Tasting Notes

Tasting notes for individual wines.

Montinore Estate Pinot Noir and Maple Chipotle Salmon

Celebrating Biodynamic Wine with Montinore Estate Pinot Noir #winePW

This month’s Wine Pairing Weekend (#winePW) challenge comes from host, Gwendolyn Alley. She thought Earth Month would be the perfect time for our group of wine and food enthusiasts to explore the world of biodynamic wine. Brilliant idea, Gwendolyn. The principles of biodynamic farming are complex and interdependent, but worth understanding. It isn’t necessary to understand every detail of biodynamic […]

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In Defense of Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio has earned a reputation as a light, flavorless white wine. My friend recently told me a story that perfectly illustrates that reputation. Her friend, who when confronted with a wine list lacking wines familiar to her, orders Pinot Grigio because at least she knows what it will taste like. Water. Not exactly an enthusiastic endorsement of the variety.  […]

Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem featured photo

2016 Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem

Today’s Cellar Note brings you the warmth of sunny, southern France in your wine glass. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some sunshine and always look forward to something delicious in my wine glass. We received this wine as a tasting sample. Before we get to the wine, let’s take a look at the label. Domaine de […]

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An Ironstone Vineyards Marathon

Both the Kautz family name and Ironstone Vineyards are familiar to me, as they are to many residents in and around Lodi where I associate the Kautz name with farming and viticulture. The sprawling Ironstone winery, located in the Sierra Foothills town of Murphys, is a destination winery. In addition to wine tasting and the wine cave there is a […]

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Stella: Sipping Wine on the Cheap

The two wines in this cellar note challenged my assumptions about grape variety and whether or not a $10 wine can be of interest. I admit I was prepared to be underwhelmed by both of these wines, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised. We received these wines as tasting samples. The two wines in this tasting are part […]

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Let’s Talk Tawny (Port)

Chilly evenings are made for sipping Port, regardless of the season. Just a splash of Tawny Port is a delicious substitute for dessert after a quick weeknight meal. It works just as well at the end of a meal paired with dessert, cheeses or spiced nuts when you have the time and inclination to enjoy a more involved meal. Today […]

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Odfjell: Organic (and Biodynamic) Wines from Chile

Today’s tasting takes us on a virtual trip to Chile for a sip of three wines made using grapes that are farmed organically and biodynamically. The winery’s story includes a Norwegian ship owner, Norwegian Fjord horses and very old Carignan. Sounds interesting, no? We received these wines as tasting samples. Dan Odfjell (odd-fee-yell) made his fortune in the shipping business. […]

Valentine’s Day Wines for Every Meal, Almost

Tomorrow is the big day. Roses will be sent, boxes of chocolates received and meals enjoyed together. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, your spouse, friends or on your own, your Valentine’s Day needs wine and we’re here to help with that. We have five wines to suggest for just about every Valentine’s Day meal and every palate. We received […]

A Selection of Bodega Garzón Wines

Uruguay: A Wine and Food Sampler #winePW

This month’s Wine Pairing Weekend theme takes us to Uruguay, a wine destination that we’ve only briefly explored. Beyond Tannat we have little experience with wines from Uruguay, so this was a welcome opportunity to learn by doing. The theme this month comes to us courtesy of Jill from L’Occasion who is hosting this month’s gathering. The first thing that […]