One of my favorite grape varietals- one sip and you’ll agree!

Grape Varietal: Viognier Viognier is a delicious aromatic grape that varies in profile from region to region. It is a lost step child in the family, that barely registered in the radar 50 years ago. Its origins point back to Northern Rhone but there is some additional evidence that Croatia may be its birthplace- thisContinue reading “One of my favorite grape varietals- one sip and you’ll agree!”

Vasse Felix- making world class wines in Margaret River- pt 2

After tasting the current vintages, I have to say that they display wonderful elegance and restraint with impressive balance, reflecting the regional characteristics whilst raising the bar from previous vintages. Congratulations Virginia on an amazing job! Filius Chardonnay 2017 – Elegant with impressive balance. Lovely bright nose with layers of apple and citrus and pineappleContinue reading “Vasse Felix- making world class wines in Margaret River- pt 2”

Vasse Felix Winery- making world class wines in Margaret River- Pt 1.

The winery was the first in the Margaret River region and was established by Dr Tom Cullity who spent a number of years searching for the perfect site for his vineyard. There is no documented evidence of Tom reading Dr Gladstones report in 1965 but needly to say both men were definitely “ahead of theContinue reading “Vasse Felix Winery- making world class wines in Margaret River- Pt 1.”

Margaret River- one of the best wine regions in the world.

By world standards this region is definitely the new kid on the block with barely 50 years under its belt! It’s not like Bordeaux or Tuscany going back centuries but what it can pride itself in is a handful of wineries (and growing every year) that produce world class wines. The very first winery toContinue reading “Margaret River- one of the best wine regions in the world.”

The Romance of Spain- captured in a bottled

Ferrer Bobet Red Blend- 2016 This is an impressive wine by anyone’s standards! This intriguing blend of 50% Carignane, 25% Grenache, 16% Syrah and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and most definitely has that immediate appeal factor that is most desirable in a wine. I should also mention at this point, it won the Gran Vinari d’OrContinue reading “The Romance of Spain- captured in a bottled”

Marco Bonfante ‘Perste’ Arneis 2018 – One of Italy’s Best Keep Secrets!

With eight generations of wine making under the family belt, it’s no surprise their wines are impressive and this 100% Arneis is no exception. The winery is located in the on the left bank of the Tanaro River in the Roero region of the highly respected Piedmont, which by no small coincidence is the birthplaceContinue reading “Marco Bonfante ‘Perste’ Arneis 2018 – One of Italy’s Best Keep Secrets!”

Your new best friend this summer!

Villa Sparina 2018 – Another unknown Gem from Piedmont This DOGC classified white wine is made from 100% Cortese and sourced from the Region of Gavi in Piedmont in north western Italy and, like Arneis, its history in the region goes back to 1659. If the truth be told it’s planted in many regions inContinue reading “Your new best friend this summer!”

Marietta Cellars- California’s hidden secret, great family winery, great wine.

Not to be confused with Marietta Wine Cellars established in 2000 in Ohio. Marietta Cellars, located just outside of Geyserville in Sonoma County, and was founded in 1978 by Chris Bilbro and has been referred to as an American Success story with the simple aim of … producing good honest wines at good honest pricesContinue reading “Marietta Cellars- California’s hidden secret, great family winery, great wine.”

Some of the best value driven wines from Columbia Valley you will ever drink …

Butch and Jerry Milbrandt were fourth generation famers and made the transition from potatoes and apples when they relocated to Eastern Washington in 1997 and have since won numerous awards and a constant string of 90 plus pt. ratings. The bottom line is these guys (along with Butch’s children Buck and Kerri) make some impressiveContinue reading “Some of the best value driven wines from Columbia Valley you will ever drink …”