Tenute Dettori 2003 Tudori “Badde Nigolosu”, Sardegna
Attending a large-scale wine tasting with over 150 producers represented reminds me of a major league tryout camp. The usual suspects always turn up, a couple of can’t miss prospects that …
Wine Ratings
Dom Henry Fessy Beaujolais 2007 Moulin a Vent
Moulin a Vent is traditionally the most structured and bold of the Beaujolais. Highly grained tannins with notes of cranberry and just-ripe blackberry. If you think that Beaujolais is easy drinking …
Chateau d’Arche 2005 Sauternes
There are several reasons to be amazed by this $43.49 wine. First, it’s a Sauternes, not necessarily a hotbed of sub-$50 bottlings in 750ml. Second, it’s from the legendary 2005 vintage. …
Ermitage du Pic St.-Loup 2005, Coteaux du Languedoc
Step 1: Fry up some good bacon. Step 2: Grill up a burger and a sliced onion. Step 3: Open this wine and guzzle alongside dinner. C’est Magnifique.
Sattler 2006 St. Laurent
We like to think of St. Laurent as we do top-notch Beaujolais: Fruity and fun most of the time, but, like this bottling or the Morgon above, unexpectedly complex and structured. …
Badia di Morrona 2000 “Nantia” Toscana
Quick quiz. What do these wines have in common – Solaia, Lupicaia, Cepparello, Olmaia, Feliciai, Summus? Super Tuscans with prices to match. Throw in a few more “aias,” and you have …
Thelema 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch
Though Chenin Blanc–or Steen in local parlance–gets all the glamour, Sauvignon Blanc has really been shining lately in South Africa. This effort from the wildly delicious “Mint” Cabernet Sauvignon producers is …
Cantina Cardeto 2005 “Rupestro” Umbria
Sangiovese is the most Italian of grapes, planted in almost every region and showing up in scores of classified wines, either on its own or in highly coveted (and high priced!) …
Chateau de Lancyre 2006 Roussanne
The classic white varieties of the Rhone are perfect this time of year, no matter where they’re grown and vinified. This Roussanne, from the south of the country, offers all the …
Wirra Wirra 2006 “Catapult” Shiraz Viognier, Mclaren Vale
This wine goes for the smooth and rich style that is expected of an Aussie Shiraz. However, this one goes much deeper, with a smoky aroma tinged with floral and white …
Italian Wine Reviews
File this in the”old dog, new tricks” category. I’ve never been a fan of Italian Merlot. The ones I’d had the misfortune to experience were thin, too vegetal, and in some …
Brancott Estate 2005 Gewurztraminer “Patutahi”
Easy to drink, tough to pronounce. But it’s worth learning how-to for this exotically fruity, eminently enjoyable, pad thai-ready Gewurz.
Hilberg-Pasquero 2007 Vareij
If you’ve read any of the wine reviews I’ve posted over the last couple of years, you are well aware of my fondness for the unusual, the eccentric, and the downright …
Guy Larmandier Brut Vertus 1er Cru
How can you call it a celebration without Champagne? And this one, a gorgeous, minerally, exuberant premier cru, is not only addictive to drink, but under $50. Which itself is cause …
Bruno Giacosa 2001 Dolcetto d’Alba, Piemonte
Sometimes it’s good to start the new year with a bit of auld lang syne, going back to an old friend whom you’ve neglected for one reason or another. Such is …
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 …