Author: Nancy (CSW)

Photo of five Domaine Bousquet Cabernet wines on a table with a bench and lemon tree in the background

A Tasting of Domaine Bousquet’s High-Elevation Organic Cabernet

Domaine Bousquet doesn’t do anything half way. The 672-acre estate in Gualtallary zone of Tupungato in Mendoza’s Uco Valley lies at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level. The vineyards were planted in virgin soil and have been farmed organically since Jean Bousquet established the winery in 1997. In 2011 Jean’s daughter, Anne Bousquet, and her husband Labid Al […]

Featured photo Photo of bottle and glass of 2022 Esporão Reserva Monte Velho Red, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Portugal on a table with lemon tree in the background

Esporão Monte Velho Reserva Red 2022: A New Addition to Esporão’s Monte Velho Wine Range

Esporão has its fingers in a lot of pies, so to speak. The Portuguese brand is involved in wine, beer, olive oil and tourism in three wine regions. Herdade do Esporão anchors Esporão firmly in the Alentejo region with its historic estate. Quinta dos Murças is located in the Douro and Quinta do Ameal represents Vinho Verde. Today we are tasting […]

Photo of Sandeman Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto bottle, special edition canister and glass of wine

Sandeman Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto: A Tasty Place to Begin Your Exploration of Port Wines

Port wines are made from grapes grown in Portugal’s Douro wine region. The Douro was established as one of the first wine regions of the world in 1756. The region, which takes its name from the Douro River that runs through it, is home to vineyards planted along the river’s impossibly steep banks. The river begins its westward course in […]

Photo of bottle and glass of 2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley on a table with lemon tree in the background

Smith-Madrone 2021 Chardonnay: A Taste of Springtime in your Glass

Honestly, sometimes a wine comes along at the exact right time. Such is the case with the recently released 2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay. It tastes just like what I’m ready for — springtime. After tasting several vintages of this wine, I have a certain expectation: Chardonnay that expresses the vintage with only a gentle guiding hand from the winemakers. Every vintage […]

Photo of a bottle and glass of Photo of a bottle and glass of Albert Bichot NV Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé on a red and white napkin with hearts

A Pink Crémant de Bourgogne to Sip for Valentine’s Day

Pink bubbly is not just for Valentine’s Day (obviously), but it is the obvious choice to celebrate the day because of its lovely color. Beyond its beautiful hue, rosé crémant is a delicious and affordable choice over champagne that is perfect with food. Today we are tasting a Crémant de Bourgogne made with Burgundy’s two signature grapes. We received this […]

Photo of Campogiovanni Brunello, Vignorello Tuscan IGT and BellAja Bolgheri Superiori on a table

San Felice: Making Wine in Three of Tuscany’s Premier Regions

Three wine estates sit under the umbrella of San Felice in Tuscany representing three different regions. San Felice is comprised of 370 acres of vines (and 15,000 olive trees) in Chianti Classico. Campogiovanni sits in Montalcino with approximately 57 acres of vineyards, 34 of which are dedicated to making Brunello. Bell’Aja is located close to the ocean in Bolgheri where […]

Photo of Avignonesi 2014 Vintage Release Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG and 2020 Avignonesi Desiderio Toscana I.G.T. Merlot on a table with furniture in the background

Avignonesi: Blending Tradition With a Modern Flair in Tuscany

Avignonesi was established in 1974 and sits in Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano denomination. Sangiovese is, of course, the focus of its Nobile wines. Viticultural practices embrace organic and biodynamic principles, and not just in word. Avignonesi is certified organic and biodynamic, which means they fulfill the required record keeping and inspections; it’s rigorous, time consuming and expensive, but good […]

2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon featured photo of bottle and glass of wine on a table

Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon: Resolve to Taste This Wine

We’re in that brief period of time between holidays when many of us can relax for a few days after the rush of Christmas before gearing up for New Year’s Eve. Those celebrating Hanukkah get to continue celebrating right into the new year. By early January we will all be happy to slow down and finalize our New Year’s Resolutions. […]

Featured photo of two Asti DOCG wines

Moscato Bianco: The Star Grape in Asti DOCG Wines

Asti DOCG wines are made in Piedmont’s Asti Province. White wines, sparkling wines and dessert wines may be made under Asti DOCG regulations. Today we are tasting a white wine and sparkling wine, both of which we received as tasting samples.  About Moscato Bianco  Moscato Bianco is the undisputed star of the wines made in Piedmont’s Asti DOCG where it […]

Photo of Giesen 0% Chardonnay, FIOL Extra Dry Prosecco and Trivento Maximum Red Blend on a black surface with a painting in the background

A Trio of Wines for Gatherings Any Time of Year

This time of year more emphasis is placed on gathering with friends, and certainly for many the pace of gatherings increases substantially. But most of us gather with friends regardless of the season and when we do it’s likely that the folks we gather with will have different wine preferences. Some will prefer white wines or bubbles (that would be […]