Palate Press

1 min read

In case you haven’t had Pineau des Charentes before, it is traditionally served lightly chilled, as an aperitif, in casual settings in the Cognac region of France. This delightful Pineau is aged for a full 5 years in barrel, which has made it softer and richer on the palate. It

Aperitif or Dessert? Anyhow, Serve Chilled: Domaine de la Margotterie AOC Pineau des Charentes Blanc

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

Pineau des Charentes, served lightly chilled, is a traditional, casual aperitif from the Cognac region of France. The label on this bottle says “dessert wine” which is somewhat misleading. This particular Pineau is a very aromatic aperitif; it could also be served in small portions, well-chilled, as an intermezzo or

The opposite of Bordeaux in Napa: 2016 Kenefick Ranch Caitlin’s Select Cabernet Franc

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

Back in Bordeaux, cabernet franc is considered a blending grape, with small amounts traditionally added to wines made primarily from cabernet sauvignon and/or merlot. But this Kenefick Ranch wine is the opposite: it is made mainly from cabernet franc with small percentages of other grapes blended in. And the wine

Ready to Drink: 2013 Kenefick Ranch Doctor’s Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

It’s rare to be asked to review a fully developed wine these days. So it is a real pleasure to find lovely maturity in this cabernet sauvignon, with its strong elements of ripe, dark red fruit. Because the wine has aged long enough to find its equilibrium, the wine works

2016 Kenefick Ranch Chris’s Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

Made in Napa’s northernmost area, Calistoga, the wine comes from grapes grown in vineyards that carry the certifications “Napa Green” and “Fish-Friendly Farming.” Which is important because these grape growers have committed to sustainable vineyard practices and to regenerating the Napa River which flows from north to south through the

Decorating Your Table with Sparkling Wines: Sterling Vineyards California Rosé and Blanc de Blancs

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

In their shiny silver and rose-colored, metallic bottles, these two Sterling sparkling wines are definitely recommended as table decorations – and the wines are also a pleasure to drink. Crafted with medium mousse, both wines have lovely, appley elements in their aromas and flavors. The sparkling Rosé carries hints of

A New Tuscan Wine: 2015 Amantis Sangiovese Riserva DOCG

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

Even in Tuscany, sometimes you’ll get a great young, fresh wine, and sometimes the older vintages and reserve wines are better. Montecucco is a relatively new denominated region in southern Tuscany which has produced DOC-level wines in its area since 1998. Later, Montecucco Sangiovese was awarded a separate DOCG status,

Crios 2018: New Label, Same Value

Fabian Jauregui

Wine Reviews

1 min read

The pretense for sending out samples of the 2018 Crios vintage, at least from the PR folks who represent them, is a newly designed label. Funnily enough, I actually liked the old one - it was bold, unique, and always stood out on the shelf. Now that I’ve seen the

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Delightful Aperitif, Lightly Chilled: Reviseur Pineau des Charentes AOC Vieux Pineau

Aperitif or Dessert? Anyhow, Serve Chilled: Domaine de la Margotterie AOC Pineau des Charentes Blanc

The opposite of Bordeaux in Napa: 2016 Kenefick Ranch Caitlin’s Select Cabernet Franc

Ready to Drink: 2013 Kenefick Ranch Doctor’s Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Kenefick Ranch Chris’s Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon

Decorating Your Table with Sparkling Wines: Sterling Vineyards California Rosé and Blanc de Blancs

A New Tuscan Wine: 2015 Amantis Sangiovese Riserva DOCG

Crios 2018: New Label, Same Value