Carmen Rodríguez Méndez 2012 “Carodorum” Seleccion Especial Toro Reserva
Toro is often overshadowed by the famous and much larger Ribera del Duero wine region. However, Toro is a special place in its own right, with some of the oldest vineyards in …
2012
Bersano 2012 “Badarina” Barolo
Bersano has the largest acreage of any private winery in the Italian Piedmont. Founded in the 19th Century, Bersano originally produced wine solely in the Asti province. Over the years, they …
Z’ivo 2012 Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills (Willamette Valley)
John Zelko John Zelko is an interesting guy. He earned his MD from the University of Colorado Denver in 1983. He’s now a practicing surgeon at The Oregon Clinic’s Portland facility, where …
Kieran Robinson 2012 “R Five” Syrah
Personally, I’m more of a fan of the R8: in any case, it’s a rare pleasure to argue with a Cali winemaker over his choice of SEPTA commutes. Kieran is a …
Massena 2012 The Moonlight Run, Barossa Valley
One of the greatest bottles of GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre, the classic Rhone blend) is coming out of Australia these days. Massena is really putting in the overtime with this one. It has …
Tormaresca 2012 “Trentangeli” Castel del Monte
This is a Super-Puglian wine, a big boisterous blend of Aglianico, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is both accessible and elevated, with cassis, espresso, and toasted vanilla barrelling through the fleshy …
Kukkula 2012 “Aatto” Red Blend, Paso Robles
Take a look at that label. Wrinkled and shiny. Looking like it was applied by hand. Because it was. Only two types of wine sport such ghetto hand-glued labels: the first …
Schild 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley
Schild has been producing some legit wines for some time now. There was a peak in 2011 where the wines got so intense they could blow the brain of a wine …
Brandlin 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder Estate
Using Statistics to Find a Great Wine Want to know the secret to find a wine that EVERYONE in the wine trade thinks is amazing? Find a wine that more than …
Bodegas Ego 2012 “Infinito” Jumilla
Wow. Wow. WOW. It’s hard to use words like unctuous without sounding like an idiot. It’s hard to say brilliant and amazing and perfect without sounding like a dispossessed lover seeking …
Shannon Ridge 2012 “Single Vineyard Collection” Tempranillo, Lake County
Shannon Ridge is a Lake County winery that is best known for its Petite Sirah blends. Its Morine Ranch vineyard grows Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also cultivate an interesting collection of French, Italian, …
Gundlach Bundschu 2012 Mountain Cuvee Red, Sonoma
You got to respect an American winery that was founded in the 1850s and still going strong. It’s now run by Jeff Bundschu, the 6th generation of winemakers. That makes it the …
Quinta do Vallado 2012 “Field Blend” Douro Reserva
A top-notch product that is making a name for itself on the international stage. Winemakers Francisco Olazabal & Francisco Ferreira are putting together some of the best dry wines, as well as assembling …
Elias Mora 2012 “Descarte” Toro (Spain)
I had a student recently who was adamant that I was too partial to Italian wines. I was surprised at the comment, but he’s a smart guy who comes to many classes …
Conceito 2012 “Contraste” Red, Douro (Portugal)
The tension between tannin and acid is remarkable. This wine is tight as a guitar string, which brings a high-toned musicality to the experience. A nose of crushed stone and white …
Jermann 2012 “Red Angel on the Moonlight” Pinot Nero, Friuli
Pinot Nero is Italian for Pinot Noir, but the Nero is much more Italian than Pinot. Winemakers in northeastern Italy don’t typically make Pinot in the French style, as most everyone …