Monthly Archives: June 2011

Wines of the Week: June 20-26

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: I’m not even remotely a Luddite about the notion of tipicity, partly because if I were, wines such as the Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel Gruner Veltliner 2010 ($15) would be easy to dismiss. Yes, there’s the stony vibrancy and purity one … Continue reading →

Posted in Down Under Wines, German/Austrian Wines | Leave a comment

Wine Country travel tips: New Zealand

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Bill Ward

(This is one in a series of travel guides to wine regions by people whom I trust mightily. Brian has a great palate and appreciation for the good things in life.) By Brian Tockman Wine tasting in New Zealand is … Continue reading →

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The wizardly elegance of Oz

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Bill Ward

“People don’t associate elegance with Australia” might sound like a truism, but Ian Hongell is doing his best to make it not so. Rather than prattle on about the subject, Hongell (left) made that simple statement and then had me … Continue reading →

Posted in Down Under Wines, Winemakers | 1 Comment

Wines of the Week: June 13-19

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: “This smells like the best pear ever,” I said last night after sniffing the Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2010 ($18). “Actually, it smells better than the best pear ever,” someone chimed in. True that, and it tastes pretty fantabulous as … Continue reading →

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When the going gets weird …

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Bill Ward

It is the best of times for wine, the wackiest of times for weather. The West Coast wine regions have been chilly and none too sunny. First, California’s Central Coast region lost a lot of grapes-to-be. More recently and further north, pollination has … Continue reading →

Posted in Actual News, California Wines, Issues (and maybe some answers) | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: June 7-13

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: For nigh onto a decade, the Hogue Fumé Blanc was our go-to crisp weeknight white. Well, Mike Hogue has moved on and started another winery, and the Mercer Estate Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($14) has that signature liveliness and value. … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, French Wines, Washington Wines | Leave a comment

Art for wine’s sake

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Bill Ward

I’ve always loved the look and feel of Toast Wine Bar & Cafe, a perfect fit for Minneapolis’ Warehouse District with its urban fixtures and soft lighting. The space became even cooler recently when the proprietors hung several of Angela Kallsen’s striking paintings on … Continue reading →

Posted in Local Happenings, Restaurants | Leave a comment

Ode to some Grecian words

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Bill Ward

Greek wine is getting better these days, but it sounds as though it wasn’t half-bad a few millennia ago, if these estimable dudes are to be believed: “In Vino Veritas” [“In wine is truth”] – Alcaeus, 6th-century BC poet “Nothing … Continue reading →

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Napa Travel: Logistics, logistics, logistics

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Bill Ward

A few tips for navigating your way around the Napa Valley Hotels I have been fortunate enough to stay at a couple of fabulous places here at reduced media rates (still very spendy), plus one perfectly adequate spot that fits my usual … Continue reading →

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Wines of the Week: May 30-June 6

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: “You should try this one,” said one of my favorite wine-mongers, Lisa Impagliazzo of North Loop. “We call it the cocaine wine.” Thankfully she was not referring to the buzz that accompanied this rosé, since I had never taken … Continue reading →

Posted in French Wines, Loire, Oregon Wines, Pink Wines | Leave a comment