thewineguy

A White and a Red For Your Consideration.

Freemark Abbey was one of the first Cabernet’s I tasted and have always been impressed by their wines. I was fortunate to visit the winery PC- pre covid, in October of 2019 and definitely intend to revisit on my next trip to Napa. The Winery is unpretentious and a delight to walk around, friendly staffContinue reading “A White and a Red For Your Consideration.”

Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.

Masseria Liveli Passamante 2019 The vineyard the grapes are sourced is next to a forest called Passamante which drew its name from couples that would sneak off for amorous rendezvous there. Pass meaning to pass by and amante meaning lover and quickly became known as the Forest of Lovers. An inspiring name for an inspiringContinue reading “Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.”

Something For Everyone- 3 wines I’ve tasted in the last week that are worth a look- and a taste.

A by Acacia Pinot Noir 2019 Set in the heart of Napa Valley’s Carneros Wine Region, it was established in 1979, long before there was an AVA or any real interest in the region. Just a belief and a Pioneer spirit that great Pinot and Chardonnay can be grown here and was one of theContinue reading “Something For Everyone- 3 wines I’ve tasted in the last week that are worth a look- and a taste.”

Robert Craig Winery- A Piece of History and the End of a Great Beginning.

It was 16 years ago on my first job here and I got to taste their Cabernet for the first time. One sip of Robert Craig’s Cabernet and I was convinced that this was not only a great producer but Napa did, indeed produce awesome Cabernet. Let’s fast forward to today and celebrate the releaseContinue reading “Robert Craig Winery- A Piece of History and the End of a Great Beginning.”

As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery- 145 years.

Beringer Napa Cabernet 2016 As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery with 145 years under its belt, you know they have to be doing something right, or to be more accurate many things right. A tour of the majestic grounds will give you a glimpse into Napa’s past- it’s almost like stepping back in time. FromContinue reading “As Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery- 145 years.”

Salentein Gran VU Blend 2012 – Library Release

If your looking for something special from South America, look no further. The winning combination here is Bodegas Salentein’s unswerving commitment to making world standard wines, José Galante’s winemaking ability and the Uco Valley’s unique conditions, considered by many to be the finest site for growing grapes and making wine in all of South America.Continue reading “Salentein Gran VU Blend 2012 – Library Release”

Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.

“The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet vintage belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades”. – Decanter Magazine. Originally three separate vineyards established in 1873, the Draper Vineyards (La Perla) consisting of 435 acres was the first site of Cabernet plantings on Spring Mountain. Interesting side note: part of the La PerlaContinue reading “Spring Mountain Cabernet 2018- some altitude with some attitude.”

Croatian Wines- Pt 3

Let’s take a look at some of the wines from Slavonië (northeast- inland) and Dalmatia (southern coastal). The first two wines come from the Kutjevo Winery have serious history and pedigree dating back over 800 years. Kutjevo Grasevina Dry White 2019 This is actually Italian Riesling probably originating in either Germany or Alsace but noContinue reading “Croatian Wines- Pt 3”

Thomas Rivers Brown & Schrader have done it again! Extraordinary release.

Double Diamond Cabernet 2018- Schrader Cellars. Allow me to digress for a minute and introduce you to Schrader Cellars, Oakville, California. A winery that has gained almost mythical status and spoken about in hushed tones of reverence in just 20 years as well as commanding prices out of most people’s reach. Next, we add renownedContinue reading “Thomas Rivers Brown & Schrader have done it again! Extraordinary release.”

McGuigan Wines – Two Library Releases.

McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz Langhorne Creek 2015 We managed to secure some limited stocks of the 2015 vintage and if you lack patience when it comes to cellaring this has seven years under its belt and is drinking beautifully now. Nose is enticing with layers of dark fruits, black currents and subtle spices. The palateContinue reading “McGuigan Wines – Two Library Releases.”