During a visit last fall to the Champagne region of northern France sponsored by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de...
Wrath, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Syrah 2010
The aromas promise big, black brooding fruit with smoky, spicy, herbal nuances, but in the mouth it is surprisingly supple and...
Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri (Tuscany, Italy) 2010
Guado al Tasso is one of the Antinori family’s many Italian estates. It’s in Tuscany, but not in the classic Chianti...
Michele Chiarlo, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
In the 1980s Michele Chiarlo began working to make his Barolo more approachable without losing the unique character of the...
Michele Chiarlo, Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) 2009
Though the Nebbiolo grape is the heart of both Barbaresco and Barolo wines, where those grapes are grown produces very...
Bonny Doon, Central Coast (California) Grenache 2010
Randall Graham is a free thinker, with the emphasis on thinker. He makes good wines and applies his legendary sense of humor to...
Walters Winery, Walla Walla Valley (Columbia Valley, Washington) Syrah 2009
If you like the style of cooler climate Syrahs, or dare I say it, those of the Northern Rhône, you will love Jamie...
Columbia Crest, Horse Heaven Hills (Columbia Valley, Washington) Merlot 2009
As far as I’m concerned Washington State produces the best Merlot in the US and one of the best in the world. Columbia...
Poderi di Luigi Einaudi, Dolcetto di Dogliani (Piedmont, Italy) 2010
Yes, the fruit is juicy black cherry, maybe a little raspberry, but this wine is not just about fruit. Savory...
Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) 2009
Le Orme is Chiarlo’s version of an “everyday” wine. It’s light and delicious with black...
Delas, Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
Plan to put this baby in the cellar for a while. It comes from Les Bressards, a premier vineyard parcel known for...
Delas, Côtes-du-Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
While the dominant grape in many a Côtes-du-Rhône is the generous and friendly Grenache, Delas makes Syrah the...