Bordeaux, or no?
“The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” – Groucho Marx In the article Wine Scams: A Counterfeiter Confesses, wine writer …
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Wine Reviews
From October 2008. Check out our current wine reviews here. Domaine Serene 2005 Chardonnay “Cote Sud” – 15.5 / 20A clean, Burgundy-by-way-of-Oregon Chardonnay, with hints of vanilla, baked apples and pears …
Veuve Moisans Cuvee Brut Rose
The nose of this refreshing pink sparkler wears its red-berry fruit lightly, which allows a hint of mushroom and thyme to come through relatively unimpeded. The palate, however, is all strawberry, …
Winery Tour and Tourism
Similar to what the video did to the radio star in the ’80s, tourism has had a massive effect on wine tasting in Napa over the last 10+ years. It’s not …
Who’s the Wine Snob Anyway?
Sure, we’ve all seen them. Turning their noses up at what they perceive to be merely average or inferior wines, the so-called wine snob is as much of a fixture in …
We’re Back, and the Pigs are Safe
I never thought the day would come, but here it is, in all its perplexing, fat-streaked glory: I’m taking a break from ham. It even feels weird to type that. I’m. …
Smackdowns, Boots and Hexagons, and the Future of the Human Race
Tomorrow evening, the Wine School‘s resident Italian-wine expert, and I will do battle in a Smackdown for the ages. Planetary polarity may shift. Weather patterns could run amok. Children and grown …
Sauvignon Blanc Season
Finally, it seems, winter has loosened its grip on us. Or, to be more accurate, we’ve finally been treated to something resembling springtime weather: Yes, this past week, we experienced not …
Our First Wine Reviews
Some of our first wine reviews. Check out the pricing! Ravenwood 2002 Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley$17.99 in PA ($25 outside PA) PLCB Code 13804A definite must-buy for Zin drinkers. …
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 …
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. …
Le Printemps 2006 Rose, Mendocino County
Though the blend is pinot noir (80%) and syrah (20%), both of them play together beautifully on the nose, which is rich with aromas of game, earth, damp leaves, roses, and …
Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez
This is a serious P.X. for a song–less than $20 for a 350ml bottle. A profound nose of dried apricots and figs leads to a mid-palate of rich, almost haunting notes …
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 …