Monthly Archives: February 2013

Wines of the Week: Feb. 18-24

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: My way better half has little or no use for rich, oaky California chardonnays, but she loves her some white Burgundy. Down that path lies financial ruin, but not if we can find more wines like the 2010 Laroche Tete de Cuvee Bourgogne … Continue reading →

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

Linkin’ logs: 2-20-13

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Bill Ward

February, especially here in Tundraland, is a humor-impaired, irony-deficient month, it seems. I have seen little drollery on the InterTubes this month. But that doesn’t mean there’s not unusual and interesting stuff out there. To wit: • I learned a … Continue reading →

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Pinot gris/grigio recommendations

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Bill Ward

If there were a Cliché Dictionary, it would have a photo of pinot gris/grigio next to “you get what you pay for.” It is exceedingly difficult to find really good inexpensive renditions of this increasingly popular grape. In compiling this recommendations roundup, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, California Wines, Italian Wines, Oregon Wines, Washington Wines | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: Feb. 11-17

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Dagnabit! I thought I was adding a new grape to my list, but it turns out that cannonau is what the Sardinians call grenache. Really tasty grenache, in the case of the Cantina Santa Maria Le Bombarde Cannonau di Sardegna ($12), a juicy, smooth, slightly … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Italian Wines | 2 Comments

Russian River Valley destinations

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Bill Ward

Been sidelined by insane work sked (15 nights in last 17) and wine dinner (a friend “auctioned” me — actually, my wines — off for surprisingly big bucks; some of them below) and big party tomorrow.   But I took … Continue reading →

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Wines of the week: Feb. 4-10

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: The safest proclamation I can make about wine is that Italian whites under $20 have shown more gains in quantity and quality than any other category. The latest seriously delicious evidence: the Pala Vermentino di Sardegna 2011 ($17), whose … Continue reading →

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Pinot gris/grigio: A primer

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Bill Ward

As with most grapes, anyone who says “I don’t like pinot gris/grigio” doesn’t really know what he or she is talking about/saying. What they probably mean is that they don’t like the type of pinot gris/grigio they have encountered, perhaps … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, California Wines, Italian Wines, Oregon Wines | 3 Comments

Linkin’ logs 2-2-13

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Bill Ward

OK, I might be able to have a white wine for the Super Bowl, because the temperature is going to reach 15. Think that’s funny (odd or ha-ha)? Well, yesterday morning the Weather Channel’s website noted that my little corner … Continue reading →

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Wines of the Week: Jan. 28-Feb. 4

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Looking for a Super Bowl party red? Or just a bargain hang-by-the-fireplace wine? The 2010 Bogle California “Essential” Old Vine blend ($11) more than fits either bill. Packed with flavorful fruit from four grapes (zinfandel, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and … Continue reading →

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Young keeps the Jordan ‘ranch’ humming

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Bill Ward

Jordan Vineyard & Winery doesn’t have a vineyard manager like most of its peers. It has a ranch manager, one Brent Young. And in this case, the title is anything but an affectation. First, Young (left) looks the part, with … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Wine People | 1 Comment