Jan
20
Blankiet Estate Paradise Hills Vineyard 2012
My prediction: cult Napa wines, as a general category, will be increasingly irrelevant. However, there will always be a place for the very best of them. According to Rob McMillan’s
Nov
4
Mount Eden Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Many hold the incorrect view that California produces similarly good wine year to year due to its interminable sun. This is incorrect. Vintage variation in California is as significant as
May
12
Spotlight on Napa Valley: Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Cult wines form an integral aspect of Napa Valley’s identity. They are not about the long history of the valley, its diversity, or its origin in and potential for classicism.
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