10 Days. 100 Wineries. Over 60 Events. |
A solid summer sipper, the Truvée Rosé from the McBride Sisters is one to grab-and-go with for a picnic outing or a poolside afternoon. In addition to being affordable ($15/bottle), it so very 'pretty'. Easy on the eyes and entertaining on the palate, its a wine to please crowds without breaking the bank. On the Nose: Candied Strawberry & Ripe Peach On the Palate: Black Raspberry Tea & Cherry Tart Want to learn more about Truvée Wines? Check out www.truveewines.com. |
So, what's with the frog in this photo?
Well, this is one of my favorite sipping partners as of late. While he doesn't audibly express it, I'm sure he agrees with most every wine assessment I make. His meditative mode slows me down when I find myself quick to sip, reminding me to take the time to smell the roses... and the rosé as it were.
Cheers,
Well, this is one of my favorite sipping partners as of late. While he doesn't audibly express it, I'm sure he agrees with most every wine assessment I make. His meditative mode slows me down when I find myself quick to sip, reminding me to take the time to smell the roses... and the rosé as it were.
Cheers,
"Looking for a good go-to Pinot Grigio? Found it. At a suggested retail price of $17, you get bang for your buck in a refreshing white that's perfect for pairing or just sipping and sharing.
Forward flavors make this Pinot Grigio stand out among many at this price point. Sharp acid meets subtle layers of yellow apple and green pear in a wine worth stocking up on for the summer. Cheers to Tommasi Le Rosse Pinot Grigio - a solid summer sipper in the form of Pinot Grigio."
Forward flavors make this Pinot Grigio stand out among many at this price point. Sharp acid meets subtle layers of yellow apple and green pear in a wine worth stocking up on for the summer. Cheers to Tommasi Le Rosse Pinot Grigio - a solid summer sipper in the form of Pinot Grigio."
Paintings by Mark Rothko are more than just 'colors'. While at first glance they may seem to be just shades, a closer look will reveal layers of textures with artistic gradation. In much the same way, this rosé by Bravium has a novel of nuances to share in a gorgeous expression of Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands. Racy yet refined, rose oil and jasmine aromatics on the nose are presented once more on the palate with beautifully balanced acid. Cheers to a rosé with depth and dimension.
Cheers,
Cheers,
As the San Francisco Wine Girl, my barware of choice (stems & otherwise) comes from theUncommonGreen®. Click HERE to tune in for a series of sipping in San Francisco.
I'd like to raise my glass to founder, Brian Johnson, and his crew for rockin' out rocks glasses, pint glasses, mason jars, mugs, wineglasses & carafes that give props to place with every pour and each sip. Much love for San Fran specific stems!
Cheers,
P.S. They make sipworthy collections for other city too. Click HERE.
If you find yourself in Sebastopol, California, make your way past vineyards, up a hill and through a palm tree lined entrance to Iron Horse Vineyards. There you will taste effervescent excellence in a gorgeous spectrum of sparkling wine. Prepare your palate for twelve vintage estate cuvées to experience.
My favorite? That's like asking a parent to pick they're favorite child. However, if I had to pick just one, it might be the 2011 Russian Cuvée. While I was was enamored in different ways with each wine I tried, it was this particular bottle that I fell (and fell hard) for, rightfully so with its regal presence on the palate. With fresh green apple, ripe mandarin orange, bright key lime & caramel kissed flavors, this was a wine I had to take home and have my way with. My way? Yep, with brie, a baguette and spiced strawberry chutney.
The Iron Horse Russian Cuvee commemorates the style of sparklings they made for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings that ended the Cold War. It's been served at the White House for five consecutive presidential administrations.
The Iron Horse Russian Cuvee commemorates the style of sparklings they made for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings that ended the Cold War. It's been served at the White House for five consecutive presidential administrations.
What makes a tasting experience even more memorable? The person pouring, of course. In this case, it was Jon. Not only is he an incredible chalkboard artist and talented graphic designer, but he's a fabulous story teller as well. With stories of how Iron Horse got its name from the railroad that used to run on the property to why two rows of palm trees line the entrance drive, Jon shared chapter after chapter of the Iron Horse tale. Entertaining and engaging, the tasting was top-notch. Merci beaucoup, Jon.
Thank you, Iron Horse Vineyards, for reminding me just how much I love sparkling wine. Keep on rockin' it like you do.
Cheers,
Cheers,
With noble depth and texture paired with intense acid that brought regal balance, this is a Cabernet I would bow down to and call 'king' any day. Owned by Bill and Joan Smith, it was Bill who was one of the five gentleman who originally established the Howell Mountain AVA.
A truly gorgeous expression of what Cabernet has the potential to be.
Cheers,
A producer that will never disappoint, Sequoia Grove consistently rocks it out vintage after vintage.
At the 2016 CabFest Napa Valley, of the 3 fabulous wines they poured, it was the 2011 Cambium that most impressed me.
At the 2016 CabFest Napa Valley, of the 3 fabulous wines they poured, it was the 2011 Cambium that most impressed me.
Cheers to all of those who poured and participated at the 2016 CabFest Napa Valley! An incredible event that more than pleased every Cabernet loving palate in the place,
CabFest brought a collection of classic producers and new players together for a truly epic tasting experience.
CabFest brought a collection of classic producers and new players together for a truly epic tasting experience.
A producer that will never disappoint, Sequoia Grove consistently rocks it out vintage after vintage.
Of the three fabulous wines poured, it was the 2011 Cambium (Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend) that impressed me the most.
Of the three fabulous wines poured, it was the 2011 Cambium (Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend) that impressed me the most.
W.H. SMITH 2012 RESERVE
HOWELL MOUNTAIN ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
What was my favorite Cab of the entire day?
The W.H. Smith 2012 Reserve Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was entirely stunning. With noble depth and texture paired with intense acid that brought regal balance, this is a Cabernet I would bow down to and call 'king' any day. Owned by Bill and Joan Smith, it was Bill who was one of the five gentleman who originally established the Howell Mountain AVA. A gorgeous expression of what Cabernet has the potential to be.
Cheers,
The W.H. Smith 2012 Reserve Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was entirely stunning. With noble depth and texture paired with intense acid that brought regal balance, this is a Cabernet I would bow down to and call 'king' any day. Owned by Bill and Joan Smith, it was Bill who was one of the five gentleman who originally established the Howell Mountain AVA. A gorgeous expression of what Cabernet has the potential to be.
Cheers,
BLACK BOTTLE BUBBLES
Sometimes you feel like a Brut.
Sometimes you don't.
Freixenet Cordon Negro rocks Cava as both a Brut and a Sweet Cuvée. While the Brut brings with it effervescent clarity in the form of green pear and yellow apple on the palate, the Sweet Cuvée carries on with sweeter notes of wildflower honey and peach.
Sometimes you don't.
Freixenet Cordon Negro rocks Cava as both a Brut and a Sweet Cuvée. While the Brut brings with it effervescent clarity in the form of green pear and yellow apple on the palate, the Sweet Cuvée carries on with sweeter notes of wildflower honey and peach.
Its name inspired by the words of William E. Henley (see below), Invictus Wines embodies the 'unconquerable'. A vineyard planted with promise and potential but overtaken by its own devices and overgrowth over the years has been recently reigned back in by the hands and ambition of Thomas Watson, referred to as 'Captain' on the Magda Vineyard site.
Lover of wine, disciple of science and explorer of adventure in the form of any formidable challenge, Watson fell in love with a piece of land and the people who have served as loyal guardians for these vines over the years. With a heritage to preserve, a vineyard to tame and a story that has yet to be told, Watson had dedicated his time and talent moving forward to bringing tangible definition to the term 'unconquerable' with Invictus Wines.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Lover of wine, disciple of science and explorer of adventure in the form of any formidable challenge, Watson fell in love with a piece of land and the people who have served as loyal guardians for these vines over the years. With a heritage to preserve, a vineyard to tame and a story that has yet to be told, Watson had dedicated his time and talent moving forward to bringing tangible definition to the term 'unconquerable' with Invictus Wines.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
AN INTERLUDE WITH MOET & CHANDON ROSE IMPERIAL
Flirtatious bubbles work their way from the bottom of the glass, up the side and to my restless lips. Seductive strawberry kisses on the palate, as if given by a cautious lover, maintain a depth of a desire & a longing to please.
I reach out and pull the bottle close with an eager embrace. More please.
Cheers,
Allie
Want it? Get it.
Click HERE to buy it.
I reach out and pull the bottle close with an eager embrace. More please.
Cheers,
Allie
Want it? Get it.
Click HERE to buy it.
French style wine paired with Mexican fare? Yep.
It turns out that the wines of Sanglier Cellars matched up brilliantly with the menu of El Farolito. These four pairings proved to be entirely enjoyable:
2013 Blanc Du Tusque + Queso Fresco
The Queso Fresco comprised of Roasted (fresh) Mexican Cheese with Cucumber was gorgeous with this Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc & Roussanne blend. The wine mirrors 'sunshine in a glass' with bright flavors and beautiful acid balanced with wonderful weight.
2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir + Pork Barbacoa
Matched up with a dish of slow cooked pork, chile haujillo, garlic & onion, this Pinot was perfect with aromatics and flavors of ripe noir raspberry and violet paraffin.
2012 Boar's Camp Cuvee Rhone Blend + Chile Verde
Pork marinated in tomatillos, onion & garlic sauce works very well with a blend that's seamless on all levels with a balanced integration of all varietals.
2010 Folded Rock Syrah + Pork Mole
In a word, this pairing was "AH-MAZING". A magical moment was manifested by this Syrah from Kemp Vineyard and mole from El Farolito.
It turns out that the wines of Sanglier Cellars matched up brilliantly with the menu of El Farolito. These four pairings proved to be entirely enjoyable:
2013 Blanc Du Tusque + Queso Fresco
The Queso Fresco comprised of Roasted (fresh) Mexican Cheese with Cucumber was gorgeous with this Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc & Roussanne blend. The wine mirrors 'sunshine in a glass' with bright flavors and beautiful acid balanced with wonderful weight.
2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir + Pork Barbacoa
Matched up with a dish of slow cooked pork, chile haujillo, garlic & onion, this Pinot was perfect with aromatics and flavors of ripe noir raspberry and violet paraffin.
2012 Boar's Camp Cuvee Rhone Blend + Chile Verde
Pork marinated in tomatillos, onion & garlic sauce works very well with a blend that's seamless on all levels with a balanced integration of all varietals.
2010 Folded Rock Syrah + Pork Mole
In a word, this pairing was "AH-MAZING". A magical moment was manifested by this Syrah from Kemp Vineyard and mole from El Farolito.
A huge thanks to Harold at Wine Country Walking Tours for orchestrating this incredible experience, a shout-out to Mike Madigan, author of Bottledaux, for explaining each with with refined eloquence and a sincere thank you to Logan for a sipworthy surprise.
Cheers,
Cheers,
When you find a wine you love, prepare to fall & fall hard. At Stephen & Walker, I fell palate over heels for the 2012 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Larger than life intensity of full flavor balanced by equally bold and beautiful acid, this Zin set a new bar in my book for what Zinfandel can (and should) be. Love at first sip. I said it once. I'll say it again. Sipping, snacking & strolling in Healdsburg via Wine Country Walking Tours is a must. Harold, our guide, worked with Mary and the fabulous staff at Stephen & Walker to design a tasting menu including 1) Pinot Noir + Triple Cream Bree topped with Truffle Salt, 2) Zinfandel + Italian Sausage with Savory Spices, and 3) Petite Sirah (along with a Petite Sirah Port) + dark Chocolate Brownie. Much love... VERY much love for sure. Cheers, Allie P.S. Merci beaucoup, Logan. |
Ever been to a fermentation bar? Prepare yourself for a fabulous experience at Shed. Located in Healdsburg, CA, Shed is a modern grange and winner of a 2014 James Beard Award for restaurant design. The space is stunning, the market is marvelous and the wine selection (and what follows) is world-class to say the very least. Find your way to the back of the building, and you'll arrive at the fermentation bar, offering house-made kombucha, kefir water and a selection of shrubs, in addition to local wine, beer, hard cider, honey mead and natural sodas. |
Aye, there's the shrub... So, what exactly is a 'shrub'? Here's how Shed defines their shrub: "An old-fashioned refresher once common for slaking a farmer’s thirst, our unique house made Shrubs are composed from our own vinegars, as well as fresh herbs and seasonal fruit." Of the selections offered, my favorite was the Meyer Lemon with fennel and Champagne vinegar. Incredibly refreshing in refined & classic fashion. Cheers, Allie |
Check out Shed online: healdsburgshed.com
My personal introduction to Shed came as a surprise via someone near & dear, with facilitation from Wine Country Walking Tours.
If you're looking to explore Healdsburg in the form of wine, food and community, I highly suggest visiting winecountrywalkingtours.com.
My personal introduction to Shed came as a surprise via someone near & dear, with facilitation from Wine Country Walking Tours.
If you're looking to explore Healdsburg in the form of wine, food and community, I highly suggest visiting winecountrywalkingtours.com.
"An easy Spanish red to throw back, the Poema blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon starts with spiced plum, moist dark brown sugar and cranberry sauce on the nose and finishes on the palate in dry fashion with flavors predominately pomegranate." -Allie Merrick Click HERE to learn more about Poema. |
WINE + CHEESE = MAGIC The source of this magic comes from the perfection of pairing. Whether you know everything about wine and cheese or nothing at all (with the exception that you love them both), this book by Adam Centamore is a 'must have'. Consider Tasting Wine & Cheese your pairing bible. Over the course of 155 pages, you'll be brought up to speed not only on various wine varietals and their flavor profiles but on chapters of cheeses as well. Featured wine and cheese pairings provide general rules for what cheese goes with which wine, in addition to specific 'perfect pairing' recommendations. You know what I love about this book? Everything. The descriptions, the recommendations and the photography as well are all first class and fabulous. Cheers to an insider's guide that unveils the magic of mastering the principles of pairing! -AM |
Get your copy of Tasting Wine & Cheese by clicking HERE to learn more.
This two day auction, Zachys Holiday Auction, starts at 9:30 AM EST on December 4th and 5th. Auctioned off will be over 1,800 exceptional lots from an international collection. There’s no better time to enjoy a bottle of wine with family and friends than the holidays. Zachys Wine Auctions is closing out the year with their third auction since September, and the Holiday Auction is filled with exceptional lots, including over 300 lots from the Private Collection of Bob Hudson. The Holiday Auction focuses on Bordeaux and California Cabernet, but also includes a selection of of Burgundy from Rouget, Clos de Tart, Groffier, as well as Vega Sicilia, Unico, and others. Get online and let the bidding begin! Cheers, Allie Here are a few noteworthy lots from the upcoming event: Lot 245 - Petrus 2000 Estimated Price: $36,000-$55,000 Quantity: 12, Size: 750ml Notes: Three lightly scuffed labels, one scuffed label, two 6-pack original wood cases Lot 334 - Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2000 Estimated Price: $24,000-$36,000 Quantity: 1, Size: 15L Notes: This 15L bottle was bought by Mr. Hudson at the 2008 South Beach Wine and Food Festival Auction, at which Baroness de Rothschild was the donor. Lot 112 - Chateau Haut Brion 1989 Estimated Price: $12,000-$18,000 Quantity: 12, Size: 750ml Notes: Producer: Haut Brion. 1.5cm or better, one lightly damp-stained label, one lightly marked label Featuring: Invaluable www.invaluable.com |
"When you are thirty-something and thirsty (like I am), you're always looking for a sip-worthy source for everyday wine. And I found it." -AM An original, the Wine Of The Month Club was trademarked back in the 70's and lives online at www.wineofthemonthclub.com. The story behind how it all started is a fascinating one. Click here to read up. Then to tip up & sip up, click here. Cheers to affordable options for wine delivered to your door! |
"Some open treasure chest with hopes of finding gold. I'm good with finding wine instead." -AM
"While the classic bellini calls for sparkling wine mixed with peach puree, mango nectar will suffice in a spectacular way." Visit Martini online: www.martini.com | "Enjoyable and effervescent on it's own, the Martini Prosecco greets you with yellow pear and green apple on the nose followed by a reception of vibrant citrus notes on the palate. What I adore about this wine so much is it's adaptability and versatility, as it serves as a solid base for one of my favorite morning cocktails - the bellini." -Allie Merrick |
ON THE NOSE: blueberry pie filling, black cherry syrup, red licorice laced with dark brown sugar ON THE PALATE: blackberry preserves, pomegranate glaze with eucalyptus notes to finish "A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Merlot and Zinfandel, the McBride Sisters have produced a red that's dense and voluptuous and accessible at under $20/bottle." -AM Visit Truvée Wines Online: www.truveewines.com |
"If you've not yet had the 'Sterling Experience', I suggest that you do so. And when you do, share your thoughts with me. Love to compare notes!" -AM Visit Sterling Vineyards online: www.sterlingvineyards.com |