Yearly Archives: 2012
Loving the Clos du Val Napa Valley Merlot
Seeing “Napa Valley Merlot” on a wine label may cause some snap judgements, but Clos du Val is making (and has been making) one of my favorite expressions of this grape. And not just a favorite Napa Valley Merlot, but a favorite Merlot, period. What are the myths about Merlot? Bland and boring. And what [More]
Oregon Pinot Noir for an Oregon Coast Sunset
At a recent tasting of wines from Anam Cara Cellars I was really struck by their 2008 Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir. It has become one of my favorite values in Oregon Pinot Noir. Now, do not equate value with cheapness. Yes, it’s over 20 bucks. But for the level of complexity and finesse, it is [More]
Featured Foodie On Key Ingredient
I am honored to be this week’s Featured Foodie on Key Ingredient. Find out what I was doing in 2004 (hint: a cubical was involved) when I started blogging and whether or not Thunderbird was part of my wine repertoire. (I know you wouldn’t judge, regardless. Right?)
“Vinum Remedium Est”
Source: Uploaded by user via Jameson on Pinterest It seemed appropriate that a place called Cure, located here in Seattle, would have a sign stating “Vinum Remedium Est.” Speaking for myself, on more than one occasion, wine has been the cure. Can you recall a moment where a glass of wine was particularly curative?
The 2007 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Hits the Mark
Drinking the 2007 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée at The Inn at Langley was not only pleasurable, but thought-provoking. The 2007 vintage in Oregon for Pinot Noir was characterized in great part by the large amounts of rain towards the end of the grape-growing season. The critical reports at the time were not encouraging. [More]
A Visit to The Inn at Langley
After a stop at Washington State’s Whidbey Island Winery, it was a short drive to The Inn at Langley for a leisurely and charming dining experience. Many of the highlights were the simple and fresh accompaniments perfectly rendered. Or in the case of the goat milk butter, perfectly churned. Served with a pretzel roll and [More]
Decoding Restaurant Wine Menus
I am quoted in the Seattle Weekly blog, giving my thoughts on what would help diners with decoding restaurant wine menus. I enjoyed the entire post by Hanna Raskin, who has some great ideas about how restaurants can help their customers have a more memorable experience with wine and spirits. When you are trying to [More]
Grape Vine Pruning at Whidbey Island Winery
Source: Uploaded by user via Jameson on Pinterest It may not be the sexiest part of winemaking, but grape vine pruning plays an essential function in ensuring you have lovely bunches of grapes to harvest later in the year. On a recent visit to Whidbey Island Winery, a short drive and pleasant ferry ride [More]
