In a world of Pinot Noir gone wild, the '09 Gainey is a refreshing throwback to the days of common sense in winemaking. That...
Gainey Vineyards, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2009
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Robert Whitley
My 20-20 Thanksgiving
Creators Syndicate They say hindsight is 20-20. Let's hope so. After 20 years of penning this column, I've filed at least 20...
Cancelli, Rosso di Toscana IGT (Italy) 2009
This blend of Sangiovese and Syrah is unusual for Tuscany, especially in the Chianti Classico district where the mother winery,...
Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2009
Pinch me, but this Pinot from Morgan's Double L Vineyard -- one of its finest Pinot sources over the years -- is now certified...
In Praise of Brick and Mortar
My friend Tish, aka William Tisherman, is a New York wine journalist who passionately opposes the use of scores with wine...
Russian Hill, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Russian Hill's Leras Vineyard Pinot is generous and rich, with layered aromas of fresh raspberry and strawberry, old-world...
Cetamura, Chianti DOCG (Tuscany, Italy) 2010
From the Coltibuono winery of Chianti Classico, this inexpensive Chianti is 100 percent Sangiovese and exhibits lovely, fresh...
Coltibuono, Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) 2009
Coltibuono has a long tradition of exceptional quality at a fair price, and it's Chianti Classico RS is a good example. It's...
Skalli, Cotes-du-Rhone (France) 2009
The problem, really the only problem, with Cotes-du-Rhone is that it can be anything. Skalli's Les Rabassieres resides in the...
The Magnificent Seven
It is often said there is no other sparkling wine quite like Champagne. I have even said it myself. The chalky soils of the...
Ancient Peaks, Paso Robles (California) 2009
Renegade is a good description of this blend, for it's a combination you're not likely to see often: Syrah (46%), Malbec...
Bubbly for the Holidays
As I rummaged through the wine cellar to pull together a charitable silent auction item appropriately dubbed "Holiday...