L.M. Archer

My Latest in Wines & Vines: Foothills Growers Happy with ‘Normal’ Vintage

August 14, 2018August 14, 2018

Foothill Growers Happy With ‘Normal’ Vintage While labor remains a challenge, relief at a lack vintage “drama” and hopes for normal yields by L. M. Archer Placerville, Calif—Several growers in the Sierra Nevada foothills, a sprawling wine region ranging in microclimates, soil types and elevations, say they are cautiously optimistic about the 2018 vintage. Amador […]

The Hedonistic Taster: The Champagne Edition №1

August 12, 2018August 14, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer The Champagne Edition № 1 “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.” – Mark Twain TASTING NOTES: Wine: Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne Vintage: N/V Alcohol: 12% Link to Producer Specs here. Suggested Retail: $60 Robe: Pale lemon hue. Pinpoint perling, profuse mousse. […]

The Hedonistic Taster: Summer White Wines Edition

August 9, 2018August 9, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer As we approach the dog days of summer, I’ve opted to share a slew of cool white wine samples worth sipping well past Labor Day. Enjoy! TASTING NOTES: Wine: Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko White Wine Vintage: 2016 Alcohol: 13% Link to Producer Specs here. Suggested Retail: $25 Robe: Clear golden […]

The Hedonistic Taster: The Rosé Edition

August 5, 2018August 5, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer If you think rosé is a wine for summer, you are mistaken. At best, rosés produced with thought and intention yields a wines of interest and complexity worthy of all seasons. At worst, they offer pretty, congenial iterations suitable for any sun-drenched situation. In all cases, rosé proves a […]

The Hedonistic Taster: William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux

August 2, 2018August 2, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer William Fèvre Chablis Champs Royaux Limited Edition Did you know that National Oyster Day is August 5, 2018? In celebration, what better wine to pair with the briny bivalve than a crisp, clean, mineral-driven Chablis? It’s a match mach in heaven for a very simple reason – they’re related. […]

My Latest in Oregon Wine Press: “Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability”

August 1, 2018

Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability Winegrowers go green for future generations By L.M. Archer Oregon leads the country in more than premium wine growth; according to the Oregon Wine Board, 48 percent of Oregon vineyards are currently certified sustainable. Here’s how a few are sowing the seeds for future generations. Sustaining a Legacy Brooks Wine […]

The Hedonistic Taster: Willamette Valley Wines

July 30, 2018July 31, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer The Willamette Valley Edition Some timely tasting notes on a few Willamette Valley wines. TASTING NOTES: Wine: Megan Anne Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Vintage: 2016 Alcohol: 14.3% Link to Producer Specs here. Suggested Retail: $40 Robe: Dark garnet robe. Nose: Heady aromas of spice, peat, juniper. Bouche: Dark red […]

The Hedonistic Taster: Roederer Estate – L’Hermitage 2011 Brut

July 22, 2018July 31, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer Roederer Estate | Anderson Valley, CA. “Tête de Cuvée: A wine produced from the first pressing of the grapes, generally considered superior in quality.” – Oxford Dictionary Brilliance knows no bounds. In 1876, Louis Roederer produced Champagne’s first Cuvée de Prestige, an exclusive bottling for the Tsar of Russia christened Cristal. […]

My Latest in Wines & Vines: Mendocino Harvest 2018

July 18, 2018

Mendocino Growers Optimistic for 2018 Harvest Conditions a return to normal, several growers report resorting to H2A process for labor by L.M. Archer Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Butler Ranch, Anderson Valley. Ukiah, Calif.—From ideal flowering and “nearly normal” bud break, to favorable fruit set and encouraging cluster counts, Mendocino County growers and vintners are optimistic […]

The Hedonistic Taster: William Heritage Vineyards 2014 Vintage Brut

July 11, 2018July 21, 2018

“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer William Heritage Vineyards | Outer Coastal Plain, NJ “Fiat vinum en vinea.” (‘Let the wine be made in the vineyard.’) – Outer Coastal Plain AVA motto In my endless […]