Betsy and Bill Nachbauer buck the trend of growing only Burgundian varieties in Russian River Valley. They list toward...
Rocca Family Vineyards, Yountville (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
The label states the wine’s alcohol at 14.9%, which can sometimes be a tipoff that the potency is much higher than that....
Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2009
A quite successful Meritage-style wine comprised largely of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this has a core of rich,...
Conn Creek, Napa Valley (California) 2008
This Meritage-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Sirah and Cabernet Franc is upfront, fruity and...
EnRoute, Russian River Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2011
This label is the Pinot Noir-centric sister to Napa Valley-based Far Niente. And the wine is one of the most fascinating Pinots...
California Whites: Viva Variety!
A British wine journalist once asked me why Californians felt so compelled to grow and vinify every wine grape known to...
The Rise–and Spread–of American Wine
The United States is the world’s largest consumer of wine, having recently surpassed France and Italy to gain the top...
Vietti, Moscato d’Asti Langa (Piemonte, Italy) 2012
Celebrate springtime with this versatile sparkling Moscato from Asti, which is ideal for enjoying with brunch, as an afternoon...
La Crema, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
This is a style of wine I debate about when scoring. For my own palate, it’s a bit too potent, ripe and heavy, yet...
Pfendler Vineyards, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Traditional Joseph Swan, Calera and Pommard clones are the foundation for Kimberly Pfendler’s Pinot Noir plantings, and...
Holly’s Hill Vineyards, El Dorado County (California) 2009
Holly’s Hill is a shining star in Rhône-variety wines from the Sierra Foothills. This Southern Rhône-style...
Ridge Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains (California) Merlot 2009
Estate-grown Merlot has long been a component of Ridge’s acclaimed Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignons, and it is now...