tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195919071287508742024-02-08T00:50:08.006-05:00Simple Wine TalkI created this blog to share my passion for enjoying wines with friends, family and others. Whether you read my thoughts on wine (and food) all I ask is that you keep trying different wines. Most are a wonderful creation, very complex and rich in heritage no matter where they're from. You'll only find wines here which I personally enjoy. I welcome your comments and encourage your own recommendations for me to try.Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-8691687262622055562017-10-26T16:54:00.000-04:002017-10-26T16:54:26.718-04:00World Wine Production to hit 50 Year Low!
The wine industry has been hit with yet another challenge. New reports released say that global wine production is expected to drop to it's lowest in more than 50 years. Italy (23% drop), France (19%) and Spain (15%) are the top 3 producers which all blame extreme weather conditions. Not to mention, California's recent wild fires have not helped with an additional 1% drop inSimple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-30627012446703704242017-06-20T15:05:00.000-04:002017-06-20T15:05:30.068-04:00Pedroncelli, Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon ’12 $36
Sonoma, CA
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Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-43394456103736201312017-06-02T00:04:00.000-04:002017-06-02T00:04:20.519-04:00Caves D’ Esclans, Whispering Angel ’15 $18
Cotes De Provence,
France
With spring moving
quickly into summer, it’s rose time once again.
After my visit a few years ago to the Bandol region along the French Mediterranean
coast, I found so many wonderful roses to try.
This one happens to be a favorite in our household.
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Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-80784285691920852672016-09-11T22:48:00.000-04:002016-09-11T22:48:54.721-04:00Larson Family Winery, Pinot Noir 2011 - $38
Sonoma
Coast
In
preparation for a long awaited visit back to Sonoma later this week, I opened a bottle quite apt for this upcoming trip.
You might not find it on your local wine shop shelves however, if you’re
in Sonoma, a visit to this wonderful winery is a must. Years ago, I had the opportunity to spend a
day with former wine maker Carolyn Craig to learn about the processes Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-18971998471520573422016-08-28T22:40:00.001-04:002016-08-28T22:40:47.095-04:00Bogle “Essential Red” 2013 $11
Sonoma County
This red blend appealed to me during an in-store tasting at my local World Market. I decided to buy a bottle and do my own evaluation and found it to be genuinely a pleasure. I’ve been back since to buy a few more bottles to keep on hand as an “everyday” red.
The aroma makeup packed the glass with ripe strawberries, blackberry and traces of warm licorice. Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-37821580384967853982016-06-28T16:05:00.000-04:002016-06-28T16:05:47.204-04:00Lander-Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $15 (on sale $10)
California
(Napa, Monterey & Central Valley)
First of all, this was hard to pass up on a $10 sale. I figured if it wasn’t to my liking, I could always use it in a marinade. After the first sip, let’s just say there wasn’t any left for a marinade. On the nose, this wine displayed black cherries, vanilla, white pepper and subtle oak.
With a full body, flavors of Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-16902885950032830352016-02-26T13:01:00.000-05:002016-02-26T13:01:00.411-05:00Root:1 Heritage Red 2013 - $12
Maipo Valley, Chile
Dark berries accompanied with hints of black pepper and leather aromas filled my glass. For $12 retail and $7 on sale, I might have said “woah.” There may have been a slight musty hint at first but that went away quickly. The flavors combine blackberries and dark cherry with a subtle spice. On the finish, traces of vanilla complement firm tanninsSimple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-17039215630397621792015-12-31T18:10:00.002-05:002015-12-31T18:10:39.925-05:00Prosecco for New Years
So you'd like an alternative to Champagne? Why not try a Prosecco to ring in the new year. The Italian's favorite bubbly is adored by many and in fact I prefer it over others...however I won't mention those.
Santi Nello is full of vibrant citrus notes with hints of vanilla and pears on the flavors. The bubbles are small and furious giving you that amazing mouth feel with Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-48295003632772491262015-10-31T14:22:00.001-04:002015-10-31T14:22:25.738-04:00Why Are Some Wines So Expensive?I've asked myself this question and thought I had the answers. This article makes for an even better understanding. Thanks to Vivino for posting. https://www.vivino.com/wine-news/why-are-some-wines-so-expensiveSimple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-23071603112241529792015-08-20T15:43:00.000-04:002015-08-20T15:43:33.832-04:00Cabernet Day is September 3rd!
From some great folks at Ridge Vineyards.
Click here to read >> Cabernet Day
Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-60405614006827384172015-06-10T23:30:00.000-04:002015-06-10T23:35:50.242-04:00Valserrano Reserva ’09 $20
Rioja (Spain)
I had opened a bottle of the ’05 Gran Reserva of this same wine for dinner with my family, which I felt was an outstanding selection. My father shared his delight with it and proceeded to go out and buy another bottle a few days later. Little did dad realize he bought the ’09 Reserva and gave it to me. To keep things “simple”, the difference in these wines is Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-58040203116715010262015-05-19T21:21:00.001-04:002015-05-19T21:21:21.099-04:00Honoro Vera Garnacha '13 $8
Calatayud, Spain
It's not often I think much of an in-store wine tasting on a Saturday afternoon in a "big box" type store selling wine. A few days ago I was on a errand to buy some spices and stumbled upon various wine distributors offering up samplings throughout the store, so I thought why not give a few new labels a try. I must admit, I was striking out for wines I Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-59656056423641589722015-01-31T16:56:00.000-05:002015-01-31T16:56:26.693-05:00Anakena Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 $13
Chile, Cachapoal Valley
While shopping for a few new Cabs to try and write about the wine sales clerk voiced a definite “thumbs up” for this one. For the price point, I figured why now.
It opened up with bold aromas of black cherries, dark chocolate, toasted wood and hints of earthy minerals. I guess you could say it has some typical qualities on the nose for many cabernetsSimple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-46936253260059276412014-10-26T12:28:00.000-04:002014-10-26T12:28:21.810-04:00Bris Andes, Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 $10
Colchagua Valley, Chille
First of all, if you find a Cab this good for $10, I want to know about it!
From the makers of some very high-end wines, Barons De Rothschild (Lafite), this is an incredible value with a high-end taste. The aromas marry a balance of dark cherries, blackberries and a hint of fresh cracked pepper. From the first sip to the end of the bottle this has a Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-42104208687713335102014-08-26T14:06:00.001-04:002014-08-26T14:06:35.211-04:00Earthquake Strikes Napa Valley
As some of you have heard, this past Sunday, August 24th, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The damage was intense to many homes, historical buildings and businesses including wineries and their supporting companies. Thankfully there have been no reported deaths yet 200 injuries is nothing to ignore.
My heartfelt prayers go out to those recovering from Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-71317453225090714302014-08-13T23:29:00.000-04:002014-08-13T23:29:05.851-04:00Meritage blending – Franciscan Magnificat $50
Napa Valley
I just came out of
a local wine shop after attending a great seminar on Meritage and Bordeaux wine
blending. This was excellent to understand “Meritage”,
it’s history, guidelines for varietals and how closely related it is to a
Bordeaux blend. It brought me a greater appreciation to the wine makers, working to
create that perfect blend for all of us to enjoy. Wine Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-21198064080482090182014-08-04T15:57:00.001-04:002014-08-04T15:57:54.469-04:00Summertime in Provence
Bandol Wine Region
From a recent cruise with our first stop in the port town
Toulon, France, I wondered what the heck we'd do in this city I know nothing
of. I'm average at best with European
geography and once I mapped it out, viola...we're going to Provence! Marseilles was a bit too far a drive to spend
quality time so I looked into the Bandol wine region after some great
Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-18085288887756958892014-05-14T17:35:00.000-04:002014-05-14T17:35:12.759-04:00USA #1 Wine drinking country over France
Reported today...WineSpectator.com reports that the United States has passed France as the world's no. 1 wine-drinking country, according to data from Impact Databank's upcoming 2013 Wine Market report. The figures for 2013 show that Americans consumed 329 million cases in 2013, an 18 percent increase over 2005. A younger generation of Americans is embracing wine, powering Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-38918493744642982732014-03-20T13:35:00.002-04:002014-03-20T13:35:35.411-04:00Cameron Hughes Lot 396
California Field Blend '11 $10 (Sam’s Club)
This was somewhat an impulse buy however, I had tried his Cabernet Lot 279 last summer and it was outstanding.
Therefore, I love red blends and figured I couldn’t go wrong for an under $10 bottle. This is a combination of 64% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah, 11% Petite Sirah and 5% Graciano.
From the first pour it’s aromas Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-48720697783914695302014-02-26T23:58:00.003-05:002014-02-26T23:58:57.891-05:00Bodega Breca, Garnacha '11 $16
Spain
Without any knowledge about this wine maker and knowing how much I like Garnacha, I decided to buy a bottle after a recommendation from the store clerk as well for a potential blog review. In summary, this was a big “WOW!”
The aromas were rich in black cherries, toasted wood and a touch of earthy overtones. At first taste, it had a peppery bite and I almost was turned off.Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-69151084756654475292013-11-28T16:12:00.001-05:002013-11-28T16:16:34.181-05:00Erath Pinot Noir '09 Estate Selection
On Thanksgiving, there's nothing better than a good Pinot Noir to go with turkey and all the dressings. This wine was one I found back in 2011 while visiting the Willamette valley in Oregon. Erath makes various Pinots however this one seems to be a premium one after tasting others. With aromas of ripe plums, vanilla and floral scents this mature red, aged in French oak for 14 months, was Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-46097671355290125532013-11-17T23:59:00.000-05:002013-11-17T23:59:21.764-05:00Sonoma Favorites (part 1)
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Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-25866427705146158912013-07-09T23:18:00.000-04:002013-07-09T23:18:05.352-04:00Malbec...It's The New Red!
Malbec has always been a favorite of mine to pair with a grilled steak, pork chop or tenderloin. In general, it's priced very affordable and a great alternative red wine. Originally from France and approved as one of 5 grape varietals allowed in Bordeaux, Argentina is now one of the largest producers of Malbec. In California, it's still used widely as a blending grape with Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-24559742381847285072013-07-08T23:18:00.000-04:002013-07-08T23:18:29.415-04:00Cameron Hughes Lot 279, Cabernet Sauvignon '09 $20
Napa Valley, CA
While on the hunt for a relatively inexpensive yet good Cab, I was introduced to this at my local Whole Foods store. I had just picked up a few NY Strips to grill and remembered that my everyday drinking collection was kind of slim on choices.
I hadn't heard of this wine and neither had Tommy who was working the bar that day. (We're lucky to have one of the few Simple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319591907128750874.post-47211137711426377282013-05-30T10:09:00.000-04:002013-05-30T10:09:05.639-04:00Adelsheim, Pinot Gris '09 $13
Willamette Valley, OR
In my latest efforts to introduce some more warm weather wines, this one came to mind as I was in need of a Chardonnay for a family recipe and didn't have any on hand. It's definitely a great alternative and for some people, not as sweet.
Filled with aromas of pears, apples and subtle oak it wasn't what I'd expect from this varietal. Actually it was a pleasant surpriseSimple Wine Talkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09134915235887919200noreply@blogger.com0