This vintage of Morgan's Twelve Clones is slightly chunky and awkward, but that element should improve with more time in the...
Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County) Pinot Noir 2011
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Robert Whitley
The Wine Competition Debate
Wine blogger Joe Roberts, the infamous 1WineDude, offers an interesting perspective on wine competitions after participating in...
“Somm” the Movie
For most of my professional career, the sommelier has been a relic of the past, a symbol of that forgotten time when only the...
Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2010
The 2010 RRV is Merry's "now" pinot noir, with bright red=fruited aromas, a touch of lightness and elegance on the...
Merry Edwards, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2010
This is Merry's spicy pinot, showing a bit of vanillin and forest floor, with a juicy core supported by firm tannins. Easy to...
Franciscan Estate, Napa Valley (California) 2009
What do you get when you consistently match up superb Napa Valley vineyards with a talented winemaker and modern viticulture and...
Living the Dream
You could make a case that James MacPhail and Jeff Gaffner are two of California's most important winemakers. There is an...
Foppiano, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Petite Sirah 2010
Petite Sirah is the red-meat wine of California; when it's done right a hefty, rich, flavorful red that is an excellent mate for...
Chateau Tanunda, Barossa (South Australia) Shiraz 2010
No one ever complains they didn't get their money's worth from Chateau Tanunda. This vintage of the winery's Grand Barossa...
Kenwood Vineyards, Sonoma Mountain (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
This vintage of Cab from Kenwood's Jack London Vineyard has excellent potential even though it's a bit closed at the moment. The...
Chateau Tanunda, Barossa (South Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
This vintage of Tanunda's Grand Barossa Cab shows good palate weight and depth, with intense notes of spice, eucalyptus and...
Ponzi, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2011
If you're looking for a starter Pinot Noir that won't wreck your budget, the Ponzi "Tavola" Pinot Noir is an excellent...