WineTasteTV Blogs - Latest Posts

Dirk Hampson	Dirty Talk on Wine Plaid Tidings Posted 12/08/2009 by Dirk Plaid happens to be "in" around St. Helena right now. You don't have to be Scottish or read Alexander McCall-Smith books to like plaid and we aren't going to explore any of the kilt jokes here. Our own Tim Setzer - otherwise known as "Sparky" -- is one of The Plaids who is performing at the White Barn in St. Helena in "Plaid Tidings." We caught him last weekend, which leaves this weekend in their limited ... 0 comments More >
Cathy Huyghe	365 Days Wine, Women & Respect: The Nuances of Marketing Wine to Women, at the Boston Wine School Posted 10/22/2009 by Cathy Full disclosure: I know Doris Hamner. She makes me laugh, she is my friend. We drink wine together. I like Doris Hamner.So when Jonathon Alsop of the Boston Wine School kindly extended an invitation to the tasting event that Doris was hosting last night, I accepted eagerly. The event was called Wine, Women and Respect and, knowing Doris' background (in wine and as a PhD in sociology), I was keen to hear her thoughts on a subject that I think about often too.I keep a file of notes and ideas rel ... 0 comments More >
Laura Levy	Laura's Line on Wine Madeira, Mysterious Madeira Posted 10/09/2008 by Laura Most people don't get it and can't follow it but this wonderful oxidized wine, often a blend of several indigenous grapes, can taste like nectar, 0 comments More >
Mari Stull	The Vino Vixen Fake Restaurant Wins Real Wine Spectator Award For Fake Wine List (Real Laughter Ensues) Posted 08/27/2008 by Mari I've been critical of Wine Spectator in the past. I think a lot of their ratings are bogus and based more on advertising, sample submissions, and relationships than the juice in the bottle. Now I have an entirely new justification to roll a cynical eye at arguably the most influential wine publication in print... 0 comments More >
Carolyn Crow	Wine Virgin Day Eight: A Day in Epernay Posted 06/10/2008 by Carolyn After leaving Paris on day seven, Vivian and I were staying in the heart of the Champagne region. Reims is major city center of the area, and there's lots of great wine to be had there. We spent day seven exploring the town and tasting champagne from some of the biggest producers: Veuve Cliquot and Pommery. Of course we had a marvelous time, but these cookie-cutter tours and tastings couldn't even come close to the experience we had on day eight. 0 comments More >
Derek Brown	Varietally Incorrect Under $21: Massaya Classic White Bekaa Valley 2006 Posted 06/10/2008 by Derek Massaya's Classic White, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and the autochthonous varietal Obeidi, is one of my favorite bargain wines. The wine is crisp, mineral driven with notes of melon, citrus and dried herbs-a perfect pair with soft shell-crabs, light seafood or salads. This simple but tasty wine has a place at a picnic or in dining room. 0 comments More >
Ben Giliberti	The No Spit Zone Bad Karma on 2005 Bordeaux Posted 05/05/2008 by Ben It's official. Robert Parker has just declared 2005 to be "the greatest [Bordeaux] vintage produced during my 30-year career." That stunning pronouncement is not what's causing the buzz on his website's bulletin board [eRobertParker.com; free registration required] and, undoubtedly, among Bordeaux aficionados around the world, however. 0 comments More >
Chris Blanchard	Wine Funk I Thought I Could Be a Food Critic Posted 03/24/2008 by Chris Bouchon Bistro in Yountville is often mentioned as one of the valley's top dining destinations, and with it's sister status to the French Laundry up the street, the mighty influence of Thomas Keller promises many wonderful delights. I visited on a beautiful August afternoon for a late lunch and was inspired by the energy of the packed house overflowing with a mix of visitors in Tommy Bahama shirts, shorts and sandals and the standout local winery brass decked out in suits and ties. Bouchon has the power to magically transport you directly to a typical Paris Bistro, as you imagine yourself sitting for hours with a Pernod and a steaming hot bowl of mussels and frites. The gleaming oyster counter beckons and the incredible zinc bar serves as the centerpiece of this simple, understated, yet lively dining room. 0 comments More >
Jeremy Noye	Merchant's Corner Wine Wandering Wishes Posted 02/01/2008 by Jeremy If I could go anywhere on a tasting tour this summer it would be to Jerez in southwestern Spain. I've been wanting to go check out the production of sherry for quite some time now. 2 comments More >