Tracey & John Skupny established Lang & Reed with the expressed goal “to explore the distinct charms of Cabernet Franc and to craft wines that are both expressive and enjoyable to drink.” Their appreciation of Cabernet Franc came from years of experience as sommeliers. Their appreciation of Napa Valley’s vineyards drew them to the region and they moved to Napa […]
Wine has the undeniable ability to elicit memories of people, occasions and travel. Sometimes it is a particular variety, other times it’s the name of a wine that is so memorable. In the case of Windrun Pinot Noir it is both the name and the variety that hold special memories for me. So, as you might imagine, I’m pleased to […]
The Paring has a backstory that includes winemaker Matt Dees and two of Santa Barbara County’s acclaimed wineries, JONATA and The Hilt. Through common ownership there is a connection to Napa’s cult wine, Screaming Eagle. Impressive connections. But when we receive wines as tasting samples for review we taste them without learning more about them than what is on the […]
As wine drinkers our connections to wine come in many forms. Sometimes we connect with the scenic beauty of a wine region, a winery location or simply the label on a bottle of wine. Other times our connection is more personal; it can be the winemaker, the person pouring that wine for you in a tasting room or the friend […]
When I think of a blended wine, I think first of a wine made by blending different varieties, as in a Bordeaux or in a Rhône-style wine. Blending multiple varieties allows for greater complexity and balance in the finished wine. Blending of vintages, as in the production of a non-vintage Champagne or sparkling wine, allows for consistency from year-to-year…a house style. But, it is also possible to blend wines of the same variety from different regions to produce wines of balance and elegance. This is the tack taken by negotiant winery Adler Fels, established in 1979, with great success in the two wines we tasted.
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.