Cabernet Masterclass
Even the most fervent fans of Cabernet Sauvignon have a lot to learn when it comes to its history. This class is an education in what makes Cabernet Sauvignon the king …
Cabernet Franc
French Wine Regions
History of French WineFrance’s history with wine dates back to the 6th century BC, when the city-state of Massalia (modern-day Marseille) began trading wines with other Mediterranean cultures. However, viticulturally speaking, …
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 …
Finger Lake Wineries
The Best Wineries of the Finger LakesThe heart of New York’s wine country is the Finger Lakes. This region produces some of the finest wineries found in the United States. From …
Terlato 2010 “Devils’ Peak” Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
Terlato isn’t really a winery. It’s a family-run wine import/distribution company that also owns wineries in California and Italy. We’ve reviewed their wines in the past and have seen an impressive …
Chateau Leon 2010 “Cuvee Prestige” Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux
Back in January 2013, I favorably reviewed the Chateau Carignan 2005 “Prima” Cotes de Bordeaux. At the time, I had also tasted their regular un-Prima 2009 bottling. Like most wines I try, …
Durigutti 2010 Cabernet Franc Reserva, Mendoza
I am thrilled to see a bottle of Cabernet Franc coming out of Argentina. This grape varietal is grown in limited quantities in South America, and it’s mostly used in blends. …
Chateau Lanbersac 2010 “Vieilles Vignes” Puisseguin Saint Emilion
This is a winery whose bottles never end up on our shores: it’s a tiny outpost in one of the most obscure satellite wine regions of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion on the right bank …
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 …
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. …
Havens Winery 2009 Bourriquot, Napa Valley
Before Michael Havens found himself out of cash and bankrupt, I worked at his winery as a cellar rat. He later sold the winery, along with the name – his own, …
Reserve des Vignerons 2010 Saumur Champigny
Loire valley wine review Minimalistic, 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 …
Erasmo 2006 Viña La Reserva de Caliboro, Maule Valley, Chile
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bit of Merlot and Cabernet Franc for added finesse. Kirsch and pencil shavings with a touch of brine and wet earth. Wet tobacco and grass on …
Andrew Will Winery 2007 Two Blondes Vineyard
Figs and cassis meld with coffee and campfire notes, along with a strong impression of Herbes de Provence. The midpalate brings in fresher red fruits, and serious oak-influenced flavors of chocolate and allspice. The finish rolls on and on, bringing more pleasure than anyone could expect from a glass of wine.
Le Paradis 2010 Chinon
Cabernet Franc doesn’t get much play on the American wine market. Wines from the Loire Valley in France are also not very popular, either. Combine them, and you get… Chinon. It’s …
Thanksgiving at The Wine School
A shot from the past! Thanksgiving 2010.Thanksgiving is upon us and with that comes entertaining friends and family, many coming from out of town. Make your holiday weekend ever more festive …