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 …
Domaine Hauts Chassis 2007 “Les Galets” Crozes Hermitage
It is rare to find an outstanding Northern Rhone wine for $20. That makes this delicious syrah a great find. It drinks more like a Hermitage than its often lesser Croze …
Casanova di Neri 2005 Rosso di Montalcino, Toscana
Rosso di Montalcino was the first of the “little brother” wines to garner DOC classification based on a more prominent sibling, Rosso di Montefalco and Rosso di Montepulciano. Fruit that lacks …
Paul Lehrner 2006 “Cuvée Claus,” Mittelburgenland, Austria
This blend of Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch exhibits all the berry and spice character you’d expect, as well as a lighter frame that makes it all go down with dangerous ease. Cuvée …
The Science of Soil
I loved this article from the Lancaster Farming website by Chris Torres, “A Systems Approach to Organic.”It’s a quick and fascinating read about how California winemakers recently demonstrated to local growers …
Thomas Fogarty 2006 Gewurztraminer, Monterey
Yes, you read it right: Gewurztraminer from Monterey. Sounds odd, but this wine’s combination of perfume, fruit, and structure will make you a believer in no time.
Nepenthe 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide
Bright grapefruit and apples on a bright, fresh framework and just a touch of freshly mown grass on the nose. It’s a great example of a cool weather Australian white.