Castello di Verduno Pelaverga 2004 “Basadone”Piemonte
In a region famous for its Nebbiolo-based wines, several varietals don’t get the attention they deserve, and this is one. Pelaverga is an ancient cultivar native to the Langhe, once planted …
Chairman’s Selection
Chateau Bouscaut 2005 Pessac Léognan
Extraordinary value for a Grand Cru Classé des Graves. Exceptionally full-bodied, this wine has the tannic structure and acidity to cellar for at least a decade. After being decanted for six …
Foreau NV Vouvray Brut
Too often, even the most ardent wine lovers forget about Vouvray. This is unfortunate because bottlings like this offered plenty to love: Good fruit, a real sense of structure, and unexpected …
Cantine Cardeto 2002 “Rupestro” IGT, Umbria
Even though Sangiovese is Italy’s most prolific and widely planted grape, it is popularly associated with Tuscany- Chianti, to be specific. In the hills near Orvieto, blended with Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, and …
La Spinetta 2003 “Bionzo” Barbera d’Asti Superiore, Piemonte
This is one of Piedmont’s larger and more successful producers, whose wines are unfiltered, unfined, and in most cases created using biodynamic methods. The “Bionzo” Barbera debuted in 1998, and only …
Mollydooker 2007 “Two Left Feet”
Yes, it delivers all the oaky, succulent drama you’d expect. And yes, it’s downright gluggable. But there’s more to it than that in ’06: A sense of structure, an underlying freshness. …
Buil & Giné “Giné Giné” Priorat
We’re still talking about that meal more than a year ago at the biker’s bar in Priorat: Three hours. Platter after platter of grilled, smoky, iron-rich meat. And wine like this, …
St-Urbans-Hof Ockfener Bockstein 2006Riesling Spatlese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Follow these steps: 1. Grab a seat on the couch. 2. Open this bottle. 3. try not to glug it all down in one sitting. 4. Accept that #3 is darn …
Ravenswood 2001 Zinfandel, Teldeschi Dry Creek Valley
This is a purplish wine with hints of brown, and the deep colors perhaps serve to prepare you for the rich and almost heady experience that follows. The nose is somewhat …
Enrico Santini 2005 “Poggio Al Moro” Bolgheri
See if this sounds familiar. Someone touts or perhaps even gives you a high-priced Super Tuscan, maybe a bottle with a recognizable name. Or you’re at a big-time tasting, stop at …
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 …
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 …
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 …