Category Archives: Tasting

Constant Disruptions on The Varietal Show!

Even in the days before distance learning there was still a thing known as Constant Disruptions, as the parents of winemaker Shane Finley can attest to. Ergo the name of his wine which we sample and discuss on this episode of The Varietal Show!

Follow that up with our previous conversation about Shane Wines, and remember to LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm!

Annual BOHO Best Of . . . VOTE Until Dec 15th!

Getting a little late start on this with all the election fracas reverberating around the nation, but it is not too late to be heard: At least not for the North Bay Bohemian! Time to select your favorites in Sonoma County to honor those businesses keeping it real in the current pandemic.

VOTE HERE: Deadline is Tuesday, December 15th! And I would be honored if you choose me again for BEST SOMMELIER.

Cheers & Happy Holidays! Christopher

The Varietal Show Gets Cozy With Wine Legend Gary Eberle!

Gary Eberle is a California icon of wine, and The Varietal Show was fortunate enough to not only sit down and taste his Eberle Winery 1983 & 1989 Cabernet Sauvignon, but also chat about the interconnections between Paso Robles, UC Davis and CA wine history!

Check it out here and remember to hit LIKESHARE, and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm!

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Tasting European Varietals at Locanda Estate With The Varietal Show!

In a return to the lovely Locanda Estate Wines in Sonoma Valley I discuss an assortment of distinctive varietals with Winemaker Brian Graham. For more about their spectacular program watch these vintage episodes of The Varietal Show.

Locanda Estate Wines hosts The Varietal Show with SawyerSomm

The Varietal Show Winery Visit, with Special Guest Dr. Liz Thach!

Remember to hit LIKESHARE, and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm!

Join Me & CellarPass TV with Spottswoode Estate on Dec 9th!

CellarPassTV is back for a very special holiday episode, hosted by Sarah Ellison, featuring Beth Novak Milliken and Lindy Novak of Spottswoode Estate located in St. Helena California: Join us to chat about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes and of course their incredible wines. Show starts at 6pm on Wednesday December 9th.

Pre-register at CellarPass TV! Wines can be purchased there as well: Featuring 2019 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, 2017 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon & 2017 Lyndenhurst Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon!

The Varietal Show Says Happy Thanksgiving!

What better way to celebrate than with nature and family. In that vein this episode of The Varietal Show features my son and I on an outing in the Redwoods! Enjoy our adventure and many more on my YouTube Channel and more in this collection of The Varietal Show episodes!

Remember to hit LIKESHARE, and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm!

#GoMendo

An Ode to Zinfandel 2020

Did you miss Zinfandel Day on Thursday November 19th? That’s OK, I have you covered here for an extended celebration with my recent article Preserving the Zinfandel Legacy of Mendocino County published on the ZAP Blog. (And mark your calendar for some social zintancing with ZinEx in January 2021!)

It was my pleasure to taste and muse about the fabulous flavors from a memorable visit up north: My Mendocino trek also involved a few conversations that are documented on The Varietal Show, from my YouTube channel; including Chef Mark Dym of Little River Inn; Steve Alden spinning the tale of Murder Ridge; and this extra little repost below from my visit with Lorenzo Pacini at the famous Pacini Vineyard! Enjoy and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting episodes to come . . .

Where’s Waldo? Find the visitor flying around in one of these three videos. Name that bird! #GoMendo

Rhône Adventures Continue with Tablas Creek Vineyards on The Varietal Show

In this Part Two from my discussion with Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyards, he reflects about lessons from his dad with wine, and he shares three tiers of red blends including a tasty Mourvedre on The Varietal Show.

Find out more about their Rhône connection on our Rhone Rangers Webinar, Thursday November 19th! As well as a viewing of Tablas Creek Vineyards, Part One, on The Varietal Show.

Check it out here and remember to hit LIKESHARE, and FOLLOW my channel for more exciting weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 12:30pm!

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Rhône At Home With This November 19th Webinar!

Jump in on this Webinar with ME and the Rhone Rangers, that I will be moderating next Thursday, November 19th, at 4pm PST! White Rhône-blends are perfect for sipping fireside and celebrating the holiday season: Hear direct from the winemaker’s who craft these incredibly versatile wines, optimal in any season. Discover favorites to pair with your Thanksgiving menu!

Advance registration via Zoom is required; click here to Register. Featured wines include:

Caliza Winery, Paso Robles – Carl Bowker, 2019 Kissin’ Cousins (47% Viognier, 31% Grenache Blanc, 22% Roussanne)

Kita Wines, Santa Barbara County – Tara Gomez, 2018 T’aya (Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc)

Terre Rouge/Easton Wines, Sierra Foothills – Bill Easton, 2013 Enigma (49% Marsanne, 26% Viognier, 24% Roussanne, 1% Grenache Blanc)

Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles – Jason Haas, 2018 Esprit de Tablas Blanc (66% Roussanne, 21% Grenache Blanc, 8% Picpoul Blanc, 3% Picardan, 2% Clairette Blanc)

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Caption this! In the days before social distancing at Hospice du Rhône, a Paso Robles staple in years gone by.