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New articles every week. Whether you're looking to understand a specific wine term, discover a grape variety you've never heard of, or find an affordable bottle worth trying, the EverWonderWine blog has been tackling those questions one article at a time for over a decade.
You'll find two types of posts here. The educational articles cover everything from the basics — acidity, tannin, sweetness, body — to deeper dives into specific grapes, regions, and winemaking techniques, including the ongoing Tour of Wine Grapes series. The Behind the Cork™ posts are honest, no-nonsense reviews of affordable, everyday wines: what they taste like, where they come from, and whether they're worth your money. There's always something new to explore.
Amancay Winery 2014 Uco Valley Reserva Malbec ($7)
The Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, is well known and respected for its Malbec. And this one is a nice entry-level example. This medium bodied Malbec is full of flavors of blackberry and blueberry. It's soft and smooth with a nice finish. This is another great value wine that can be enjoyed by itself or with anything from a craft burger to your favorite steak.
Nielson by Byron Santa Barbara County Chardonnay ($13)
This Chardonnay out of Santa Barbara County was an unexpected delight. While being a great value, it is lightly oaked so as to not be over-powering and lets though the wonderfully bright fruit flavors including fig, honey and brown spice. But what makes this Chardonnay unusual is it's minerality that is most often found in French wines. You may also find this one with "Byron" as the main name on the label. Which ever way, this is a Chardonnay well worth trying.
Kenwood Russian River Pinot Noir ($13)
The Russian River Valley is home of some of the greatest Pinot Noir to be found. This one from Kenwood is a very nice example and a great value. With red fruit flavors of raspberry and cherry along with hints of vanilla from being aged in French oak barrels, this Pinot Noir is delicate and smooth. Give this one a slight chill and enjoy with most foods, especially grilled salmon.
2015 Justin Sauvignon Blanc ($12)
This Sauvignon Blanc from Justin in Paso Robles CA is very nice one. Loaded with bright, crisp fruit flavors of lemon, green apple, white peach and guava. At 14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) it is quite dry (not sweet). This one is great with cheeses, seafood or appetizers.
2014 Charles & Charles Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah ($12)
This red blend from Washington State's Columbia Valley is another from Charles Smith, this time in collaboration with Charles Bieler. Although having the requisite 75% of Cabernet Sauvignon to be labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon, this pair has chosen to identify both the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Syrah (the other 25%) on the label. They describe it as "...bringing together the structure and dense black currant flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and the sumptuous dark fruit and spice of whole cluster Syrah." This is a big and bold red that is very nicely done and a great value. Enjoy a glass with some bold cheeses, BBQ or a steak.