d’Arenberg 2015 The Hermit Crab McLaren Vale
There is a long history of French influence on Aussie winemakers. This blend of Viognier and Marsanne is a paean to the classic white wines of the Rhone Valley. Â The name …
Pride Mountain Vineyards
After a few days in Napa, I was used to windy mountain roads. Â Just glad there was no snow. Â We circled our way up Spring Mountain to Pride Mountain Vineyards.Jersey ConnectionI …
Atalon 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Does this winery even exist? If one drives up to its Calistoga address, you won’t see any signs or even any employees. The winery has been converted into a facility to …
Gloria Ferrer 2014 Chardonnay, Carneros
Gloria Ferrer is best known for its sparkling wines. However, their Chardonnay is well worth a look. A cool climate chardonnay that has little in common with its compatriots further north …
Havens Winery 2014 Merlot, Napa Valley
A stellar bottle of Napa red.  All you merlot haters should pick up a bottle to see how wrong you can be. If Tom Hardy were a bottle of wine, he would be …
Shirvington 2010 Shiraz, McLaren Vale
A Winery Divorce First, there was Sparky Marquis. He was the “hit winemaker” for years in South Australia. His wines were highly coveted, especially in the states. His wines were bigger …
Recipes From the Wine School
From the Wine Pairing Classes at the Wine SchoolArugula, Fennel and Olive Salad3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice1 small shallot1 tsp mustard1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil1/2 tsp Fine sea salt1 5-ounce package …
Castelli del Grevepesa 2011″Clemente VII” Chianti Classico Riserva
This bottling of Chianti Classico has been hitting up high ratings over the past few years. This vintage may even be better than the 2010 Castelli del Grevepesa Riserva and a notch …
Martinelli 2013 Zinfandel, Vellutini Ranch
Can you believe it? Let’s all welcome the cloned children of Jackass Vineyard.Allow me to explain, Jackass is a vineyard that was planted in the late 19th century in the Russian …
Zotovich Estate 2013 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
A standout winery from the wine ghetto in (not so) beautiful Lompoc. Â While this may be the less majestic looking spot in Santa Barbara County, it’s one of the greatest spots …
Domaine des Ruettes 2015 Saumur Champigny
This is what I want from a Saumur Champigny (A Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley in France): high toned fresh red, delicate tannins, light body, and it’s inexpensive. This is a …
Wine Ratings 101
How Wine Ratings Came to BeWine ratings are both standardized and controversial. They often reflect individual preferences and tastes yet provide a systematic way to rank the quality of a wine. …
Wine Gift Ideas
A Perfect Wine & Chocolate PairingEveryone loves getting fed. You could whip up a three-course meal, but that’s not a quick gift. If you want all the glory without all the …
Wine Reviews
Zotovich Estate Pinot Noir Santa Rita HillsTaut red fruit with layers of wild rose and honeysuckle. It is a lithe expression of Pinot Noir that offers great finesse and clarity. A …
Recipes from the Wine School
Mushrooms Stuffed with Smoked Trout, Leeks, Creme Fraiche 12 Cremini Mushrooms 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted. 1/4 cup Leeks, washed and sliced 1/8 cup Smoked Trout, crumbled 1/4 cup Creme Fraiche (or …
Top Wine Picks
Framingham Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (NZ)This boutique winery has been pushing out classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc since 1994. It’s a standard in our Wine 101 classes for nearly as long. It’s …