A Robb Wirt Experience

As I drove up the windy road to the Chappellet Vineyard and Winery I could just tell that I was about to escape the hum-drum of corporate winery’s that just want to get me in, sample a tablespoon of wine, scoff at me for not purchasing two cases, and then scoot me along without so much as an explanation as to why I would want to buy their wine to begin with. I think that capitalism and tourism often depletes the passion once fermented from many wineries [...]

In an unprecedented road show, Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines has just completed a six-city tour showcasing benchmark wines from the extensive DC&E portfolio. The winemakers and winery principals from world renowned Burgundy Domaines traveled with the tour to pour and discuss their wines with industry guests and media in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, [...]

K.L. Riley Blackbird Vineyards represents an artistic and approach to winemaking that appeals to the conservative wine drinker as well as the young demographic. Located in Napa Valley, Blackbird has a very hands on style, literally handpicking all their fruit for bottling. Their passion for winemaking translates into a superior product and in my opinion [...]

By K.L. Riley When I heard that the best female golfer of all time was getting into the wine business I was excited and skeptical. I’ve tasted different wines from various professional golfers and the result has always been good but not overwhelming. Well Annika Sorenstam has really set a new standard and in my [...]

By K.L. Riley

Hewiton Winery is a great new addition to the fabulous wine making world of Australia. Founded in 1998, winemaker Dean Hewitson had a vision to produce fine wines using a combination of old vineyards and old world wine making techniques while maintaining an innovative style. Hewitson is dedicated to producing traditionally-made, expressive [...]

By K.L. Riley The 2006 George De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon represents a great Rutherford winemaking tradition that dates back to the early 1900’s. Named after the wineries founder, the Georges De Latour is the flagship of BV winery and with one sip it’s easy to see the dedication, innovation, and style that went [...]

By K.L. Riley Cakebread Winery represents the finest in Napa Valley horticulture and an American dream realized by an extraordinary family. For over 30 years Cakebread winery has been perfecting the art of making wine and even though this family name has always been on the tongues of wine drinkers it has now come into [...]

By K.L. Riley I had an opportunity to sit with Sean Tevik, Sommelier from Spaghetti Western Productions last week and I want to share some of our conversation. Spaghetti Western Productions is an umbrella company that boasts 3 eclectic restaurants ( Cowboy Ciao, Sea Saw, Digestif ) and a wine bar ( Kazimierz) in Scottsdale [...]

By K.L. Riley The Langham Hotel in Pasadena California is now hosting a monthly winemakers dinner. There couldn’t be a more perfect setting than this 5 diamond resort nestled in the outskirts of downtown Pasadena. Diamond chandeliers, marble floors, and impeccable service create an impressive backdrop for you to enjoy fine dining with fine wine [...]

By K.L. Riley

I have always had a love hate relationship with California Cabernets because my palette leans more towards old world style wines. The California Cabernets that are more fruit forward lack structure and acidity that help the wine maintain age-ability and structure.

By K.L. Riley

There are many types of wine for all types of people. One of the things I have learned from working with wine is that there is no such thing as a bad bottle.

By K.L. Riley

The holiday season, for wine enthusiasts, is a time for drinking a lot of wine. Some of the wines we drink are a little cheaper due to the lack of family/friends that will appreciate a good bottle, but there is always that one day that we go absolutely nuts and pull out that one bottle that we have been saving for this exact moment. I was fortunate to be at the residence of a close friend with an amazing cellar for most of the Christmas season this year and I’m still in shock.

By K.L. Riley Robert Craig winery represents a style and approach to wine that everyone can relate to.  I have met Robert “bob” on many different occasions but I recently had the opportunity to speak with him at one of his wine tastings in Scottsdale.  We both share a passion for Mount Veeder  wines  (a [...]

Chris Ringland is a celebrity in Australia and his wines are considered a great representation of Barossa fruit. When I heard that his wines are as smooth as his personality I couldn’t resist the temptation try one of them.

By K.L. Riley

Wine quote of the week;
Bacchus we thank who gave us wine
which warms the blood within our veins;
that nectar is itself divine.
The man who drinks not, yet attains
by godly grace to human rank
would be an angel if he drank.
Pierre Motin
French drinking song