Bodegas Laxas 2007 Albariño, Rias Baixas
Sometimes, the best way to fight wintertime weather is to pretend it’s not actually happening. This fragrant, distinctly spring-y white is the perfect way to do so. Whip up some crab …
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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 …
Crios Rosé 2008, Mendoza
Buy half a case of this and try to make it last through May. Yeah…good luck with that: I’ll likely be kicked by Memorial Day. Easy drinking, supply, fruity: Quintessential rosé …
Argiolas 2004 “Perdera”, Isola dei Nuraghi
Monica is a varietal indigenous to Sardegna, believed to have been introduced, as was Cannonau, by Spanish monks in the 11th century.There are two DOC zones where it predominates. However, this …
Donhoff 2006 Riesling Oberhauser Leisten Kabinett, Nahe
From one of the best producers in the sadly overshadowed Nahe (one cannot live on Mosel alone, after all) comes this fabulously affordable 06. This one is all about intimation: It …
Cono Sur 2007 “20 Barrels” Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley
The best value in Pinot Noir I have seen. This offers classic loam and floral notes in a very bright and friendly format. Dense and round, it still manages to remain …
Coufran 2003 Haut Medoc
One of the best values right now. Ripe and rich black fruits on the palate finish into eucalyptus and vanilla bean. On the nose, hibiscus flowers.
Pedroncelli 2004 Mother Clone Zinfandel, Sonoma
A decent little bottle of Zin for the price. I add this wine to my “best buy” section with great hesitation. The last time I reviewed a Pedroncelli wine, it was …
Smoke Taint
California is no stranger to wildfires. But recent years have been exceptional by all accounts. Fires swept through wine land, leaving many growers worried about “smoke taint.” And in these strained …
What the Nose Knows – A Book Review
If I were to describe a wine as boasting a nose with hints of geosmin (damp earth), phenyl ethyl alcohol (rosy scent), some methylthiobutryate (feces), and a lingering waft of androstenone …
Ask the Wino
Dear Wino, I’m writing about a bottle of 1999 Chateau Lafitte Rothschild we have. In the past, we have had wines that we drank before they peaked and other wines we …
We’re Back, and the Pigs are Safe
I never thought the day would come, but here it is, in all its perplexing, fat-streaked glory: I’m taking a break from ham. It even feels weird to type that. I’m. …
Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch
A brick-like color leads to a nose of pure graphite and green pepper–quintessential cabernet sauvignon. That green quality follows through on the mid-palate, but it’s softened by some herbal tea and …
A Cellaring Primer
With all the talk of the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux, this is probably a good time to discuss a few strategies for collecting wine. Because the truth of the matter is …
