Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Japanese Superstar Yoshiki Brings Joy to the World Through Music and Champagne
      • Discover the Vibrant Wines of Ventoux, a Rising Star of the Southern Rhône
      • Handpicked Wines, The Essence of Australia
      • tercero wines, Intuitive Winemaking on a Curious Scale
      • Cambria Vini of Sicily, Resurrecting an Ancient Grape With a Modern Spin
      • Eat and Drink Spain, The Exciting Ways Spanish Food and Wine Match
      • Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri 2023 Tour Came To Los Angeles, Spotlighting Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
      • Notre Vue Estate Wines, Renewal and Regeneration in the Glass
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Masciarelli Linea Classica Wines, Perfect for Everyday and Holidays
    • Domaine Saint-Gayan, a Glorious Gigondas from France’s Southern Rhône
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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René Barbier of Clos Mogador explains his wines to wine professional George Skorka
With Spring comes flowers, baby animals, and current vintages of some of the very best wines in the world.  Last month, Golden State Wine Co poured wines from their stellar portfolio for members of the wine trade, showcasing wine producers from Spain, France, Italy, Oregon, South Africa and California.  And soon, these wines can be found at your local wine shop, as they make their way across the country for your drinking pleasure.
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The best of the best, Golden State Wine Co is known for their portfolio of fine wine.  For over forty years, Mike Miller and his team have imported and distributed a select group of producers that have that “whisper” quality, beautiful wines from around the world that embody quality and a sense of place, offering a deeply genuine drinking experience and value for the consumer.  Many of his producers are legend incarnate, the Spanish powerhouses of Vega Sicilia, La Rioja Alta, Emilio Lustau and Clos Mogador to name a few.  Golden State Wine Co has banded together with Europvin SAS to offer a new import division, Europvin USA.  This partnership offers a nationwide distribution network that can reach every US wine market, a bonus for wine lovers everywhere!
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Céline Guillemot of EuropvinUSA with a surprise tasting of Alexandre Burgaud Beaujolais Village L'Antique
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Almost three dozen wine labels were presented, a diverse group from Champagne to Sherry.  Wine producers and their representatives poured tastes of a select number of high quality wines.  So many wonderful wines, and unfortunately not enough time to taste them all.  But I will mention some of my personal highlights, wines that I look forward to purchasing in the very near future.
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Kevin Blanco, National Sales Manager, brought on the bubbly for Champagne Gremillet
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Champagne Gremillet, with their selection of Champagnes, the 2016 Le Millésime is a vintage delight, with an expressive nose, fine bubbles, and rich body.
​Domaine Chatelain with it’s Loire Valley 2020 Sancerre, Expression Terroir, depth of flavor and elegant body
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La Bastide Saint Dominique of the Southern Rhône, a white 2021 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and two other red CdP, the 2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape and 2019 Hesperides Chateauneuf-du-Pape are beautiful wines that will wow you.
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Jonathan Ducourt with Château Plaisance 2018 Montagne-Saint-Emilion
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Famille Ducourt of Bordeaux, the Château Plaisance 2018 Montagne-Saint-Emilion, a Merlot dominant with a splash of Cabernet wine poured by Jonathan Ducourt himself.
Siro Pacenti of Montalcino with the 2017 and 2018 vintages of his Brunello di Montalcino, Pelagrilli and Vecchie Vigne versions, a fascinating comparison of vintage variation.
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Leonardo Stroppiano with the 50th anniversary bottling of San Giacomo Barolo
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Alessandro Rotolo with Schiopetto
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Stroppiano of Piemonte with their elegant and approachable Barolos, notably the 2017 San Giacomo 50th Anniversary Barolo.
Schiopetto of Friuli with their fascinating large bottle of Mario Schiopetto blend of 95% Friulano and 5% Riesling, and a single vineyard Amrità mostly Chardonnay with a splash of Friulano blend, see the video above for Alessandro's explanation of why this wine is so special.
Volpe Pasini of Friuli, really crazy about the 2019 Refosco Collio Orientali di Friuli DOC and the 2021 Ribolla Gialla.
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Bethany Ford of Illahe poured a taste of the New World among the Old World
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Illahe of Willamette Valley with their hand-made wines, the NV Capitol Fizz, 2021 Estate Pinot Gris, 2020 Bon Sauvage Pinot Noir, and 2022 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, minimal intervention, native yeasts, natural wines so fresh and full of character.
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Jose Navarro for La Rioja Alta, S.A. brought many beautiful wines
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​La Rioja Alta, S.A. of Rioja, so many fabulous wines were poured, the elegant and complex 2019 Aster Crianza from Ribero del Duero, the spectacular 2015 Viña Ardanza Reserva (only made in exceptional years), and the 2011 Gran Reserva 904.
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René Barbier of Clos Mogador was sensational, pouring his classic alongside newer wines
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Clos Mogador of Priorat, poured by the man himself, René Barbier, and what a treat!  His father, René Barbier Ferrer (René III) is considered the father of “Modern Priorat”, founder of Clos Mogador and instrumental in propelling Priorat wines to the very pinnacle of Spanish wine, one of only two DOCa regions.  The voluptuous, iconic 2020 Gratallops and the spectacular Nelin Blanco (a blend of 8 grapes) were a revelation.  An even bigger surprise, the Venus “la Universal” and Dido project of he and his wife, Sara, with the 2020 Dido Blanc (skin contact), the 2020 Dido Tinto and the 2018 Venus Tinto, all beautiful wines.  And the 2019 Espectacle Montsant, old vine Garnacha from a steep vineyard, how often do you get to taste wine made from 100+ year old vines?!
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Vega-Sicilia of Spain, with their fabled Tempranillo-based red wines, opulent and complex.  The Macán Rioja 2017, Pintia Toro 2017, and Valbuena Ribera del Duero 2017, masterful but still so young, complex layered wines with a long life ahead.
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​My very limited tasting of Lustau sherry wines, the NV Manzanilla Pasada de Sanlucar 1/80 Jurado was a revelation.
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Hamachi crude with gooseberry, yuzu, watermelon radish, sudachi, crispy wild rice and fennel frond
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Jordan Ogron and Patricia Decker
​And if you’re not in the wine business, but want to experience world-class food and wine, I highly recommend an evening at Tesse Restaurant in West Hollywood.  Tesse is a wine lover’s best friend, excellent food that yearns for wine, seamless wine service by a knowledgeable staff, an intriguing wine list and attached wine shop that offers the world in a glass.  Jordan Ogron has expanded Tesse's wine focus, with winemaker dinners, sunset and happy hour, and an outdoor wine lounge to boot.
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All of the wines tasted and even more from the portfolio are imported and distributed by Golden State Wine Co and Europvin USA, and although all are high quality, there is a wide range of prices to fit any budget.  So, as quoted on the Golden State Wine’s home page, “Life is too short to drink bad wine”, attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Golden State Wine’s President Mike Miller!