Category Archives: French Wines

Wines of the Week: April 29-May 5

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: For my biennial look at rosé (truth be known, I’d love to write about it semi-annually, especially in cooler months). I was able to talk to the charming, savvy Charles Bieler. Almost as fortuitously, I was able to taste … Continue reading →

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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

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

Wines of the Week: April 1-7

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: Best I can tell, Charles Smith can do no wrong. The Washington-based vintner  makes my favorite $12 domestic riesling, his syrahs are powerful and profound, and he has come up with another winner with the 2011 Charles Smith “Vino” Pinot Grigio ($14). Lovely … Continue reading →

Posted in French Wines, Rhone, Washington Wines | 4 Comments

Vintage Burgundy, offbeat zins, wine on tap and more

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Bill Ward

A few discoveries from recent vinous gatherings: • Washington vintners are taking California’s “state grape” to some interesting places. I thoroughly enjoyed two fascinating zinfandels from the Evergreen State: the “Howling Wolfe” from Thurston Wolfe and the new Two Vintners Stone Tree … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Oregon Wines, Rhone, Vintages, Washington Wines, Wine People | Leave a comment

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

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

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

Wines of the Week: Jan. 14-20

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Bill Ward

Everyday: When we cork dorks use the word “lift,” we’re talking about wines like the 2010 Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris Les Princes Abbés ($18). It fairly soars in the mouth with a vibrancy that plays beautifully with the tropical and stone-fruit flavors. This … Continue reading →

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