Confession: This bottle has been idling on my tasting runway for a couple of years, after being sent to me as a press...
Benovia, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
This limited release, single vineyard wine isn't one you're likely to just bump into while browsing the aisles of your...
Famille Lafage, Côtes du Roussillon (Roussillon, France) 2014
This is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, which could raise the question, "Why not just...
Benovia Winery, Sonoma County (California) Pinot Noir 2013
I absolutely loved this wine, and am also very enthusiastic about the 2014 "Martinella" Pinot (also reviewed...
Matakana Estate, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2016
This fine Marlborough Sauvignon succeeds by...not trying too hard. Many renditions of this famous wine category are...
Benovia Winery, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
This excellent wine doesn't quite hit the heights attained by the thrilling 2013 Cohn Vineyard Pinot, but it rings up for...
Les Chemins de Sève, Cairanne (Rhône Valley, France) 2014
This is a brand new domaine, and 2014 was the first vintage. Vines were planted last year, so this wine was made from...
Cave de Cairanne / Camille Cayran, Cairanne (Rhône Valley, France) 2015
Judging from this wine, the individuals at this village co-op who are selecting fruit and working in the cellar are...
Domaine Berthet-Rayne, Cairanne (Rhône Valley, France) 2014
This special bottling (as opposed to the straight Vieilles Vignes or “old vines") shows a lot of ripeness but just...
Domaine La Vitalis, Cairanne (Rhône Valley) 2015
Readers of a certain age will chortle at the name of this wine when recalling a horrible male hair tonic, but any...
Domaine Boisson, Cairanne (Rhône Valley, France) 2015
Very dark and ripe, this is a kick-down-the-door wine, rather than a reticent charmer. The fruit is very open and...
Domaine Alary, Cairanne (Rhône Valley, France) 2014
This exceedingly impressive wine seems to be sold predominantly in the Netherlands, and I’m actually tempted to make the...