Category Archives: Experiences

White light, white non-heat

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Bill Ward

Here are some signs that a wine might be special: • It melds stupendously with its culinary accompaniment, three very different cheeses. • It tastes so ridiculously good, and has such amazing texture and complexity, that you are loath to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Experiences, French Wines | Leave a comment

Hey! Syrah Night!

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Bill Ward

“This is the best corked wine I’ve ever had,” my friend Craig said, and it was as hard to argue as it was not to guffaw. This was but one of many moments of merriment at an occasion that included … Continue reading →

Posted in California Wines, Experiences, French Wines, Washington Wines | 2 Comments

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

Wine and friends

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Bill Ward

This week, I did something I had hoped would never be necessary: I deleted some comments here, and cut off the commenter. His statements were simply too toxic for my taste, and he was using this site to denigrate others … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiences, Wine People | Leave a comment

Whole lotta learning

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Bill Ward

So we did something the other night that we really enjoy: not only bringing together two cool couples who didn’t know each other, but also having an incredibly smart guy from the wine trade and a couple who were mere … Continue reading →

Posted in Bubbles, Experiences, French Wines, Packaging, Pairings | 10 Comments

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

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 | 2 Comments

A confidence game

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Bill Ward

OK, I’m finally ready. I’ve been waitin’, procrastinatin’ on working up posts that delineate the best-made renditions of sundry varietals, or wines from certain regions, that have crossed my transom and/or palate. I have held off from adding “Recommendations” or … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiences | 1 Comment

Under the threshold

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Bill Ward

Reader John Glas commented on a recent post that he wanted sometime soon to find and try a Charles Smith Royal City Syrah. As well he should, even though it’s quite spendy. I recently saw one in Nashville going – or … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiences, Rhone, Wine People | 1 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