Once you visit Dutton-Goldfield Winery in the Russian River Valley, you understand the significance of the phrase ‘cool climate’ with regard to winegrowing and winemaking. It is indeed quite chilly in the mornings, with moderating breezes throughout the day. I must confess that if I were not living in the Napa Valley, I would love to […]
Tag: Syrah
Pride Mountain Vineyards
After traveling in a tour bus along curvy Spring Mountain Road, which changes to Saint Helena Road at the Napa and Sonoma County line and leads to the far-removed estate, I knew I had discovered a remarkable location for grape growing and winemaking. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
MacLaren Wine Company
Six months later, I finally found myself in the tasting lounge with winemaker and Scotsman, Steve Law. He said to me, “Did you know you have an accent?” My reply, “No, you have an accent.” The ice was broken and from that point on, I was enamored with the wines and story of MacLaren. *CLICK […]
2011 Signorello Estate Metà Proprietary Red, Napa Valley
Variable climate and weather greatly influence vintage characteristics, for better or for worse, but an exemplary vineyard management and winemaking team are capable of turning a “bad” vintage into beautiful wines by the choices they make during the growing season, harvest, and production. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Savoring the Sweet Life!
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in DolceVita Safari’s first Sonoma Day Camp. I had previewed the itinerary on my blog a few weeks ago. Now it’s time for the scoop. The day of the event could not have been more beautiful, sunny and breezy. We began at Tin Barn Vineyards, which is […]
2012 MacLaren Atoosa’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Syrah
The choice for my latest Snooth contribution was automatic and without hesitation: the 2012 MacLaren Atoosa’s Vineyard Syrah, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County. I fell in love with this syrah a couple of years ago. After publishing this, winemaker Steve Law confessed that he made this syrah for himself and it’s his “wine geek” syrah. That’s why […]
Beth’s Smart Sip: 2013 Flora Springs Poggio del Papa
Many of you know that I am a big fan of Flora Springs. While Flora Springs is one of Napa Valley’s largest family owned and operated wineries, the staff there always make me feel welcomed, whether I visit the tasting room or the estate. In the wholesale market, you might know Flora Springs because of […]
A Trio of January Wines
It seems like yesterday that it was 2015 and now it is mid-January already. Where have these few weeks gone? Only two weeks until February (and my birthday, yay)! Earlier this month, I published a review of four wines from Trump Winery, a review of Domaine Carneros for American Winery Guide, and a review of […]
My May Sips
Yes, I know it’s June already, but these are some of the wines I tasted last month. Oh, and if you have a better title for my occasional collection of wine reviews, please post it in the comments. I could use some help with blog post titles. Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Estate Reserve Napa Valley California […]
Destination Cuvaison
Cuvaison Estate Wines was founded in 1969 and produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah from its Carneros estate as well as Bordeaux-style reds and Zinfandel from the historic Brandlin Estate Vineyard on Mount Veeder purchased in 1998. A Swiss gentleman, Thomas Schmidheiny, and his family purchased Cuvaison in Calistoga plus 400 acres of land in Carneros in 1979. Cuvaison […]