thewineguy

Leviathan- Andy Erickson’s Red Blend Project.

So much has been written about this wine but I think big, bold, and beautiful pretty much covers it. Andy Erickson is the founder and winemaker for this impressive blend and is considered by many to be one of the finest winemakers in Napa. His resume is a list of who’s who including Screaming Eagle,Continue reading “Leviathan- Andy Erickson’s Red Blend Project.”

Vineyard 29 does it again!

Vineyard 29 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – totally memorable. From their first vintage in 1992 they have gone from strength to strength stamping their name in Napa’s history books. Their stunning ultra-modern Winery disguises a very high tech, very sophisticated, gravity-flow wine making facility, tasting room and caves for storage of barrels. An ideal environmentContinue reading “Vineyard 29 does it again!”

Malbec and Walla Walla- you read correctly.

Waterbrook Reserve Malbec 2019 Yes, you read correctly, Walla Walla and Malbec in the same sentence. Established in 1984, John took the helm in 2005 after spending 2 years in a support role. John not only oversaw the construction of a stunning new wine-making facility and cellar door; he meticulously oversees every stage from theContinue reading “Malbec and Walla Walla- you read correctly.”

Paul O’Brian Winery. Oregon Territory Pinot Noir 2020

The name came from a combination of the two winemakers’ middle names. Dyson Paul DeMara and Scott O’Brien Kelley met while working at Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley 20 years ago. With more than 60 years of experience between them, across 6 countries and 4 continents, it is no surprise this is aContinue reading “Paul O’Brian Winery. Oregon Territory Pinot Noir 2020”

Malvira Roero Arneis 2022- Is Arneis Italy’s Unsung Hero?

Just a little about the winery. The Damonte family established Malvira in 1950 farming and selling for use in bulk wine. In 1975 the focus shifted to producing quality wine and the aim has been achieved over the intervening years. Today, their entire production comes from six distinct vineyards spread over 40 hectares and isContinue reading “Malvira Roero Arneis 2022- Is Arneis Italy’s Unsung Hero?”

Domaine de Fondreche Winery- A Rhone Treasure.

Located in the foothills of Mont Ventoux lies one of the top producers in this region of the Rhone – Domaine de Fondreche. In the shadow of the mountain, the vines are an average age of 40 years planted in chalky clay over limestone. Ventoux Blanc, Rhone Valley 2020- If you’re tired of drinking Chardonnay,Continue reading “Domaine de Fondreche Winery- A Rhone Treasure.”

I was fortunate to have met Nick Goldschmidt, winemaker extraordinaire last year.

A great guy and amazing winemaker. Did I mention how good the wines were? He told me to look up this interview instead of writing copious notes. Here is the interview. Interview with Nick Goldschmidt Experience is his teacher: An interview with winemaker Nick Goldschmidt – My Full Wine Glass For Nick Goldschmidt, owner andContinue reading “I was fortunate to have met Nick Goldschmidt, winemaker extraordinaire last year.”

Enticing Spanish Gem- Dominio Fournier Tempernillo Reserva 2016

You have heard me speak highly of Spanish wines before- not only their great quality but their exceptional value. This area is known for high-quality Reserva wines, and harsh weather with their oldest plantings dating back 60 years, sitting 780 feet above sea level. It is an easy 2-hour drive north of Madrid and southeastContinue reading “Enticing Spanish Gem- Dominio Fournier Tempernillo Reserva 2016”

Talbott Vineyards & Kamee Knutson Do It Again!

I got to taste all the new Sleepy Hollow Vineyard wines. The vineyards are located in the Northern section of the Santa Lucia Highlands ‘valley’ and spread across three sites, aptly named Sleepy Hollow North, West, and South. Two things should be noted about these unique sites, first, as you head south towards Paso RoblesContinue reading “Talbott Vineyards & Kamee Knutson Do It Again!”

Montecillo Singladuras Rias Baixas Albarino 2022

The standard of Albarino has risen noticeably in the past 5 years, or is it that the better ones are finally reaching US shores? Whatever the reason, they have been super impressive, this being the second in as many weeks where I thought this could be the best of the year. This has a deepContinue reading “Montecillo Singladuras Rias Baixas Albarino 2022”