Blackberries, vanilla, raisins, and toasted oak… those are the aromas and flavors you may find in the 2007 Clesi Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles. Tonight I found this wine to be acidic up front, with a medium tannic sensation. The tannins ultimately faded, leaving a watery and woodsy feel lingering in my mouth. For fans of California fruit-bomb cabernets, you…
After winning a very intense tennis match last night, my partner, Susan and I met up with two other tennis buddies for a celebratory wine drinking spree. We deserved to celebrate! We were down 0-6 in the first set…..yet ended up with the match win. Our friends were celebrating their own win as well. I…
As mentioned in previous posts, an AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a geographic designation for grape growing regions in the United States. Areas typically have unique topographic and climatic conditions which can have an effect upon terroir. These AVAs often have specific reputations, thereby, creating a desire upon the part of many winemakers to identify their…
So when you sit down tonight to open that crisp, grassy Sauvignon Blanc, or, for that matter, any other U.S. produced wine, think about this… Any bottle with a varietal label (i.e., Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon, Rombauer Chardonnay) is only required to contain 75% juice from that particular grape varietal. Up to 25% of any specifically labelled…
I have been working to develop my tasting skills for many years. Wine has been a hobby of mine for such a long time, actually, going on 20 years. I have vastly improved my varietal identification in blind tastings, and I can pick up many nuanced aromas in a wine’s bouquet. Now, to you all, I confess, like the best…
Yep…..I know a few of you have pondered this red wine conundrum (anyone catch the pun-comment if you did). When the Australian invasion began you started hearing about this unknown varietal, but let's put it to rest right now…Shiraz and Syrah are viticulturally the same species of black grape. Only true difference: Australians like to call the…
I think the concept of Urban Wineries is totally cool and I decided I wanted to learn more about them. I sleuthed out a great example here in Sacramento, RailBridge Cellars, and have featured them in an article set to appear in the Winter 2012 edition of Edible Sacramento. Take a sneak peak at a portion of the story. I'll keep…
So fun….spent time this afternoon creating a proprietary Bordeaux-like blend at RailBridge Cellars! Here are some pics of the process. Love my Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc perfect blend! Thanks to Michael Chandler, Brand Manager and RailBridge Cellars!
I really love bourbon. Honestly, I’ve been drinking whiskey since I was three years old. Yep, that’s right…three years old. I should clarify just a bit so as not to disparage my parents. From early on, I was a little rascal at holiday parties. My mother’s family drink of choice was the Manhattan. I would…
I’m in this for you. Yes, someone has to do it, guess it has to be me…..I will taste and drink many wines on my journey to help find something just right for you. Here are my thoughts on some inexpensive wines I am tasting tonight. Everyone can like an expensive wine, but it takes…
Susan Brown Uncorked 