Monthly Archives: April 2011

Wines of the Week: April 25-May 1

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Bill Ward

If I were a stickler for “tipicity” — the cork-dork dictum that a wine must exemplify or typify the grape and/or region — I might have a hard time with the Cline Sonoma Coast  Viognier 2010 ($16). It’s not nearly as … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, French Wines, Loire, Tasting Notes | Leave a comment

100 or bust

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Bill Ward

So some friends and I were gathered the other night, drinking seriously tasty wine and eating an astonishing stew prepared by the estimable Ken Goff, when the talk turned to the 100-point wine-rating system and the ridiculousness thereof. The one point of … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiences | 2 Comments

Miracle, major motivation or both?

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Bill Ward

I hesitate to post this so near a Christian holiday, but it’s too good not to share. H/T to my friend Rolf.

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Well versed

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Bill Ward

“Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart.” – Ecclesiastes 9:7

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Linkin’ logs: April 18-24

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Bill Ward

Two of my favorite American wine writers have smart takes on some Big Doings across the pond this week. First, Bloomberg’s Elin McCoy, ever the voice of straight shootin’, takes a look at the latest Vintage of the Century in Bordeaux … Continue reading →

Posted in Actual News, Equipment & Storage, European Wines, Wine Reading and Viewing | 1 Comment

Wines of the Week: April 18-24

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: A couple of year ago, I asked importer extraordinaire Terry Theise how Donnhoff made such wonderful riesling year in and year out. “Three words,” he declared. ”No … fucking … idea.” He later mentioned “selectivity, harvest time, yield control” as possible … Continue reading →

Posted in German/Austrian Wines, Washington Wines | Leave a comment

Radar love

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Bill Ward

So I went to an Austrian wine tasting last night and a Palindrome Festival broke out. And it was not just the Kracher riesling and gruner, delcious as they were, talking. I was sitting with restaurateur Kim Bartmann, who was grilling … Continue reading →

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Wine talk

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Bill Ward

A woman is sitting at home on the veranda with her husband and she says, “I love you.” He asks, “Is that you or the wine talking?” She replies, “It’s me … talking to the wine.”

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Kermit Lynch tasting: Right in his (and my) wheelhouse

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Bill Ward

One of my favorite wine experiences was spending several hours a few years back with importer/writer/musician Kermit Lynch, including a long lunch at Chez Panisse. Lynch wasn’t present at a tasting of his wines this month at Lucia’s, but he … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Dessert Wines, Italian Wines, Loire, Pairings, Rhone | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: April 11-17

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: The more you learn about wine, the more you realize how little you really know. I had never heard of fernão pires unitil I tasted the refreshing, flavorful Samora Branco Tejo ($12). Now I know that the grape was … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Portuguese Wines, Tasting Notes | 1 Comment