Nine Great Wines

Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso Umbria

A beautiful and modern Umbrian red. 70% Sangiovese with equal parts Merlot and Sagrantino in the blend.

Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico

A classy leather-bound Sangiovese with crisp red fruit and finely grained tannins.

Vina Marquis Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley

Awesome Cabernet that goes to show that I am right about this valley: best value for high-quality Cabernet in the world. Don’t believe me? Bah humbug, more for me.

Domaine La Brune Beaumes de Venise

If you know a little about wine, then you know that BdV is a wine region in France that makes sweet white wines. If you know a lot about wine, then you know it’s also a tiny hill that also makes some kick-ass reds. This is the latter, and really rare to see in this country.

Domaine Francois Millet Empreinte Sancerre

Very classy Sauvignon blanc with clean mineral and melon notes. The great wine for raw oysters or Spaghetti alle Vongole.

Villa Mora Sagrantino di Montefalco

The best deal in Italian wine I have ever seen. I didn’t report on this at first because I needed to pick up a few cases for the school. Yeah, sometimes I can be selfish. It’s impossibly rare to find a bottle of Sagrantino under $30, and never one this good.

Jermann Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

If you like soft and easy Pinot Grigio, then you may not like this one. Then again, if you like soft and easy, why are you reading my reviews? I have nothing for you!

Clarendon Hills Grenache, Hickinbotham Vineyard, McLaren Vale

If you don’t know this producer, you should. One of the great wineries in the world, especially for their Grenache.

Travaglini Tre Vigne Gattinara, Piedmonte

This is a great Nebbiolo, better than most Barolo in the same price range. Interestingly enough, their regular bottle is the same price as this one, which is far more interesting and complex.