Rombauer Winery Review
When I think of Rombauer wines, I think first of overstatement. Their famous Zinfandel typically sits just under a hot 16%, while their notorious Chardonnay, unaffectionately known as “cougar juice” […]
Author Archives: Mark & Sonja Gudgel
“A Classic.” Review: Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2014
About a year ago, my wife Sonja and I had the opportunity to visit Schramsberg, the second oldest winery in the Napa Valley, founded at the foot of Diamond Mountain […]
WSET II: “Plugging Away At It.”
I’m going to continue to write about my WSET studies as often as possible, in part to offer information and encouragement to others pursuing their certificate, and in part to […]
“2,628,000 minutes, 2,628,000 journeys to plan…” Review: Buena Vista ‘Chateau Buena Vista’ Cab Sauv 2013
I had set a Google calendar reminder, probably soon after Mark and I got engaged. It was the date of our first date ever, March 31, a date I felt […]
Ladoga Ridge Winery Review
There are seven towns in the world named “Ladoga,” two in Russia and five in the United States. The two in Russia are located in Leningrad Oblast, and the five […]
“Second chances.” Review: Chronic Cellars Suite Petite 2015
My meeting tonight, the meeting I went to after I put in a full day of everything else, of course, involved going over applications that the committee had already rejected, […]
“Pairs well with fish nuggets?!” Review: Bouchard Aîné & Fils Mâcon-Villages 2014
Yesterday was stressful. I had a last-minute meeting called at 8 in the morning that cut into the time I really needed to get things done, and spent the […]
“Carolina in my mind.” Review: Q Collection Cab Sauv 2014
“In my mind, I’m gone to Carolina… yes I’m gone to Carolina in my mind.” My father used to play this classic James Taylor song, amongst others, while he did […]
WSET II: “A bit of encouragement.”
As most of you know, I’m studying to take my WSET II exam this summer. My friend and studying-companion, Zach, is confident on a level that is almost irritating. He […]
“Trying Something New.” Review: JCB No. 21 NV
Brut Burgundy, a real treat. I broke this out for guests on our patio last Saturday. We’d tasted a few Pinot Noir blind, looking to spot differences between Willamette, Central […]
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