La Honda Winery

• February 2011

  1. Steve Tanzer - Like how he grades tough and also like the regions he specializes in (Burgundy, Piedmont, California/Washington, South Africa, Bordeaux).  Actually, I never knew this guy was American until I looked it up.2. James Suckling - Really like his approach to ratings,... Read more1. Steve Tanzer - Like how he grades tough and also like the regions he specializes in (Burgundy, Piedmont, California/Washington, South Africa, Bordeaux).  Actually, I never knew this guy was American until I looked it up.2. James Suckling - Really like his approach to ratings, and think his website is a must for wine connoisseurs. 3. Robert Parker - Of course, I don't like what happened with the alleged or actual Parkerization of California but I also don't like all the Parker haterade that's out there.  Seems a lot of young wine critics have a driving need to disrespect Parker & WA but overall he's a living legend, and for good reason.4. Wine Spectator - Not my favorite.  I don't like the commercialization involved, but at the end of the day I typically respect their scores to some degree.*Wine & Spirits - I've read some good articles but am overall not really familiar with what they do.*Jancis Robinson - Have the pocket book, and am interested in her Purple Pages but not sure I need another pay site.  Overall comes accross as an overly arrogant Brit?*Wine Enthusiast - I'm not sure what or who's behind this publication, but I pretty much ignore it.     (hide)

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• January 2011

  The results are in for the 2011 SF Chronicle Wine Competition and there are a lot of medals coming back to the Livermore Valley.  With over 5000 entries this year the competition was tuff.  Here is a list of the medal winning Livermore wineries. Bent Creek Winery,... Read moreThe results are in for the 2011 SF Chronicle Wine Competition and there are a lot of medals coming back to the Livermore Valley.  With over 5000 entries this year the competition was tuff.  Here is a list of the medal winning Livermore wineries. Bent Creek Winery, Charles R Vineyards, Chouinard Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, Crooked Vine Winery, Cuda Ridge Wines, Darcie Kent Vineyards, Fenestra Winery, Harris Tesla Vineyard, John Christopher Cellars, Mitchell Katz Winery, Murrieta’s Well, Nottingham Cellars, Page Mill Winery, Picazo Vineyards, Red Feather Winery, Retzlaff Winery, Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery, Ruby Hill Winery, Stony Ridge Winery, Tamás Estates Winery, Thomas Coyne Winery, and Wente VineyardsHere are a couple of my favorites winning wines from the group above:Cuda Ridge 2008 Livermore Valley Cabernet Franc $28.00 (Gold)Fenestra 2007 Livermore Valley Ghielemetti Vineyard Petite Sirah $25.00 (Double Gold)Harris Tesla 2006 Livermore Valley Harris Tesla Cabernet Sauvignon $23.99 (Silver)Nottingham Cellars 2008 Livermore Valley 60% Cab 40% Merlot Ralphi’s Red Blend $29.00 (Bronze)Wente 2009 Livermore Valley Morning Fog Chardonnay $14.99 (Double Gold)You can find the full listing of the medals won by Livermore wineries at bryersantis.com    (hide)

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• January 2011

  So here's a little project I've been kicking around to no end.The idea is simple, what are the top 10 wines in any region that remain affordable and really deliver exceptional experiences?I know there are so many varaibles here but a list of 10 is large enough to account for the... Read moreSo here's a little project I've been kicking around to no end.The idea is simple, what are the top 10 wines in any region that remain affordable and really deliver exceptional experiences?I know there are so many varaibles here but a list of 10 is large enough to account for the variables.So let me start by defining affordable. I would say, in this conext, an affordable bottle is one that when purchased by a group for a tasting is, well , affordable and I'm pegging that at less than $150 a bottle.So that was the easy part, now I begin the hard part. Naming names. Starting with California Cabernet seems to be a comfortable place. So in no particualr order, if I wanted to blow the shoes off of someone looking for grea Californai Cabernet I would be pouting 1 - Ridge Monte Bello2 - Mondavi Private Reserve3 - Mayacamas4 - Dunn Napa5 - Dunn Howell Mountain6 - La Jota Anniversary7 - Chappellett Prtichard Hill8 - Rafanelli Terrace SelectThen maybe Pahlmeyer, Spottswood, Laurel Glen, Lokoya, Any suggestions? Any giant killers? Once we nail this down we can move onto the next group and eventually end up with the greatest wines of the world list, tasting, book, and movie....      (hide)

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• December 2010

  Hi all.  As the holidays approach I feel a need for recommendations in the el cheapo style.  My neighbor is hosting xmas dinner, and I agreed to bring the alcohol.  But there will be about 40 people there, most of whom know nothing about wine, so they want me to bring... Read moreHi all.  As the holidays approach I feel a need for recommendations in the el cheapo style.  My neighbor is hosting xmas dinner, and I agreed to bring the alcohol.  But there will be about 40 people there, most of whom know nothing about wine, so they want me to bring something cheap but not spit-out-worthy.My neighbor really likes Cabs, and all the wines I like under $10 are obscure grapes or blends.  I think a Cab or two would be "safer."I live in CA where we have about 2.37 billion wines for sale at $10, most of which I've never had.  Any recommendations?  I figured I'd just go with domestic.  Here are some I'm considering:Sterling, vintner's collectionMuirwoodCourtney Benham, napaEstanciaAny ideas you have of cheap, easy to find, crowd pleasing but not awful cabs would be much appreciatied....    (hide)

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• October 2010

  Would love your recommendations as well!I have found a few I REALLY like, and a few I've tried that I THOUGHT might fit the bill, and did not.Gracianna is my fav - tasted 2008 Bacigalupi Vineyards Gracianna and LOVED it at Taste of Sonoma.....  I also like Lioco- 2008 "sonoma... Read moreWould love your recommendations as well!I have found a few I REALLY like, and a few I've tried that I THOUGHT might fit the bill, and did not.Gracianna is my fav - tasted 2008 Bacigalupi Vineyards Gracianna and LOVED it at Taste of Sonoma.....  I also like Lioco- 2008 "sonoma coast" pinot noir...   Another favorite is the Cosentino 2006 Sonoma Pinot Noir.I had a love/hate relationship with Pinot previously... I originally was drinking small lot pinot from the inland central coast of California.... we're talking deep purple, high alcohol.  Was like a syrah gone bad!!  14.8% alcohol!!!Anyway, I have come to find some I like from the Sonoma region (esp. the coastal), and some from Willamette in Oregon as well.. But only a few so far...I find some of the Willamette Pinot watery, and too dry and one dimensional.I tend to like a true red color that is almost clear- prefer alcohol under 14%, and dislike huge fruitbombs.  I like cherries, leather, earth, barnyard nose.  Overall, prefer the wine to be "lighter" than a damned syrah, but to finish a bit deeper than some of the watery pinots I have had in the past.  I guess I want to start a bit lighter, and end with depth, meaning a range of flavors that develops gradually over the palate.  Hope that makes some sense.Sooo.. give me suggestions!!!  Doesn't have to be just Sonoma... would love to hear all your favs in all price ranges!    (hide)

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• May 2010

  Hi everyone, I´m Manuel from Guatemala. I´ve been on Snooth for a few months, mostly just reading what you all have to say and the articles Gregory send via email. I have grown to become a wine enthusiast for the last 2 years.A few weeks ago, I started thinking about... Read moreHi everyone, I´m Manuel from Guatemala. I´ve been on Snooth for a few months, mostly just reading what you all have to say and the articles Gregory send via email. I have grown to become a wine enthusiast for the last 2 years.A few weeks ago, I started thinking about a wine bar / restaurant concept I want to develop in Guatemala, a country that even without vineyards (well.. we have one... if that counts), loves wines and all that is around them,I noticed that 90% of the wines sold in this country are from Europe or South America, but there isn't a good selection of US wines and people relate US wine industry as low grade products. I actually thought like that until a few months ago when I tried my very first Mondavi wine and liked it, but that is all I know about US wine industry (I have just tried that one bottle)All this made me think about starting to plan a trip to CA to do some wine touring for around a month.. I have searched over the internet and found just general information or really confusing one like in the http://www.visitcalifornia.com website (in which for the third time, they just won't answer a couple of requests I sent them... and they work on tourism!!)So, this post is to ask all you out there, if you could point out web pages in which I could plan my trip, places to visit, things to do (I am a 30 y´old single guy.. so some party is a must!!), and any tips you could offer me... I feel like doing this on september or october, still haven't decided this and for sure I want o spend some days in San Francisco.I thank you all in advanced for the tips!!!Manuel.      (hide)

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• March 2010

  Hey everyone, what's the buzz in the US right now about buying Bordeaux 2009 En Primeur?I have never known a vintage to be so 'talked-up' by the press.  Investors are hanging on to Parker's index fingers waiting with drooling tongues and wagging tails for it to spout forth... Read moreHey everyone, what's the buzz in the US right now about buying Bordeaux 2009 En Primeur?I have never known a vintage to be so 'talked-up' by the press.  Investors are hanging on to Parker's index fingers waiting with drooling tongues and wagging tails for it to spout forth its Midas touch.  This is THE vintage of the last 100 years folks.  Brokers and merchants have proverbial blank cheques from their millionaire clients.  What will happen?  Do you think the Bordelais will over-price?Does anyone have any money to take the plunge into what will undoubtedly be a bull market stampede?Has anyone been caught out by wine futures and lost a small fortune?Is there insider dealing going on?  Back-handers?  (Heaven forbid!)Does anyone actually care?Let's have a heated debate...!     (hide)

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• January 2010

  As the subject reads.. I've made my New Years Resolution to both try, and enjoy new wines. I've made a habit of drinking mostly cheap wines and *not* breaking out of my comfort zone, *except* when it restaurants. In restaurants I always seem to order something wildly different and... Read moreAs the subject reads.. I've made my New Years Resolution to both try, and enjoy new wines. I've made a habit of drinking mostly cheap wines and *not* breaking out of my comfort zone, *except* when it restaurants. In restaurants I always seem to order something wildly different and it ends up being wonderful.. so I've decided to apply that philosophy to my at-home wine consumption.Now my only problem is.. where do I even begin?! I spent a full hour in the wine section of the largest Liquor store in my town the other day; reading bottle information, wandering aimlessly, and being completely overwhelmed. I made a couple blind choices and some were okay and the others not so much. Keep in mind that I will try anything once, but I prefer whites or roses for all-the-time-wine, but I love a good red as well. I'm a wine-novice and I live in Canada, but have access to a great liquor store which will carry a lot/most of what you could find internationally. And lastly, recently (before my quest to seek out new and delicious wines) I've been drinking White Merlot's and Pinot Blanc's.So, I beseech you, oh wise and noble Snooth-ers.. what do YOU suggest I try?    (hide)

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• January 2010

  Lets get something straight, I like bubbles. Yes, I like bubbles in my wine. Well, that is I like Champagne and Sparkling Wines. I like bubbly wine from everywhere. I even like sparkling shiraz. However, not all sparkling wines are made equal. Some sparkling wines are very,... Read moreLets get something straight, I like bubbles. Yes, I like bubbles in my wine. Well, that is I like Champagne and Sparkling Wines. I like bubbly wine from everywhere. I even like sparkling shiraz. However, not all sparkling wines are made equal. Some sparkling wines are very, very good and some are very bad. However, when they are good they have a complexity that rivals some of the great wines of the world. I am envious of the people of Europe. They have access to much more Champagne than I do and, it seems, they are getting them at much better prices than I can. However, that doesnt disappointment as much anymore. When I lived in Canada it was a big problem as the prices of Champagne put them out of my reach. But now living in California, I have access to a number of local producers. Most of these producers have ties to traditional sparkling wine producers in Europe. There is Mumm Napa who is tied to GH Mumm of France. There is Domaine Chandon which is connected to Moet & Chandon of France. There is Roederer Estate which is owned by Louis Roederer. There is also Gloria Ferrer which is owned by Frexient of Spain. There are a few true California producers like J Vineyards and Schramsberg but for me, the producer in California that has the most appeal is Domaine Carneros.Domaine Carneros is connected to Tattinger in France. Domaine Carneros is modeled after its French owner, even down to the production facility / tasting room. This facility is made as a replica of the Tattinger French Chateau. The reason why Domaine Carneros appeals to me is their wines are very consistent and they have sparkling wines in every category of taste and most are reasonably priced. I always have a great experience visiting there and recently, I had the opportunity to take some of my friends there. For them, it was their first time being there and they loved it. There is a multiple tasting options when you visit Domaine Carneros. There is also a tour offered but I have never taken it. The tasting format is done in an elegant room and done while seated. All wines are provided at the same time to do a nice comparison. The sparkling flight does include their top bottling La Reve. The flights range in price from $15 to $25. You can light food options for pairing as well and wines are available by the glass as well. My tasting notes are below: 2005 Vintage Brut $26 (3.5/5) Rich gold sparkling wine with baking spice in the nose and green apple. Nice crisp flavors with good acid and sharp green apple flavors. http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-... Rose $36 (3.5/5) Salmon in color with noses of strawberry and rose petals. Lovely sparkling rose. First in the taste is strawberry and then white fruits. Lots of different things going on. Very nice. http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-... Blanc de Noir $33 (4/5) It has been a while since Domaine Carneros has done a Blanc de Noir. This one is very nice. Light gold in color with baking spice on the nose and with a mineral flavour with pear flavours. http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-... Late Disgorged $22 (4/5) Rich gold in color with nice aged sparkling wine characteristics. Yeast and fresh bread in the aromas. Flavors had a nice honey character with a creaminess and good acid and nice long finish. http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-... La Reve $85 (4.5/5) Light gold in color and elegant. For me this is as good as any vintage Champagne. Rich and complex with layers of flavor and long, long finish. http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-... the primary focus of Domaine Carneros is to produce sparkling wine that is not all they produce. They do produce some very good still wines as well. While I did not get to taste them here is a sample list of what the also produce:2007 Avant-Garde Pinot Noir $242007 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir $352007 The Famous Gate Pinot Noir $682006 Avant-Garde Merlot $30 2006 Avant-Garde Chardonnay $30 While looking at the Domaine Carneros website for this report I found out that they are producing (for the first time) a white pinot noir (http://www.domainecarneros.com/2008...). For me, this elevates my opinion of Domaine Carneros as a winery that provides solid value offerings but is willing to experiment to see if they can create a new hit. For me there is no better way to start a day in wine country than with a little sparkling wine. When it is at all possible, I do this. And if I get to start at Domaine Carneros then it is even better. If youre heading up to Napa for a day of wine tasting then you should start at Domaine Carneros. They are at the south end of Napa County, have a beautiful location and great sparkling wine. I cant think of a better way to start the day. Contact Info: Domaine Carneros (http://www.domainecarneros.com)) 1240 Duhig Road, Napa California 94559 P: 800.716 BRUT(2788) E: info@DomaineCarneros.com    (hide)

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• December 2009

  Moving off a previous topic, I'm starting a new one that is about favourite Sonoma Chardonnays. I will kick things off with my favourites in a few different price ranges:Under $20 range- La Crema Monterey Chardonnay - newer wine for them but nice after a bit of time in the bottle.... Read moreMoving off a previous topic, I'm starting a new one that is about favourite Sonoma Chardonnays. I will kick things off with my favourites in a few different price ranges:Under $20 range- La Crema Monterey Chardonnay - newer wine for them but nice after a bit of time in the bottle. Not a lot of time but a couple of months:http://www.snooth.com/wine/la-crema...$20 to $30 range- Loxton Hawk Hill Chardonnay - shameless self promotion. This is from the winery I work at but it is one of my favourite chardys.- La Crema Russian River Chardonnay - one of the La Crema appellation serieshttp://www.snooth.com/wine/la-crema...$30 to $40 range- Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay - this is the entry wine but I like it:http://www.snooth.com/wine/flowers-... $40 - Hartford Court Seascape Chardonnay - some higher end pricey stuff, sometimes worth ithttp://www.snooth.com/wine/hartford... have others but I will let others jump in.    (hide)

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