Jan 022014
 
2010 Swanson Vineyards Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $75 (S) – Rating 92

A complex yet soft nose of stewed cherries, dark cherry jam and espresso bean. Beautifully dark red, medium-bodied with perfect food pairing acidity. This blend of Cabernet and Merlot shows with integrated tannins offering flavors of black cherry, plum and dark fruit with notes of vanilla, cedar, dark spice and dark chocolate. Decant for 30-60 minutes for full expression. Buy This Wine

Aug 092012
 
2010 Swanson Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley, CA, $21 (S) – Rating 89

A refreshing summer sipper with a nose of tangerine, pear and peach. Crisp and clean acidity kisses the palate with flavors of citrus, Meyer lemon and melon highlighted by tropical notes. Pairs well with lighter summer fare. Sure to be a party pleaser.

Aug 032012
 
wine reviews, winery reviews, wine blog, wine education

Roger and Whitney at Jordan Vineyards

Wine country vacations, especially to Napa Valley and Sonoma County can be overwhelming to the novice and the experienced wine traveler alike. With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley alone and hundreds more in Sonoma, how do you choose which wineries to visit? Some offer small quaint tastings and tours while others have almost a Las Vegas feel. So what are the best wineries to visit Napa and Sonoma?

Recently I traveled with my daughter, Whitney, to Napa and Sonoma for her 21st birthday celebration. She certainly enjoys wine and grew up around great wines but to date, Whitney has not inherited her dad’s wine geek gene. Like many novice wine drinkers, Whitney has a discerning though still developing palate.

Whitney’s fist trip to Napa/Sonoma needed to be fun yet educational with enough glitz and glamor to spark her 21 year-old soul with a splash of wine geekiness for Dad. This wine country travel itinerary certainly fit the bill. Continue reading »