History

The grape vine was probably introduced into north west India from Persia as early as 2500 BC - in the Vedic texts two drinks are mentioned: Soma and Sura; later historical works (notably Kautilya's Arthashastra - c. 300 BC) mentions Madhu (wine) of various kinds and qualities - some home brewed.

Down the centuries wine has been the drink of the Kshatriyas (warrior castes) - along with beer and spirits prepared from wheat/maize/barley in the north and rice/paddy in the northeast and south, and many of the royal Rajput Maharajas had their own, closely-guarded recipes for alcoholic drinks - for example Asha from Udaipur, Kasturi from Jodhpur, and Jagmohan & Manmohan from Kishengarh.

The Mughal emperors maintained extensive vineyards in the Deccan (Hyderabad); with the advent of the British in the 19th century local industry may have been revived (Indian wines were exhibited at the Great Calcutta Exhibition of 1884) but most vineyards were practically wiped out by the devastation of phylloxera in the 1890s.

Caduceus

Caduceus Cellars is a winery in the Verde Valley of Arizona, United States owned by Maynard James Keenan, a musician descended from Northern Italian winemakers. While the winery is named after caduceus, an ancient symbol for commerce and staff of the Greek god Hermes, the vineyard is named Merkin Vineyards, after a pubic wig.
Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards are based in the unincorporated area of Page Springs/Cornville, Arizona, southwest of Keenan's place of residence, as well as the cellar where wine tasting is available, in Jerome. Keenan has characterized the neighbors of the winery as "a teetotaling Republican community".

Da Vinci Wine

   

Da Vinci is the art of making great Chianti by pairing premium grapes from the renowned Chianti region with the experience and modern winemaking techniques of winemaker Alberto Antonini.

The result is a modern-style Chianti which is fruit-forward and soft while maintaining true Chianti characteristics. The goal is to accentuate pretty Sangiovese varietal attributes while minimizing acidic, bitter and astringent characters that were oftentimes found in "traditional" Chianti.

Our approach to this Old-World classic has not gone unnoticed, as exemplified by our numerous awards and accolades received.

Champaqne Clerambault

Champagne is a world renowned French sparkling wine. There are many different types, styles and flavours of champagne; with strict rules on its production.

Though sometimes reserved for celebrations; it can be enjoyed far more often, adding delight and enchantment to savour on any occasion.

Reviews of Non-Vintage Champagne

A blend of several champagne vintages, generally mixed to provide a consistent house style.

Mixed Vintage Champagnes

Reviews of Non-Vintage Rosé Champagne

Pink champagne, either from extended contact with the grape skins or by the addition of some red wine.

Mixed Vintage Rosé (Pink) Champagnes

Reviews of Vintage Champagne

Vintage champagne is from 100% of grapes from that year. It is aged for a minimum of 3 years.

3 Blind Moose

We felt like having a funny "blind" taste test. The name and label are pretty funny. So we go into this tasting with low expectations.

The bottle is one of those cheap ones with almost no dimple on the bottom. The foil has a nice moose on top drinking a glass. Under the foil is a very short plastic cork. The bottle says "we think you will fall for our Cabernet Sauvignon , whose rich cherry, cassis, and subtle oak (unnoticeable) flavors match beautifully with everything." (Really, everything??) 13.5% Alcohol.

The color in the glass is a nice red, but we can see the wine is fairly thin. It does not produce any "fingers" when swirled. The nose is faint, but has an agreeable berry scent. On the palate, we mainly identified currant and chokecherry. This wine is thin and shows no complexity. The finish is smooth and doesn't exhibit any tannin or oak. It drinks like cool-aid.

Rex Goliath Winery

HRM Rex Goliath is based in the town of Gonzalez within the Monterey AVA. Owner Nicolaus Hahn produces wines that offer exceptional value under this label. None are over $10.

HRM Rex Goliath is named after a legendary 47 pound rooster that used to travel with a Texas Circus. “His Royal Majesty” (HRM) was advertised to visitors as the world’s largest rooster.
The Hahn Family was quite taken by this story, and in 2002, decided to name a line of wines after HRM. They have been making wine in Monterey County since 1980 and also own Hahn Estates and Smith & Hook. Shedding light on their fascination with HRM, Hahn translates to “rooster” in German.
Winemaker Mike Kafka crafts balanced wines that pair well with food. Kafka grew up in California’s Central Valley and has a deep appreciation for farming as well as fine wine and cuisine. He has a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Fresno St.
HRM Rex Goliath’s current releases include the 2005 California Chardonnay, 2006 California Pinot Grigio, California Merlot, California Pinot Noir, California Cabernet Sauvignon, and Central Coast Shiraz.

Domaine Laroche

The Laroche family has been making wine in Chablis since 1850. Michel Laroche, the fifth generation, arrived in 1967 to continue a long tradition of allowing the wine to express its unique origin: The True Chablis. Michel has witnessed significant changes in Chablis and is the first generation to make a living exclusively from producing and selling wine.

Six hectares of domaine vines in the late 1960s have turned into more than 130 hectares today, including a shareholding in the Château de Chemilly. Domaine Laroche is one of the largest vineyard owners in Burgundy, with offices located in the birthplace of Chablis: a ninth to sixteenth century listed monastery called l'Obédiencerie, where monks made the first Chablis.

The ancient monument was home to the monks of Saint Martin, the patron saint of both Chablis and of horse travellers. The monks tended vines where today's Grand Cru vines are located as early as the 9th century. It was in the tower cellar of the Obédiencerie where the first barrels of Chablis were matured. The Obédiencerie's cellar also housed a small crypt containing the relics of Saint Martin.

Exported to 77 different countries, Domaine Laroche wines are recognised around the world and regularly win prizes for their superior quality.