Wine Tasting Archives

My Latest in Wines & Vines: Washington Barrel Auction Raises $251,500

August 17, 2018August 19, 2018

Washington Barrel Auction Raises $251,500 Largest total yet for trade-only barrel auction featuring unique wines from the state’s top wineries by L.M. Archer Woodinville, Wash.—The fourth annual Auction of Washington Wines private barrel auction raised more than $245,000 to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program, nearly exceeding the […]

The Hedonistic Taster: Mark Ryan Winery – Syrah Duo

August 16, 2018August 15, 2018

The Hedonistic Taster by L.M. Archer A few years ago I interviewed Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery for Foodable Network. The story showcased his unconventional success story, one that looks more like a cautionary tale than an entrepreneurial blueprint. But it works. In part because of his business savvy. In part because he knows […]

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. […]

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. […]

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 […]

My Latest in Wines & Vines: Washington Wineries Move to Former Brewery

July 3, 2018July 9, 2018

Washington Wineries Move to Former Brewery by L.M. Archer Woodinville, Wash.—Sparkman Cellars and DeLille Cellars made what one described as a “game changing” move to set up shop in a vacant brewery once operated by Redhook. “There is not another Redhook,” says Chris Sparkman, director of winemaking and founder of Sparkman Cellars. “There’s […]