Added on 08/27/10 at 11:07 am
2009 Solis Winery Fiano Estate
So I can’t say I was angry, but I will say I was disappointed. The wine was nothing short of superb, but my fellow panelists simply didn’t get it.
To set the stage, the “other” whites category at large wine competitions are, shall we say, is The Land of the Misfit Toys. If you’ve never tasted these sorts of wines, well, generally you aren’t missing much. Often times they are comprised of the end-lots of what didn’t make the cut of better quality wines, all mixed up, given a fancy name and sold over the counter at tasting rooms. A winery marketing director will pay a small fee to enter the obscure blend into the competition hoping it will get some recognition to help sell the inventory which would otherwise be flushed. Read More
Added on 04/29/10 at 5:20 pm
Buy one wine class, get the 2nd one free!
I’ve proclaimed 2010 as “The Year of Happiness”.
Heck, local real estate prices have been on the rise for 8 consecutive months and the stock market has risen nearly 37% over the last year. We certainly have not seen that in a while!
Now is the time to treat yourself (or your Mom!) to something special, and I’m here to offer my own little incentive to do so. Keep this email as a “Buy one super fun entertaining and informative wine class, get one super fun entertaining and informative wine class free” coupon.* Read More
Added on 04/18/10 at 8:16 am
Accidents can sometimes result in glorious revelations. The evolution of sparkling wine is certainly a delicious example.
Centuries ago, temperature controlled environments in which to produce wines were not available. The now famous wine destination of Champagne, located about an hour-an-a-half drive north and east of Paris, experiences very cool fall and winter temperatures. Cold enough to slow down and eventually halt the fermentation process of the wines being produced. Early winemakers would see that fermentation had stopped and therefore bottled what they had Read More
Added on 02/23/10 at 8:33 am
While working on his M.A. in psychology, Eddie Osterland became fascinated with the world of wine. So much so that he altered career paths and became the United States very first Master Sommelier.
His unique story began in the 1960’s when wine in the United States was not what it is today. Truth be told, at the time there were actually more orchards than vineyards in the Napa Valley. To receive the best instruction available he would be forced to move overseas. Read More
Added on 02/14/10 at 8:58 am
Isn’t is refreshing to watch athletes compete at the highest level of their sport and express the joy they have without pretense?
I was struck by an interview with Alpine Skier Lindsey Vonn as she politely and calmly answered all the questions she was asked with poise and charm…and with a conviction to be the very best. Her passion was palpable. Her commitment infectious. She was simply being herself. Expressing her thoughts.
Shortly thereafter, in the setting of a friendly Pro-Am in conjunction with the PGA Tour, Tom Brady started doing Read More
Added on 02/09/10 at 10:09 am
Sunday March 14th The Del Mar Fairgrounds will play host to the largest tasting of California wines in the San Diego area.
More than 240 family owned wineries will be on hand to pour samples inside Exhibition Hall at the 2010 Family Winemakers of California San Diego Tasting. Exhibitors will represent most wine growing regions from around the state, with the highest concentration being from Sonoma and Napa Counties. Owners and winemakers will be on hand to share their wines with the public at this one-of-a-kind tasting. Read More
Added on 01/21/10 at 9:36 am
The same week the FCC ruled cable companies must offer monopolistic programming such as San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies games to alternative service providers, a Federal court upheld a lower court ruling which could open the door for Massachusetts wine drinkers to buy direct from wineries or online. Read More
Added on 01/16/10 at 7:54 am
So what if it only has one winery and has only bee designated as an AVA since 2002?
Every time I get the opportunity to enjoy a Rockpile wine it reminds me I need to revisit this region more often. Zinfandel is probably the best cultivar and maybe that’s why it doesn’t get more rave reviews? But hey, I’m a zinfandel fan.
Drop a firm and fruity Rockpile zin on top of a classic New York steak standwich with fried onion straws and blue cheese crumbles and hide the women and children from a palate gone wild. I’ve gotta say, that pairing is one of my all time favorites.
Most any wine shop carries a few selections to choose from. Grab one and experiment yourself and let me know what your experience is.
Mark the Cork Head
Added on 12/30/09 at 8:56 am
The New Year brings with it a traditional custom where we reflect back on the past year and resolve to be healthier, wealthier, or to be a better friend or spouse.
Each year I reflect upon my wine experiences and create a few wine resolutions of my own. They aren’t for everyone, but can serve as a roadmap for a heightened level of physiological and intellectual bliss with each and every glass which will last beyond just 2010. Salut!
I Resolve: Read More
Added on 12/23/09 at 1:09 pm
Quick! What is the first beverage you think of when celebrating around the holidays?
If you answered Champagne or any other sort of sparkling wine, you are not alone. Though reports vary, each year an estimated two-thirds of the sparkling wine consumed in this country is done so in and around the holiday season. Heck, the mere thought of a popping cork brings enthusiastic smiles to just about anyone who enjoys a little vino. Read More
