El Molet 2013 Jumilla
There’s something to be said for a bit of age on a bottle. When this wine was released a few years ago, it didn’t make any friends in the wine critic …
Herdade de Peso 2015 “Trinca Bolotas” Tinto
Sogrape is Portugal’s Gallo Wines. It’s the biggest winemaker in the country, and it’s not above throwing a critter on the label. This is the company behind Mateus for effing chrissake. I …
McPrice Myers 2013 Beautiful Earth, Paso Robles
There are a few folks who have been reading my reviews —Chris, Jon, and Mary, to name a few— since I started in 2001. You can even check some of those …
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, …
Dr. Konstantin Frank – Finger Lakes, NY
Dr. Konstantin Frank (the Dr. is for his Ph.D. in viticulture) first founded his NY winery in 1962. He is credited with bringing Vitis vinifera (traditional grapes of European winemakers) to …
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 …
Wine Reviews
El Molet JumillaThis bottle is something of an ugly duckling. The first few years of its life, it was a bit green-toned and abrasive. That can happen to grapes harvested early, …
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 …
Coffee Pot Cellars – Long Island, NY
Coffee Pot Cellars is a small establishment in Cutchogue on the North Fork of Long Island. The tasting room was opened in 2013 by a husband (Adam) and wife (Laura) team. …
Kastania Vineyards, Sonoma
The moment you walk into Kastania, you feel like you are visiting an old friend. My significant other and I were instantly and warmly greeted by Hoot Smith, who introduced himself …
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 …
Channing Daughters Winery – Long Island, NY
On our last Long Island winery trip, my significant other and I ventured down to the South Fork, where, in contrast to the bustling North Fork, there are very few wineries. …
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 …