2008 Cowhorn Vineyard Spiral 36, Applegate Valley

Blend of Viognier 35%, Marsanne 30%, Roussanne 35% grapes. This wine is made at the certified biodynamic Cowhorn winery with natural yeasts and no malolactic fermentation. Light golden color with great clarity. Apple and pear flavors with some delicious honeysuckle on the nose. Refreshing acids make it a solid choice for roast chicken.

2007 Cowhorn Vineyard Syrah, Applegate Valley

Great example of domestic syrah made at the certified biodynamic Cowhown winery. That means no synthetic chemicals were used in grape-growing and native yeasts were used in the cellar. Big, dark boysenberry and blackberry fruit flavors, which are nicely balanced by an earthy finish. Good acids and 13.5% alcohol make it a good food wine. Personally, I would love to see them ease up on the new oak (it is a blend of old and new oak barrels at the moment). But honestly, most people would find this wine to be a big crowd-pleaser.

2005 Philippe Bornard Côtes du Jura Savagnin Les Chassagnes

The savagnin grape is indigenous to the Jura region in France and is not to be confused with the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It was made in the natural wine method with organically grown grapes and little intervention in the cellar. This means native yeasts were used and minimal sulfites were added. It is made in a slightly oxidative manner which lends a gorgeous nutty flavor to the wine. The perfect wine for roasted halibut or garlic roasted chicken. Flavors of beeswax, grapefruit, honey and hazelnuts just keep on coming. Wonderful acidity and a touch of salinity. Long, delicious finish that lasts for minutes.

Wine and Sulfites: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Sulfites are not a black and white issue and I am certainly not suggesting that all wines should be made with no added sulfites. What I am enthusiastic about is breaking through the industry myth that wines made with minimal sulfites are of a lesser quality or are only for short term drinking.

Do You Recognize The New Wine Consumer?

The new wine consumer is here to stay but will the wine producers and trade adjust accordingly?

Amy Atwood

- Amy Atwood: Wine Lover. Wine industry sales specialist, communicator and dealmaker since 1996. Organic and sustainable focus. Blogging at My Daily Wine.