An admirably structured Pinot for this relatively affordable price category, this shows energetic acidity enlivening the dark...
Whitehaven, Marlborough (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2016
This is classic Marlborough Sauvignon, with all of the flashy aromatics one would expect, but no over-the-top pungency. ...
Penfolds, South Australia (Australia) 2014
I’ve tasted almost every vintage of this wine for the past 20 years, so I’ve got plenty of context for what...
Peñalolén, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Good luck getting a better Cabernet than this for $20. The wine shows quite expressive aromas and flavors, yet is really...
A Phenomenal New Release of Penfolds “Bin 389”
Penfolds is certainly Australia’s most storied winery, and for many good reasons, both white and red. In all senses,...
Block Nine, California (United States) Pinot Noir 2012
Block Nine is a Pinot Noir specialist…and Pinot is all that the enterprise makes. Clearly this 2012 wine didn’t...
A to Z, Oregon (United States) Pinot Noir 2014
This is a fine option when you’re seeking fresh, light Pinot that won’t stomp on a moderately robust fish dish like...
Angeline, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties (California) Pinot Noir 2015
This wine is quite good almost every year, and 2015 is certainly no exception. It shows plenty of depth and fruit flavor...
Annabella, Carneros (California) Pinot Noir 2014
Yum. This is terrific “budget” Pinot that shows excellent purity and naturalness, but not at the cost of aroma...
Martin Ray, Sonoma County (California) Pinot Noir 2015
Always among the best affordable Pinots in this price range, the 2015 Martin Ray is quite good yet again. Neither chunky...
From Best of 2016, Best Glass: Zalto Denk`Art Universal Glass
I first encountered this glass two years ago when tasting in southern France, and it was pretty clearly the most arresting...
Best of 2016, Part II
As the happy occupant of the World’s Best Job, I believe it is good karma to tip my hat to outstanding performances, wines...