One of the joys of tasting Cabernet Sauvignon from J. Lohr is that they show the diversity of California terroir. Tasted...
Castello di Meleto, Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) 2013
A blend of mostly (95%) Sangiovese and Malvasia Nero, this Chianti Classico delivers a harmonious contrast of herbal earthy...
Stemmari, Sicilia DOC (Italy) Nero d’Avola 2014
Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s “red grape,” has the ability to deliver both fruity and savory notes...
Robert Mondavi: The Father of California Wine
No one is more responsible for the success of the California wine industry than Robert Mondavi. This year marks the 50th...
Alcance, Maule Valley (Central Valley, Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
This is a marvelous $24 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Black fruit flavors, a savory green olive component and the...
Alcance, Maule Valley (Central Valley, Chile) Carmenere 2013
This Carménère from Alcance, a Chilean winery under the umbrella of the Jackson Family Wines Collection, is a good...
Frescobaldi, Toscana IGT (Italy) 2011
So-called international blends in Tuscany can be fabulous or a heavy-handed disaster. Put Frescobaldi’s Mormoreto...
Illuminati, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane (Abruzzo, Italy) 2010
This wine dispels any notion that truly great wines are not made in Abruzzo from the Montepulciano grape. Yes, the...
Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
This wine shows the beauty of Napa Valley Cabernet. Not bigger, but just a more muscular style of Cabernet Sauvignon than...
Illuminati, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (Abruzzo, Italy) 2014
A steal, this wine is in the “buy it by the case” category. Always a good buy, the 2014 vintage is especially...
Vivera, Etna Rosso DOC (Sicily, Italy) 2011
The more I taste wines grown on the slopes of Mount Etna, the more I like them because they have a Burgundian sensibility about...
Fattoria di Grignano, Chianti Rufinà Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2011
Chianti Rufinà region sometimes is overshadowed by Chianti Classico region, which is a shame because wines from the...