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Love life and laughter are the words that come to mind when describing my passion for food and wine. For me, it all started fifteen years ago with a weekend trip to Napa and Sonoma with friends. We tasted a wide variety of wine and enjoyed meeting people involved in the industry. To say the least, the trip was quite educational. After returning home I felt inspired to learn more about wine, wine making, and paring wine with food. At the time I lived in the Bay area, so needless to say, I made several trips throughout Northern California wine tasting. One of the areas I was most impressed with was Lodi. I found many small family owned wineries that produced great wines. Everyone I met shared the same passion I felt. The next step seemed obvious to me, and in 2001, I moved to Lodi and found employment in the culinary field. Currently I work at the School St. Bistro and pour wine for Grands Amis winery in their tasting room. I am pleased to join the D’ Vine Wine Magazine Team as a way to share my passion for wine with you each issue. |
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MADRONA
My Editor brought this varietal to my attention and I enjoyed it immensely. The Quintet is a classic blend of five Bordeaux varieties:
The nose jumps out with an intensity that was unexpected. The wine offers an abundance of Blueberry and Black Cherry fruit that rise from the glass with just a hint of vanilla. This particular wine met my palate with a bold, luscious richness and subtle tannins that present themselves well coming from the French and Hungarian oak exposure. The fruit continues to shine with a long finish and a hint of peppery spice at the end. This wine is moderately priced at $28.00 Awards: San Francisco International Wine Competition, Double Gold and Best Premium Red of Show. Calaveras County Fair, Gold and Riverside International Competition, Gold and Chairman’s Award. Madrona Vineyards is located at 2560 High Hill Road, Camino, CA 530-644-5948 or www.MadronaVineyards.com. |
GRANDS AMIS
The winery produces all red wine, with numerous varietals available.
This wine has an abundance of sensational smells and flavors. Dark berry fruit with a hint of vanilla, and caramel nuttiness on the nose, that is enhanced with a finish of sweet smelling oak. This wine is fruit forward on the palate with a balance of oak tannins. Availability is limited! This wine is wonderfully priced at $17.99 This wine is available at Grands Amis located at 115 N. School St. Lodi, CA 209-369-6805. Tasting Room hours 1-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
I enjoy all their wine, but the varietal I prefer and want to share with you is The 2004 Malbec.
Bright Hope Designs,