Mark Herold 2014 “Collide” Red, California
Mark’s new tasting room just opened in Napa –just down from the Oxbow Public Market– a scant three months before I reviewed his wines. …
California
Robert Young Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Scion Estate in Alexander Valley
When students ask me where they should visit when traveling to Napa Valley, I’ll rattle off a few wineries. If someone asks me if they …
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 …
Atalon 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Does this winery even exist? If one drives up to it’s Calistoga address, you won’t see any signs or even any employees. The winery …
Robert Mondavi Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
This was a wine I featured in the annual “8 wines to try before you die” class, which probably should be re-named “Keith’s wonky wine …
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 …
Philadelphia Inquirer: Try a slug of this with your pizza
The story was originally published by the Philadelphia Inquirer on May 4, 2008. The article is reprinted solely for educational purposes. It is intended to offer …
Roth Estate 2011 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (California)
Ever wonder how empires start? Keep an eye on Bill Foley. Last I checked in with him, he was running Foley Estates. I was drinking …
Mill Creek 2010 Merlot, Alexander Valley
There is no shame in not knowing Mill Creek Vineyards. It is easy to miss. This is a tiny, family-run operation covering 55 acres in …
Zocker 2012 Gruner Veltliner, Edna Valley
Zocker, which is the Austria word for “gambler”, is a new project by the Niven Family Wine Estates, already a top producer in California’s central …
Veramonte 2009 “Primus” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley
Veramonte is a large winery in Chile’s Casablanca Valley, clicking in at just under 500 hectares. Since its founding, it’s been a US-centric winery, with …
Chateau Saint Jean 2010 Chardonnay, Belle Terre Vineyard
This is an American classic Chardonnay. Imagine a big ole’ honey bear of a wine, dressed up in a tuxedo, but passed out on a feather …
Novy 2010 Syrah, Napa Valley
The nose in this Napa Valley Syrah offers copious aromas of black fruits –black cherry, currant, and blackberry– and a thread of smoky licorice. On …
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, …
Barrel 27 2010 High on the Hog White
Tucked between a self storage park and a recycling plant in a correlated office park in Central California sits this winery. Looks can be deceiving, …
Philadelphia Daily News: Get a taste, and degree, for wine
If you don’t know a pinot gris from a pinot noir, resolve this year to become a wine pro.
With the popularity of movies like “Sideways,” a film about love and marriage set in southern California’s Santa Barbara County wine district, as well as increased interest among young professionals who are starting wine clubs and going to tastings, there’s no better time to sip and learn.