I have been very lucky to be able to take part in some virtual tastings throughout the pandemic. My favourite one took place in October when I had the opportunity to taste the Double Diamond wines from Schrader. Double Diamond is the “entry level” to Schrader, but frankly these wines...
I recently got an email from a publicist talking about Bonterra wines and Earth Day. I last had a chance to taste through the Bonterra wines in 2015, but I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about them since then. Entry level for California is a tricky place...
From Family Wine Merchants there is a pair of exceptional Pinot Noirs from the United States available later this month. I am generally leery of Californian Pinot Noir – let’s face it, the style is usually overcooked and drinks more like Cabernet – but I am finding more bottles that...
2015 La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Vintages 719435 – $29.95 – **** – This brings a signature of California on the nose and on the palate. However, this does retain a nice acidity that keeps this from being a little too heavy and overbearing. The flavours are dark...
2015 La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – Vintages 962886 – $29.95 – **** – When you picture California Chardonnay in your head you’re probably imagining what this wine smells and tastes like. This is a great reflection of the hot 2015 summer with aromas of orange, canned peach and candy...
2014 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintages 331603 – $22.95 – **** – There is a lot of fruit in this bottle, and frankly, this is what you should expect from California during the very hot and dry 2014 summer. In spite of the concentration of fruit flavours there...
2013 Z Alexander Brown Uncaged Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintages 478628 – $21.95 – ****+ – When I tasted this wine I didn’t know this had a celebrity name attached to it. The Z in Alexander Brown stands for Zac of the Zac Brown Band. If you’re a fan of his...
I am off to Oregon to do some tasting and exploring next week. I have had the opportunity to taste a couple of wines from the area. A couple of wines do not define a region, but they certainly have me hooked into what I’m about to explore. 2014 La...
2014 La Crema Lose Carneros Pinot Noir – Vintages 58024 – $45.95 – **** – Compared to the North Coast Pinot Noir that I recently tasted this makes no apologies about being from California. Aromas of very ripe cherry and plum with allspice and nutmeg let you know this is...
The week of April 11th California came to town. The California Wine Fair took place on April 11th and it continues to be one of my most anticipated wine tastings of the year. This year was no exception. I attended the consumer event that took place in the evening. There...
I have been critical of Californian Pinot Noir. I still taste it and I’m trying to get it. But compared to Burgundy, Niagara or Oregon it just doesn’t taste quite right. That being said there is definitely a fan club for Cali Pinot. The fruit is generally very ripe and...
2014 Henry of Pelham Baco Noir – LCBO 270926 – $14.95 – **** – Baco Noir can be very hit and miss in terms of quality. However, this wine remains consistent regardless of vintage. The nose has slight hints of smoke and spice with lots of very ripe blueberry and...
