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Merlot Thursday: Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Merlot (2021)
Today’s #MerlotThursday pick is a by-the-glass pour at The Wine Authority: The 2021 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Merlot. Welcome, wine friends–let’s bring Merlot back! 🍇🍷 Ferrari-Carano makes moderately-priced, food-friendly wines from their Sonoma County vineyards. I generally find them to be a good value and I reviewed their exuberant Dry Sangiovese Rosé earlier this year. In…
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Review: La Croix Bonis Saint-Estèphe Bordeaux (2018)
No adventurous pairings or exotic bottles tonight. It’s Restaurant Week in Dallas, which means it’s time for some steak ‘n Bordeaux! For local foodies, taking full advantage of DFW Restaurant Week–it actually lasts for more than a month–can be hard on the liver, the waistline, and the wallet. That’s why me and my table opted…
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Merlot Thursday: Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Merlot (2019)
Happy #MerlotThursday! This week’s bottle was recommended and enjoyed at The Wine Authority in Richardson, Texas. I was in the wine shop for a LunaGaia tasting event. They were all biodynamic Sicilian wines from the 2023 vintage. After challenging my palate with those acids and tannins and native yeasts and unfamiliar grapes, I was ready…
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Merlot Thursday: Morpho Helena Merlot (2024)
There are at least three places where wine just tastes better: In the vineyard, in the cellar, and in the middle of the ocean. The latter place is where I am this #MerlotThursday, onboard the Enchanted Princess and cruising across the Gulf of Mexico. The house wines on Princess Cruises are a mixed bag and…
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Merlot Thursday: Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot (2019)
For this #MerlotThursday, I’m diving into a bottle of deep red Washington Merlot from Chateau Ste. Michelle. This 2019 estate bottling comes from the Canoe Ridge vineyard of Horse Heaven Hills. In keeping with the spirit of the exercise of Merlot appreciation, I was poking all over The Wine Authority‘s shelves for an example of…
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Review: Château La Gaffelière “Dame de Gaffelière” Saint-Emilion (2020)
I sure do love Bordeaux, but I’d like to retire at some point–hopefully within the next 25-30 years. I really cringe at spending more than $40 retail on a bottle. That means many of the famous Bordeaux producers are a no-go, except for a small taste here or there. Lately, I’ve been really into second…
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Rombauer Vineyards tasting at The Wine Authority (Richardson, TX)
It was a Rombauer power hour at The Wine Authority last Tuesday. A Rombauer Vineyards rep stopped by to pour a whole slew of their wines to a thirsty afternoon crowd. Picks included their well-known Napa Valley Cabernet, along with a super-premium version of the Carneros Chardonnay and the single-estate “El Dorado” Zinfandel. (Apologies for…
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Review: Rowdy Creek Ranch Texas Merlot (2022)
Gather ’round the chuck wagon, ’cause today I’m pouring a 2022 Texas Merlot from Rowdy Creek Ranch. Located in Gilmer, Texas (about 20 minutes northeast of Longview), Rowdy Creek Ranch is a 450-acre country resort that opened in 2022. A 22-acre winery is on site. The property is equipped with a venue and event space,…
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Local Sips: Tasting Tuesday at Antonio Ristorante (Addison, TX)
Do you like Italian wine and Italian food? Of course–everybody does, unless they’re nuts. Would you like to know a weeknight date idea that won’t empty your wallet or leave you so full you swear you’ll never eat again? Then check out Antonio Ristorante in Addison Circle. Antonio’s offers a seasonal 3-course tasting menu on…
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Mixing it up with Clos du Val’s blending seminar
It was a fab Cab lab at The Wine Authority this past Saturday. Napa Valley’s Clos du Val was in the house with barrel samples from the 2023 vintage–and one very special finished wine, the 2021 Yettalil blend ($200 retail). I booked the blending seminar for “educational” purposes. My wife (and fellow Cab lover) Sarah…
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Bordeaux Wine Dinner at Lavendou (Dallas, TX)
I may not be able to travel to Bordeaux at the moment…but I couldn’t resist it when Bordeaux came to my backyard. Last night, Lavendou Bistro Provincial hosted three Bordeaux winery owners. Wines from three distinct appellations were paired with three main courses for a decadent meal that was worth skipping lunch for. The evening…