wines

Alain Brumont's achievements have placed him in the top tier of French winemakers. From the famous Alain Brumont comes the premium estates of Chateau Montus, Chateau Bouscasse, La Tyre (super premium single vineyard), the new concept Torus (using grapes from both estates), the wonderful sweet white Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, and the well reviewed VDP Gascogne range. "These are unreal wines that are purely made, remarkably rich, and so complete and promising that they cannot be ignored." Robert Parker "The wines of Alain Brumont are at the same level as Chateau Latour and the greatest wines in the world." "Alain Brumont is, in the world of wines 'A bull fighter'? Steven Spurrier of Decanter "Alain Brumont is simply the best and most forward-thinking vintner in Madiran" Wine Spectator

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Winemaker and author Monty Waldin talks to Adam Lechmere about his latest book on biodynamics

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When you step foot on it, you know you are home." With these simple words Debra Mathy, proprietor of Sonoma's Dutcher Crossing Winery, describes not only the experience she seeks for visitors to her Dry Creek Valley estate but also the very essence of her role in the wine industry: warmth and hospitality. Together with her talented and accomplished consulting winemaker, Kerry Damskey, Mathy aims to provide in a comfortable and inviting ambiance a truly unique and handcrafted taste of the region's fruit. I sat down with the two to discuss the vision and mission of her recently purchased winery, the focus and direction of his winemaking style, and their collective commitment to expressing the local terroir

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Located at 1600 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains the views from the stately red schoolhouse winery are unparalleled. In this peaceful sun-drenched paradise, you can relax with a picnic and a bottle of fine estate wine, surrounded by beautiful vineyards and redwood covered mountains that stretch all the way to the sea. Wine portfolio: Experience wines that are truly'At the Head of Their Class!' Sip our'Teacher's Pet' Estate Chardonnay, Old School Cabernet,'Principal's Choice' Estate Pinot Noir,'Extra Credit' Estate Cabernet Franc,'Spring Break' Estate Syrah.'Detention Red' Ryan Oaks Zinfandel,'Dean's List' Cabernet,'Class Reunion' Old Vine Zin/Mataro/Carignane (from vines planted in 1898), and our premium Bordeaux blend,'Valedictorian.' School was never this much fun! Directions: Located halfway between San Jose and Santa Cruz on Summit Road, 3.5 miles east of the intersection of Hwy. 17 and Summit Road. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11-5.

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Both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are made in a variety of styles, and both can be made into anything from a crisp, dry white to a sweet late-harvest-style dessert wine. You could find examples of Sauvignon Blanc sweeter than a Chardonnay, and you could find examples of the reverse, too. But overall, I wouldn't describe Sauvignon Blanc as 'sweeter' than Chardonnay. In fact, I would expect the vast majority of Sauvignon Blancs to be leaner, crisper and more herbal than the vast majority of Chardonnays.

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• 30. Hartford 2007 Highwire Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
• 29. Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot 2006 Saint-Emilion
• 28. Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
• 27.Bonny Doon 2006 Le Pousseur Syrah (Central Coast)
• 26. Madrigal 2005 Barberis Family Vineyard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
• 25.Two Hands 2006 Bad Impersonator Single Vineyard Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
• 24.Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Catena Alta Malbec (Mendoza)
• 23. Adelaida 2006 HM
R Estate Pinot Noir (Paso Robles)
• 22. Trenza 2007 Tinto (San Luis Obispo County)
• 21. Betz Family 2006 Pcre de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley)
• 20. Au Bon Climat 2006 Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay

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There are a few things that every respectable man needs to know. One of these things is how to select an appropriate bottle of wine for any occasion. The AskMen.com editors recently attended the Montreal Wine and Spirits Show to investigate some of the more popular wine varietals, and we?ve come back with this primer on five wines you should know. Bear in mind that we?re only scratching the surface here, and that true depth of knowledge will rest on your own exploration. Start your journey of wine-discovery by exploring the five wines you should know, tasting our recommendations and picking your favorites.

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Wine and Food pairings is an individual choice. Every person's sense of taste is different. In general, each person should decide for him or herself what combinations of wine and food taste good - don't worry about what anyone else says should work. However, I understand this is difficult when a wine drinker is just starting out. Hence, this listing. Remember - these are only guidelines!! You will figure out quite quickly that your own tongue has its own idea of what goes well with what. Trust your own judgement, and eat and drink what you enjoy! Typically, you want to drink light-to-dark, just as when you plan a meal you start with delicate tastes and work towards heavier tastes. For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with appetizers or opening courses in a meal. It also goes well with sushi and very light meals, and of course as an after-dinner celebration

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Wine and Food pairings is an individual choice. Every person's sense of taste is different. In general, each person should decide for him or herself what combinations of wine and food taste good - don't worry about what anyone else says should work. However, I understand this is difficult when a wine drinker is just starting out. Hence, this listing. Remember - these are only guidelines!! You will figure out quite quickly that your own tongue has its own idea of what goes well with what. Trust your own judgement, and eat and drink what you enjoy! Typically, you want to drink light-to-dark, just as when you plan a meal you start with delicate tastes and work towards heavier tastes. For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with appetizers or opening courses in a meal. It also goes well with sushi and very light meals, and of course as an after-dinner celebration

read full stroy

Wine and Food pairings is an individual choice. Every person's sense of taste is different. In general, each person should decide for him or herself what combinations of wine and food taste good - don't worry about what anyone else says should work. However, I understand this is difficult when a wine drinker is just starting out. Hence, this listing. Remember - these are only guidelines!! You will figure out quite quickly that your own tongue has its own idea of what goes well with what. Trust your own judgement, and eat and drink what you enjoy! Typically, you want to drink light-to-dark, just as when you plan a meal you start with delicate tastes and work towards heavier tastes. For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with appetizers or opening courses in a meal. It also goes well with sushi and very light meals, and of course as an after-dinner celebration

read full stroy