Jul
21
Sandlands Red Table Wine 2017
Sandlands “Red Table Wine” is the archetype of what a great California red should be. Fruity and bright, fresh, a supple tannic grip, and mid-palate depth from that California sun
Jun
1
Priorat: Globalization, Terroir, and The New Wines of Spain
A contradiction lies deep in the heart of wine’s globalization. The standard narrative is that globalization leads to homogenization of wine style and increasing monopolization of distribution. The counter-narrative has
Dec
2
Capichera Assajé Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2011
The island Carignano of Sardinia is, like many of the other French grapes planted there, built with a distinctly rugged personality. The island’s wines lean more toward Italian in style
Oct
20
Schoolhouse Vineyard Mescolanza Zinfandel Blend 2010
Independent wine stores like Marquis Wine Cellars on Davie do much to broaden the wine culture of the city and introduce citizens and industry members to interesting new wines from
Nov
11
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Contra Costa County 2013
Bedrock is one of my favourite US producers. They focus on heritage vineyards, field blends, and ensuring proper acidity and balance in the wines made from the very intense, high
Jun
6
Domaine Anne Gros – Jean Paul Tollot La Ciaude Minervois 2008
I first tasted wine from the Minervois project of top Burgundy winemakers Anne Gros and Jean Paul Tollot (of Tollot-Beau) 6 years ago thanks to importer/retail store North Berkeley Wine
Dec
10
Ridge Lytton Springs 2011
For me, Ridge is home. It is the essence of what California should be, happy to put its faith in the material and the weather. Happy to be understated. Happy
Nov
11
Andrea Calek “Babiole” 2012
This wine makes a clear statement that it matters. It is made as an antidote to the line of Northern Rhone reds that are made in an international style and
Jun
18
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé 2011
Tempier has become so famous for its Rosé that many insiders now decry it as too expensive. I think that is unfair. Tempier makes one of the best Rosés in
May
21
Domaine Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot “Les Carretals” Minervois 2008
Why does wine matter to us? Why is it exciting? There are many “delicious” wines in the world, but how many of them reignite the passion us geeks rely on