California's Central Coast benefits from cool coastal influences that play right into the hands of Merlot growers. Merlot...
Niro, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Italy) 2015
Central Italy's Abruzzo region, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is one of Italy's most beautiful. The pace of life is...
Wild Horse, Central Coast (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Good Cabernet Sauvignon for $20 or less is increasingly rare. Wild Horse delivers the goods, however, with a stellar...
Fall Classics
It was on a damp, chilly autumn afternoon just outside Beaune, in the heart of France's Burgundy region, that I came to the...
For the Love of Merlot
October is merlot month. Once upon a time, the mere thought of a month dedicated to merlot would have inspired smirks all...
Penner-Ash, Yamhill-Carlton (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2015
The Penner-Ash Shea Vineyard Pinot is a meaty red, which Oregon Pinots can be at times. This one has serious depth, with layered...
Donnafugata, Sicily (Italy) 2015
Even at the entry level, Donnafugata simply doesn't make bad wine. The 2015 Sedara blend (mostly Nero d'Avola) is a fruity,...
Donnafugata, Sicilia DOC (Italy) Grillo 2016
Donnafugata excels with white wines, perhaps because it is situated on the cooler side of the island. The 'SurSur' Grillo is...
Gloria Ferrer, Carneros (Sonoma County) 2010
Gloria Ferrer's sparkling wines have been on a decade-long roll, so hardly anything GF does surprises. The latest and greatest...
Decoy, Sonoma County (California) Merlot 2015
Decoy is the second label for the iconic Napa Valley producer Duckhorn. Duckhorn is famous for its Merlot, so it only stands the...
Decoy, Sonoma County (California) Pinot Noir 2015
What the world needs now is more everyday Pinot Noir that is affordable and tastes good, too. The 2015 Decoy fits the bill. This...
Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Sauvignon Blanc 2016
One of the beautiful aspects of Duckhorn's perennially delicious Sauvignon Blanc is its texture and structure. Richer and more...