The American love of Chardonnay started in the 1960s with Chassagne-Montrachet: the elegant and beautiful white wines from that Chardonnay sweet spot in Burgundy, France. When winemakers in Napa and Sonoma were …
The moment you walk into Kastania, you feel like you are visiting an old friend. My significant other and I were instantly and warmly greeted by Hoot Smith, who introduced himself …
Can you believe it? Let’s all welcome the cloned children of Jackass Vineyard. Allow me to explain, Jackass is a vineyard that was planted in the late 19th century in …
You got to respect an American winery that was founded in the 1850s and still going strong. It’s now run by Jeff Bundschu, the 6th generation of winemakers. That makes it the …
“Philadelphia is to beer what Sonoma is to wine,” says Keith Wallace to anyone who’ll listen. Considering the source, the proclamation, perhaps incendiary outside Pennsylvania, might sound outright puzzling within city limits. That’s because in 2001, Wallace, a winemaker, wine columnist, and author of two upcoming wine books, founded and still runs Philly’s best-known vinology school. So why is he extolling his territory’s beer lust at the expense of its pursuit of viticultural knowledge?
Because, acknowledging a craft revolution, he’s invited beer to take a permanent seat at The Wine School‘s table.
Wallace’s partner, a burly bald man named Dean Browne, asserts the alliance as he introduces himself to a group assembled in one of The Wine School’s classrooms on an early March night.
Background At the Wine School, we don’t review wines that are produced by big corporations. We only care about unique wines made by small producers. Because of that, this is very …
Bill Foley 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 with his assistant winemaker …
First of all, kudos to Landmark Vineyards for the awesome update to their labeling. It’s a great leap backward, and I mean that in the best way possible. This is a …
This is an American classic Chardonnay. Imagine a big ole’ honey bear of wine, dressed up in a tuxedo but passed out on a feather bed. Golden and glossy in the glass, …
Schug Winery is a major player in Northern Cali’s cool wine region of Carneros. Nestled at the bottom of Sonoma and Napa, Carneros has always been prime vineyard territory. Now, it’s …
Classical notes of grass and green pepper on the nose, along with plenty of grapefruit. Flavors of fig and apricot are followed by lemon zest and a touch of waxiness. The wine finishes with smoke and kiwi. A gentle roundness gives this a little more sex appeal than most Sauvignon Blancs.
A definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. Dense and full-bodied, the wine uncorks with an explosion of deep black fruit and freshly roasted coffee beans. Rich but soft tannins carve out a …
At this price point, this is a favorite Pinot of everyone at theschool. Charming, it’s exactly what a Pinot should beand nothing else.
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 …
I made it home last night by 8:30, the first time I’d been back to Chateau Wallace before 10:00 pm since the previous Friday. So to say I was ready to …
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.