…true quality is that which succeeds in surprising and moving us. It is not locked inside a formula. Its essence is subtle (subjective) and never rational. It resides in the unique, the singular, but it is ultimately connected to something more universal. A great wine is one in which quality is contained. Such a wine will necessarily be uncommon and decidedly unique because it cannot be like any other, and because of this fact it will be atypical, or only typical of itself.
So says winemaker André Ostertag in Kermit Lynch’s Inspiring Thirst (page 279). Continue reading →
It’s the heart of winter here in Southern California, and we’ve been getting drenched.
While grateful that this may mean the end of the drought, the intense rain raises fears of floods and debris flows. Indeed, after four days of steady rain, we got about 8″ which is more than half of our average annual rain fall for this desert region. Many people were evacuated and the Ventura River flooded its banks requiring the exodus of people camping in the RV resort along its banks. Continue reading →
You can’t tell from THIS photo but this wine has a super power which you’ll find if you turn it around and check out the back label: Continue reading →
I decided, in keeping with my New Year’s Resolution to focus on organic and biodynamic wines to do just that and feature two Argentinean wineries that are organic: Santa Julia and Domaine Bousquet paired with Sue’s homemade empanadas and a black bean chimichurri salad with dulce de leche from the instant pot for dessert. We also decided to pair up similar wines: two chardonnay, two malbec, and two Sauvignon blanc but form two wines in two locations at two price points. On a subsequent night, I paired the two chardonnay with lobster with ravioli and nasturtium pesto and the reds with nine hour lamb made in the instant pot. All wines are samples for my review consideration and all opinions are my own without monetary compensation.Continue reading →
To celebrate my Hoppy Birthday, I’m popping bottles of a different sort than you might expect for a WINE PREDATOR. Instead of Champagne, I’m heading to “Hop Henge” and I swear it won’t be my “Ruination.” (Well, all right, I will be popping some corks too!)
One of the most important musicians of the 20th century, Elvis Presley was born on this day, January 8, in 1935 (coincidentally, another very important musician, David Bowie, was also born on this day in 1947! (Read a tribute to Bowie here).
wine predator.............. gwendolyn alley 