Allen Balik

Napa

Columnist at Napa Valley Register

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Articles

The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: The benefits of tasting before pouring

1 week ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Why is the tasting “ritual” frowned upon by some as over-the-top snobbery and considered as essential to the enjoyment and appreciation of wine by others? No one frowns when observing the customary sniffing of a gifted floral bouquet or the lengthy gaze at the beauty of a treasured painting, let alone the long and lingering smiles when relishing a freshly baked apple pie or the tactile appreciation of a fine leather purse.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Vintage vs. non-vintage. Is there a preference?

3 weeks ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Earlier this year a group of friends decided to get together to enjoy and compare two traditional favorites – Port and Champagne. While delighting in the wines, the conversation gravitated to a discussion about the differences between vintage and non-vintage (now often referred to as multi-vintage) wines. The choice of wines also became even more interesting because nowhere has the art of blending reached such exceptional and artistic heights than in these two areas.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Must we demystify wine?

1 month ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

For as long as I can remember, there has been a philosophical argument within the wine trade and press over the best path to take when expressing wine’s role in our lives and the market.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Coombsville — exploring Cabernet Franc and beyond

1 month ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

A few weeks ago, I attended two events showcasing the Coombsville American Viticultural Area located in the Napa Valley’s southeastern hills just east of downtown Napa. Both were organized by the Coombsville Vintners and Growers under the oversight of its visionary president and grower Jim Urda of Immaculate Vineyard. Originally planted in the 19th century, Coombsville has blossomed over the last few decades.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Wine’s individual expression?

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

History, tradition, countless medical studies and its own cultural identity have all demonstrated wine’s ability to stand on its own merits and differentiates it from all other drinks. Its story is not just about a beverage, but also about how a glass of wine serves to connect the characteristics of the vintage, the origin of its grapes along with the people who grew and produced it. Today, the alcohol industry across its entire spectrum is under attack worldwide.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Wine’s individual expression?

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

History, tradition, countless medical studies and its own cultural identity have all demonstrated wine’s ability to stand on its own merits and differentiates it from all other drinks. Its story is not just about a beverage, but also about how a glass of wine serves to connect the characteristics of the vintage, the origin of its grapes along with the people who grew and produced it. Today, the alcohol industry across its entire spectrum is under attack worldwide.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: The captivating appeal of old vines

2 months ago | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

We often hear the expression "old vine" and see it printed primarily on Zinfandel labels. But has anyone officially defined what that means? Not really. In the U.S., there is no legal definition for old vine on the label as there is for many other statements of quality and heritage. Estate Bottled vs.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Is 'dry' a good thing when speaking about wine?

Mar 9, 2025 | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

While enjoying a glass of Cabernet a few weeks ago with an old friend who is unfamiliar with wine jargon, I was caught off-guard when he asked, "How in the world can a liquid as delicious as this be described as dry?"A good question, because when speaking of wine the term "dry" can be interpreted in many different ways and pose several semantic challenges. It is one of the most used descriptors in the wine world, but all too often it’s done in the wrong context.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: Stretching beyond our comfort zone

Feb 28, 2025 | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

Often when talking about wine with friends who appreciate its pleasures, but are not really interested in the backstory or breadth of the subject, I hear comments about "comfort" levels relating to specific favored varieties or brands. Sadly though, it’s seldom I hear much about their desire to venture into something new. And that's really a shame. It takes just a bit of courage and exploration to discover many rewards that will grace the dinner table and add interest to a special occasion.
The Napa Valley Wine Exchange: 2022 Bordeaux – A vintage perspective

Feb 13, 2025 | napavalleyregister.com | Allen Balik

The wines of Bordeaux are widely accepted as being among the world's finest, most popular and in some cases also the most expensive. Late last month I again attended the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting in San Francisco where about 80 of Bordeaux's finest châteaux, representing all of the appellation's most prestigious growing areas, poured their treasured wines from the superb 2022 vintage to the trade and press.