Category: Wine Reviews
The Mountain Wines of Napa: Tasting Notes From Altitude
We live in a world of marketing, where everyone struggles to distinguish their product from the competition and where seduction
2005 Domaine Albert Boxler Pinot Gris “Vieilles Vignes,” Alsace
Like Jazz standards interpreted endlessly by masters and amateurs alike, grapes find infinite expression in the hands of winemakers around
2003 Pulenta Estate “Gran Corte VII” Red Wine, Mendoza, Argentina
Three years ago this week I was making my way around the top restaurants of Buenos Aires, ordering too much
Neal Family Vineyards, Napa: Current Releases
In some ways, if Mark Neal and his small winery, Neal Family Vineyards, didn’t make fantastic wines, it would be
2005 Domaine de Chateau Gaillard Saumur, Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is perhaps one of the most underrated and unexplored (by most Americans) wine producing regions in France.
Obata Shuzo Manotsuru “Yososaku” Junmai Daiginjo, Niigata Prefecture
Sake brewing has a long and storied history in Japan, and because of the island nation’s relative isolation, many breweries
2004 Ridge Vineyards “Monte Bello” Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains
As Paul Draper was inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame a couple of weeks ago in a ceremony at
The Best Grenache in California: Tasting Rhone Rangers 2008
Maybe I’m getting old, but I just didn’t have the energy to taste 300 wines last weekend when the Rhone
Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains: Current Releases
One of the greatest joys in my life remains the feeling I get when stumbling upon a small winery whose
1974 Charles Krug “Vintage Selection – Lot F1” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Do you want to know a little secret? I’m probably going to catch hell for telling you, especially from my
Italy’s Best Wines: Tasting the Tre Bicchieri Winners 2008
I pride myself on my broad tastes in wine. I like wine from everywhere, and don’t believe I have a
The World’s Best Burgundy? Tasting La Paulee de San Francisco
It’s not every day that I get to leave a wine tasting knowing that I’ve probably spit out a volume
Kapcsándy Family Winery, Napa: Current Releases
Napa has a way of turning modest dreams into major productions. Lou Kapcsándy and his wife Bobbie decided to retire
2001 Benanti “Pietramarina” Bianco Superiore, Etna DOC, Sicily
I try to avoid getting into discussions about terroir for the same reasons I avoid arguing about religion: no one
The Best Cabernet in Napa: Tasting Premiere Napa Valley 2008
One of my favorite events each year involves the opportunity to sample some of the best wines that Napa produces
Masuizumi Junmai Daiginjo, Toyama Prefecture
Many of us drink wine as a portal to a sense of place and time — to be transported through
2004 Swanson Merlot, Oakville, Napa
People travel all sorts of roads to get to Napa Valley. Napa is a refuge for those who can afford
Spring Mountain Vineyard, Napa: Current Releases
Friends and acquaintances often ask for recommendations on where to go in Napa, and I always tailor my response to
The Best Zinfandel in California: Tasting at ZAP 2008
I never cease to be amazed at the power of Zinfandel. At the last major Pinot Tasting in San Francisco,
