Wine Tonite!

Turning off of Alexander Valley Rd after flying by vineyards along both sides of the road most of the morning, we ascended up a winding driveway surrounded by raw land full of old, craggy oak trees and brush.  If it weren’t for the well-paved road and our comfort in our locally-hired driver from Wine Country Chauffeur, Philip, it [...]

Near the top of the Russian River Valley off of West Side Road in Healdsburg, in an area the locals call the Middle Reach, you will find a relatively new winery (about 4-5 years old) called C. Donatiello.  But, really, it’s an existing winery reincarnated in both name and purpose.  The winery is named after the new [...]

Some wines enjoyed over that last couple of weeks. 2003 Castell del Remei Costers del Segre ODA - Looking at my handy-dandy Cor.kz application (plug!), which is integrated with my cellartracker.com (another plug!), this bottle was sitting at the top of my drinkability report, so that was reason enough for me to give it a go.  [...]

[Disclosure: Artesa picked up the tab for dinner and, of course, brought the wine] Artesa has been around since 1991 when it was established as Cordoniu Napa before transforming into its current identity in 1997.  Starting in 2009 and now going into 2010, it is clear Artesa is making some changes once again.  One obvious [...]

When you think of wines from New Zealand what comes to mind first?  Probably something with a strong tart pink grapfruit and cat piss smell in most cases… but, not from Kumeu River Wines near Auckland.  They are touting some pretty fantastic Chardonnay these days because they have found this variety performs best in their vineyards [...]