Speaking of South Africa, I have another affordable gem to mention from the region. This is my favorite Brut Rose of the moment: The Graham Beck 2007 Brut Rose Méthode Cap Classique, which is a South African sparkling wine made from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay grapes. It is a beautiful…
Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to one of my go-to reds: The Wolftrap. Oh, it’s a big as it’s name suggests. I’ve long been a fan of Rhone-style blends from South Africa, but The Wolftrap is definitely one of my favorites. The 2008 vintage is a blend of 68% Syrah, 30%…
I took yet another day trip to Santa Barbara this past weekend- and stumbled into the newbie member of the Urban Wine Trail, Municipal Winemakers, located directly behind Kunin Wines. Dave Potter, who is also a winemaker at Fess Parker, is the man behind this super-awesome-passion-project…
A while back I went to the Canadian Wine Tasting at Whole Foods Venice and it did not disappoint. I hate to brag, but I think my Whole Foods is the coolest Whole Foods of all time- we have a wine tasting bar IN THE STORE. (It’s pretty sassy.)
I went with my dear friend and fellow wino Katie…
Day-Trip to Santa Barbara: Kunin Winery
I came upon Kunin Wines by accident- pun not intended (read on….) I had originally planned on taking a day-trip up to Santa Barbara/Los Olivos to taste at Brander, but that plan came to a screeching halt (pun not intended, again) when the 154, the windy road that is pretty much the only direct way to get to Los Olivos, was closed because of a major accident. Though I was disappointed, I knew stopping off at one of the wineries on the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail would console my wino self. One of my favorite wineries, Carr, happens to be on the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, so I texted my friend who used to work at Carr and asked if she had to choose one other Urban Trail winery to taste at, which would it be? Without hesitation she answered Kunin, and so I found myself at this charming beachside bungalow tasting room. The first thing that struck me about the space is the sleek, airy, modern design:
Need a go-to, under $10 red? You’ve got to try this super affordable, super yummy red table wine called “Redart” from Urbanite Cellars… I’m OBSESSED. I can’t believe this wine only costs $9.99- it’s a smooth and complex blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, and 20% Zinfandel from a variety…
So, I know it’s Friday and we’re all giddy about our weekend plans, but I personally am looking forward to Monday again. WHAT? I know. Hear me out. Monday night has become my favorite night of the week because James’ Beach, one of my favorite restaurants in Venice, has 1/2 off bottles of…
The aptly named “Right Hand Man” Syrah
I was introduced to the 2006 Barrel 27 “Right Hand Man” Syrah by the trusty folks at K&L wines, where it sells for $14.99, which honestly is a steal because this wine drinks like a $25-and-up bottle of wine.
Before I get to the tasting notes I also need to mention something on a personal level to really bring home how delish this wine is… I am in love with a man who does not care for wine (GASP- I know, love really is blind.) That’s right, my boyfriend of 3 years has never had more than a sip or two of wine without giving me a face that is not unlike a 3-year-old who has just been force-fed their cough syrup. Well, folks, said boyfriend took a sip of this badboy and said to me, verbatim, “POUR ME A GLASS.” Not only did he finish a glass, he polished off the bottle with me! I could have cried. This is how good Barrel 27 is- it made a convert.
Before heading off to 1/2 off wine night at James’ Beach once again (I’m a creature of habit, what can I say?) I thought I’d check out Saluté Wine Bar on Main Street in Santa Monica and see what their happy hour is all about. From 5:30-7:30 Monday through Thursdays, all glasses of wine are…
Patio Sippers!
Springtime is in full swing and perhaps you have already dusted off the grill or the picnic basket, gearing up to eat al fresco. But what to drink, what to drink, what to drink? Here are some light, easy-sippers that are also easy on the wallet- SCORE!
Southern Lights Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008:
I have long been a fan of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, though they can be a punchy acquired taste for some. What’s nice about this particular Sauvignon Blanc is it still retains the acidic crispness I love with notes of tropical fruit, grapefruit, and lime, but it has a little hint of sweetness that makes this a particularly nice introduction to New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs for those that prefer softer white varietals. For a wine that only costs $7.99 (which is what it sells for at K&L)…it’s definitely a steal and worth a try this summer.
Next up is the NV Cantine Riondo Prosecco:
