From java masters, robust Italian reds
Last week brought the first frigid winter air, and I recommended a wonderful antidote: Mastrojanni Brunello di Montalcino. In 1975, Roman lawyer Gabriele Mastrojanni established
Shafer chardonnay brings classic quality to Napa Valley
Regular readers know that California chardonnay is a rare species in this space, but one beautiful rendition is the 2009 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Napa
Piccini preserves Chianti Classico style
Tradition in the wine world is claimed more than it is observed, but you can find it in a glass of the 2008 Piccini Chianti
Chateau d’Issan vintages are worthwhile
In our period of excessive grape ripeness, oak aging and high alcohol, it is pleasing to taste the classic wine of Chateau d’Issan. Created when
Rose’ Champagne and tawny port for those who would court
Poetry and wine are often intertwined, which brings me to my Valentine’s Day rhyme. Chocolates and flowers with kisses are showered flutes are clinked with
Bordeaux wine tasting contest makes new fans among young
Centuries of selling wine made the Bordelaise masters of marketing. A storied French wine brotherhood initiated an amateur wine tasting competition, the Left Bank Bordeaux
A spicy Spanish red ready for drinking
Some of the best contemporary wines come from historical wine families like the 2008 Celeste from Spain’s Torres clan. In 1870, after nine years in
Young Sonoma winery one to follow
The young team at Sonoma County’s new Thomas George Estate has produced two delightful pinot wines. Compared to Napa Valley’s Architectural Digest-styled wineries, its foodie-driven
Anticipate springtime with Potel-Aviron Beaujolais
My favorite warm weather red wine is Beaujolais, and although it’s winter, the recent blue skies and sunny days found me tasting the delicious 2009
Fontanafredda Barolo seduces with classic body, cherry flavor
Fontanafredda was born out of love, winemaker Danilo Drocco said at a restrospective tasting of Barolos from the Piedmontese winery two weeks ago. In 1858,