Michael Apstein, Author at Wine Review Online

Keep your Eye on the Mâconnais in 2025 and Beyond

by Michael Apstein | December 25, 2024

In the Mâconnais, Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loché finally received their deserved recognition with identification of Premier Crus vineyards, those sites that...

2021 Burgundies: An Overlooked Vintage

by Michael Apstein | December 10, 2024

Bruno Pépin, Commercial Director at Burgundy’s venerable Maison Louis Latour, describes his amazement upon awaking on the morning of April...

Chianti Rùfina Ups its Game—Again

by Michael Apstein | October 23, 2024

With the 2018 vintage, Chianti Rùfina introduced a new level of classification, called “Terraelectae,” to sit atop their pyramid of...

Quality Mexican Wine? Surely, You Jest?

by Michael Apstein | September 11, 2024

Indeed, I do not. During a week-long family vacation to Mexico City over Christmas last year, we drank a range...

Embrace Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc from Alsace

by Michael Apstein | August 14, 2024

Wines from Alsace are labeled by grape, not place, which makes them unique among top quality AOC (appellation origine controllée)...

Special Report: Bordeaux 2005 Tasting Notes

by Michael Apstein | August 13, 2024

The following notes are based on barrel samples tasted (unblinded) at the chateaux, at an unblinded tasting organized by the...

Terroir in Barolo: Poderi Gianni Gagliardo

by Michael Apstein | August 8, 2024

There’s no question that terroir—the concept that wines reflect the individual and unique site where the grapes grow—exists in Barolo. ...

Tenuta di Capezzana’s Ghiaie della Furba

by Michael Apstein | August 5, 2024

In 1979, Ugo Conti Bonacossi, owner of Tenuta di Capezzana, the leading estate in Carmignano, created a unique Super Tuscan...

Look to the Rhône for Summertime Drinking

by Michael Apstein | July 23, 2024

My friends say that I hate rosé. I don’t. I just think there are many far more interesting alternatives. (Here,...

Chianti Classico: A Perennial Favorite

by Michael Apstein | May 1, 2024

Tasting through hundreds of Chianti Classico wines from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages over two days reminded me why...

Do Not Miss the 2019 Brunellos!

by Michael Apstein | April 10, 2024

Let me get straight to the point. The 2019 vintage for Brunello di Montalcino is fabulous! I make this assessment...

The Amazing 2022 Burgundies

by Michael Apstein | March 15, 2024

Let me cut directly to the chase, or rather, the bottom line: Buy as much of the 2022 Burgundies—both red...