Category Archives: Features

Don’t knock Cleanskins

I recently enjoyed a blind tasting of 13 cleanskin wines aged 3 years plus from various cellars. Naturally they varied in quality but did spring up a remarkable gem. This 1974 Murray River Red, Bin 537 was purchased for 65 … Continue reading

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Violent hail storms ravage Bordeaux

If you are visiting Bordeaux this winter be aware that many winemakers have just lost 100% of their harvest. Violent hailstorms ravaged parts of the famous wine region in south western France last Saturday causing major damage in hundreds of … Continue reading

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Decanter wine double quick smart

I have to admit that decanting is a tricky business. It requires forethought, planning and patience. Unless you are removing sediment from an older bottle decanting is usually best for tannic and younger wines. Decanting introduces oxygen which enhances a … Continue reading

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King Valley fighting to save Prosecco

BACKGROUND Located in the Italian northern regions of  Veneto and Friuli are the hillside vineyards of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano . The vineyard slopes here are so severe they’re nearly vertical, plummeting down hundreds of feet.  It is the original home … Continue reading

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Oregon Pinot noir and the Willamette Valley

There are six sub regions in the Willamette Valley AVA’s. (American Viticultural Areas). Chehalem Mountain, Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinaville, Ribbon Ridge, and Yamhill Carlton. I managed to cover all the AVA’ s during a 2 week visit. The Willamette … Continue reading

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