Tastings we do online with others. Usually using Twitter to exchange information about the wine.
SakéOne has been brewing quality saké in Forest Grove, Oregon just west of Portland for nearly twenty years. They produce 80,000 cases of Saké per year. In addition they import quality saké from Japan into the US. Their brewing experience makes them uniquely qualified to choose the best Japanese saké for import.
#WineStudio is an online Twitter-based wine tasting and discussion organized by the folks at Protocol Wine Studio. They are wine geeks with a passion for teaching and promoting wines from around the world. We just completed their session on Hungary and Slovenia and like what we tasted.
The Peter Mondavi family and Charles Krug Winery have much to celebrate in 2014. The winery has completed an ambitious renovation of both their vineyards and winery as well as the Redwood Cellar tasting room originally built in 1872. Owner Peter Mondavi Sr. will celebrate his 100th birthday this year and the Charles Krug Winery spring release wines from the 2011 vintage represent both the 150th Anniversary harvest and the inaugural release of the Family Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
To say Casey Flat Ranch is remote is an understatement. The 6000 acre ranch is located in the Vaca Mountains northeast of Lake Berryessa and the Napa Valley. This remote area of Yolo county has a wine producing history dating back to the 1860s, but the Capay Valley AVA was only recently declared in 2002.
The Lodi Native Project is the collaborative effort of six Lodi winemakers making Zinfandel from six heritage vineyards using a standardized, minimal-intervention style of winemaking. It is intended to showcase some of Lodi’s special Zinfandel vineyards, not the winemaking style. A unique concept which produces six unique and delicious wines.
We recently had the opportunity to taste three sparkling French wines made by Domaines Paul Mas. They represent a variety of styles, grape varieties and production methods. Exceptional quality for under $20.
Wine and cheese can be a great pairing. Read about our recent tasting of Lodi wines with cheese from around the world. It left us wanting more of both and planning a visit to downtown Lodi.
Winemaker Ross Rankin has proved himself a patient man. This wine project began in 2007. Every year he tasted, considered the flavors, decided not to bottle. Finally, the flavors he desired were there. He bottled and has now released his 2007 Winged Paradise Mountain Syrah.
We recently had the opportunity to taste six wines from South Africa, many of which were new to us. We joined together with other participants via Twitter to discuss the wines. The event was sponsored by Whole Foods Market as part of their promotion of Wines of South Africa. Tasting new wines always provides the opportunity to learn about the location and history of the producing wineries. I enjoy this part almost as much as sipping the wine.
We recently participated in an online tasting of 2012 Finger Lakes Rieslings. It was an informative conversation with the winemakers who talked about the vintage and the production of their Riesling. We were sent five 2012 Rieslings to taste as we listened to the winemakers and tweeted our thoughts and questions. It was a fun and informative format.
We enjoy wine, food and travel. Pull That Cork is a chronicle of our wine adventures, the food and wine pairings we create and our travels which are increasingly organized around wine.