Lagar de Pintos Albarino, 2005
Not that they needed it, but the recent infusion of Mediterranean-themed “small plate” menus on the local dining scene has opened palates to the quality and value of Spanish wines. However, …
Wine
L’Oca’s Anchovies
This past week, we held the second Sommelier Smackdown catered by L’Oca, the delicious Italian restaurant across the street from the school. Also, for the second time, they provided us with …
Torre dei Gesuiti 2004 “Sarrocco” Puglia
From the inky purple-black pigment to the balanced and slightly herbal finish, this is a mouthful of wine. Substantial and juicy at the same time, with layers of dark berries and …
Cusumano 2004 “Benuara”, Sicily
Nero d’Avola has slowly gained credence as THE red grape of Sicily, combined here with Syrah to produce an interesting IGT wine that tones down the sometimes jammy, chewy quality of …
Niepoort 2001 Vertente, Douro (PR)
The wines of Niepoort exemplify how much potential northern Portugal has, and the Vertente’s seamless integration of native grape varieties with a decidedly New World sensibility is nothing short of magical. …
Wine Gift Recommendations
These wines will make great gifts and will be enjoyable by a wide range of wine enthusiasts.You can find these wines using the Wine Finder. If you live near Philly, a …
Jardin 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch
A brick-like color leads to a nose of pure graphite and green pepper–quintessential cabernet sauvignon. That green quality follows through on the mid-palate, but it’s softened by some herbal tea and …
Prince Michel of Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon NV
Sure, the wine was overoaked and a bit melodramatic, but it was, nonetheless, surprisingly tasty considering its provenance. Super-ripe raspberry fruit on the nose and deep aromas of coffee and vanilla …
Der Kufs 2005 Spatburgunder QbA
I could spend all day sniffing a glass of this stuff–the nose is a beautiful combination of wild strawberries and rose petals, yet it’s in no way cloyingly perfume-y. The palate, …
A Great Wine Moment
In the last class of the Wine School‘s Advanced: Classic Certification program, I taught on the terroir of Burgundy. The wines we used (all 1er Cru from Nuits) were some of …
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
Between the wines we’ve been pouring for the Core Sommelier Course and the ones I’ve been tasting both at home and at professional events, I’ve recently found myself drinking a lot …
A Cellaring Primer
With all the talk of the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux, this is probably a good time to discuss a few strategies for collecting wine. Because the truth of the matter is …
Di Majo Norante 2002 Ramitello
This wine, made from 80% Montepulciano and 20% Aglianico, is not for the faint of heart. The nose is a rich combination of cloves, blackberry, orange peel, and a bit of …
The Robotic Sommelier
Looks like the sommeliers of the world may soon look be run on batteries. A new wine-tasting robot has been unveiled by researchers working for NEC System Technologies in conjunction with …
Sierra de Siles 2003Tempranillo
An interestingly lolly-pop-like purple color that lightens to ruby at the edges is the first indication that this is a lighthearted wine. The nose smells strongly of cloves, and this exotic …
Finger Lakes
The never-ending quest to find the veritas in vino was the impetus for a recent trip to the Finger Lakes wineries to ascertain the New York state of wine. Maybe it …