“Truly Vintage.” Meadowcroft ‘Cru de la Ruche’ Malbec 2016
It had been a few years since our New Years tradition had been honored; two kids and other aspects of life having prevented Sonja and I from renting a lodge […]
Author Archives: Mark & Sonja Gudgel
“Happy New Year 2018!”
2017 was a pretty great year. From a family and friends perspective, we have been blessed with wonderful people in our lives and the best kids we could ever ask […]
“Bring the wine.” Saddleback Cellars Rancher Red 2013
Please don’t misunderstand — I enjoy cooking. It’s one of my favorite things to do. That said, since taking up my post as wine-writer-in-residence I also enjoy the fact that, […]
“Merry Christmas 2017.” Review: Illahe Project 1899 Pinot Noir 2014 (and others)
In my profession, though short, this month drags on as teenage behaviors grow more and more erratic the closer we get to winter break. My classic 1991 Jeep Wrangler was […]
“Something about the best laid plans.” Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 2015
Our friends Dave and Andrea, whom we hadn’t seen in almost a year since Dave took a job in Texas, were coming back to town for Christmas. Originally, we planned […]
“Could I get your opinion?”
Dear Readers, As the year draws to a close, I’d first like to say that I’m thankful to all of you who regularly — or even sporadically, read this blog. […]
“How’s that for perspective?” Review: Kenefick Ranch ‘Chris’s Cuvee’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
I buried a friend today, figuratively speaking. What really happened was that I went to the celebration of life for someone I worked with, saw daily, and respected tremendously. We […]
“Actually, it’s a duck.” Meadowcroft Grenache 2013
My father loves to tell the story of the time that he, my cousin Todd, and I were riding in grandpa’s 1972 F100 pickup truck. We were out at the […]
“On all day.” Review: Pine & Brown Rutherford Cab Sauv 2014
Some nights, you just need a good glass of wine. Last night was one of those. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of the stuff around here, but when that’s the case, […]
“Woah!” Ledson Howell Mountain Cab Sauv 2013
The mark of good comedy, to me, is when I laugh aloud, and not just in my head. It’s pretty cool when something forces you to articulate your thoughts, and […]
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