Wine of the Week

2012 Axis Mundi (red), Santa Ynez Valley, Windmill Vineyard, Ballard Canyon ($25) (winery only): This 67% Grenache, 33% Syrah was made by Wes Hagen as a lighter-styled red wine. Although Wes (a Burgunophile) says this was made sort of like Beaujolais… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”

Wine Myths

By Dan Berger In virtually any topic you could name, certain truisms were propounded early in the life of the topic, accepted on face value, perhaps because they seemed logical, and then for various reasons survived and even thrived despite proof,… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login … Continue reading “Wine Myths”

Alcohol in Wine

Pretty much all wine is a product of its alcohol. Although varietal character, terroir, wine making skills and numerous other aspects also have a huge impact on wine, alcohol is one of the key variables that controls a wine’s destiny, both early in i… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Alcohol in Wine”

Cold-Climate Syrah

When Syrah first exploded on the U.S. wine scene 20+ years ago, the word was that the grape would grow reliably in almost any climate that’s warm enough for Cabernet. Left unstated in this slightly faulty argument was simply that two styles of Syr… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Cold-Climate Syrah”

Tasting Notes

2014 Qupé Syrah, Edna Valley, Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard ($30): The aroma of this wine is absolutely classic, showing cool-climate influences in the white and black pepper, violets, and a trace of dried herbs along with just the barest hint of forest … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”