This is excellent Pinot Gris in the style currently associated with Oregon and New Zealand (meaning medium-bodied and dry,...
Sierra Roble, South Coast (Petit Verdot) 2013
This grape is gaining momentum as a stand-alone varietal wine in various regions around the world, showing a capability...
Carol Shelton Wines, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Petite Sirah 2013
This is a pretty tasteful, almost restrained rendition of Petite Sirah, which basically means rather reserved aromas and...
Noble Vines, Monterey (California) Pinot Noir 2015
Many California Pinot Noirs fall short because they offer too much rather than too little -- too much richness, sweetness,...
Houdini, Napa Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2015
Offering excellent value at $22 retail for a Napa Valley Pinot Noir, this shows appealing vanilla topnotes that...
Sobon Estate, Amador County (California) Zinfandel 2015
Fruity to the point of juiciness, with a dash of sweetness and very soft structure (virtually no notable wood and very...
Foundry, California (United States) 2013
I’m not big on conspiracy theories… aside from this one. A blend of Zinfandel and Syrah, this shows...
Frei Brothers, Dry Creek Valley (California) Merlot 2015
Merlot is staging a significant comeback after years of derision in the wake of Sideways (much of it deserved on account...
Naggiar Vineyards, Sierra Foothills (California) Sangiovese 2015
This convincing rendition of Sangiovese shows lots of character derived from light spice notes, a leathery undertone, and...
Don’t Worship Your Wines: Grip ‘Em and Rip ‘Em
When I first fell in love with wine, I was frequently tormented by conflicting desires regarding the bottles that I...
Wanna Fight About Virginia?
Some aficionados who can afford the world’s great wines think making wine in a place like Virginia is…well, sort of...
Jefferson Vineyards, Virginia (United States) Petit Verdot 2014
Quite convincing, this Petit Verdot shows a compelling combination of open, dark-toned fruit, savory undertones recalling...