The Sommelier’s Palate – Jesus M. Evangelista III, CS, sommelier at Vino at Trios wine bar, Alhambra, California

(pronounced suh-mal-‘yAy)

In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. The most important work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine consumers.” Read More >

The Sommelier’s Palate – Jörn Kleinhans, Sommelier/Owner of The Wine Elite Sommelier Company, Orange County, California

(pronounced suh-mal-‘yAy)

In Medieval Provençal times they were saumaliers, animal pack drivers who evolved during Middle French kingdom to become court officials charged with transportation of supplies. So what does a modern day Sommelier actually do? Well, Wikipedia outlines as such, “A sommelier or wine steward is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. The most important work of a sommelier is in the areas of wine procurement, wine storage, wine cellar rotation, and expert service to wine consumers.”

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The Wine Escapade of Stephanie – Frenchie in California – Day 8

Our intrepid Singapore Sommelier, Stephanie Rigourd continues here report on her California field trip… Day 8 Read More >

Buying Wine | Related to: , , |
USA – White Wine of the Year

Must-Have Wines of the Lunar Year USA – White Wine of the Year

Peter Michael La Carrière Chardonnay 2008 – Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California

At the risk of being repetitive, whenever I’m asked what is my favourite wine? The answer is invariably, “The one I haven’t tried yet” and discovery remains my main motivation in my enthusiasm for wine. Moreover, the adage ‘The more you know about wine, the more you realise how little you know’ is pertinent with my lack of knowledge on American wine. Read More >

From the Cellar – Calera Reed Vineyard Pinot Noir 1994 en magnum (Singapore)

I pulled a magnum of Calera Reed Vineyard Pinot Noir 1994 out of the cellar on August 21st that had recently come direct from the vineyard re-release program, via Artisan Cellars www.artisan-cellars.com to share a glass and opinion with Nigel Greening from Felton Road, over a Sunday lunch.

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Ridge of no return
Patricia Gallagher, Steven spurrier & Odette Kahn 1976 tasting in Paris

The sensational results of a tasting in Paris more than 30 years ago forever changed the way American wines were considered, writes Curtis Marsh.

America’s most prodigious Bordeaux-style blend – the legendary Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello from the Santa Cruz Mountains – turns 45 years old this year.

Reaching this milestone is only part of the motive for writing this article, notwithstanding that I hail from the same vintage, further inspiration comes from my affinity with Ridge, the 1971 Ridge Monte Bello cabernet was the first American wine I had ever tried, and remains to this day, one of the most profound and indelible wine experiences.

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Post Bordeaux Brilliance
Ridge Vineyard California, USA

A Californian vineyard is a deserving bearer of the torch of old-world winemaking, writes Curtis Marsh.

In the world of fine wine, what was old is now new. This is not a past fashion reinventing itself, nor a renaissance of a specific variety, style or region. It is the acceptance of an age-old reality: that truly great wines are made in the vineyard.

There are distinct vineyard sites and soils emblematic of this around the world, begetting truly distinguished wines that are expressive of their unique terroir, endowed with an encompassing spirit of place and indisputable authenticity.

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