Category Archives: Uncategorized

Break Work With Chardonnay From Italy

Posted on January 29, 2018 by waywardwine

Be honest with yourself: it has been a long day. You deserve a drink. But the last thing you want is more work. It can be interesting, sure. But complexity, tannins, grip, and food pairings sound horrid.

Let me whisk you to Italy. Specifically, Tuscany: land of rolling hills, Chianti, Renaissance palazzi, and rustic food. But leave the sweat, art, dust, gelato, and tourists of Firenze (aka Florence) behind. Head northeast, into the mountains, and you will find Pomino DOC: a few miles from where I use to excavate an Etruscan temple. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged chardonnay, drink, frescobaldi, fruit, italy, Pomino, travel, Tuscany, wine | 1 Comment

Mourvedre Part 3: Wine Review of Kenneth Volk, Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard, Lime Kiln Valley, California 2012

Posted on January 22, 2018 by waywardwine

A new Mourvèdre makes it into our glasses. The rare grape of Bandol and Southern France has found a small niche in warm Central California. After trying the light Croad (here) and plump Terry Hoag (read here), it is time to turn to one of the smallest AVAs with the oldest Mourvèdre: Lime Kiln Valley. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged drink, Kenneth Volk, Lime Kiln Valley, Mourvèdre, vines, wine | 1 Comment

Mourvedre Part 2: Wine Review 5 Blocks Terry Hoag Paso Robles 15

Posted on January 18, 2018 by waywardwine

Our Mourvèdre adventures continue. After the lean bright Croad (read here), today we try something a bit more friendly. Former footballer-turned winemaker, Terry Hoag, makes some solid estate wines (read here) even if they’re named after pigskin puns. Only one wine sees Mourvèdre added: “5 Blocks” (referring to five field goal blocks in college…of course).

Mourvèdre plays to type, with more of a supporting role at 28%, Syrah leads with 60%, followed by 12% Grenache that rounds out the blend.
Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged art, California, culture, drinks, football, Mourvèdre, Paso Robles, Review, Terry Hoag, travel, wine | 3 Comments

Nebbiolo…from Oregon? Cerulean Nebbiolo Columbia Gorge OR 2010

Posted on January 11, 2018 by waywardwine

Most American Nebbiolo sucks. Once upon a time, I loved Palmina’s efforts (read here). But if I am honest with my naive self, Santa Barbara Nebbiolo tastes nothing like the Piedmont, Italy.

So, Oregon wine. You may have heard of our fabulous Willamette Valley Pinot, maybe even warmer Umqua, Rogue, or Appelgate Valleys. But there lies another AVA, East of Portland, East of Mount Hood, along the slopes of the river that brought Lewis and Clarke to the Pacific: the Columbia Gorge AVA. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Fizz Fit For The Queen: Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve English Sparkling Wine NV Review

Posted on January 8, 2018 by waywardwine

Per chance, one of my buyers planned Christmas in the crucible of my wine career: Saratoga Springs, New York. Years ago, I left academia and started fresh there at Putnam Wine, run by British expat William. He crushed and carried me through wine’s complications, trends, and the WSET Advanced. So I sent my buyer with a few bottles from home in Oregon. He returned with, of course, English Sparkling wine.
Continue reading →