All About Rosé
From King Louis XIV’s palace to Napa Valley’s vineyards, rosé wines have always been a part of wine-drinking culture. This article offers the essentials of rosé, how it’s made, and what …
Wine Ratings
Wine Ratings 101
How Wine Ratings Came to BeWine ratings are both standardized and controversial. They often reflect individual preferences and tastes yet provide a systematic way to rank the quality of a wine. …
Finger Lake Wineries
The Best Wineries of the Finger LakesThe heart of New York’s wine country is the Finger Lakes. This region produces some of the finest wineries found in the United States. From …
Consejo de la Alta 2011 Cata de Consejero, Rioja
Bodegas Consejo de la Alta is located in a tiny town the Ebro river. It’s a place that could be described as between: it’s between the two major Riojan cities of …
Shannon Ridge 2012 “Single Vineyard Collection” Tempranillo, Lake County
Shannon Ridge is a Lake County winery that is best known for its Petite Sirah blends. Its Morine Ranch vineyard grows Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also cultivate an interesting collection of French, Italian, …
Gundlach Bundschu 2012 Mountain Cuvee Red, Sonoma
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 …
Manos Negras 2011 “Stone Soil Select” Malbec Reserve, Patagonia
Wineries in Argentina are like the rock band The Yardbirds: the side projects are becoming more famous than the original band. Ever heard of the Yardbirds? No? Ever hear of Eric Clapton, …
Quinta do Vallado 2012 “Field Blend” Douro Reserva
A top-notch product that is making a name for itself on the international stage. Winemakers Francisco Olazabal & Francisco Ferreira are putting together some of the best dry wines, as well as assembling …
3 Rings 2013 Shiraz, Barossa Valley
It’s interesting how fashion changes in the wine world. When this wine was first released, it was the belle of the ball. Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate gave the 2004 …
Rotie Cellars 2011 “Southern Blend” Red, Walla Walla (WA)
Impolite, brash, and barely keeping it together. The hot mess that is Rotie Cellars is the greatest thing in wine that I have seen in a while. We all know the …
Lagar de Bezana 2011 “Aluvion” Gran Reserva, Rapel Valley (Chile)
A beautiful wine with dense smoke and incense aromas. It’s lushly textured with deep soft tannins and flavors that pool into creme de cassis and ocean air. The finish is long with saturated …
Castellani 2013 “San Michele” Valpolicella Classico Ripasso
Some call this style a “Baby Amarone,” which is kinda like comparing a ribeye steak to a cheesesteak. Sure they come from the same place, and they both are damn delicious, …
Castelli del Grevepesa 2011 “Clemente VII” Chianti Classico
This Tuscan co-op winery is making a habit of featuring its wines in the Chairman’s Selection. I am not complaining. The 2010 Chianti was amazing, and their Super Tuscan was a great buy, too. If …
Bodega Ovidio Garcia 2009 “Esencia” Crianza, Cigales
Cigales is located between two of my favorite Spanish wine regions: Ribera del Duero and Toro. That is probably why this is the first Cigales wine review I have written in 15 years. I’ll …
Jean Leon 2006 “Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon, Penedes
If you are Scrooge McDuck wealthy, you don’t need this wine. If you habitually drop a few hundred on a bottle, this wine isn’t for you. If you have been a wine collector for over …
Elias Mora 2012 “Descarte” Toro (Spain)
I had a student recently who was adamant that I was too partial to Italian wines. I was surprised at the comment, but he’s a smart guy who comes to many classes …