Monthly Archives: August 2012

Dave Ready Jr., making the (Murphy-)Goode stuff

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Bill Ward

For a guy who looks more like a “regular guy” than any winemaker I’ve met, Dave Ready Jr. sure loves his literary devices, those metaphors, similes and allusions. Many of his Murphy-Goode labels evoke poker terms, including his “All In” … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Wine People, Winemakers | 1 Comment

Sake-making explained …

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Bill Ward

… about as well as it can be:  

Posted in Equipment & Storage | Leave a comment

Linkin’ logs 8-26-12

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Bill Ward

When in the course of human relations, especially when it comes to wine, we sometimes opt for the Interwebs for guidance: • The topic is senior sex, elderly types aiming to engage in what my way-better half and I  call … Continue reading →

Posted in Actual News, Funny(ish) stuff | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: Aug. 19-25

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Maybe it’s the gorgeous aromatics. Or the fresh, vibrant fruit. Or the kick-ass dry, spicy finish. Actually, of course, it’s all three that make the Consumano Sicilia Insolia such a stone-cold delight. The last three vintages (2009-11) have featured bright, sunshine-y ripeness … Continue reading →

Posted in Italian Wines, Spanish Wines | Leave a comment

A natural transition

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Bill Ward

Every so often, I’ll learn about another wine writer who started off as a sportswriter, the same career arc as yours truly. Dan Berger. Linda Murphy. Dale Robertson. Over time I developed a theory,  as I am all too wont … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Experiences, French Wines, U.S. Wines | Comments Off

Linkin’ logs: The view(ing)

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Bill Ward

Just as there’s a difference between reading a novel and watching a movie based on it, there’s a difference between reading about wine and watching a video about wine. As always, the quality of the latter depends largely on the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Wine Reading and Viewing | Leave a comment

Vin-genuity

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Bill Ward

There seems to be no limit to our species’ cleverness when it comes to wine equipment and/or turning the components of wine packaging to good, or at least amusing, usage. The latest evidence is below.             … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment & Storage, Funny(ish) stuff | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: Aug. 13-19

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Consumers who are mostly versed in the California iterations might not even peg the Georges duBoeuf Domaine Les Chenevières Mâcon-Villages ($16) as a chardonnay. Granted, it’s more crisp, refreshing and slate-y than most any domestic chards, but the focused stone-fruit flavors and smooth … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, California Wines, French Wines | 1 Comment

White light

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Bill Ward

After years (a lifetime, actually) of being a Caucasian, I am now officially a “white man.” For a good year or more, when it has been time to sit down and enjoy some fermented fruit juice, my gut/brain/soul’s first instinct … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiences, White Wines | 1 Comment

Wines of the Week: Aug. 6-12

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: I have a new favorite white grape. (I’m rather fickle that way.) It’s godello, and it finds phenomenal expression in the A Coroa Valdeorras Godello. At $19, this one barely ekes in under the “Occasion” category, and it certainly would fit with a great … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon Wines, Spanish Wines | Comments Off