Monthly Archives: December 2011

Wines of the Week: Dec. 26-Jan. 1

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: We tasted some fabulous pinot noirs on a trip to Oregon last year — the 2008s were almost all stellar — but the real revelation was the whites, especially pinot gris and pinot blanc. The Ponzi Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc 2010 ($17) is a prime … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Oregon Wines | Leave a comment

LaZarre’s wines have (almost) as much personality as he does

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Bill Ward

It’s really great to listen to winemakers speak lyrically, metaphorically or even metaphysically, about how grapes are grown and then transformed into a delicious liquid. It’s also pretty swell, and refreshing, to hear someone like Adam LaZarre, who has made hugely … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Winemakers | 1 Comment

Wines of the Week: Dec 19-25

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: I discovered a few years back that my favorite Chiantis were from the Ruffina sub-region (not to be confused with the Ruffino brand). They tend to have Old World earthiness but don’t taste “dirty” like so many other Chiantis. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bubbles, Italian Wines | Leave a comment

Some syrah with your sliders, sir?

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Bill Ward

I knew when I posted some (ostensibly) funny, or at least wacky, links that something would come along and surpass ‘em. And this report — that White Castle is experimenting with wine and beer at an Indiana emporium — certainly fills … Continue reading →

Posted in Actual News, Bubbles, Pairings | Leave a comment

Surfin’ USA

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Bill Ward

Time for some holiday cheer, 2011-style. That means a package of linkin’ logs: I bow to no one in my love for a pun, sometimes the groanier the better. In this account  of a surprisingly successful endeavor — wine in … Continue reading →

Posted in Actual News, Equipment & Storage | 1 Comment

Wines of the Week: Dec. 12-18

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: As popular as they are, Italian pinot grigios can be a bit wearying on the palate, a la chardonnay. I think it’s because of the oak (in both cases). The Simply Naked Unoaked California Pinot Grigio ($7-$8), on the other hand, is crisp … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Down Under Wines | 2 Comments

An unspeakable loss

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Bill Ward

Some winery visits you never forget. The anecdotes from John Shafer and Ken Wright. The between-sips chocolate and ”are we in Tuscany?” feel of A. Rafanelli. Phillipe Drouhin’s hearty laugh while sipping Le Montrachet from barrel. The dozen laid-that-morning eggs as … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine People | 6 Comments

This glass is quite full

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Bill Ward

My buddy Kevin passes along what he calls the ideal wine glass. And who am I to argue? It’s actually kind of a decanter, too  

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Wines of the Week: Dec. 5-11

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Bill Ward

Everyday: I’m firmly on board the moscato bandwagon, whether it’s inexpensive domestic stuff (Barefoot, Robert Mondavi) or the more complex offerings from Italy such as the Seven Daughters Veneto Moscato NV ($14). There are waves of flat-out delicious fruit in … Continue reading →

Posted in French Wines, Italian Wines, Rhone | 1 Comment

Guardin’ Eden’s legacy: Jeffrey Patterson

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Bill Ward

Jeffrey Patterson has been making wine for 31 years, which given his appearance means that he started at about age 8. But the Mount Eden Vineyards winemaker has wisdom that surpasses his actual years, and a winery with a fascinating … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, History, Winemakers | 1 Comment