Here at Wine Review Online headquarters we typically shy away from shameless self promotion, but sometimes the content is so compelling we just can’t resist.
This week’s issue is a case in point. Ed McCarthy, a regular WRO contributor and author of Wine for Dummies, takes a look at the puzzling lack of success of the so-called Cal-Ital wines of California, which have not quite captured the imagination of the American consumer.
Ed approaches the topic with an open mind and finds several Cal-Ital wines he can enthusiastically recommend, from Paso Robles and the Alexander Valley. He missed a couple of my favorites — the Sangioveses from Orfila Vineyards and South Coast Winery, both located in southern California — but I was thrilled to see that Ed, a true expert on Italian wines, found a number of wines to his liking.
And our Linda Murphy tackles the thorny topic of California Chardonnays worthy of cellaring. The conventional wisdom, of course, holds that California Chardonnays lack the bones to improve with age.
Linda sat down with several older vintages of Patz & Hall Chardonnay — all the way back to 1999 — and was pursuaded otherwise. Like Ed, she was skeptical but went in with an open mind.
And, as always, Paul Lukacs and Marguerite Thomas have put forth several excellent pairing recommendations in Wine With.
Last but not least, we have posted more than 50 new reviews this week, heavily concentrated on California. Some big guns are in the lineup, including Merry Edwards, Dutton Goldfield, Ojai Vineyards and Patz & Hall.
Check it out. And if you haven’t already signed up as a subscriber, remember a subscription to the WRO Reviews pages would make a perfect Christmas gift!
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