Jul
10
The Wine and Food of French Basque
In North America, San Sebastian holds the greatest fame in the Basque region of Spain and France. In Europe, however, the sea-side resort of St. Jean De Luz is regularly
May
27
A Few Notable Bottles of Boutique and Cult White Burgundy
The British Columbia market is quite limited in its burgundy selections, particularly white burgundy. We mostly have access to the large negocients and large producers. We are lucky to see
May
24
Reflections on Mid-2000’s Burgundy
The inimitable Pinot Noirs of Burgundy require regular revisiting. The typical comments about Burgundy’s unevenness misconstrue why the region is always among the best in the world for terroir-driven wine.
May
12
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Cult wines form an integral aspect of Napa Valley’s identity. They are not about the long history of the valley, its diversity, or its origin in and potential for classicism.
May
6
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Stony Hill Vineyard
Long before the ‘new’ California took hold Stony Hill, nestled up on Spring Mountain, built its reputation on good-value, subtle, no-new-oak Chardonnay. It’s the ideal counter-narrative that demonstrates Napa is
Apr
13
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Matthiasson Napa Valley Merlot “Red Hen Vineyard” 2012
Steve Matthiasson is decidedly re-inventing Napa. Making a name for himself at stalwart cellars like Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Spottswoode, David Arthur and Saintsbury. Matthiason’s background is in farming and
Apr
10
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Larkmead
Of the hundreds of pre-prohibition wineries in Napa Valley, only 5 remained open during the period. Larkmead was one of those wineries. Selling wine for sacramental purposes comprised the above
Mar
19
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Inglenook
The story of Inglenook is, in many ways, the story of Napa Valley. The winery’s journey through eras and ownership is both emblematic of the big changes California wine has
Mar
16
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Napa is a challenging place for wine lovers today. The wines are almost inimitably expensive, save Bordeaux. The once storied valley is replete with overripe wines. But, times are changing.
Mar
2
Failla “Savoy Vineyard” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2015
Failla is, for my money, one of the most exciting relatively new projects in Napa Valley. Though it was founded in 1998, the winery didn’t come fully into its own