The aphorism “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” certainly applies to the 2016 vintage in the southern Rhône. This vintage is being assessed as one of the best ever, an almost unheard of level of quality. My own experience with everyday reds and whites affirms this. I urge all of you to seek out these […]
A Magical Wine for All Hallow’s Eve Read More »
Mention the grape sangiovese and most wine lovers’ thoughts gravitate to Tuscany. Yet many “satellite” regions also produce excellent sangiovese-based reds. They include the Le Marche region and Umbria, from where today’s wine emanates. It is Montefalco Rosso, a blend of sangiovese, sagrantino and merlot. The sagrantino grape adds body and gamey richness, the merlot
Chateau Loudenne, once seen, is unforgettable. Years ago I visited this pink-washed palace on the shores of the Gironde River. The wine has always been good, but new investment by Chinese owners have only improved things; now with a bed and breakfast to boot. 2014 was a very good, if somewhat overlooked, year. (The 2015
Bordeaux Timelessness in a Glass Read More »
I usually wait until the holidays to recommend Champagne. But as Fats Waller used to sing: “Everyday’s a holiday since the day that I found you”! Experts know that as exciting as vintage Champagne can be, the reputation of a producer is based on the quality of his non-vintage wines. These showcase the blending smarts
Henriot Brut Souverain: A Commanding Wine Read More »
Those who know me well are aware that I have a “soft” spot for Chenin Blanc. And maybe that word is the key. There’s a softness, sometimes hidden in very dry versions, that reminds one of honey. Head down to South Africa, and you’ll find that Chenin Blanc is one of their oldest and most
Lightning in a Bottle Read More »
In the South, we know that summer-like weather usually persists through October. Therefore all manner of seafood, fresh from the coast, is always a season-extending treat. One wine that will accompany that craving is Soave. Americans used to drink a ton of Soave Bolla. (That name was so ubiquitous that many thought it was a
Still Summer Lovin’? Try This Wine! Read More »
Some of you may be familiar with “Bistecca Fiorentina,” Italy’s version of Kobe beef. Both these items have one thing in common: Neither country has much land for grazing, and beef needs lots of land. That’s why, in Italy anyway, beef is a rarity. It’s a treat for meat lovers, which begs the question, “What
The Meat Lovers’ Choice Read More »
“What’s new?“ seems to be the talisman for all California wineries; blink, and you’ll miss the latest showstopper estate – with a price to match. This is sometimes to the detriment of more established wineries, and front and center stands Mondavi. I have drunk the “Oakville” Cabernet Sauvignon bottling of Mondavi in numerous vintages; even
Old-School Oakville Cab Read More »
What better wine thought after Labor Day than a hard-working, domestic sparkler, this one a California bubbly of class and color? The big news in the late 20th century was the investment that French Champagne estates made in California. Roederer, Moët & Chandon and Mumm were among the big names that put down west coast
A Sparkling Perennial Pleaser Read More »
Located in Collio, a province of Italy north of Venice and bordering Slovenia, the quality of Villa Russiz white wines goes from strength to strength. Their Friulano (formerly, and famously, known as “Tocai”) is silver-edged and brilliantly striking – 92 points. Their “Les Enfants” is a softly fragrant blend and caressingly sip-worthy – 91 points.
Try this Unique, Italian Hillside White! Read More »
