Apr
10
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Larkmead
Of the hundreds of pre-prohibition wineries in Napa Valley, only 5 remained open during the period. Larkmead was one of those wineries. Selling wine for sacramental purposes comprised the above
Mar
19
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Inglenook
The story of Inglenook is, in many ways, the story of Napa Valley. The winery’s journey through eras and ownership is both emblematic of the big changes California wine has
Mar
16
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Napa is a challenging place for wine lovers today. The wines are almost inimitably expensive, save Bordeaux. The once storied valley is replete with overripe wines. But, times are changing.
Feb
3
Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2014
There is a new world of Chilean wine just starting to make its way into Canada – a movement influenced by the naturalists and small producers seeking site expression in
Oct
9
Borgo del Tiglio Collio Rosso 2009
Friuli is quintessentially European. Its indigenous grapes hail from the various empires that have ruled it over the centuries: French, Austro-Hungarian, Venetian. The region only became a permanent part of
Jul
9
Tenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole Trinoro 2014
Andrea Franchetti’s project Tenuta di Trinoro helped redefine the potential for Bordeaux Blends in Tuscany. In particular, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot do very well at Franchetti’s site, which allows
Dec
14
Concha y Toro Don Melchor 2012
With top Napa Cab mostly out of reach, particularly for Canadians buying with our weakened dollar, top South American wines are increasingly attractive. In particular, the consistently excellent Don Melchor
Oct
28
Mas de Daumas Gassac 2012
Some wines are sui generis. They are extremely rare and carry such distinctive characteristics that trained tasters can call the wines blind more often than not. Mas de Daumas Gassac
Jul
23
Montes Alpha “M’ 2005
I virtually never drink Chilean wines. I happened to have this bottle in my cellar from many years ago – Montes’ top Bordeaux-style blend dominated by 80% Cab Sauv with
May
8
A California Grand Cru: Visiting Ridge’s Monte Bello Vineyard
Abe Schoener is right. The greatest legacy of changing sentiments in the “new” California is increased focus on California’s best vineyards – its premier and grand crus. One of the