Since the closure of Manresa, Bar Zola has become Wilson and Alandra’s new go-to wine bar. We thought it would be a great place for dinner. Upon arrival, we were promptly greeted and seated. Despite not being a white tablecloth establishment, the staff here is well-versed in the finer points of traditional French service. They paid attention to details such as knowing who ordered what, […]
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Champagne, Corsica, Paso Robles, Napa Andrew did not disappoint with his selection! These wines were eye-opening and jaw-dropping. Particularly the reds which were best had on different days to truly enjoy them. Champagne Palmer 2012 A soft dry wine with fresh apples and a crisp citrus mouthfeel. Nicely creamy and lively with excellent acidity this vintage cuvée is ready to be enjoyed…and was! $112 Constellation […]
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Wilson and Alandra’s Tasting Selection Thomas Fogerty Wines, Santa Cruz Mountains Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Mindego Vineyard, 2018 A fine representation from this winemaker, explosive fruit, full cherry, and red fruit with excellent depth and intensity. A beauty of a Pinot from this producer. $75 La Vida Bella Vineyard, 2018 Excellent ruby color with a slight clove nose, black cherries and licorice, and rich fresh […]
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I found this wine in a small shop in VT. The retro label design captured my attention. Curious to know more, I looked at the back of the bottle and found that the importer was Louis/Dressner. Denyse Louis and the late Joe Dressner started their New York-based company in 1988 with a handful of French producers. Now run by Ms. Louis, Kevin McKenna, and Jules […]
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Two wines side by side, same vintage, same region, both under $20. But my idea was to introduce a grape variety that produces very fresh, juicy wines – the kind you can bring as a guest to dinner and enjoy thoroughly. Garnacha is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world, with its origin in Spain’s Calatayud region. It ripens […]
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A little history: Verdejo from Rueda DO located in the Community of Castilla Y León, northwest of Madrid, is a white grape variety that produces crisp, aromatic, and refreshing wines. Known for their vibrant aromatics, high acidity, and versatility, Verdejo wines are a true expression of the unique terroir of Rueda. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Verdejo wines are a delightful […]
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Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Boston Wine Expo, where I was presented with the opportunity to sample a vast assortment of wines. The selection included a mix of new and familiar names, as well as offerings from established winemakers. Before delving into the tasting, I carefully chose which distributor/importer wines I would be sampling. After looking over the hundreds of wines, […]
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Balnea 2021 Located in Castilla y Leon on the Duero river, approximately 90 miles northwest of Madrid, Rueda is renowned for its dry and aromatic white wines primarily produced from the Verdejo grape. This producer practices organic farming and rely on 100% manual harvesting, using only grapes from the over 25-year-old vines. The grapes are estate-grown and crafted by Maria Jesus Hernandez, one of the […]
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When it comes to drinking US Pinot Noirs, my first impulse is to look to the Willamette (sounds like damn it) Valley. The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s primary wine region, boasts over 700 wineries and is recognized for producing excellent Pinot noir. Its cool climate, protected by surrounding mountain ranges, creates distinct wine character within short distances. The valley includes 11 nested appellations, Chehalem Mountains; Dundee […]
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Out of all the California wines being presented at the Expo, the following selection didn’t necessarily align with my personal preferences, but they were certainly the most intriguing. I was taken aback, however, when one of my favorite winemakers (Heitz Cellars) failed to meet my expectations. As a distinguished Napa winemaker renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality, I expected their “entry-level” premium wine to […]
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Domaine Muret Les Grand Boullions Picpoul de Pinet Picpoul is an ancient grape variety originating from southwest France. Traditionally used in the production of Cognac and Armagnac until the 20th century, this grape produces wines that are known for their crisp and refreshing qualities. In the glass, this particular Picpoul presents a straw-yellow color. The enticing aroma of fruit on the nose is carried through […]
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A little history: Commanderie de Peyrassol was founded by the Knights of Templar, who were dedicated to protecting the Crusaders en route to, and in, the Holy Land. Among the artifacts that the Templars are said to have unearthed during their time on Temple Mount were the fabled Holy Grail, the Turin Shroud, the head of St. John the Baptist, the Spear of Destiny, the […]
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