Wine Weekly
Wine Reviews Tasting Notes and Education for the Non-Snob
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Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz
December 7, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Yowza. And I feel it’s OK to use “yowza” as a descriptor for a wine called “Jip Jip Rocks”. When I spend 12-13 bucks for an Aussie Shiraz, I expect to get a fruit-forward, jammy, flabby, cocktail wine which may or may not have a quick finish. And that type of wine is not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, it’s a profile that I occasionally am in the mood for. So when I picked up this bottle for $12.99, I wasn’t expecting much other than a big glob of black berry fruit. Suffice... [Read the full story]
Reds
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz
December 7, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Yowza. And I feel it’s OK to use “yowza” as a descriptor for a wine called “Jip Jip Rocks”. When I spend 12-13 bucks for an Aussie Shiraz, I expect to get a fruit-forward, jammy, flabby, cocktail wine which may or may not have a quick finish. And that type of wine is not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, it’s a profile that I occasionally am in the mood for. So when I picked up this bottle for $12.99, I wasn’t expecting much other than a big glob of black berry fruit. Suffice... [Read the full story]
Whites
White Wine Review: Clean Slate Riesling
November 7, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Too often people walk right by that section of the wine shop where all the tall and skinny green bottles are shelved — also known as “Germany” and/or “Alsace”. Those confusing-looking labels with long, unpronounceable names like “Trockenberenauslese” and “Gewurztraminer” are too intimidating for the average wine buyer. And if that description fits you, don’t feel bad — those foreign marketers could do a much better job of making it easier for you. One importer... [Read the full story]
Pinks
Rose Wine Review: Artazuri
October 9, 2008 · Leave a Comment
It’s not too late to drink rose wine — in fact many of this year’s releases are still fresh and vibrant. Which is a good thing, since pink wines tend to be enjoyable on their own and match with a wide variety of foods. This particular rose comes from an importer I respect highly — I have yet to be disappointed with the price/quality ratio of an “Eric Solomon Selection”. Finding his name on the back label of a wine I’ve never seen before is often the deciding factor in whether I’ll... [Read the full story]
Under $15
Rocca delle Macie Morellino “Campomaccione”
November 12, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Rocca delle Macie Morellino di Scansano “Campomaccione” 2005 Do not be intimidated by the long, somewhat threatening words on the label of this wine. It’s nothing to be afraid of — in fact, it’s something with which you’re likely very familiar. Morellino di Scansano seems difficult to pronounce on first glance. It’s not — it sounds the way it looks, just say it slowly the first few times (alone, in a dark room, of course). And remember Vino Joe’s general rule of thumb: any wine... [Read the full story]
Gadgets
Wine Gadget: Waring Chiller
August 26, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Since most of my friends and family are aware of my wine geekiness, I tend to receive wine accessories as birthday and holiday gifts. So it was no surprise that I eventually unwrapped a Waring Wine Chiller. It was in fact one of those items I’d never have bought for myself — mainly because I live in a very small (900 sq. ft.) abode and therefore don’t have the room to store non-essential appliances (would anyone be interested in a salad dryer, by the way?). And isn’t that the ideal gift? One that... [Read the full story]
Uncorked!
Nick Faldo Launches Wines
August 20, 2008 · Leave a Comment
As if the world didn’t have enough celebrity “winemakers” … The latest well-known name to dabble into wine production is golfing great Nick Faldo. Faldo has launched a new line of “easy drinking” wines, just in time for the Rhyder’s Cup golf tournament between the US and Europe (September 19-21). We can be certain that the wines’ release corresponding with the tournament is NOT a coincidence. Interestingly, “Faldo Wines” have been around since 2000 — it is... [Read the full story]
Wineries
Winery Profile: Rubicon Estate
September 3, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Perhaps the greatest tragedy in the history of American winemaking is the story of Inglenook. Most of today’s casual wine drinkers know Inglenook as “one of those jug wines”. However, the “old school” wine folks, and anyone who has did a bit of research on American wine history, knows that the “real” Inglenook is quite the opposite: one of the most respected labels California has ever produced. But don’t take it from me — pick up a copy of James Conaway’s novel-like... [Read the full story]
Wine Basics
Wine Term: Earthy
Does this term mean the wine is 100% organic? Does it mean it’s “plain and simple in style”, or “plain in taste” as Merriam-Webster defines? No, no,... [Read more]
More Wine Basics and Reference
Wine Accessories, Gifts and Gadgets
Wine Gadget: Waring Chiller
Since most of my friends and family are aware of my wine geekiness, I tend to receive wine accessories as birthday and holiday gifts. So it was no surprise that I eventually unwrapped... [Read more]
More Gifts and Gadgets
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More Wines for Thanksgiving
Last week you read about several wines that are ideal for the Thanksgiving feast. Today the last-minute shoppers have a few more to consider. Dinari del... [Read more]
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2008
Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrive! For those who don’t speak French, what that means is the first wine of the 2008 vintage — made from grapes picked... [Read more]
Wines for Thanksgiving
A week from now, the USA will be celebrating the annual “bird day” better known as Thanksgiving, enjoying a feast of myriad dishes surrounding... [Read more]
Rocca delle Macie Morellino “Campomaccione”
Rocca delle Macie Morellino di Scansano “Campomaccione” 2005 Do not be intimidated by the long, somewhat threatening words on the label of this wine.... [Read more]
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