For the second year in a row (which is only as long as I’ve been keeping track, could be more), Estancia was poured at the WHCD. The Washington Hilton tweeted out this pic: It looks like Chardonnay and maybe Cab, although the green foil on the red is throwing me because their Cab has a … Continue reading
In addition to all of the amazing biodynamic wines I tried for Green Week, here are just plain old organic ones to try. Organic basically means the grapes were grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides or herbicides, and that they also didn’t use any preservatives in the winemaking process. I didn’t do a massive, all-encompassing sampling so there are a ton … Continue reading
My new obsession is Protea wines. They’re from South Africa and they make a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz and an absolutely delicious Chenin Blanc that’s packed with pear and honeysuckle, but very light with low acidity – pure Chenin (which is a wildly popular planting in South Africa). They both just launched in … Continue reading
Here’s the most important thing you need to know about biodynamic wine: it’s often exceptionally, potentially mind-blowing good. I applaud anyone farming organically, but don’t usually taste a difference. With biodynamics I usually do. OK so what is it? I went to a whole talk with Nicolas Joly, one of biodynamics’ passionate pioneers who makes … Continue reading
In the 50s, Jack Cakebread had a car repair business, Cakebread’s Garage. But he’d also studied with photographer Ansel Adams and, in 1972, was hired to take wine country photos for a book. While snapping pictures in Napa, Jack visited some old family friends and wound up buying their property. Cakebread Cellars was born. Now it’s an iconic … Continue reading
Warby Parker is a very grapefriendy company. They have lots of happy hours and wine tastings for employees, and even have glasses that come in Pinot Noir color. Today they’re launching their new 1922 Collection with glasses and sunnies named after Duke Ellington, Scott Joplin and Cole Porter. The 20s sucked for wine since America … Continue reading
It’s Earth Day, and we’re going green all week! The latest study with news we should pay attention to: suitable winemaking areas will decrease between 25% and 73% by 2050. That’s the impact global warming will have on some wine regions, creating potential water conservation issues. There are all different levels of how green wineries can … Continue reading
The first two episodes (and one was the two-hour preem) made us wait til the last 15 minutes until we got wine. Then in Mad Men‘s whip-you way, we got not just one but two wine scenes in the FIRST 15 minutes! Woo hoo. So let’s start with Joan’s dinner, with three glasses of Lancer’s … Continue reading
grape: Syrah. Most Australian Syrah is called Shiraz – it’s the same exact grape but usually made in a way bolder style Down Under. Not this one – hooray! producer: Luke Lambert – also makes a more refined Syrah, but this one’s the wild younger brother. His others Syrahs are really worth checking out though too – … Continue reading
Confession: I don’t love Malbec. I find it gritty, rustic, and can usually find something else on a wine list or in the store that I’d rather have. But I know a lot of people drink it and today is Malbec Day, so in anticipation I went on a quest to see if I could find … Continue reading
