Monthly Archives: July 2012

• You Can’t Drink a Label or Price Tag

  “You can’t drink a label or a price tag or anyone else’s palate.” How often have my friends and tasting companions heard me utter those exact words? More times than they care to remember, I’m sure. And all this time I thought they were reaching for another bottle of wine simply because they liked it, Read More

  Posted in Interesting Wine Info, Notes from the Panel

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  • July 31, 2012
  • by Don Lahey

• Collector’s Series Top Picks

  Choosing this month’s Collector Series Top Picks isn’t any easier than in previous months, but I don’t feel the same sense of guilt. Why? This month’s Collector Series white has a good self image. Colli di Lapio’s delicious Fiano di Avellino has been a perennial favorite of mine and of the club membership, too, so Read More

  Posted in Featured Selections, Notes from the Panel

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  • July 24, 2012
  • by Don Lahey

• Don’s Premier Series Top Picks

  This month’s first Premier Series Top Pick is a no brainer for my palate.  Pietra Santa’s 2009 Cienega Valley Pinot Noir gets the first nod.  Why?  Pietra Santa had built an enviable reputation over the years for fashioning classic Italian varietals, most notably Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from Read More

  Posted in Featured Selections, Notes from the Panel

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  • July 18, 2012
  • by Don Lahey

• Chardonnay: A Love Hate Relationship

  True confessions, yes!  Remorse, no, I don’t plan to lose any sleep over past transgressions, mine or anyone else’s.  So, here it goes.  Years ago, I loved  Chardonnay, and then I just lost interest.  At first, it was benign neglect.  But then I found myself loathing quite a few Chardonnays, especially a certain breed of Read More

  Posted in Interesting Wine Info, Wine Humor

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  • July 6, 2012
  • by Don Lahey

• Best Summertime Sangria

  (Serves 4 people, with room for refills) 2 Bottles of White Zinfandel (I prefer using White Zinfandel to red because it is lighter and crisper, and mixes well with any fruit I decide to use) ½ cup Remy Martin VSOP ½ cup Absolut Peach Vodka 1 can papaya juice 1 can guava juice 1 cup Read More

  Posted in Recipes and Pairings

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  • July 4, 2012
  • by Kristina Manning