Category: Wine Reviews
The 2023 Vintage Through the Lens of Premier Napa Valley
One of my favorite exercises each year involves trying to get a sense of recent vintage quality in Napa through
Alder’s Most Memorable California Wines 2025
In reflecting on a year of tasting, I am fascinated by what persists in memory. Which wines have remained vivid
The Ambassadors of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Two parallel universes of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc exist: one in which quantities are measured in shipping-container units destined for grocery
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 12/14/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 12/7/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
Vinography Images: Volcanic Fire
Bottles of Tokaji Aszu sweet wine glow in the light of a dark cellar. The soils that grew these wines
Oregon Enters its Bubble Era
Given the state’s facility with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay above all others, one would think it only natural that Oregon
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 11/23/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 11/16/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 11/9/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 11/2/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
New Zealand’s Other Red Wine
Many people are unaware that New Zealand produces red wine, and even fewer still that it produces red wines beyond
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 10/19/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
NY Cab Franc Moves Forward
Can you imagine the producers in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lodi all coming together to agree on a single red
Taking a Closer Look at Mexican Wine
As a curious wine lover, I taste as widely as I possibly can. Which is to say, when I get
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 10/12/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
Why Hasn’t Anyone Bought Quartz Reef Yet?
While I primarily focus on the sensorial aspects of the wine world, I also pay attention to the business side
Flavors of Old California: Notes from the Historic Vineyard Society Tasting
Most of you know by now that I have a thing for old vines. I love them. And I love
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 9/21/25
Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted.
