There’s More To Portugal Than Porto!!

When you say Portugal to someone and it relates to wine, 99% will only think of the famous Fortified Sweet Wine “PORT”. In Spain many people are familiar with Ribera Del Duero (Duero is the DOURO River) On the other side of the DUERO are some of the oldest vines and underrated wines in the […]

To Decant or Not To Decant?? That is The Confusion!

I get asked this question at least 10-20 times per day. I am a reformed Decanter Sommelier. I gave it all up 5 years ago. I think you should too. I hope this puts the question to rest for people just getting into wine or even seasoned professionals. Grape-fully yours, Larry

“BOOYAH” For “RUAH” Red Blend!

First of all, everyone who knows me and reads this blog, knows I am nicknamed “Captain Washington”. I do favor the quality to price ratio and less sugary style of wines coming out of the Evergreen State. One of the 2 new additions to our Washington State Lineup at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in […]

It’s Not A “BLEND” It’s A “HYBRID” Grape

Even though I will say it here and in the video, people will still call this wine a “RED BLEND” . It is not. Like Cabernet Sauvignon was a “HYBRID” Grape by crossing the seeds of Cabernet Franc with Sauvignon Blanc to form a New Grape Cabernet Sauvignon. PINOTAGE (The Grape Of South Africa […]

National Rose Day June 10, 2017

I don’t know what happened to American Wine Consumers but I am not complaining. Somehow when I blinked, Dry Roses are now the hottest craze in Wine when I couldn’t sell a bottle one year ago. Thank goodness because they are my favorite category of wine. As the video says, you can make a Rose […]

Right Bank, Left Bank, CitiBank??

I was JUST getting my guests and blog readers comfortable with purchasing and drinking wines from Bordeaux, France until the French had to go putting the names and percentages of the grapes used in many of their wines..Grrrrr!! I understand the reasoning to help Americans understand Bordeaux and sell more wine but they made it […]

The Six Degrees of Sauvignon Blanc

If you like Sauvignon Blanc, there are Sooooo Many Different Styles and Flavor Profiles and Countries Producing This Grape. What’s Your Style? Remember If you Live In Florida, You Can Order These Wines Online at http://www.abcfws.com , Have Them Delivered To Your Home by Signing Up With SHIPT or INSTACART Or Stop by And See […]

Never Say “The Wine Is OK for the PRICE!!”

The average wine consumer shops by brand name and my familiar grape varietals. That’s ok. I may be in a Pinot Noir mood or Chardonnay mood. The phrase they always say is “The Wine is OK For the Price” You should never have to say that. You will be now saying. “The Wine is AMAZING For […]

Champagne Versus Sparkling Wines!

Everyone calls a wine they can “Pop The Cork” and has bubbles in in it, Champagne. This will explain in simple terms the difference between Champagne and Sparkling Wine. Remember to hit the Follow Button and enter your email so that will entitle you to my cell phone number and FREE service 24/7 of contacting […]

There Is More To Spain Than Rioja. Check Out Jumilla!

When most think of Spanish Wine they think of Rioja and Ribera Del Duero. There are so many other regions like JUMILLA where the main grape used is MONASTRELL (Mourvedre) . The wines from this area are powerful and robust, loaded with intense fruit and ripe tannins. Remember if you are in Florida you can stop […]