Cellars Baronia “Flor D’Englora” 2011 Garnatxa
It was not too long ago that $10 bottles of wine were ground zero for the frugal and the downwardly mobile. That is no longer the case, at least for wine …
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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.
Bodegas Borsao 2007 Garnacha “Tres Picos”
One of our favorite bottlings year after year, and 2007 is no exception. Ripe berry fruit and typical Garnacha spice dominate, all of it wrapped up in a mouth-coating texture with …
Chateau Reynella 2004 Cellar No. One Shiraz Reserve
Chateau Reynella produces one of our favorite Australian Tawnies, and now, with this deep, dramatic Shiraz, they’ve won us over with their dry juice, too. Some producers, it seems, have the …
Cesari 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
We’ve had excellent luck with the 2004 Amarones, and this one is no exception. Its deep, rich fruit and unexpected spiciness scream out for sauce-slathered baby-backs.
Herman Story 2005 Grenache, Larner Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
I love this wine–let’s just put it out there and avoid all that wine-writing propriety and distance. And the funny thing is that it’s not in the style I typically gravitate …
Agricola Punica 2005 “Montessu” Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
The southwest corner of Sardinia has provided a welcome home for the Carignano varietal, the most notable versions being in the Carignano de Sulcis DOC. The use of up to 40% …
What is your favorite wine?
A few years back, while channel surfing, I settled on a television rarity – a program about wine that was informative without being insufferably boring or contrived. From Wine Glass to …
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2006 “Redemption” Zinfandel, Sonoma
A no-nonsense party wine. I would go so far as to say this was a gummi bear riding a licorice stick down a boozy river.
Columbia Crest 2005 Merlot Reserve, Columbia Valley
Lacking the austere edge of most Columbia Valley Merlot, thisbottle throttles high and drinks like no expense was spared. Thereis a difference between luxury and quality, but this one belongs inboth …
Thomas Fogarty 2006 Gewurztraminer, Monterey
Yes, you read it right: Gewurztraminer from Monterey. Sounds odd, but this wine’s combination of perfume, fruit, and structure will make you a believer in no time.
Bestest Day Ever
Oh POOP, this is GREAT! I rolled into the school late today, expecting a rather boring day in the office. The usual: need to file a UC report to the state, …
Roagna 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba, Piemonte
The name Dolcetto derives from dolcezza, meaning sweetness, and refers to the berries of the varietal, a quality that does not show up in the wines of its seven DOC zones.Roagna …
Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial Rosé, Champagne
Not, it’s not cheap. And no, you probably won’t be slurping down a case of it on your patio. But with grilled lamb chops, it’s delicious, and if firing up the …
Casa de la Ermita 2005 Dulce Monastrell
We’ve tried, but it turns out that the adage is true: Man cannot live on Port and Sauternes alone. Luckily, this unexpected sticky from Spain is here to save the (holi)day. …
Muga 2004 Rioja Reserva, Rioja
Muga is a perennial favorite here at the Wine School, and for a good reason: Its wines, from the value-priced white Rioja to the majestic Torre Muga, are, quite simply, delicious. …