Category: Wine Reviews

Charity Wine: Drinking for “Good”

Two Organizations Offering Quality Napa Wines with Charitable Benefits 

We already know about the health and mood-lifting benefits of a great glass of wine, but adding a philanthropic element makes it even better. While cause-related wine is not a new concept, I met two business owners this past week who are putting their own unique spin on charity wine. As we approach the holidays, I thought it would be fitting to profile these opportunities to drink and buy wine for “good.”

Humanitas Wines

Operating under the mantra “Drink Charitably,” Napa-based Humanitas Wines donates their profits to local branch organizations that benefit three issues: hunger (Feeding America), affordable housing (Habitat for Humanity) and education. Continue reading Charity Wine: Drinking for “Good”

Wine Reviews: Magnificent Napa Merlot

Wines That Will Inspire You to Give Merlot a Second Chance

Some days, Merlot is my favorite of the five Bordeaux grape varietals. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear, “this wine will really appeal to Cab-lovers” when tasting some of the great full-bodied Merlots out there. Several of the bottles I’ve tried certainly live up to that sentiment. I’m sure many of you know the hit Merlot took after the movie “Sideways” was released in 2004. After eight years, it’s time to look ahead and revisit the beauty this grape has to offer. Following are reviews of Merlots I’ve recently sampled across a wide price range* for you to consider.

Merlot Reviews
  • Pahlmeyer 2009 Merlot ($75) – This is one of the crème-de-la-crèmes of Napa Valley and a wonderful special-occasion wine, rated 94 points by Wine Spectator. The 2009 is comprised of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet. The nose on this one was amazing, with notes of oak, violet, cranberry and mocha. Flavors included cherry and allspice. It displayed soft tannins and a nice, lengthy finish. Rating: 4.50 Continue reading Wine Reviews: Magnificent Napa Merlot

A Weekend of Wine; a Bounty of Reviews

Five Napa Valley Wine Reviews

Every so often, we enjoy what I call a “Weekend of Tasting” with the goal of sharing a series of Napa Valley wine reviews. This usually involves gathering with a few others who equally appreciate the beauty each bottle brings and are open to reaching into the far corners of their cellars to share their favorite picks with the group. This past weekend, we spent time with family in Michigan and opened some pretty wonderful wines. Five of my top Napa picks are well worth recommending:

Wine Wednesday Pour: Larkmead Red Wine (2010)

A Review of One of Larkmead Vineyards’ Newest Releases

Aside from offering one of the best and most scenic tasting experiences in Napa Valley, Larkmead Vineyards produces a spectacular line-up of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends. Over the years, we’ve struggled to hold onto our bottles of Cabernet, Firebelle, LMV Salon and Solari, instead opting to consume them shortly after purchase. With a history dating back to the late 1800’s, the team at Larkmead prides themselves on being farmers-first; this dedication to the care of their vineyards and grapes shines through in their wines. Larkmeads’ vineyards are located in Calistoga, one of Napa Valley’s newest AVA’s, which defines its distinctive flavors and velvety mouthfeel. Theirs are wines that make you sip and take notice because they’re so bold and intricately laced with complex layers of aromas, flavors and textures. With this consistent quality, it’s no surprise that Larkmead wines are harder and harder to come by. This is why we were so thrilled to learn about the 2010 Larkmead Red Wine. Continue reading Wine Wednesday Pour: Larkmead Red Wine (2010)

Wine of the Week: Behrens Family Winery, “The Knockout” (2009)

Friday is my favorite night for wine; nothing helps to close out a long work week like good company and a stellar vino. Last night, we opted for a bold wine. Appropriately named, “The Knockout” is a rich, dark Cabernet (84%) blended with Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). Like its cousin, “The Fighter,” this bottle showcases one of Les Behrens’ prized art pieces featuring a boxing ring and all the drama and glory contained within the ropes. Still young, this wine was dramatic, as well. As you might expect, it appeared a dark garnet color in the glass. We also didn’t give it much air or time to decant before taking an initial sip. A few swirls helped to release aromas of dark berries, anise and cedar. (Side note: I always like to take an initial sniff and then try again after I’ve covered the glass with my hand to make the experience more intense.)
Continue reading Wine of the Week: Behrens Family Winery, “The Knockout” (2009)