The unveiling of the winners at a major wine competition is the moment of truth for most professional wine judges, a time when...
Dutton-Goldfield, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
This is among the least expensive of the Dutton-Goldfield pinots, so making it a steal in context. Fresh and floral on the...
Vento di Mare, Terre Siciliane IGT (Italy) Nerello Mascalese 2013
As we head into the warmer months and the long summer grilling season, tasty reds that won't shrink into the background around...
Gary Farrell, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2013
Gary Farrell's Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautiful example of balance in wine when it's right. The 2013 shows nuances of...
Smith-Madrone, Spring Mountain District (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Even at this price Smith-Madrone Cabernet remains one of the Napa Valley's greatest values. The 2012 from Stu and...
Patz & Hall, Carneros (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Patz & Hall's monumental 2013 Hyde Pinot is an example of just how good California Pinot Noir can be, despite the many...
La Fiera, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Italy) 2014
This Montepulciano is textbook, offering ripe, juicy dark berry aromas and soft supple tannins. Though plump and simple, it is...
MacRostie, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2013
MacRostie's Cummings Vineyard Pinot Noir is on the light side for this remarkable vintage, offering notes of strawberry and...
Lyndenhurst, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
This is Spottswoode's second label, if you could call it that. It's an important Cabernet in its own right and most of the...
New Kid on the Block
SONOMA, Calif. -- Chances are you’ve never seen nor tasted a wine from La Chertosa, one of the new kids on the block. Its...
Three Picks for Valentine’s Day
There are three things you need to know this Valentine's Day: Domaine Carneros Cuvee de la Pompadour Brut Rose, Smith Woodhouse...
Tackitt Family Vineyards, Paso Robles (California) 2013
This beauty from Paso Robles shows ripe black fruits with an intensely floral nose. The tannins are supple and the wine well...