Montirius 2004 “Terre des Aines” Gigondas
Gigondas tend to drink like rough versions of Chateauneuf du Pape. This one breaks the mold. A delicate structure of tannins underlies a rich framework of ripe blackberries and kirsch. A …
Latour on Latour. The wines of Domaine Louis Latour with Louis-Fabrice Latour
When Louis-Fabrice Latour came to the Wine School and poured his wines. Simonnet Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne Louis Latour 2006 “Duet” Chardonnay-Viognier,Vin de Pays des Coteaux de L’Ardeche Louis Latour 2006 …
Chateau D’Alzon 1949 Saint Emilion
The story behind this bottle is intriguing. Discovered in a basement in Philadelphia recently, it was part of a cache of French wines that had been cellared and apparently forgotten about …
Conde de Subirats NV Rose
PLCB stores recently began carrying a delicious rose Cava–the Conde de Subirats NV Rose, an $11.99 pink sparkler that both charms and goes blissfully easy on the wallet. It shows notes …
Italian Wine Reviews
It’s been a month since the holidays and I’m just now going over my notes for some of the wines consumed during those festive evenings, and some of the bottles subsequently emptied …
Casa Librandi Ciro, “Duca di San Felice” Riserva, 2003, DOC, Calabria
The Ciro DOC is home to Gaglioppo, a vigorous grape known as “The Black Prince.” Genetically related to Sicilian Frappato, it was used in ancient times to make crimissa. Today it …
Huber 2008 Gruner Veltliner
Celebrating Christmas with a traditional “Feast of the Seven Fishes?” Or Hanukkah with some classic potato latkes and sour cream or apple sauce? If so, this is the wine for the …
Al Fresco Dining in Philadelphia
Philly noshers are all about 2 things: Brunch and dining al fresco. Ask any local Provision Pathfinder were to do either, and they’ll give you a list as long as the …
The Wine School vs. Vince McMahon
A blast from the past! When the WWE went against the Wine School… Vince McMahon Issues Smackdown Against Wine SchoolPhiladelphia, PA. Vince McMahon is taking on his oddest foe to date: …
The Sommelier Smackdown
To celebrate the notoriety we’ve garnered thanks to being singled out by World Wrestling megabucks impresario Vince McMahon; we recently held a mano a mano a mano red wine competition featuring three of …
Tintoralba 2004 Higueruela
More fruit than a box of juice. More jam than grandma’s cupboard. Nearly as thick as a strawberry shake. Grind a little black pepper over the foam, toss in a chunk …
Sylla Sebaste 2001 “Bussia” Barolo
For the past few years, there has been an ongoing debate regarding what constitutes a “true” Barolo…or makes a Barolo truly great. On one side of the aisle are the Traditionalists, …
Walter Massa’s 2004 “Pertichetti” Bonarda
Let’s set the record straight – Croatina is NOT Bonarda, although, in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, that is how it is erroneously identified. Bonarda is a separate varietal that is extensively cultivated …
Terriccio 2005 Tassinaia
Well balanced, this wine offers up two cores of flavor: the first is an interplay of dried flowers and rich earth; the second a note of delightful cherry and chocolate—an elegant …
Hot Hot Hot
I preach this to the Wine School’s students every chance I get, but since there are readers of the School’s blog who I haven’t yet had the chance to meet, it …
Viberti 1999 Barolo Riserva “San Pietro”
Lovely room-filling aromatics of wilted violets, dried roses, and lilac… and roofing tar. This is a classic cru Barolo and at its peak. If you ever find yourself noshing on wild …