Category Archives: California Wines

Judgment calls

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Bill Ward

I had a really swell time judging 140-plus wines at last week’s Riverside International Wine Competition. Hard to beat the combination of great people and fascinating wines. It’s a special treat for me because of the opportunity to sample mostly … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Experiences, U.S. Wines | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: April 22-28

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Neither the bottle nor the website reveals which grapes comprise the 2010 Cottonwood Creek California White Table Wine ($8), and I’ll choose not to obsess despite its deliciousness. It’s spritely and clean with some heartiness from peach and melon flavors and just enough … Continue reading →

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

Wines of the Week: April 15-21

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: I’m not much good at blind tastings, but I often can identify a zin from Dry Creek Valley, for its distinctive dusty/herby (some called it briary, whatever that is) red fruit. The 2010 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Sonoma Zinfandel  fits that profile splendidly, as … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines | Leave a comment

The wide red range

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Bill Ward

I love wine (duh!), and I’m generally quite fond of others who love wine. But I have a hard time understanding — and have given up trying, lest my head explode — those who have a narrow view of what … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Experiences, French Wines, Red Wines | Leave a comment

Dooley noted: More on Stephen Ross Dooley

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Bill Ward

I thoroughly enjoyed yacking with winemaker Stephen Ross Dooley last month, and when I went to write about him in my day job, the constrictions of print media meant leaving some stuff out. A few more thoughts from the Minnesota … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Winemakers | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: April 8-14

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: An Italian-American film director making a California chardonnay with a French name? It actually makes sense in the wacky world of wine. It also tastes delicious in the case of the Coppola “Votre Santé” California Chardonnay ($14), a rich but not … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, South African Wines | Leave a comment

Charles & Charles & Joel

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Bill Ward

Have I mentioned how much I love this gig? Not lately, because my way better half sez it might sound like gloating. OK, I’ll risk being a gloat-meister. I got to spend the afternoon drinking delicious wines with wonderful friends in … Continue reading →

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

Wines of the Week: March 25-31

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: How much do I like the 2012 Navarro Mendocino Pinot Blanc ($15)? Well, after two sips at the winery’s tasting room, I ordered a case of it, which I have done exactly zero times. Pure honeydew and bright lemon-lime flavors almost explode … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Down Under Wines | Leave a comment

Wines of the Week: March 11-17

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Sometimes a man (or a woman, at least in the case of my way better half) needs a wine with some dirt and smoke on the nose and palate. A wine like the 2010 Lo Nuevo Sorbo a Sorbo Catalyud Old Vines Garnacha ($12). This … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Spanish Wines | 3 Comments

Wines of the Week: March 4-10

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: The 2010 Tudal Family Napa Sauvignon Blanc ($18) easily could qualify as an “occasion” wine, and not just because its price tag pushes up against my $20 line of demarcation. This baby provides a mouthful of deliciousness, with a pretty floral nose followed … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Washington Wines | Leave a comment