Decanting! And from such great heights!
 Put down that Wine Atlas, and grab some Japanese manga. In Kami no Shizuku (The Drops of God), two wine connoisseurs are the main characters, the 1855 Bordeaux classification is made simple, …
Gary Farrell 2003 Zinfandel Maple Vineyard Tina’s Block
Classic aromas of peppercorns and crushed, ripe red berry fruit, followed by a mid-palate rich with the flavors of figs and dark berries. Despite all this richness and depth, though, it’s …
Viña Cobos 2004 Malbec “Bramare” Marchiori Vineyard, Mendoza
Snap up as much of this as you can, it’s one of the deals of the season. This rich red is kept in check by a spine of minerality that gives …
Bodegas Norton 2004 Privada, Mendoza
Sticking your nose into a glass of the ’04 Privada is like sticking your face into the best brunch buffet ever. Bacon, toast with cinnamon, roasted nuts, fig newtons, chocolate-covered espresso …
Baumard 2005 Savennieres, Loire Valley
From one of our favorite producers comes this stunning Chenin Blanc. And it’s from a great vintage. And it’s reasonable priced at $23.99. And it’s almost crazily delicious.
Disznoko 2006 Tokaji Dry Furmint
Unusual? Absolutely. But this is a wine that should be far more well-known than it is. For the time being, though, take advantage of the disparity between the price ($13.99) and …
The B’More Roadtrip
I was in Baltimore over Labor Day weekend and thought it would be a good time to have dinner at Charleston. I had worked with Chef Cindy Wolf over a decade …
Helyos 2002, Banyuls
So maybe it doesn’t have the same name recognition as Port, but a great vin doux naturel, as we tasted at last night’s annual Champagne & Dessert Wine Gala, proved, as …
Domaine Laroche 2006 “St.-Martin” Chablis
From one of our favorite Chablis producers and a great year in the region, this is a white worthy of all seasons, even the cooler one we find ourselves in now. …
Gunderloch Nackenheim Rothenberg 2006 Riesling Spatlese, Rheinhessen
Like so many of the 06 Spätleses, this one is great right now–think tropical fruit bashed open with a big gray stone–and has all the stuffing it needs for a long-haul …
Helfrich 2005 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru, Alsace
The great wines of Alsace often represent some of the best deals at the high-end of the fine-wine world. This minerally, floral, spice-scented steal is just as delicious on its own …
Bodegas Benegas 2005 “Libertad Red”
With 35% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc (the latter from 100+-year-old vines) and the rest Merlot, this gorgeous Argentinean red is everything you’d hope for in a Bordeaux-style blend as …
Columbia Crest 2005 Merlot Reserve, Columbia Valley
Lacking the austere edge of most Columbia Valley Merlot, thisbottle throttles high and drinks like no expense was spared. Thereis a difference between luxury and quality, but this one belongs inboth …
Tenuta Le Querce 2003 “Il Viola” Aglianico del Vulture
Almost black in color with deep, rich garnet tones at the edges. The nose is filled with game, crushed ripe berries, late-summer fruit, and peppercorns. It’s a tannic wine, but the …
Chateau Liot 2005 Sauternes
Sure, the 2005 Chateau d’Yquem will run you approximately the same as a new home, but they’re far from the only producer in Sauternes. And while Chateau Lion isn’t exactly a …
Chateau Grand Destieu 2004 St.-Emilion
We’ve said it before, and we will repeat it: 2004 is so underrated that it’s almost funny at this point. Take this lovely St.-Emilion, for example; It’s drinking well right now …