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Californian Wines

A book review of “On California”

by  |  18-11-2021

Following in the footsteps of, "On Bordeaux", the Académie du Vin Library has now released a new book in a similar vein called, "On California". While Bordeaux and California are on opposite sides of the... more » Following in the footsteps of, "On Bordeaux", the Académie du Vin Library... more »
Photo by Recaredo

Bringing the restaurant to the winery

by  |  28-09-2020

What’s a winery? When you arrive to Napa Valley for the first time, don’t be shocked that no winery has a restaurant at it. Why? Surely, there’s a great synergy to be found in having... more » What’s a winery? When you arrive to Napa Valley for the first... more »

In The Glass: Jack Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

by  |  24-08-2020

My last trip to Napa Valley was for a wine writing symposium which meant staying in the valley for an entire week. For someone from San Francisco used to day trips up there, it was... more » My last trip to Napa Valley was for a wine writing symposium... more »

A book review of “Women Winemakers: Personal Odysseys”

by  |  14-05-2020

We're at a point in time, where anyone who pulls out the "Some women in wine!" listicle on International Women's Day needs to be shamed. Actually I take that back, they need to be pilloried... more » We're at a point in time, where anyone who pulls out the... more »

Playing the game of Three-Cab Monte

by  |  14-02-2020 ~ 3 Comments

I was leading a tasting recently and out of random curiosity, one of the clients asked, "By the way, what Cabernet Sauvignons can you recommend?" I wasn't really expecting that as we were tasting through... more » I was leading a tasting recently and out of random curiosity, one... more »

Continuum: How the Mondavis pressed on

by  |  14-05-2018

One of the grandest of sagas that took place in Napa Valley during the 20th century was the split between the original Mondavi brothers of Robert and Peter. Many a wine drinker will know the... more » One of the grandest of sagas that took place in Napa Valley... more »

Premiere Napa Valley 2018

by  |  01-03-2018

February 24th marked the 21st annual Premiere Napa Valley auction. Following somewhat in the mold of Burgundy’s famous Hospice de Beaune, it’s a wine trade event that auctions off selected bottles or barrel lots donated... more » February 24th marked the 21st annual Premiere Napa Valley auction. Following somewhat... more »

Dr. Carole Meredith, on social media and how to sell a little wine in a big market

by  |  23-10-2017

When Dr. Carole Meredith was interviewed for the documentary, “SOMM: Into the Bottle” she shot off a one liner about the wine industry, “Can there be any other business where there’s so much bullshit?” It... more » When Dr. Carole Meredith was interviewed for the documentary, “SOMM: Into the... more »