As I sit here just freshly back from the 2012 Wine Bloggers Conference in Portland Oregon, I’m reminiscing back to when I started this blog (November 2009 – nearly 500 posts ago). At that time I was passionate about reviewing wine, reading other blogs, and building a brand for a future business. At one point I had something new on the ole bloggy every day for 9 consecutive months. It paid off, I have you…the readers – over 12,000 of you every month. I have 3 businesses, Nectar Tasting Room, Spokane Wine Magazine and nectarMEDIA. BUT…I sure do miss the wine reviews and other fun and educational blog posts that got me here.

Don’t call it a comeback, I never went away, but it’s time to get back to regular wine reviews and weekly features. While I still have three businesses to tend to, blog posts to write for my consulting contracts, and local Nectar news and events to write about, I’m going to bring back the regular content.

What you’ll see:

• Wine of the Week #wowwine on twitter
• Local find #buywinedirect on twitter
• Other wine musings like craft projects, wine humor, wine news, etc.

All of my social media posts have moved to nectarMEDIA site, so if you like those tips, please subscribe.

So, with that, I’ll just share my thoughts on the wine that is in my glass right now:

2010 Alexandria Nicole Jet Black Syrah

Region: Washington

AVA: Horse Heaven Hills

Vineyard: Destiny Ridge Vineyard (Single Vineyard)

Cooperage: 20 months in French/American oak

My Suggested Pairing: Braised Pork With Plum

Price $25

The wine comes across as bold and dark in the glass – a real teeth stainer. aromas of ground coffee, black berry fruit, and bark. The flavor is elegant and thick with a hint of oak and a mildly grippy tannin. As the name suggests this is a jet black feeling and tasting wine. Alexandria Nicole (in Prosser and Woodinville) is one of my consistently favorite wineries. Winemaker Jarrod Boyle is one of the most talented hard working people in the wine business.

Rating: Buy and hold – unless you’re like me and just can’t wait 4/5

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