Cave de Rasteau Ortas 2015 “Tradition” Rasteau
Rasteau is a lovely village northeast of Chateauneuf du Pape and produces wine with similar finesse. Like most Southern Rhone reds, this bottling is mostly Grenache, with a bit of Syrah, …
wine review
Parducci 2014 True Grit Petite Sirah Reserve
After 50 harvests, Parducci has earned its reputation for making top-tier Petite Sirah. In the 1960s, they were one of the first in California to bottle the grape as a single-varietal …
Catena Zapata 2014 “La Consulta” Malbec, Maipu
The uber-popular style of Malbec –oozing with milk chocolate softness– is just a single iteration of this grape’s possibilities. This bottle will elevate your expectations. Aromas of fresh basil and earl …
Dominio de Aranleon 2015 El Arbol de Aranleon, Utiel-Requena
A classic style of Tempranillo from the Utiel-Requena region. Savory to the point of leather and game, this wine sports aroma of lavender and blood orange. Light bodied with a bright …
Kieran Robinson 2012 “R Five” Syrah
Personally, I’m more of a fan of the R8: in any case, it’s a rare pleasure to argue with a Cali winemaker over his choice of SEPTA commutes.Kieran is a Philly …
Massena 2012 The Moonlight Run, Barossa Valley
One of the greatest bottles of GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre, the classic Rhone blend) is coming out of Australia these days. Massena is really putting in the overtime with this one. It has …
Anzivino 2010 Gattinara
Aromas of crushed lilac rose water and sage. Rum raisin and cherry compote fill in the edges with a bit of wood smoke. On the palate, it is elegant, with bright …
Tormaresca 2012 “Trentangeli” Castel del Monte
This is a Super-Puglian wine, a big boisterous blend of Aglianico, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is both accessible and elevated, with cassis, espresso, and toasted vanilla barrelling through the fleshy …
Venus La Universal 2013 “Dido” Montsant
Wine Review A glorious bottle of wine with more pedigree than Prince George of Cambridge. This wine shows little if any oak, which only amplifies its elegance and class. Dried lavender on …
Chamisal Vineyards 2013 Estate Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Daydream of those buttery-but-bright chardonnays of lore? Those happy days listening to Depeche Mode and noshing on brie from Canada? There is always going to be a place for this style …
Glenelly 2011 “The Glass Collection” Syrah, Stellenbosch
An elegant bottle that shows why South Africa is an essential wine region for Syrah. Restrained red fruit is kept in balance with liquid mineral, smoked game, and wildflowers. On the …
Bodegas Ego 2014 “Marionette” Jumilla
This is not the first time we’ve reviewed a wine from Bodegas Ego. They’ve been gracing us here in Philly with some seriously great wine over the last few years. This …
Valentin Bianchi 2014 “Famiglia Bianchi” Malbec, Mendoza
Valentin Bianchi is an old-school Argentinian winery that was founded in the 1920s. It’s one of the brands you see everywhere in Buenos Aires but rarely outside the country.This is a …
d’Arenberg 2015 The Hermit Crab McLaren Vale
There is a long history of French influence on Aussie winemakers. This blend of Viognier and Marsanne is a paean to the classic white wines of the Rhone Valley. The name …
Atalon 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Does this winery even exist? If one drives up to its Calistoga address, you won’t see any signs or even any employees. The winery has been converted into a facility to …
Castelli del Grevepesa 2011″Clemente VII” Chianti Classico Riserva
This bottling of Chianti Classico has been hitting up high ratings over the past few years. This vintage may even be better than the 2010 Castelli del Grevepesa Riserva and a notch …