Ashes and Diamonds is the creation of Kashy Khaledi, his background is in the music business – Capitol Records, and is the son of Darioush Khaledi -Darioush Winery. He brought together Dan Petroski -Larkmead (until the 2015 harvest) when Diana Snowden-Seysses- Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, and Snowden Vineyards took over, and Steve Matthiasson- Stag’s Leap andContinue reading “Ashes and Diamonds- is aimed squarely at Millennials and the young at heart.”
Tag Archives: Red Wines
Something French and Something Australian- for your drinking pleasure.
Shatter Grenache 2021 Joel Gott teamed up with Charles Bieler to bring you ‘Shatter’ sourced from the hillside vineyards around the town of Maury, in Roussillon, not far from the Spanish border. It is a blend of 96% Grenache and 4% Syrah and co-fermented. The vines were planted over 60 years ago on pure blackContinue reading “Something French and Something Australian- for your drinking pleasure.”
A Red Wine for All Seasons- a Beckstoffer, a Rutherford and a Blackbird Arises.
Blackbird Vineyards ‘Arise’ Red Blend 2018 Named in dedication to the Paul McCartney/Beatles song. Unmistakable Napa on the nose with rich dark fruits and floral notes rising from the glass. A delightful richness on the palate will assuredly put a smile on your face. There is an abundance of black fruits and chocolate with secondaryContinue reading “A Red Wine for All Seasons- a Beckstoffer, a Rutherford and a Blackbird Arises.”
Two Delights from the South of France- Domaine Paul Buisse.
Domaine Paul Buisse. Cruising down the Cher River, an offshoot of the Loire River you could be forgiven for not noticing the numerous Chateau and Castles that have made this beautiful and historic region home. The repetitive rows of vineyards can be distracting. It is in this region (Touraine) that Domaine Paul Buisse hasContinue reading “Two Delights from the South of France- Domaine Paul Buisse.”
Kuleto Wines- great names and great blends. Perfect for Cook Outs.
Kuleto ‘Frog Prince’ Red Blend 2021 Situated on the eastern side of Napa in the hills above Rutherford, drawing in the spirit of Burgundy and Tuscany. The palate carries an Old-World attitude with a Napa mouthfeel- soft and approachable with an unexpected, but impressive middle palate silky smoothness. Great balance with acidity and tannins inContinue reading “Kuleto Wines- great names and great blends. Perfect for Cook Outs.”
Two Highly Allocated Jim Barry Releases. Clare Valley does it Again.
Assyrtiko 2019- Clare Valley, South Australia. Yes, you read correctly, Assyrtiko, the classic Greek varietal is being grown in Australia, since August 2012 no less. When you think about it, the climate in Clare Valley and surrounding wine regions is most definitely Mediterranean so it makes sense that it was bound to appear at someContinue reading “Two Highly Allocated Jim Barry Releases. Clare Valley does it Again.”
An Oakville Gem with a Bordeaux influence- Patria ‘Avoyelles’ Red Blend 2018
This is an impressive wine from the start, but it does need some time to open. I suggest 4 – 6 hours but then: spectacular. Big bold rich fruits hit the nose and the palate with elegance and finesse. This is a Bordeaux blend of 48% Cabernet Franc, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit VerdotContinue reading “An Oakville Gem with a Bordeaux influence- Patria ‘Avoyelles’ Red Blend 2018”
From the Cellar … Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2007
Ripassa and Ripasso’s are synonymous and are considered to be baby Amarone’s and about a third to half the price. Great news if you like the style but are budget focused. I’ve tried many different producers and many different vintages and when I found this in my cellar last week, I thought of the MoroccanContinue reading “From the Cellar … Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2007”
From the Cellar … Coquerel Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2013
January is a quiet month in the wine business so I’ve taken the opportunity to have some time off work, hence some ‘From the Cellar’ articles reflecting on the longevity/cellar ability of some wines. WOOOW, this is holding up and drinking so well! If anyone has bottles in their cellar, I’d crack one open now,Continue reading “From the Cellar … Coquerel Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2013”
From the Cellar … Clos Apalta Limited Release 2012 Red Blend.
I was fortunate enough this last week to taste the 2012 vintage of this wine and remembered back to tasting it in 2015, too young to appreciate all of the future potentials of this Bordeaux-inspired blend of 66% Carmenère, 19% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet but tasty never the less . Organically farmed I might add.Continue reading “From the Cellar … Clos Apalta Limited Release 2012 Red Blend.”
Vine to Table 