Jul
27
Sacred Hill Riflemans Chardonnay 2010
Hawkes Bay Chardonnay does not show up in cellars often – the only way to assess quality over time. Sacred Hill has been imported into our market in small quantities
Jul
19
Bodegas Y Vinedos Alion 1998
Rioja gets most of the attention for the softer-style of age-worthy Tempranillo. Ribera became infected with over-extraction in the 1990’s and 2000’s that undid much of the regions’ potential for
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