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
2014 Chateau du Seuil, AOC Cerons A golden-tan wine that’s perfect with seasonal desserts. It has the bright apricot nose of a classic Sauternes or Barsac – being located adjacent to these ultra high-end dessert wine regions. In keeping with the strong sustainability movement in Bordeaux, this wine is made
In his February column, Blake Gray explained why the gradual extinction of some wine styles is not always a tragedy. Today I take pleasure in upending one of the most common wine story tropes: the "disappearing underappreciated wine" story. These stories play the emotions like a zither: loss, urgency to
Today I take pleasure in upending one of the most common wine story tropes: the "disappearing underappreciated wine" story. These stories play the emotions like a zither: loss, urgency to act, the opportunity to be one of a special group of people who appreciate exotic beauty. I've written a bunch
The nose shows eucalyptus and mint, with hints of dark chocolate, all over high-toned red fruit. The palate opens with very interesting herbals, eucalyptus over mint, complementing the primary black cherry flavor. Bing cherries and raspberries are on the mid-palate. The finish lingers. Drink with lentils and wild mushrooms. A
I stumbled upon Hart's Desire at the Waterfront Tasting Room (53 Front Street, Healdsburg, CA) during Taste Alexander Valley, 2012. John Hart and his daughter, Shea, were working the room. They were both marvelous, their knowledge and enthusiasm for the wines filling the room with excitement. A small but adventurous winery,
The nose shows loads of dark fruit with a surprising kick of fresh mint. The palate is sweet and nutty, blackberry jam and toasted hazelnuts. Mint shows again on the mid-palate. Drink with strong cheeses and toasted nuts. Recommended. DH WHO: Hart's Desire WHAT: 95% Syrah Noir, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
The color is the first thing to notice, a bright rich 18k gold. The nose is sweet and floral, hibiscus with apricot and honey. Layer after layer of flavor dance across the palate, all varying variations of apricot and honey, with a bright acidic backbone ranging from sweet Key Lime