Widely available and endearingly sweet at first blush, this seems initially like a pretty commercial wine. Yet, upon...
Frank Family Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2018
This producer is known (by me, at least) for making big, powerful wines, and there’s nothing wrong with that. ...
Talbott Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2018
This is among the best Pinot Noir releases I’ve ever tasted from this famous vineyard, showing a gorgeous layer of...
Breathless Sparkling Wines, Los Carneros (California) 2016
This higher end Blanc de Noirs bottling will impress most tasters more than the straight non-vintage release, as it offers...
Ficarra Cellars, American (United States) Pinot Noir 2019
The labeling here could prove a bit baffling, as “American” is shown on the front label, whereas the back...
Pasqua, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (Veneto, Italy) 2012
This is an excellent, dry-style Amarone that doesn’t tasted “hot” despite the 16.5% stated alcohol that...
Pope Valley Winery, Napa Valley (California) Sangiovese 2018
In years past, I might have overlooked this wine because I judged varieties by reference to their European counterparts...
Stephen & Walker, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
This producer is new to me, but we are off to a very good start. This has all the richness and power one would...
Stephen & Walker, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Regardless of the throw-back label, this producer is new to me, but the back-to-back performance with this wine from 2017...
Zonte’s Footstep, Fleurieu (Australia) Shiraz – Cabernet 2018
This 60% / 40% blend of Shiraz and Cabernet from South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula shows lots of concentrated,...
Tribute: Paul Lukacs Ph.D., 1956-2021
On Tuesday, June 15, 2021 the wine world lost one of its most insightful writers, and we at Wine Review Online lost one of our...
Frank Family Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This isn't the flashiest Napa Cabernet ever, but for purity and varietal integrity, it is a model for others to...