Author Archives: thewineguy

Gibbs Winery- known by few but enjoyed by all that have tasted.

Gibbs – Napa Valley The history of this family stretches all the way back to the 1950’s when Lewis Gibb Carpenter Jr settles in Saint Helena and planted nuts and fruit crops adding grapes in the mid 1960’s, specifically Cabernet, Cab Franc, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Over the years many well known wineries in theContinue reading “Gibbs Winery- known by few but enjoyed by all that have tasted.”

Time For a Little R&R- Italian Style.

We’ve all had a challenging 18 months and I think it’s time for a little R&R, Italian style, so pick your favorite chair and open one of these beauties and enjoy the day go by. Despite coming from different, but equally great producers, both these wines come from the Piedmont Region in North Western Italy.Continue reading “Time For a Little R&R- Italian Style.”

Hugh Hamilton Wines- making wine since 1837.

The Hamilton family first planted vines in 1837 less than a year after Sth. Australia was established. Hugh, current 5th generation winemaker is most definitely the Black Sheep and Larrikin in the family history. With wine names like The Rascal, The Scallywag, The Ratbag and The Villain you don’t have a case to stand onContinue reading “Hugh Hamilton Wines- making wine since 1837.”

Piattelli Winery- Mendoza Magic.

Piattelli Torrontes 2020- ‘one of the nicest Torrontes I’ve tasted’ This is a beautiful high-altitude wine with impressive structure and elegance. Sourced from their vineyards in Cafayate ‘The Beautiful’ is renowned for its natural beauty is also one of the highest regions suitable for growing grapes in the world, situated at 5,600 feet. It isContinue reading “Piattelli Winery- Mendoza Magic.”

Pago Del Cielo ‘Celeste’ Tempranillo 2017- Wonderful Potential.

This has all the makings of a sensational wine, wonderful drinking now, with only 4 years under its belt. Its not only the aging potential (5 – 10 years) but it’s the long-term potential of this wine in the coming vintages to develop into something special. This is definitely one to keep a close eyeContinue reading “Pago Del Cielo ‘Celeste’ Tempranillo 2017- Wonderful Potential.”

Bet you haven’t tasted these two wines before …

Liguria di Levante Ciliegiolo 2019 The vineyard is located on the boarders between Liguria and Tuscany in small 3-hectare plots and about 3 miles from the ocean. With the seafaring city of Genoa as its capital and frequented by the Etruscan’s, they have been credited with starting wine growing in the region 1,000 years ago.Continue reading “Bet you haven’t tasted these two wines before …”

Hess Winery- ‘Allomi’ Cabernet 2018- a pleasure to drink.

The Hess family originated in Switzerland but it was Donald Hess who came to California in the early 197o’s and fell in love with Napa and more specifically Mt. Veeder. He defied ‘conventional wisdom’ and established a winery (and an art gallery) above the valley floor and is now run by Fifth Generation Tim andContinue reading “Hess Winery- ‘Allomi’ Cabernet 2018- a pleasure to drink.”

Wakefield Wines- Clare Valley.

Is actually Taylors Winery originally established in 1969 by Bill Taylor who was a Pub owner and Wine Merchant in Sydney who sold what could have been the first ‘private label’ in Australia- Chateau Clare. Their association with the Clare Valley Co-operative to produce the Chateau Clare wine dates back to the 1950’s exhibiting greatContinue reading “Wakefield Wines- Clare Valley.”

Napanook Proprietary Red Wine 2016. – A ‘second wine’ from Dominus.

The name may not ring any bells for the uninitiated but this wonderful Red Blend is the ‘second’ wine from none other than Dominus Vineyards. A winery long considered by many to be one of the finest in Napa, the vineyard was the basis for a partnership in 1981 and eventually purchased outright by ChristianContinue reading “Napanook Proprietary Red Wine 2016. – A ‘second wine’ from Dominus.”