The Fijnbosch bottling, the weightiest of this trio of Capensis Chardonnays, still manages not to avoid the buttery and...
Capensis, Stellenbosch (Western Cape, South Africa) Chardonnay 2020
read more
Michael Apstein
Bluestone Vineyard, Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) Petit Verdot 2017
Full disclosure: Petit Verdot ranks near the bottom of my list of varietal wines because they are too often too heavy, too...
October One Vineyard, Virginia (United States) Albariño 2022
Wow! Who knew Albariño could do so well in Virginia? Initial aromatics captivate and predict...
Argentiera, Toscana IGT (Tuscany, Italy) 2022
This ripe, 14.5 percent stated alcohol, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend delivers up-front fruitiness wrapped in...
Hark Vineyards, Monticello (Virginia) 2019
This Cabernet Franc-dominate Bordeaux blend confirms what Thomas Jefferson knew centuries ago: Virginia’s Monticello...
Michael Shaps, Monticello (Virginia) 2020
Shaps’ unusual blend (Tannat 50%, Merlot 33%, and Malbec) shows the wonderful diversity of grapes and high-quality...
La Crema Winery, Monterey (California) Chardonnay 2022
La Crema makes wines from multiple appellations, so check the label carefully. This well-priced versatile Monterey...
Chianti Classico: A Perennial Favorite
Tasting through hundreds of Chianti Classico wines from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages over two days reminded me why Chianti...
Guillot-Broux, Mâcon-Chardonnay (Burgundy, France) 2022
The Mâconnais in southern Burgundy is the place to find affordable Chardonnay-based white Burgundy, especially from...
Trivento, Lujan de Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2020
Trivento produces a host of Malbec so be sure you read the label. This plummy one, named “Golden...
Domaine Boris Champy, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune (Burgundy, France) 2022
Boris Champy, one of the Burgundy’s most talented winemakers is, paradoxically, one of the least recognized....
Afton Mountain Vineyards, Monticello (Virginia) 2019
This Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend was one of the top 12 wines in the recently completed Virginia Governor’s Cup...