Robert Mondavi Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
This is a great wine. But this wine is also important. First, it’s made in a true Mondavi style, honed in the ’60s and perfected in the ’80s: this is how …
wine review
Kukkula 2012 “Aatto” Red Blend, Paso Robles
Take a look at that label. Wrinkled and shiny. Looking like it was applied by hand. Because it was. Only two types of wine sport such ghetto hand-glued labels: the first …
Bodega Montecillo 2010 Reserva Rioja
One of the first wineries in Rioja. Well, other than the medieval farmers who aged their wines in gutted-out pig skins. Located in the Rioja Alta region, Montecillo is an important …
Delille Cellars 2013 “D2” Columbia Valley
Delille Cellars’ D2 is a “must-try” wine. First, the history behind this bottle: The winery was one of the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Columbia Valley. Since the …
Smashberry 2013 White Wine Central Coast
This is how wine is done today. A small family-run winery with a web of brands and subsidiaries. This bottling is produced by Turn Key Wines, which is itself owned by …
Brandlin 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt Veeder Estate
Using Statistics to Find a Great WineWant to know the secret to find a wine that EVERYONE in the wine trade thinks is amazing? Find a wine that more than three prominent …
Terlato 2010 “Devils’ Peak” Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
Terlato isn’t really a winery. It’s a family-run wine import/distribution company that also owns wineries in California and Italy. We’ve reviewed their wines in the past and have seen an impressive …
Bodega Valdehermoso 2015 “Lagar del Rey” Rueda
Until 2011, Bodega Valdehermoso was just that: just a house. They grew grapes on their 120 acres and sold off the harvest. Their juice ended up in the region’s top wines, including Bodega …
Terre da Vino 2009 “La Casa in Collina” Barbaresco
Lange wine review I am always looking for good values for Nebbiolo. The high-quality $20 bottle is a rare and wonderful thing. Typically that takes me to the larger Langhe region, …
Robert Hall Winery 2007 Rhone de Robles
Paso Robles Wine Review One of my favorite trends in Paso Robles is the embrace of these Rhone-style wines. I am especially pleased to see Robert Hall embracing the style. I …
Rutherglen Estates 2008 Burgoyne’s Block
Australian Wine Review Deeply hued with aromas of fresh berries and currants. Secondary scents of caramelized fat and savory herbs are amazing. Rich tannin softens in the glass but keeps …
Francois Lurton 2009 El Albar Barricas
Spanish Wine Review One of the finest values in fine wines I have seen in a few years. This is a remarkable bottle for both its impressive weight and finesse from …
Domaine Cordier 2011 St Veran “en Faux”
White Burgundy Wine Review Cordier is known as a modern winemaker in a region -Burgundy-that often than not, values tradition. One of his signatures is a lavish use of new oak, …
Etude 2010 Chardonnay Estate Carneros
A Chardonnay Review A high styled wine that is intended as a luxury bottling. It upholds its mission, just not at the high price the winery intended (we can thank Pennsylvania’s …
Mastroberardino 2011 Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso
Italian Wine Review Piedrosso is one of my secret weapons. It’s an unknown wine from an obscure wine region in a largely ignored province in Italy. It’s also a delightful wine …
Shea Wine Cellars 2008 Estate Chardonnay
Oregon Wine Review Anyone who doesn’t like chardonnay on principle should feel compelled to drink this wine. A study in elegance and sex appeal, this Shea is an excellent example of …