Articles by
John Tilson
TIME TO GET INTO BEAUJOLAIS!
For some time I have been posting reviews of 2009 Beaujolais. And I will have a few more as the last of the wines arrive in the next month or so. However, I cannot emphasize enough how Cru Beaujolais is one of the most under appreciated wines in the world.
Click here to read entire article »A BARGAIN AT WHAT PRICE?
Maybe There’s A Reason? In June, in an article on inexpensive white wines, I wrote a note on a lovely Spanish white wine – Condesa De Sarabella 2009 Viura. I gave it a Highly Recommended rating and at $4.99 it is a great bargain.
Click here to read entire article »Richard Wing – One of a Kind
Richard Wing passed away On October 8, at age 89. Richard was a great chef and a great person. Self described as a “humble Chinese cook” that said a lot about the man. In fact, he was one of the greatest chefs of his time and his French style cuisine with a Chinese influence was truly unique. For over 40 years his Imperial Dynasty restaurant, located in the unlikely town of Hanford in California’s Central Valley mid-way between Bakersfield and Fresno, attracted diners from all over the world.
Click here to read entire article »A Tale of Two California Wineries – One New, One Old
This is a history and tasting notes for two California wineries. One, the Hearst Ranch Winery, released its first wines earlier this year. It is located in the Central Coast. The other, Husch Vineyards was founded in 1979. It is located in the northern part of the state in Mendocino County. So in that respect they are very different. But, in another respect, they are very much alike. Both are committed to making very high quality wines in small quantities. The wines may be found in retail stores and restaurants, but both also offer a wine club with benefits and discounts to members. I strongly recommend that you investigate them further and even plan a trip to visit their tasting rooms. Both are scenically located in beautiful, historically interesting parts of the state.
Click here to read entire article »VINOUS DRIVE-BY — IT’S THE DRIVE-BY SIP AND SPIT!
Vinous Drive-By — It’s The Drive-By Sip and Spit!
As crazy as it sounds this actually happened. It was reported in a column by wine writer Dennis Schaefer in our local newspaper, The Santa Barbara News Press, On October 7, 2010. It seems that wine critic Robert Parker comes to our area once a year to taste local wines.
More 2009 Beaujolais
As I have been saying, 2009 is a superb year for Beaujolais. Is it the vintage of the century? Who knows and who cares? The point is that the wines are absolutely delicious. They have been arriving for the last few months and more will be arriving soon. Don’t miss them! Here are notes on some recent arrivals. The quality across the range of wines is outstanding and nearly all are Best Buys with prices from $12 to $25. These are wines you can drink now (remember Thanksgiving is not far off and Beaujolais is one of my favorite wines to serve with Thanksgiving turkey). But, you should also lay some away for the future. You’ll be glad you did.
Click here to read entire article »Retrospective Review: Volume 1, Number 6 (June-July, 1980)
With Volume I, Number 6 in June-July 1980, we ended our first year of publication. My lead editorial was a glimpse of things to come and was titled “It’s Our Anniversary! But The Best Is Yet To Come!” In it I talked about the launch of our barrels and bottles feature which would review wines in barrel and bottle before they were released for sale. The idea which was to prove to be the wave of the future was “to evaluate some of the best wines before they begin their way through the retail trade.” I stated our intention to focus on fine wines exclusively – Chardonnay, Cabernet both old and new and other California wines such as Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Gewurztraminer, and also Vintage Ports. And French wines, 1978 Burgundies, 1978 Bordeaux and Sauternes, plus older Bordeaux vintage reviews 1970, 1966, 1961, 1928 and 1929 and a review of Chateau Petrus from 1920-1976. These reviews of older vintages were timely because the older wines were readily available at auctions in England and then through wine merchants in Europe and the U.S. And, it is important to remember, that this was before the plague of wine fraud was to rear its ugly head!
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Under The Radar 2009 Wines
We’ve been talking about the very favorable growing conditions in almost all parts of the world in 2009. So continuing with that theme here is a representative sampling of generally inexpensive 2009 wines that are distinctive and generally not well known. Hence, the “Under the Radar” theme. Be adventuresome. Try a few. I think you will be really glad you did and I expect you will find many new favorites.
Click here to read entire article »Even More 2009 Rosés
The 2009 Rosés are soon to be gone. If you have not done so now is the time to buy some for the Holidays. They are very versatile and match very well with a wide variety of food.
Click here to read entire article »2009 Beaujolais
Beaujolais is one of my favorite “under the radar” wines. By that I mean not many people take it seriously. Most people think of it as a light, simple, fruity wine. This is usually based on their experience with Beaujolais Noveau. Beaujolais Noveau is the first French wine to be released each year. The grapes are harvested in August-September, the wine is fermented for a short time and released to the public on the third Thursday of November which is designated “Beaujolais Noveau Day”. This day is heralded around the world and the Beaujolais is widely available. The reason is simple. Beaujolais Noveau is made in a large quantity accounting for about 1/3 of total Beaujolais production. And, while most are simple and of little interest, there are some that can be very fruity, zesty, and balanced and make a lovely wine for early consumption to accompany a wide variety of foods.
