William Allen is a Rhône specialist who makes a range of red, white, skin-fermented and rosé wines at his Two Shepherds winery. And he recently released his first canned wine. He sources grapes from small often organically farmed vineyards. William’s winemaking style is hands off. He uses native yeast fermentations and neutral oak aging. He and partner Karen Daenen harvested […]
During uncertain times a glass of wine can offer not only a sense of calm, but also the comfort of familiarity. Cue Kenwood Vineyards. Today we’re sharing two Kenwood wines, both sent to us as tasting samples. Kenwood Vineyards is a familiar name to wine drinkers in California and beyond. Kenwood Vineyards was established in 1970 as a family business […]
For some reason I have always had it in my mind that 100 percent varietal wines should receive more respect than blended wines. Maybe because the varietal name appears on the label as opposed to red or white blend. Or maybe it’s because, from a non-winemaker’s point of view, it appears varietal wines are more challenging to make because the […]
Today we’re sipping a collection of wines from beverage entrepreneur Ron Rubin, which we received as tasting samples. In 2011 he purchased River Road Family Vineyards and Winery in Green Valley and established Ron Rubin Winery where he makes the Ron Rubin and River Road lines of wine. Ron’s path to winery ownership was not a direct one, but it […]
Cenyth is a collaboration between Julia Jackson and Hélène Seillan, both of whom grew up in wine families. The longtime friends call Sonoma County home and each contributes artistically to the project. Julia, daughter of Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, created the artwork for the labels. Hélène Seillan, daughter of winemaker Pierre Seillan of Vérité, makes the wines. Both Cenyth […]
By Memorial Day the weather forecast predicts triple-digit temperatures. So that means it’s time to get white wine chilling. Conveniently, #ChardonnayDay always falls on the Thursday before Memorial Day as a reminder, in case the weather forecast doesn’t do so. Today we’re sipping a meal-worthy Chardonnay we received as a tasting sample. Chalk Hill AVA lies in the northeast corner […]
All around the world wine lovers are sipping extra Sauvignon Blanc today in celebration of International Sauvignon Blanc Day. Warm and sunny weather has put us in the mood to pour a splash of Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc and join the fun. We received this wine as a tasting sample. 2018 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County […]
My early experience with Pinot Gris was underwhelming. Then I discovered skin-contact Pinot Gris and a whole world of gorgeous, delicious Pinot Gris opened up to me. I haven’t looked back and almost never pass up the opportunity to taste one. Joile-Laide Pinot Gris is my most recent find, a wine we purchased through a wine club called The Outliers. […]
The Benziger family is a large and raucous group according to Chris Benziger of Benziger Family Winery. Political points of view differ, but the Benzigers are united in their dedication to sustainable, organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking. They were early adopters of these principles in Sonoma County and this year are celebrating 20 years of Demeter Biodynamic® certification. We […]
Winemakers are a curious lot. They are always on a quest to identify unique vineyard sites and expressions of grape varieties. Every vintage brings with it unique challenges and opportunities to craft interesting wines. Kenwood Vineyards has introduced two white wines for winter sipping and beyond. We received both wines as tasting samples. Both of these wines are new additions […]
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.