Intriguingly complex, with earthy undertones intertwined with fresh, generously fruity overtones, this is a wine that...
Tapada de Villar, Alentejo (Portugal) 2009
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Michael Franz
Marchesi di Barolo, Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
This is a delicious rendering of Barbera that is true to the variety (relatively low tannin and high acid) while showing...
Castillo de Monjardin, Navarra (Spain) Tempranillo 2010
This wine could be more complex, but it could hardly be more delicious, as the relatively simple fruit is perfectly...
Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2008
A very fine rendition of Carménère at a great price. This features black fruit notes supported by...
Foppiano Vineyards, Sonoma County (California) Petite Sirah 2009
Petite Sirah can be overbearing or it can be intensely pleasurable, and this rendition falls on the right side of that...
Last Grigios Standing
For better or worse, Italy sends a gazillion bottles of Pinot Grigio to be quaffed by Americans each year, with the great...
Barnard Griffin, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2010
The current crop of releases from Barnard Griffin are the best I’ve tasted in a long time. This Syrah is...
Parés Baltà, Penedès (Catalonia, Spain) Cabernet/ Garnatxa 2009
Ever seen a blend of Cabernet and Garnacha? Me either, but this is a totally convincing wine and a remarkably...
Resolutions for the New Wine Year
New Year’s Eve has long been my favorite holiday of the year, and a big reason for that is that the turn of the year is a...
Terra Valentine, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
This is a terrific, moderately-priced Cabernet from Terra Valentine, which makes superb vineyard-designated wines that...
Michael Franz’s Wine Producer and Wine of the Year for 2011
Wine of the Year: Plantagenet, Great Southern (Western Australia) Chardonnay 2007 ($21, Imported by Old Bridge...
Paixar, Bierzo (Castilla y León, Spain) 2008
If you’ve still not experienced the remarkable quality that top vintners can coax from the Mencia grape in the...