Jun
28
Dominus Estate 2001
Dominus takes a contrary approach to most Napa Valley Bordeaux blends. First off, Christian Moueix (also of Petrus) never discloses the cepage on the bottle. He also decries overripeness and
Jan
27
Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 (aged at winery for 10 years)
I have just returned from a weekend trip to Arizona, certainly one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. and home to some of the world’s greatest scenery. The
Aug
15
Brown Estate: of Anchors and Zinfandel
Lately I have spent much of my free time reflecting on change. How is it that after years of pursuing knowledge and stumbling upon experience that we somehow remain the
Aug
4
Wine Bloggers Conference 2009: Dinner at Spring Mountain Vineyard
The second day of the Wine Bloggers Conference rounded out with an exceptional dinner at Spring Mountain Vineyard where we got to have dinner and some great wines while chatting
Aug
1
A Return to Brown Estate: Catharsis and Wonder
The difficulties of expressing the emotional resonance I felt upon my return to Brown Estate last weekend finally evaporated in the midst of a somewhat tragic event. Just two days
Apr
4
Napa Redux: Steltzner
The Stag’s Leap District, and Napa generally, is populated with a wide variety of overpriced wineries. Cabs from mediocre upstarts can soar to $80 a bottle, and one can easily
Mar
30
Napa Redux: Spottswoode
And then there was Spottswoode. Upon pulling up to this very unassuming little house I recalled with how much anticipation I made the appointment to visit this true “first growth”
Mar
29
Napa Redux: Conn Creek
On my way between appointments on my recent Napa trip I stopped by Conn Creek, situated at the base of Sage Canyon Road (which heads into the Chiles Valley AVA),
Mar
28
Napa Redux: Cardinale
The first day of spring in Northern California brought with it both luxurious temperatures in the 70’s and new buds. Luckily for me it also brought with it a return
Feb
17
A Day in Napa: Brown Estate
There are a few precious moments in a wine drinker’s life that precipitate a feeling of perfectly elaborated poise, reflection, and exuberance. In my experience such moments often arise in