Tag Archives: wine

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.  
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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.    
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Nearly New Year: Champagne Dinner at Paley’s Place Portland Oregon

Posted on December 29, 2017 by waywardwine

With a newly minted one year-old daughter, my wife and I will not make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve.  We find the next best fudge: sparkling wine Wednesday dinner at foodie stalwart Paley’s Place in Portland, Oregon. Continue reading →

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How Not To Hate A Wine: Give Cheese A Chance

Posted on December 6, 2017 by waywardwine

Ever try a wine and hate it?  Yeah, me too.  But before we blame the wine, maybe give it a second chance. Actually, give it some food.

It is freezing outside and I am in the mood for a hearty Bordeaux.  Some Bordeaux need years to work, while others taste brilliant young.  So, when I find a Right Bank, Merlot blend, from the ripe 2009 vintage, I consider myself safe.  Doubly so, this is young Château Vignot (est 2003) with modernist Pierre Seillan at the helm, Kendall Jackson money backing it, and a website pushing words like “approachable”, “elegant”, “feminine”, “silky”, and the phrase, “meant to be enjoyed upon release”. It all seems overeager to please.

Is it? Continue reading →

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The Other Pinot Noir: Wine Review Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme, Châteauneuf-du-Pape France 2014

Posted on November 28, 2017 by waywardwine

Have you been on the Sideways Pinot Noir bandwagon and maybe, possibly, kinda, finally gotten bored with all that silky, lush, Californian cherry cola? Want to try something new?  Let us go to France. I have long loved winery Vieux … Continue reading →

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