Tasting Notes

Tasting notes for individual wines.

Hess Collection featured photo

The Hess Collection: New Releases

We recently received three wines from the Hess Collection’s new vintage release as tasting samples, giving us the opportunity to share our tasting notes and a brief history of the property. This tasting offers a tour of Hess Family Wine Estates’ Napa Valley vineyards as well. After tasting these wines I feel the need to visit the historic, family-owned property […]

Montinore Estate featured photo

Montinore Estate: Wine Made with Biodynamic Grapes

When a recent opportunity to receive tasting samples of Montinore Estate wines presented itself, I was quick to respond in the affirmative. I recognized the Montinore name immediately. Last August I enjoyed a bottle of 2015 Montinore Pinot Gris we received through one of our wine club memberships. The Pinot Gris caught my attention for several reasons. First, it was […]

Zinfandel Day featured photo

A Celebration of Lodi Zinfandel on #ZinDay

Today’s the day. National Zinfandel Day. #ZinDay takes place every year on the third Wednesday in November and we are happy to celebrate Zinfandel today with two wines we received as tasting samples. Both wines are made from very old vine Zinfandel in the Mokelumne River sub-AVA of the Lodi AVA. The wines are made in two very different styles, […]

Mercer Wines and Thanksgiving Pairing

Celebrating Thanksgiving and Mercer Wine Estates #winePW

The theme for this month’s Wine Pairing Weekend is American Wine for an American Holiday. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it is just about my favorite holiday, so I’m happy to put together a paring around a Thanksgiving theme. This will be a paired-down pairing with three wines made by the Mercer family from Washington state. The Mercers were kind […]

Vermut Lustau featured photo

Vermut Lustau: Sherry Vermouth You Must Try

Josh placed a small wine glass containing a generous taste of a chestnut-colored liquid on our table and stood back. This was a surprise, we hadn’t ordered another wine. After a pause, Josh said, “Taste this. If you can tell me what it is, I will buy your dessert.” Pete and I looked at each other and smiled. We had […]

Bervini 1955 featured photo

Bervini 1955 Prosecco & Rosé Spumante

Bubbles. Who doesn’t love them? The lively effervesce that comes with a sparkling wine is an excellent way to introduce a bit of variety into your wine enjoyment. And, in general they’re very versatile food partners. We recently had the opportunity to taste two sparkling wines, which we received as tasting samples, made by Bervini 1955. The winery is located […]

MerlotMe wines

A Month of Merlot Meals #MerlotMe

If it’s October, then it’s time to celebrate Merlot. For the past five years the Merlot Movement has gained momentum with Merlot tastings and social media sharing during October using the hashtag #MerlotMe across social media platforms. The effort is supported by a group of California and Washington state wineries who have declared October International Merlot Month. You will find […]

AR Lenoble Champagne dinner

Champagne AR Lenoble Jordan Cuvée and Potato Gratin

I need absolutely no excuse to enjoy a glass of Champagne. Like almost every other wine lover I know, I closely associate Champagne with celebrations. In fact, the last time I enjoyed a bottle of Champagne was on our wedding anniversary in August. But, I also love Champagne with a meal. And Champagne can make the occasion just as easily […]

Duckhorn featured photo

A Fall Pairing for Duckhorn Merlot #MerlotMe #winePW

If it’s October, then it’s time to celebrate Merlot. For the past five years the Merlot Movement has gained momentum with Merlot tastings and social media sharing during October using the hashtag #MerlotMe across social media platforms. The effort is supported by a group of California and Washington state wineries who have declared October International Merlot Month. You will find […]