Creators Syndicate When it comes to wine, nearly everyone loves a steal, including wine professionals. Thus it was no surprise...
Sommeliers Know Value, too
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Robert Whitley
The Definition of Greatness
In a world, especially the wine world, where hyperbole is the default reflex of the enthusiast, it is good to remember that...
Clayhouse Vineyard, Paso Robles (California) Syrah 2010
So I'm sitting here plowing through a flight of red wines and come across a Syrah that has everything I'm looking for: intense...
Making History in Saint-Emilion
For as long as I can remember Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau Ausone have enjoyed nearly mythical status in the commune of...
Model of Consistency
When winemaker George Bursick departed Ferrari-Carano some years back I was gripped with a bout of angst. First of all, George...
Hawk & Horse Vineyards, Red Hills (Lake County) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Only problem with the Hawk & Horse Cabernet is the address. If it were produced 30 miles farther south owner Mitch Hawkins...
Wine for Our Time
Earlier this year I made my somewhat annual trek to Bordeaux (I confess I have skipped a couple of vintages) for the primeurs...
Timeless Appeal of Wine Competitions
I've just pressed the button at Constant Contact and fired off the eblast announcing our judges for Winemaker Challenge IV in...
The Price Is Right
How much should a bottle of wine cost? A glance at any given week's recommended wines will confirm that price is all over the...
Here Come the Judges
The lineup has been set for Winemaker Challenge IV, scheduled for Jan. 19-20 in San Diego, and it's another superb cast of...
Robert Craig, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
My experience with this wine through the years is that it's a bit of a time bomb. Very good in its youth, I almost always...
Russian Hill, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2009
What I find most appealing about this estate Pinot is the exquisite balance between fruit, acid and tannin. This vintage offers...