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Do you remember Mad Libs? We thought it would be fun to use this format to create your own whimsical reviews of some common wine varietals! Below are some real reviews and shelf talkers to get you started. An aggressive explosion of roasted red peppers, freshly cut grass, and the tears of a fallen angel. […]

There is one barrel of 2024 Brenda’s Vineyard Cabernet in our cave that I keep coming back to. When I am walking the cellar, tasting lots, and evaluating where the vintage is, this is the barrel to which I am drawn. A few months ago, when we sat down to choose our lot for the […]

I think if you ask people about their wine pairing preference with lamb, most will answer Cabernet. While I’m not going to tell you that’s wrong, (2018 Calistoga, anyone?) I will say you’re missing out if you’ve never paired lamb with a bottle of Syrah. Syrah’s structure, earth driven characteristics, and dark, subdued fruit combine […]

When it comes to entertaining, there can be a certain pressure that comes with being the host, but the secret lies in strategic simplicity. I’ve always said I’m all about easy, casual food with great wine, which is exactly what summer night barbecues are all about. Add great company to share the evening with, and […]

From the Cellar: Notes from the Master Cooper Trip April 2026, Michael Baldacci The Trip For the fourth time in eight years, I joined the Master Cooper trip, a small group of winemakers who are hand selected and hosted by French cooper Quinn Roberts and his cooperage Tonnellerie Ô. This year, we were in France […]

Stags Leap Sourdough Starter: An Easy, Foolproof Method for Creating Your Own Sourdough Starter Recipe & Photos by Haley Warnock The sourdough craze may have peaked a few years ago, but the joy of creating your own starter never goes out of style. If the process has ever felt intimidating or overly technical, enter […]

Sediment in Wine: What It Is, Why It Happens, and Why It’s Actually a Good Thing Ever poured a bottle of wine and noticed something unexpected on the cork or at the bottom of your glass? Maybe a few tiny crystals or a bit of gritty residue? You’re not alone, and the good news is, […]