If a Bonny Doon label says, "A Proper Claret," one thing you can be sure of is that it is not quite proper after all. Tannat and Syrah join traditional Bordeaux grapes here, and it works. Cabernet offers up classic cassis, softened by Merlot and leaned out by Tannat. Petit Verdot accounts
Combining the pleasantly mineral and grippy character of Carignane with rounder notes from five other grape varieties, this inexpensive offering from Bonny Doon is rather easy-going, despite the contrarian attitude implied in the name (which also refers to Contra Costa County, where most of the grapes come from). That contradictory
Another wine, a rosé this time, in Randall Grahm’s own idiosyncratic style. Lovely nose of strawberry, melon, and flowers with a hint of vanilla at the back. Very expressive on the palate, especially for a rosé, with sweet but not-read more-
Another wine, a rosé this time, in Randall Grahm’s own idiosyncratic style. Lovely nose of strawberry, melon, and flowers with a hint of vanilla at the back. Very expressive on the palate, especially for a rosé, with sweet but not-read more-
A typical offering from Randall Grahm, a winemaker who doesn’t like to do things by halves. Have to mention the also usual intriguing Bonny Doon packaging—in this case, a label reminiscent of a medieval tarot card. Strong notes of black-read more-
Lively, translucent, light purple color. Gorgeous nose of strawberry and blueberry, pepper, slight smoke, meat, and that classic Grenache hint of hard candy. The red fruit continues on the palate with delightful notes of strawberry, rhubarb, and cranberry, that shine-read more-
In America, apple cider is a fixture of country fairs, farmers’ markets and hayrides around the nation. Children dunk apple cider doughnuts into warmed and spiced apple cider in the fall. In the summer, served chilled, it is a refreshingly-read more-
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the 13th annual Rhône Rangers Grand Tasting in San Francisco, featuring over 500 wines from more than 100 wineries. Rhône Rangers has grown from the original 13 producers to include 200 wineries-read more-