Wine Reviews
Tormaresca “Trentangeli” Castel del MonteI am a big fan of Aglianico, but it isn’t a crowd-pleaser. It’s more like the Metallica of the wine world. Even some of our sommelier friends …
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What are Tannins?
What are Tannins?The dictionary isn’t much help. Here is the definition:tan·ninnoun a yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic substance present in some galls, barks, and other plant tissues, consisting of derivatives of gallic …
2011 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 was a crazy year for Napa Cabs.California is in the grip of a massive drought, but that wasn’t the case in 2011. At least in Napa Valley, where rain pummelled vineyards from …
Landmark Vineyards 2011 “Grand Detour” Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
First of all, kudos to Landmark Vineyards for the awesome update to their labeling. It’s a great leap backward, and I mean that in the best way possible.This is a bittersweet …
Vall Llach 2006 “Vall Llach” Priorat
One of my favorite memories of visiting Priorat with my Wine School students was our time at Celler Vall Lach. A stone –a triangle of iron-shaded black rock– from one of their …
Trisaetum 2011 “Trisae” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces some of the world’s best Pinot Noirs. And that is only half the reason to love their wines. The other is its grassroots vibe. Unlike so many …
Gordon Estate 2009 Syrah, Columbia Valley
Another winery has opted to change its name and cause great confusion in the marketplace. Gordon Brothers Winery, which has earned a large following over the past decade, has changed its …
Altadonna 2010 Nero d’Avola
Altadonna is a project by the well-known father & son winemaking team of Stefano and Niccoló Chioccioli. Their portfolio is a line of pan-Italian wines sourced from northern to southern Italy. While such …
Nugan Estate 2012 “Third Generation” Shiraz, South Eastern Australia
Eight years ago, a juice company from Australia contacted me. They were moving into the wine market, and we’re working on distribution into the US. Could I help them?Sure, I said. …
Chateau de Roquebrune “Cuvee Reine” 2009 Lalande de Pomerol
The Guinjard family have been Bordeaux wine growers for five generations. Before 1970, most of that fruit went to other wineries. Over the past few decades, they have started making more …
Trimbach 2000 Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive, Alsace
I’ve been reviewing ancient vines and vineyards recently. The theme continues with this bottling from Trimbach. The winery itself dates back 12 generations, and its vineyards are some of the best …
Reginato 2011 Chaman
In Argentina, a chaman is a witch doctor. Is this a witchy wine? I am not sure, but it is a fine wine and a surprising departure for the Reginato clan. …
Miraval 2012 Rose de Provence
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt… yes, we’ve all heard that hype. The real story here is that both AC/DC and Shirley Bassey recorded at the nearby Miraval Studios. In fact, the …
Londer Vineyards 2011 Pinot Noir
Three thoroughbred Pinot Noirs were just added to PLCB wine shops. All three are single-vineyard bottlings from Londer Vineyards: the Paraboll, Ferrington, and the Londer Estate vineyards.Londer is a boutique winery …
Schug Pinot Noir 2010 Carneros
Schug Winery is a major player in Northern Cali’s cool wine region of Carneros. Nestled at the bottom of Sonoma and Napa, Carneros has always been prime vineyard territory. Now, it’s …
Reserve des Vignerons 2010 Saumur Champigny
Loire valley wine reviewMinimalistic, fresh, and pretty, this Loire Valley red is a true gem. The fresh and bright red fruit is tied to accents of dried leaves and a forest …