Drinks
Posted on: May 2nd, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
Here in Arizona, it is possible to regularly receive direct shipments from both in-state and out-of-state wineries. Over the past 10 years or so, changes in state laws have made it easier for wine club members to receive these shipments without involving a liquor distributor. However, the law creates differences in the way each...
Read More
Posted on: April 25th, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
Many who have experienced a good Zinfandel will attest to the fact that “Zin” is at its best when it’s chasing after a big plate of barbequed whatever. But drink a Zinfandel by itself or with non-barbeque entrée, then the big jammy finish, spiciness, and alcohol heat can be a little much. So unless...
Read More
Posted on: April 18th, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
When the family “cats and dogs” show up “on holiday” (as they say in the U.K.), why not serve something that goes well with just about everything on the grill? Not too heavy, not too tart, not too “catty”, and not too wimpy, L’Ecole (French for The School) Cabernet from Walla Walla Washington is...
Read More
Posted on: April 7th, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
North American Sangiovese’s are not always a quick pick at wine outlets. Often these are relegated to the “other reds” section of the wine store and many people have to get sales assistance just to locate the right shelf. There are many reasons for this, but the most plausible is just the relatively low...
Read More
Posted on: April 5th, 2011
by Amy Martin
The nationwide 2011 Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour will make its very first stop this weekend at the Great Arizona Picnic in Scottsdale. For the fifth consecutive year, the tour will be bringing Napa Valley wine country experience to food and wine festivals throughout the country and we are fortunate enough to be on...
Read More
Posted on: March 29th, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
Normally, wine and air don’t mix. The oxygen in the air can ruin a good bottle of wine in a day or two, making it tasteless or just plain crappy. However, for a young inexpensive wine, added air can noticeably improve the taste. But what we’ve got here is more than the familiar “let...
Read More
Posted on: March 23rd, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
If you can get your hands on this interesting Napa Valley wine, it will change your impression of the capabilities of the Napa wine growing region forever. This is because Heitz Wine Cellars has access to a vineyard that has been planting Grignolino, a relatively unknown Italian varietal, since the 1950s. Heitz is most...
Read More
Posted on: March 17th, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
For the past decade or longer, Chile has continued to perfect their red wines to world-class standing. The Wine Spectator ratings for many Chilean wines have consistently been in the mid 80’s-90’s, while pricing remains attractive. Costco offers an excellent Cabernet Sauvignon from wine maker Aurelio Montes, on a fairly consistent basis; that is...
Read More
Posted on: March 11th, 2011
by Taryn Jeffries
Back in December, I had the opportunity to speak with Roger Clyne at the Phoenix Tequila Fest regarding his Mexican Moonshine. With his performance coming up at Devoured this weekend, I thought I would share what he had to say. At the time of my interview, Roger stated that they were only producing Reposado, though this may change going...
Read More
Posted on: March 10th, 2011
by Tom Peiffer
Egg dishes can make for a difficult wine pairing, especially those that do not contain a lot of spice like mushroom omelets. But think back to your favorite brunch spot, remember what drink seemed to be flowing, and you may recall the standard Mimosa. Then the glasses of Champagne also come to mind, flying...
Read More
