Raspberry/blackberry aromas with traces of pepper and spice; layered tannins that portend a long future. Made by Sam Teakle.

Blackberry and cassis aroma with hints of dark chocolate, somewhat tannic entry, but the tannins fade rapidly. Excellent balance and firm structure, but not hard the way many mountain-grown Cabs can be. Made by winemaker Susan Lueker.

2011 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon – from the cooler and once maligned vintage, this year has proved to be a butterfly of California wines. It’s delicious, nuanced, and elegant. I tasted notes of dark berry, dark chocolate, cherry cordial, herbs, oak, cedar, and spice.

2020 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay – it was complex with notes of papaya, pineapple, peach, baking spice and vanilla with a nice creaminess.

#ThisWineThatDish | Murphy Goode Pinot Noir | Hot Mustard and Honey Glazed Chicken
Happiness is something we all wish for and we wish happiness for others as well. Who could be more worthy of happiness than our mothers. This Mother’s Day let’s all strive for mutual happiness.
The sharing of food has always been at the centre of family relationships, it’s what brings us together. Being together leads to familial happiness. So this Mother’s Day you can bring happiness to mom and your family with this simple recipe pairing with a wine that is worth bringing to your table.
This Pinot Noir sources grapes throughout the coast of California. From the marine-influenced vineyards of Sonoma County down to hills of the idyllic Santa Barbara. Cool conditions in these prime growing spots keep grapes at a perfect balance between vibrant dark fruit character and bright acidity. Notes of vanilla from aging in French and American oak add complexity to the intense black cherry aromas and flavours.

Mother’s Day Rosé!
This wine boasts aromas of Mandarin orange, pink grapefruit, white strawberry, guava and watermelon. Can you imagine taking in these aromas at one time? La Crema does it again! Flavors of watermelon, strawberry, blood orange, cranberry/raspberry are complemented by undertones of flinty minerality. The result is a delicate, crisp, and vibrant wine that is a complete hit with salads, light pastas, seafood, grilled shrimp and wild salmon.

6 Spring Rosés from Oregon’s Willamette Valley
Made using the traditional méthode champenoise, this non-vintage bubbly blend features Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You’re met with aromas of fresh strawberry cake and white peach, with vibrant acidity and notes of tangerine, nectarine and watermelon rind.

For the music lovers out there, Giant Steps takes its name from one of jazz musician John Coltrane’s albums. With just a tiny bit of new oak, a small percentage of MLF and no lees stirring, this is a lighter style at a very drinkable 12.5% alcohol. It is exuberantly fruity but in a very pure peach, apple way. The backbone remains vertical as the fruit fans out. Straightforward and flavourful, it will make for sophisticated patio drinking.

#ThisWineThatDish | Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir | Roast Chicken
Bringing you another option for dinner and a wine pairing for Mother’s Day, or any other day for that matter. For those of us that enjoy a classic Sunday night dinner what could be more of a classic than Roast Chicken. For this one no recipe needed but it is nice to shake it up a little with a variation of herbs, fresh from the garden.
Some favourite flavours to pair with a roast chicken are of course sage, or rosemary. You can stuff the bird with whole cloves of garlic, Coating the bird with butter gives you crispy skin and juicy meat. No matter how you do your Roast Chicken dinner this wine will elevate the occasion.

#ThisWineThatDish | Murphy Goode California Chardonnay | Miso Sea Bass
Sea Bass just cries out for a bold Chardonnay and the Murphy Goode definitely answers the call.

We Asked 8 Sommeliers: What’s Your Go-To Bargain Chardonnay?
“For anyone looking for a classic Central Coast Chardonnay at a great value, I always recommend Nielson Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2019. Lovely expressions of tropical fruit that everyone loves about Chardonnay, and the combination of French oak and concrete egg aging gives a beautiful texture to this steal of a wine. There is a reason Nielson wines have such staying power, and this wine is a great entry point for Santa Barbara Chardonnay.” —Ian Lokey, wine and beverage director, Sushi Note, Los Angeles

Best Medium-Bodied Rosé: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé 2021
This lush, medium-bodied rosé is sturdy enough to stand up to summer grilling, so give it a try alongside everything from steaks to chops and even ribs. Keep it around for winter — think Valentine's Day dinner!

Best Fruity Rosé: Copain Mendocino County Rosé 2021
Light and bright with hints of strawberry, peach and tropical citrus, this is the perfect by-the-pool summer sipper.

Best Rosé for Cheese Platters: Captûre Rosé of Sangiovese 2021
This rosé of sangiovese has a nice acidity that pairs well with fatty or fried food because it balances out the richness. Try it with fried calamari or a charcuterie platter.

For those children lucky enough to be spending Mother’s Day with their mom I salute you and humbly suggest you may want to make mom’s day a little extra special this Sunday.
What could be more fitting than a wine made by a woman winemaker from a company owned and run by women, that’s about as good as it gets. Not only that but the Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay is a favourite that has been featured here before with great results.
Chardonnay is a classic and Sea Scallops or a classic so of course this duo goes together like a hand in a glove and it is ideal for a special dinner for your Mom. The recipe is fairly simple and if you would rather not use the Miso then a simple searing in butter with a splash of wine to finish will also do nicely.

A bright, refreshing, and ultra-delicious Chardonnay from Monterey, right next to the Pacific. The sun-kissed fruit is balanced by a fantastic acidity and freshness with expressions of white peach, tangerine, and pear. It has a full mouthfeel, a creamy texture with a finish that focuses on citrus and pralines and cream. A complex wine that is effortless to drink. Wonderful discovery!

Wines for Mother's Day
This excellent Pinot Noir features attractive color, impressive strength and notable complexity on the nose, along with wonderful body, balance and length on the palate.

Wines for Mother's Day
This fine Italian wine out performs its price with power and complexity on the nose, medium-full body, excellent fruit, attractive balance and elongated finish.

Deep yellow color; yellow apple, lemon zest on the nose; yellow apple, pineapple, pear, Meyer lemon, buttery pastry, caramel, oak, and oak spice on the palate.
Dry; bold, oaky, buttery style of chardonnay. Soft acidity. Ripe fruits give is some sense of butterscotch sweetness. Medium-plus body with a slightly oily texture. Clean, crisp, balanced. Refreshing, lingering finish. Reflects Mayacamas Black Mountain terroir.
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Chardonnay, Alexander Valley 2017 is rich and gracious with its ripe fruit and oak-driven approach. Refined version of classic, opulent California-style chard from the justly storied Jackson family. Pair with pork; rich fish—salmon, tuna; poultry, including fried chicken; vegetarian fare. Cheese—camembert, aged gruyere, aged cheddar, gouda, blue cheese; semi-hard cheeses. A buttery chardonnay is a very versatile wine-cheese pairing, but avoid pungent, spicy, acidic cheeses.

Sip Sunny Sauvignon Blanc This Earth Day Weekend
La Crema Sauvignon Blanc from sustainably grown fruit from vineyards throughout Sonoma County reveals ripe tropical notes thanks to the warm climate the fruit is coming from, including Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley (also known for producing robust Zinfandel and hearty Bordeaux varietal wines). As the wine opens layers of guava and mango emerge, melding harmoniously with crushed stone, soft green herbs like tarragon and mint, and earthy minerality.

Getting to Know Oregon’s Top-Rated Wines
Another age-worthy wine from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA — this Pinot Noir has received a 95-point score from Wine Spectator for its impressive structure and body. The wine is fragrant with fresh pine tree and black pepper aromas, while the palate booms with raspberry, earth, and dried flower flavors complemented by supple tannins.

Yellow apple, soft young manchego, balanced but ripe, finishes with cheesy lees character.

It’s cool to spit. Yes, at first this will feel counterintuitive. The inner voice will be sounding conflicted alarm: “But wine is meant to be drunk.” Remember, however, that this is a wine tasting. And most wine tastings have dozens — sometime hundreds — of bottles waiting to be sampled. Tastings are about pace. And prudence. So swirl that sample of La Crema Chardonnay to enjoy its lemon, melon, and cream aromas. Then take a swig to savour the mid-weight, nicely balanced plush yet fresh sensations. Then spit into the provided bucket, as the lemon and wood spice finish lingers on the palate. Did you enjoy? Then bring a bottle home to drink.
Bottom line: B+, Marries well with blue cheese gnocchi

2017 Les Cadrans which tilted more to cherry and leather and was not as expressive and generous as the 2016, which is to be expected. Time will tell about the 2017s. In the meantime, try to secure the 2016 if you favor red Bordeaux.

Les Cadrans de Lassegue Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2016. Second wines of highly ranked wines from Bordeaux can provide great value to discerning consumers. The 2016 Les Cadrans de Lassegue, second wine of the Saint Emilion Grand Cru Chateau Lassegue, is no exception. A skillful blend of 90 percent merlot and 10 percent cabernet franc this very complex complete wine is an amazing value. The Les Cadrans presents a perfumed nose of mushrooms and violets with plum and clove notes in the mouth, creating a very complex and pleasing package.