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.
PLCB
Casata Monfort 2006 “Blanc de Sers” Vigneti Dolomiti
Only in a region as culturally bisected as Trentino would you find a funky blend of the obscure – Wanderbara, Vernaza, Nosiola, Veltliner Rosato – and the familiar – Chardonnay, Moscato. …
Tenute Dettori 2005 Bianco, Romangia
A little over a year ago, I was raving about this winery’s Tudori, an atypical old school Sardinian Cannonau that exemplifies their uncompromising commitment to making wines that express a unique …
Renwood 2003 “Old Vine” Zinfandel
Blood-colored with a brick-like rim, this wine shows a nose of rich, ripe blue and blackberries, the expected zinfandel spice, and something almost nutty. The palate is chewy and delicious, with …
Vinicola del Priorat 2006 “Onix Classic” Priorat
We first sampled a different vintage of this wine at a charming restaurant in Priorat during our 2008 school trip to the region. Since then, we’ve been loyal fans of this …
Chateau Laroque 2005 St.-Emilion
Again, not a cheap wine, but for 2005 from this producer, it’s not hard to justify, especially once you consider the rich, dramatic fruit, big chocolate notes, and fabulous potential for …
Luna 2007 Sangiovese, Napa
Year in year out, this is one of the best cal-ital wines made. Brilliant cranberry and leather notes balance out on a ripe framework, with a touch of nutmeg and potpourri …
Top Wine Buys
For a full list of wine recommendations, check out our wine review page. Ravenswood Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma ValleyA definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. Dense and full-bodied, the wine uncorks …
Chateau Liot 2005 Sauternes
From perhaps the most famous sweet-wine region in the world comes this wildly affordable sticky. We’ve recommended it before and are unashamed to do so again. A drinkable, not-cloyingly sweet wine …
Grant Burge 2006 “Barossa Vine” Chardonnay.
This is a steal. Aromas are of fresh apple and pear, with just a whiff of butter. Soft but delicate on the palate, this opens with a tang of citrus and …
Wine Reviews
For our newest wine reviews for summertime drinking, check out our main page for wine ratings and reviews. The WhitesTangent Pinot Gris, Edna Valley (California)A rather unique bottling from the Central …
Mondavi 1991 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
From the moment I opened the bottle, this wine was one surprise after another. The color didn’t imply that the juice was 16 years old, and the nose, though redolent of the subtle aromas of leather and tobacco, developed a cinnamon-rolled blackberry character after a few minutes of air. And while the palate started off slowly, it blossomed into a stately mouthful of dried violets and apricots, with still-velvety tannins and a solid acid balance keeping it all alive. It certainly would have been better a year or two ago–or longer–but it was still hanging in there and giving plenty of pleasure.
Recommended Wine Buys
Our few recommended wine selections. Also make sure you have the perfect wine glass to make the experience truly memorable. Vionta Albarino (Spain)An aromatically complex white with plenty of white fruit …
Chateau Beaumont 2005 Haut Medoc
Exactly what I want for a mid-level Bordeaux. Mineral and rustic cedar notes are juxtaposed with fresh black fruit notes. The eucalyptus in the finish seals the deal. Lovely now but …
Gaudio Grignolino 2005″Brico Mandolino” Piemonte
One of the fascinating aspects of Italian wine is the number of varietals under the radar, especially in renowned areas such as Tuscany and Piedmont. It’s hard to acquire cachet when …
Frank Phelan 2003 St.-Estephe
From the super-ripe 2003 vintage comes this amazingly affordable St.-Estephe red. Rich currant fruit and judicious oak combine to make this second-label wine a standout.
