Winter continues to sidestep the true arrival of spring in the Bay Area as rains fall heavily and fog ensconces homes in the evening.   Continued moisture ensures blooms and on pace, spring continues to press forward despite slightly abnormally wet conditions. Whether in the rain, the fog or by luck of catching a break in […]

Spring brings crisp cool temperatures in Napa Valley and throughout much of the United States.  Senses continue to liven as floral scents drift past the nose from camellias, daffodils, nemesia and other spring flowers.   The palate shakes off the slumber of winter, heavy dishes and tannic red wines to search for something brighter, cleaner and […]

Winter simply did not seem ready to throw in the towel at the end of February.   All around the Bay Area and throughout Napa Valley there were reports of snow dusted mountain peaks, dangerous frost warnings and unseasonably cold temperatures.   Yet on Sunday morning despite such chilly weather, seemingly overnight, the blooms on my camellia […]

As February coasts to a quiet close, it seems as though all who are writing for this site are enamored with Merlot.   Earlier this week, a Reserve Merlot was featured from the Virginia wine country in the United States as the monthly featured wine for the Mid-Atlantic Vine and two weeks prior, in Denver, a […]

Once upon a time in Napa Valley, “field blend” red wines graced many a table.   Popular as they were, whims drove vineyards to change vine composition such that today to find a true single vineyard “field blend” in Napa Valley is a rarity. What is a Field Blend Red Wine? To be a “field blend”, […]