Monthly Archives: November 2012

Wines of the Week: Nov. 26-Dec. 2

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: It’s almost criminal how few people are buying wines from Alsace in recent years. But the victims of these “crimes” are most assuredly the perpetrators themselves. The Wolfberger Alsace Pinot Blanc 2010 ($14) is a great introduction, racy and … Continue reading →

Posted in French Wines, Italian Wines | Leave a comment

Living large, and lifelong learning

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Bill Ward

Syrah Night is about revelry, not reflection. But like most wine experiences, it can provide something to think about, at least once the next morning’s inevitable large noggin subsides. The most recent rendition of the semi-annual event – gathering a … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Experiences, Rhone, Washington Wines | 3 Comments

Winemaker profile: David Polite

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Bill Ward

Sometimes, it’s best not to listen to the experts, no matter how much you respect them. Or maybe to listen to them only a little bit. When David Polite bought some east-facing slopes in the Willamette’s Eola-Amity Hills region in … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon Wines, Winemakers | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: Nov. 19-25

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: When the sample arrived, my first thought was “That sounds like a college band name.” Turns out the Albino Armani 1607 Prosecco ($16) is a seriously tasty, and serious, wine. Laden with green apple and juicy acidity, this bottle full o’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Bubbles, California Wines, Italian Wines | Leave a comment

Signs of the vinous times

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Bill Ward

Almost in spite of myself, I love Facebook. Part of the reason is that people post stuff like the “signs” below:          

Posted in Funny(ish) stuff | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: Nov. 12-18

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: I loves me some chenin blanc, and am thrilled that more and more American vintners not only take it on but manage to find places suitable for growing it. The latest example to cross (and delight) my palate: the McKinley Springs Horse Heaven … Continue reading →

Posted in Rhone, Washington Wines | Leave a comment

Jumping jack flashy

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Bill Ward

I haven’t seen my friend Tom in far too long, but he must know that I could use some exercise, because he passed along this dandy reminder:

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

Wines of the Week: Nov. 5-11

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Like most folks, my first malbec (a Trapiche in 1998) came not from its homeland of France but from Argentina. Here’s hoping that, like me, many a malbec fan discovers the delights of Cahors renditions. The 2009 Chateau De Hauterive Chemin de Compostelle … Continue reading →

Posted in French Wines | Leave a comment

Linkin’ logs 11-10-12

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Bill Ward

Spanning the InterTubes, from the potentially sublime to the semi-ridiculous: • For years I’ve been working hard, and sometimes even successfully, at not overhyping stuff I love or consider very promising, like this bar or this grape. I’d much rather do a … Continue reading →

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

Thoughts worth sharing

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Bill Ward

It’s that time of year, and yes, I have to pen some wisdom on Thanksgiving wine pairings for my day job next week, like many another ink-stained wretch. (My advice here: Get a three-liter box of Big House White and … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiences, Wine People, Wine Reading and Viewing | 2 Comments