Alameda – THE GRAPE BELT

Transitions

When we moved to California in 1996 my wine knowledge was in its infancy. My enthusiasm was growing but I didn’t know a whole lot. We weren’t in Alameda long before we heard about Rosenblum wines, which were made here in town. I know a good research opportunity when I see one, and wasted no […]

by Tom Riley

“No, There Is Too Much. Let Me Sum Up.”

Let’s not waste time with explanations. Let’s just get going. After all, I’ve already wasted nine months pecking at this thing. Yeah, I know. During 2016 I attended a number of industry tastings, but three or four really struck me as special. After each of them I had the same reaction: people need to know […]

by Tom Riley

In The East Bay And Looking For A Glass Of Wine?

Unless you’ve been on another planet for the past few years, it’s impossible to be unaware of the meteoric growth of the East Bay dining scene. Restaurants of every size and style, as well as gourmet groceries, niche wine shops and trend-setting food trucks, have been popping up like spring mushrooms all along this side […]

by Tom Riley

2008 Blacksmith Cellars Chenin Blanc North Coast

WHITE 4/3/12 2008 Blacksmith Cellars Chenin Blanc North Coast (CA) (13.5 % abv., $14.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): Bright pale gold, with middling aromas of pineapple, honey, and citrus. Medium bodied, with flavors mimicking the nose, plus a touch of oak and minerality on the finish. Conclusion: great as aperitif, but also good with a […]

by Tom Riley

2010 Rock Wall Wine Co. Montepulciano Contra Costa County

RED 3/31/12 2010 Rock Wall Wine Co. Montepulciano Contra Costa County (13.5% abv., $19.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): Bright, light ruby in the glass, with pleasant aromas of cherries and herbs. Good balance in the mouth between fruit, acid, and firm tannins. Finish shows hints of cocoa. Conclusion: Excellent value! A versatile wine that is […]

by Tom Riley

Glasses, Rhymes With…

While doing my best lately to pay attention to the things that restaurants are doing well in regard to their wine programs, I’ve said not a word about something that many restaurants absolutely stink at. It seems that there are too many restaurants where the folks in charge aren’t sure what a wine glass is for […]

by Tom Riley

Hop On Pop

It’s always fun to pick on easy targets, like those restaurants with their overpriced wine lists who mistake diners for suckers. But it’s even more fun to discover those restaurants that get it right. These establishments not only price their lists appropriately, but actually have lists worth digging into, and the service that those lists […]