Tag Archives: Wine and Food

Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2020. Superb Drinking at under $30.

This wine was first made in 1959 with grapes sourced from their Kalimna vineyard in Barossa, which was purchased in 1945. This is considered by many to be one of the finest vineyards in the region. Delightful aromas of blackberries, black current, and plums with just a hint of pepper that draws you in.  Continue reading “Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2020. Superb Drinking at under $30.”

Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2018- one of the best I’ve tasted!

There are few things I look forward to more than a release of the new vintage of St Henri- one of my all-time favorite wines and most definitely my favorite Penfolds wine. I’ve been fortunate to have tasted 20 plus vintages and its like sitting down with an old friend you haven’t seen for aContinue reading “Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2018- one of the best I’ve tasted!”

Celeste Crianza Tempranillo 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. The vineyard’s location explains why this is such an enjoyable wine that most certainly over-delivers. The vineyards are in Fompedraza, Ribera del Duero, sitting approximately 895 meters above sea level, one of the highest vineyards in the northern hemisphere. The altitude combined with medium—to fine-textured soils rich in carbonate depositedContinue reading “Celeste Crianza Tempranillo 2020”

Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico 2021- Invite an Italian for Christmas.

This Chianti Classico is predominately Sangiovese- 85% with a splash of Merlot, and then aged 2-3-year-old French oak, small barrels for 10 months. The grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Chianti Classico region, which, some would argue, produces the best Sangiovese in Tuscany. One sip will convince you that it expresses a real senseContinue reading “Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico 2021- Invite an Italian for Christmas.”

Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2013 – from the cellar.

Though it was about time I pulled a 2013 RSW Shiraz from the cellar, it has been a few years since I checked in on this stunning wine and I was more than curious to see how this wine has evolved. The wine was named after Robert Strangways Wigley, a noted South Australian eccentric andContinue reading “Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2013 – from the cellar.”

Heitz Cellar Cabernet 2017

This is old school Cabernet, knows its lane and does not disappoint, not even for a second. An excellent expression of Napa and all that it offers. Family owned since its beginnings in 1961 with pioneering vintner Joe Heitz cutting his teeth in Napa in the 1950’s. He is credited in ushering in a newContinue reading “Heitz Cellar Cabernet 2017”

Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Blend 2022.

All my favorite Roussanne and Marsanne wines have always been French, all that changed last month when I tasted Avennia’s La Perle from Columbia Valley. This is a blend of 78% Roussanne and 22% Marsanne and is everything you could possibly want from these varietals. The man behind this exceptional wine is Chris Peterson, formerContinue reading “Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Blend 2022.”

Yangarra Ovitelli Grenache 2018- an absolute delight to drink!

To understand why this wine is such a pleasure to drink it is helpful to know how it came to be: Hand picked grapes from their famed Block 20 planted in 1946, mechanically sorted, and fermented in 675 Lt ceramic eggs remining on skins for 158 days post fermentation and then aged in eggs forContinue reading “Yangarra Ovitelli Grenache 2018- an absolute delight to drink!”

Burgess ‘Contadina’ Cabernet 2018 – Screams Napa Quality.

Established by Tom Bergess in 1972, this Howell Mountain Winery had a reputation for making elegant Cabernets, was sold to the owners of Heitz Cellars in 2020. I can see exciting times are ahead for this winery. This is mostly Cabernet- 90% with 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Aged for 22months in 15% newContinue reading “Burgess ‘Contadina’ Cabernet 2018 – Screams Napa Quality.”