Tag Archives: California

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

Summer Wine Review: Lone Madrone The Dodd Paso Robles 2011 Tannat Red Blend

Posted on July 31, 2017 by waywardwine

It is hot. But we have steak, broccoli, and purple potatoes. That, and my mother-in-law has arrived with wines from Paso Robles: that warm, central coast Cali region that grows a wild diversity of grape varieties. Tonight’s offering, a red … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged California, drink, dry farmed, Grape, Lone Madrone, Paso Robles, rare, Tannat, travel, wine | 1 Comment

Cave Winery Tour at Jarvis Estate Napa Valley

Posted on July 25, 2017 by waywardwine

Our Napa Valley tour continues. After an extravagant whole day at Opus One (read here), we continue to dip our toes into this gilded pool with a stop at Jarvis Estate.

William Jarvis went from the Navy, to college and much travel, to found his own telecommunications company (you may have heard of HP) in Silicone Valley. Loaded, living part-time at his Chateau in France led him to wine. As one does, he bought an 1,320 acre retreat in SE Napa Valley, near Coombsville, and planted 37 acres of vines over ten years. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, chardonnay, drinks, Jarvis, Napa Valley, tourism, travel, wine | 3 Comments

A Second Round of Opus One

Posted on July 18, 2017 by waywardwine

My job has flung me back to Opus One. A year and a half ago my wife and I paired our eighth anniversary with a visit. After three hours, we left impressed but confused. Can a single wine, no matter how good, merit a whole facility and army of employees?

Well, time for the prodigal son to return. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, drinks, Food, Mouton-Rothschild, Napa Valley, Oakville, Opus One, travel, wine, Winery | 3 Comments

4th of July Wine Review: Flowers, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast California 2016

Posted on July 3, 2017 by waywardwine

So July fourth once again hoves into view. If you live stateside and feel even vaguely patriotic, you might want to celebrate America’s independence with alcohol. But it falls on Tuesday. Most of us work the next day. So alcohol … Continue reading →