Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. The past few months I have been tasting, or should I say consuming, some really fantastic California wines from many different AVA's. Tags: California Petite Sirah red wine few of the issues are for how long and where. Suggested retail is $15. MORE >>

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. Tags: California red wine Sonoma County Zinfandel I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Not that I am old?? MORE >>

Is it 2003 all over again? Rhys Vineyards has vineyards in more of the marginal weather areas of California and therefore is rightfully weather-obsessed, so their Twitter feed is an excellent source of weather info. Weather: it’s what you discuss in elevators or with the in-laws. The vintage in Burgundy is also advanced. MORE >>

There is some duplication with Evan Dawson’s travel post from yesterday but there is also much new, including John’s tasting notes from Mayacamas Cabernet 2003, 1991, 1985, 1974, & 1968. 2003 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (about $65; find this wine ). 2015-2050. 1991 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. MORE >>

The Carlei , Heathcote Shiraz, Green Vineyards 2003 from Victoria opened our tasting. Next we were off to Mendocino County, California with the multi-vineyard Tous Ensemble 2007 from Copain (about $20). We were back to California with a wine from Morgan Twain-Peterson, Old Lakeville Vineyard Syrah 2007 ($36). alcohol. MORE >>