just average. Continue reading

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South African Wine Party

We are planning a trip to Africa in July 2014. We will be visiting Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We will fly into Johannesburg then travel on to Chobe National Park via Victoria Falls. From Chobe we visit the Okavango Delta, then fly on to Kafue National Park in Zambia. Next, we fly to Zimbabwe and visit Hwange National Park before returning to Victoria Falls and then Johannesburg. Whew! This part of the trip is planned for us. We need only show up with our very minimal luggage. Continue reading

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Cabernet Franc – That Other Cabernet

Cabernet Franc is most often used as a blending grape because it has such a distinctive bouquet. But, it also makes a lovely wine all on its own. Our tasting this week was six Cabernet Franc wines from the USA, France and Argentina. Continue reading

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Finger Lakes Wine Tasting Series: Red Wines

We recently participated in a tasting of red wines produced in the Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area). The Finger Lakes AVA is located in central New York State. Continue reading

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Pasos Vineyards – A Winery Profile

We had the good fortune to spend some time recently visiting with Antonio Pasos of Pasos Vineyards. His tasting room is located in Vino Piazza, The Winery Plaza in Lockeford, California. Continue reading

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2009 Bordeaux – The Final Tasting of the Year

Thursday night at Fine Wines of Stockton we tasted the final group of 2009 Bordeaux. Continue reading

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Birthday Dinner and Wine!

Birthdays are a very good reason to celebrate with good food and wine. Continue reading

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Fall Napa Valley Wine Tasting

On a recent weekday I spent a day wine tasting in Napa Valley with a group of friends. The weather was warm for December, in the mid 60s, and mostly overcast. The drive from Stockton to Napa takes us through the San Francisco Bay Delta. Continue reading

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Thanksgiving Times Two

We enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving with family in San Francisco. It was a gloriously clear day. The view from the City to Marin County was crystal clear, it couldn’t have been a nicer day. Continue reading

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Another Wine for Our Cellar

So, in our quest for the next Bordeaux to place in the cellar, we tasted a 2009 Chateau Bernadotte, a Cru Bourgeois from Haut-Medoc, over this past weekend. Continue reading

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Halloween Mystery Wines – Tasting in the Dark

We had a fun online tasting the night before Halloween. We were sent four wines in black bags (Tasting in the Dark) so we couldn’t see the labels and a Halloween mask to wear while doing the tasting. Continue reading

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2009 Bordeaux Tasting

We missed the first 2009 Bordeaux tasting at our local wine shop, Fine Wines of Stockton, while we were in Nepal but fortunately we were here for the second one. Continue reading

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WBC 2012 – The Last Day

Well, it was finally Sunday and the last day of WBC 2012. While it was much fun we were happy to know we would have the afternoon free. Continue reading

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WBC 2012 Recap – Day One

I had hoped to update this every day but it just wasn’t possible. We were busy all day long and then there were the after parties … So much wine, so little time! Continue reading

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Wine Blogger Conference 2012

Well we are headed off to the Wine Bloggers Conference 2012 (WBC12) this week in Portland, Oregon. Continue reading

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