Pillar Box 2007 Red, Australia
Compared to Yellow Tail, this is the height of sophistication. Of course, that’s like saying Jessica Simpson is classier than Pam Anderson. This wine is pure silly fun, but it’s the …
Fine Wine and Good Spirits
Dessert & Sparkling Wine Reviews
Seven sparkling & dessert wines for your holiday splurges! For more, we strongly recommend signing up for a wine tasting class (we do in-person and virtual) or signing up for our …
Sicilian Wine Reviews
A few of our favorite wines from our trips to Sicily.Gambino ViniThe Gambino winery sits in the shadows of Mount Etna near Linguaglossa, its terraced vineyards sloping toward the ring of …
Finca de Arantei 2006 Albariño, Rias Baixas
From the sweet spot of Spain’s Albariño production in the country’s northwest comes this crisp, gently melony white that will work with anything from softshell crab to simple chicken dishes. And …
d’Arenberg 2004 “The Stump Jump” Red
Some may call this a Rhone blend, some may call it a GSM, but many will call it wonderful. Yeah, that was way too corny. Onwards: this is a “must-have” cheapie …
Domaine Henry Fessy 2007 Morgon
Take everything you ever thought about Beaujolais and put it aside. This Beaujolais Cru is a standout, with structure, fruit, and terroir to burn. $13.99, and a blockbuster for the price.
Chateau Mont Redon 2007 Cotes du Rhone
Good fresh fruit intermixed with dried fruit flavor, pain grille, and a backbone of tannin. A very good wine for its class and style.
Castano 2003 Hecula
Year after year, a consistent rocker for the money. Lovely fusion of complex fruit flavors and Provencal lavender that build to a chilling frisson. Finish evolves from dark fruit to a …
Orsolani 2006 “La Rustia” Erbaluce di Caluso
Along the Dora Baltea river in northwestern Piemonte is the town of Caluso, center for the Erbaluce di Caluso DOC. The eponymous grape, named for the goddess Albaluce, takes on a …
Brancott 2008 “Conders Forest” Sauvignon Blanc
The most complex Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand I have tasted professionally.
Asian Pear, Grapefruit, Pineapple, and Guava blend seamlessly on the palate with the complexity threading through the entire experience. Superb.
D’Arenberg “The Last Ditch” Viognier Adelaide Hills
This one finds its center of gravity on the richer end of the viognier spectrum than the Rolf Binder. It’s a barrel-fermented, Creamsicle-rich wine that you don’t want to chill down …
Wine School of Italy?
If you’ve perused our list of upcoming wine classes, you probably noticed that many of our Regional classes are devoted to Italy. And they usually sell out – quickly. Actually, many classes, …
Wine Reviews
Tasting Notes from the Philly Wine Festival. To keep up to date, make sure to register for our wine newsletter. It’s free. All current wine ratings can be found on our …
Montes 2005 “Alpha” Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley
Modern style Chardonnay with plenty of flair and depth. Vanilla-poached pears & toasted almonds on the palate, a little jolt of freshness on the finish, and a lingering sensation of smoke. Quite worthwhile to serve as an aperitif.
Benini 2006 “Sassotondo” Maremma
The Tuscan Maremma is becoming the place to go for lighter, softer reds, contrasting earthy Chianti Classico and brooding Brunellos. In the airy hills of Grosseto province, Sangiovese is known as …
Ascevi 2005 “Ronco die Sassi”Sauvignon, Blanc Collio
French varietals have a long history in Italy, most notably in Friuli. Commitment to producing monovarietal white wines has put a uniquely Italian stamp on those grapes and reflects the cross-cultural …