Pruning Grape Vines

So, I recently did some pruning work at Karamoor Estate Vineyard & Winery, one of the few noteworthy estate grown and bottled wineries in Pennsylvania. I was introduced to the winemaker, Kevin Robinson, through the owner and lead instructor at the Philadelphia Wine School as part of my research project for my American Wine Certification […]

1980 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

This was one of those nights when you just gotta dive into something old. I am shocked at the color of this 1980 Mondavi, let alone the dense raisins and wood flavors. Doesn’t look like it bricked at all after nearly 42 years. It drank beautifully!

2015 Corley State Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Very dark, inky and brooding is this 2015 Corely State Lane Vineyard Cab, a single-vineyard varietal. Concentrated dark fruits of blackberry, black cherry, black currant, along with pencil shavings, dark chocolate, a floral note of violet. Dark fruits continue on the palate with some really nice oak integration, warm baking spice and vanilla. The acidity […]

2016 Fisher Vineyards Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Fisher Vineyards Coach Insignia Cabernet Sauvignon. Some brambly, dark fruits coupled with blackberry jam, lavender, eucalyptus, graphite and cedar notes, amidst an earthy, mineral backdrop. The new French oak treatment provides some nice sandalwood and smokiness, along with some vanilla spice. Acidity is quite vibrant and the tannins are well integrated but firm, providing […]

2014 Artesa Morisoli-Borges Vineyard

Kicking up some Rutherford dust. Wow…just, wow. I remember trying this vintage at the winery in 2017, the tannins were still somewhat firm and rough at the time. They have mellowed out quite a bit since then. It opens up with fantastic dark fruit on the nose, along with classic tobacco and chocolate notes. It […]

2016 Sterling Vineyards Iridium Cabernet Sauvignon

I bought the 2016 Iridium on a whim, as the price was $90, well below what it retails for. I could do without the packaging – slippery to handle the bottle and it undoubtedly contributed to a much higher retail price. But that aside, I was pleasantly surprised as I haven’t been impressed with Sterling […]

2013 Pine Ridge Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

This 2013 Pine Ridge Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking very nicely right now. Cherries and strawberries, a touch of coffee bean/espresso along with a floral note on the nose. Just a touch of cedar as well. On the palate, I get some darker cherry and blackberry fruit, beautiful integration of oak with clove, vanilla […]

Wine Fermentation

At the onset of fermentation, yeast cells will struggle to survive due to the very acidic nature of grape juice. In the vineyard, both yeast and bacteria live on the grape skins. However, during fermentation, the yeast encounters the acidic juice contained within the grape berries as they begin to break down and will struggle […]

Origins of Winemaking

Ever wonder how winemaking started? Winemaking, as a practice, dates to well over 6,000 years ago to some of the earliest civilizations. The process quite likely started by accident as people began to start farming, transporting, and storing fruits and vegetables, including wild grapes. Undoubtedly, as the fruit was being moved or stored for future […]

Pugnitello – Saved From Extinction

I was recently hit with the wanderlust bug and convinced 37 of my family members to travel to one of the most beautiful places in the world: Tuscany, Italy. In early October 2022, after meticulously planning our trip, we made our way to the old country. One of my motivations was to introduce my family’s […]

Bottling Rose at Karamoor Estate Winery

Do you recall the “I Love Lucy” episode where Lucille Ball is working at a candy factory on the packaging line, when the line starts to speed up and she is forced to eat some of the chocolates while she’s trying to package them up? If not – Google it and you will get a […]

2019 Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Franc

The thing I enjoy about many Napa reds is that they are very drinkable at a young age, but will also age beautifully as well. This 2019 PRV Cab Franc, although a baby, is no exception and a really nice value ($60) for something you can drink now. Blackberry, plum, violet, mint, pepper with a […]