OF WINE AND OAK The iconic oak barrel. And all its associations to the world of wine. How did it come to be so? Why is it used for wine? Was it always used? When did it come about? Who started it? As Mr.Peabody might have said, “Set the Wayback Machine to the ancient...
winemaking
What Grandpa Taught Me
Why can't I focus on wine today? Because it's over 80° in the shade? Because I am exhausted from my two week vacation visiting my family in Chicago? Because one of my cats is mad at me? A GLASSFULL OF MEMORIES I have to confess, I'm still sipping rosé. Nice and...
What the heck, have some Malbec!
As most of you know, Northwest Cellars has a 100% 2014 Malbec wine. I hope you have all tried it, not only because it is just plain delicious, but it will treat you to one of the many expressions of this grape. Here's a little history and information if you are...
To Age Or Not To Age…
SHOULD I LET MY WINE AGE? To people who ask how long they should hold a wine, Bob frequently says "If you like the way the wine tastes now, drink it within 2 years." Sound advice, I think. For cellaring wine is a personal and imprecise business. And, while I...
Days of Wines and Rosés
Guess what?!? Northwest Cellars is now selling a rosé wine! Bob has been reluctant to add another wine to our extensive list, but, look! Ask often enough, and, by golly, there it is! Now I know from the tasting room that some people aren't interested in rosés. And, I...
If Anybody Orders Merlot…!
"If anybody orders merlot, I'm leaving! I'm not drinking any f...ing merlot!" Miles from the movie 'Sideways'. Wow. Miles had some strong feelings about this varietal. Because of this movie, merlot sales tanked for a long period of time. Such are the powers of...
Not My Fault!
Hi everybody! Happy Spring! This month I was thinking about corked wine. And, by that, I don't mean wine that has little pieces of cork floating around in it. Corked wine, also known as cork taint, taint what you want. Nope, it's considered a wine fault. But...
Carménère – the Grape Mystére
Many people who come into the winery tell me they have never heard about Carménère, let alone how to say it. Others have heard of it, but don't know anything about its interesting story. And, they, too, sometimes mutter and choke on the word. So let's start there....
Stop and Smell the Viognier…
Ok, let's face it: it's getting to the end of summer. But before we get out the wool socks and jackets, let's finish out the season with a glass of Viognier. And, although this distinctive wine can certainly carry its weight all year long, I find that most people...
Oh, Yes, It’s Chardonnay!
It's summer. It's hot. And for many, that means a refreshing cool white wine. So let's look at the most widely planted white grape in the world: Chardonnay. I know, I know, I can already hear the atmospheric groans. But, if I had a dollar for every person who, at...