Tasting Notes Archives

Domaine de Bila-Haut: Roussillon Wines from Michel Chapoutier

August 5, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) 3 comments

Maison M. Chapoutier is a family-owned winery (and négotiant business) located in Tain-l’Hermitage in the northern Rhone. The family’s winemaking history dates back to 1808 and is closely linked with Hermitage. Though the family’s winemaking roots are in the northern Rhone, current winemaking interests also include vineyards in Alsace, Portugal, Australia and the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France.

Sauternes and Cherries — A Special Summer Pairing

July 23, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) 2 comments

Those of us who are regular tasters at the Thursday night wine tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton know one of George’s great loves is Sauternes and cherries. Not just any cherries mind you. They must be cherries that are not overly sweet, just a touch of tartness is what’s desired to counter the sweetness of the Sauternes.

Rosé Rocks!

July 16, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) 2 comments

Rosé is one of the things I like the most about summer. Every year we look forward to seeking out new, and familiar, rosés to enjoy as outdoor temperatures rise. I love rosé for many reasons.

#LodiLive Summer White Wine Tasting

July 9, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

If you’re like many people you think of Lodi as red wine country and Zinfandel country in particular. And while it is true the majority of wine grape production in Lodi is red, there is quite a variety of white grape production as well. Some exciting white wine is being produced in Lodi and this tasting includes just a sampling of those wines.

SakéOne — They Brew Saké in Oregon and Import Saké from Japan Too!

June 27, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

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.

#LanguedocDay: a great reason to have a party

June 9, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

We were recently contacted and asked if we would like to participate in a celebration of the wines of the Languedoc region of southern France. It didn’t take long for us to decide yes! We joined others around the country in celebrating #LanguedocDay on May 30. We invited a few of our wine friends and put together dishes we thought would match with each of the four wines we received as tasting samples.

‘IL’ Ugo : the name will make you smile and so will the flavor!

June 6, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

‘IL’ Ugo is a sparkling cocktail produced by Mionetto that is inspired by a favorite northern Italian cocktail called the Hugo. The flavors are unlike anything we have tasted and we found it interesting and delicious.

Ribera del Duero — Another Interpretation of Tempranillo

May 29, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) 1 comment

Ribera del Duero is a wine region located on the northern plateau of Spain known for producing quality wines from Tempranillo. The weather is inhospitable, the soils are complex and the elevation is mostly more than 2500 feet above sea level. Local winemakers work their magic with Tempranillo planted along the Duero River and at higher elevations.

Casey Flat Ranch — A Hidden Gem in the Capay Valley AVA

May 9, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

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.

Mionetto Prosecco Treviso DOC: It’s Made with Organic Grapes

April 22, 2014 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

Earth Day and Organic Prosecco, what a brilliant pairing! What’s even more brilliant is how flavorful and fresh this wine tastes. Bubbles are among my very favorite wines, so to be able to enjoy a bubbly made with organic grapes on Earth Day literally made my day.

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