I was recently pouring wine for some friends when I detected that familiar aroma, “cork”.  I explained to them why I was discarding the bottle, and while they both politely nodded, it was obvious that neither of them had any idea what I was talking about. This is not that big a deal [...]

Here is an issue I have been dealing with for years, friends who believe that they are allergic to sulfites.  Sulfites are possibly the most misunderstood aspect of winemaking by the general public. Let’s spend a few minutes discussing the benefits of sulfites and dispelling some of the rumors and wives’ [...]

I know the blog is called “wines that don’t suck”, but for those of you who know me personally you know that I love really good whiskey, rums and tequila.
Last night a rep came in from Heaven Hills Distillery with a couple of products that I had not had the chance to taste yet which [...]

Thorn-Clarke 2006 Shotfire Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Australia
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So one of the few people following this blog so far mentioned that I had not posted anything in few days, so I figured I better get to writing.
We just got in a new Cabernet  from Thorn-Clarke called Shotfire and it received great press from [...]

We recently made plans to enjoy a Saturday night barbeque with a our neighbors. As Texans (the neighbors), barbeque always consists of brisket, and only brisket, smoked for 10-11 hours. Not having a smoker, I decided to bring a few racks of mustard/bourbon glazed baby back ribs. We paired a nice Sonoma Zinfandel (Turley) which [...]

This is one of the best Pinot Noir’s I have had since the movie Sideways came out and started the over planting and over production of this fantastic varietal.  The Palliser Estate 2006 Pinot Noir is a great food wine for around $30 and it is not what I was expecting from a New Zealand [...]

Syrah is the fastest growing (in popularity/planting) grape in our country. Cabernet Sauvignon is still king, but more like a modern day king in his waning years, who has no heir of his own.  I attribute this to two things; the obvious similarity in taste from one Cab to the next (which is one [...]

After 2 Days of tasting the 1800 wines entered into this years New World international Wine Competition were narrowed down to the 4 best and 1 ultimate winner.
The sweepstakes tasting takes the best red wine, the best white wine, the best sparkling wine and the best dessert wine and from those 4 we (the judges) [...]

I am off to the NWIWC annual wine competition in California this weekend.  I know what you are thinking  - what a great job.  I gotta tell you that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.  Two days of tastings wines - day 1 will be over 100 wines and day 2 about half [...]

Date Tasted: 3/6/09
Alcohol Content: 13%
Wine: Los Vascos 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley Chile - Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite)

Notes: Wow - this wine has some zing to it.  It is almost clear in color with a nose bursting with tropical fruits - papaya, citrus and pineapple are dominant.  Flavors follow through with more of the [...]