Sangiovese and Colorino make up the Il Nero di Casanova 2006 blend. The name means the black one and refers not only to the deep dark color of the wine, but also to how old-timers in Tuscany call their red wine. The wine is brooding in color, with bing cherry that comes through on the [...]

Cotes du Ventoux is a special little region in the Rhone Valley. It often can grow grapes with the weight and ripeness of Chateauneuf du Pape, but at Cotes du Rhone prices. The only downside is that they can often be difficult to find in this country. The 2003 Domaine Le Murmurium Opera Cotes-du-Ventoux opens [...]

David Ramey is one of the founding fathers of modern Napa and Sonoma winemaking. Having help establish Chalk Hill, Dominus, and Rudd Estate, he was an early champion and developer of indigenous California yeasts. He applies all this knowledge to his own line of wines now, with nary a miss in any. Take the Ramey [...]

Walter Hansel Winery is located in Sonoma County at the southern tip of the Russian River Valley near the Sebastopol hills. It is bordered to the north by the Santa Rosa Creek and to the west by a tributary of the Russian River known as the Laguna de Santa Rosa. This location is ideal for [...]

100% Tempranillo grow from pre-phyloxera vines, the 2006 Numanthia Termes Toro is a near perfect expression of the grape. Muscular yet expressive, this red offers roasted plum, bitter chocolate, tobacco and hot stone notes. Thick, with rich, ripe tannins and just enough acidity to keep it lively. Great pairing with a grilled steak, or any [...]

Here is a stunning Rhone style blend from the Priorat region on Spain that is actually drinking well now. Often these wines are unapproachable for many years, and with the current release being 2006, you would need to sit on it for 2-3 years at least. Coming from the great 2004 vintage, the Mas Doix [...]

Last night I had the pleasure of drink the best bottle of Chardonnay in my wine drinking life! I will set the stage a bit…I made a fantastic Blue Cheese/Onion soup with a very ripe Stilton. To go with the soup, I found a fun recipe for a fancy 3-cheese, roasted tomato, oven-bake, triple-decker sandwich [...]

The 2008 Rieslings are beginning to arrive (with their big scores, and big price) and now seems to be the time to enjoy the 05/06’s before they disappear. While I love the less-ripe Kabinett’s, I have always been partial to the slightly fuller, more fragrant Spatlese style of Germany Riesling. The honeyed nose, the riper [...]

Quite the mouthful. The name and the wine! This single vineyard Vacqueyras from Domaine La Bouissiere instantly reminds me why I love Grenache so much. Ripe and silky, with a gorgeous beam of mulled raspberry and blackberry fruit laced with black tea, incense and Turkish coffee hints. The long finish really glides nicely. 70% Grenache, [...]

This is the second wine I have reviewed recently from Colonial Estate, and this Shiraz may one day go down as legendary. L’Explorateur Old Vine 2005 is an absolute triumph at its price. The blockbuster, inky/ruby/purple-hued 2005 L’Explorateur Shiraz offers sweet aromas of blackberries, white pepper, licorice, and graphite. While full-bodied, powerful, and rich, it [...]