Archive for June, 2008
Italy and 10 years of ‘offlines’
A busy sort of day. First, the ‘definitive’ Italian wine tasting at Lord’s. I’ve been taking quite an interest in Italian wines of late, so that was of real interest to me. The problem with Italy is that it has many gems, but they’re kind of hidden in a sea of dross. Few countries can boast the sort…
Rosenblum Zinfandel Snow’s Lake Vineyard 2004 wine review by (PB)
“Life is too short to drink poor wine.” It is a motto I wish I could afford to live by however, once in a while you have to assemble the splurge. Tonight, contemplating dinner with my favorite person in the whole world–my girl friend and wife of nearly 35 years, I decided to do an all American gr…
Two wine blogs of note
Two blogs I’ve recently stumbled on and which I think deserve a plug:1. Winosapien (http://wino-sapien.blogspot.com/), which contains the thoughtful musings of a wine-loving doctor from Australia.2. Domaine David Clark (http://www.domainedavidclark.com/blog.html), which contains insight into the lif…
The Tovey Report
The Steins and Toveys made their annual wine pilgrimage to the Willamette Valley that year. Our last trip was in May 2006 and lots of things have changed - new motels, new wineries, new ownership at some wineries. Despite the large numbers of folks participating in the three day Memorial Day event, …
Wines from Brazil
Two Brazilian wines. Brazil grew its wine production by a quarter in 2007 and is now the fifth largest producer of wine in the southern hemisphere. With 88 000 hectares under vine and a production more than a third of Chile’s, that is clearly a serious industry, but one that’s virtually unknown …
Terry Theise on reductionism in wine
There’s a great essay in the latest edition of the World of Fine Wine. Well, actually there are many great articles, but the one I’m referring to is by Terry Theise, titled ‘Wine and the unspeakable’ (WOFW 20, p 128-131), and it’s looking at the topic of beauty in wine in a thoughtful, slightly tang…
Thierry Theise on reductionism in wine
There’s a great exposition in the latest edition of the World of Fine Wine. Well, actually there are many great articles, but the one I’m referring to is by Thierry Theise, titled ‘Wine and the unspeakable’ (WOFW 20, p 128-131), and it’s looking at the topic of beauty in wine in a thoughtful, slight…
Raspberries and Malbec
18 months ago I decided to plant some raspberries in the garden. I think it was a good move, although I didn’t realize quite how prolific the 15 canes (three different varieties) would prove to be - we’re now facing a raspberry invasion problem.But of all the things you can grow in your garden, rasp…
Sweet wines: Sauternes and its neighbours
I must confess, I do enjoy sweet wines. But not very often, considering I can’t seem to generate decent situations where it seems appropriate to pop the cork on something sweet. It’s not like you’d open a bottle of Sauternes at 6 pm and drink it for the evening, is it?I’ve been opening quite a few s…
Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut wine review by (PB)
This Spanish Cava is always a pleasant quaff and a decent value. I tends to run in the $12 price range but I found that one for $9.It is pale straw with strong vanilla notes in the bouquet with hints of light spice.Palate has spritely acid is clean and citrusy and just a nice chilled down sparkler …
