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.
Mar
2
Failla “Savoy Vineyard” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2015
Failla is, for my money, one of the most exciting relatively new projects in Napa Valley. Though it was founded in 1998, the winery didn’t come fully into its own
Oct
19
Georges Vernay Terrasses de L’Empire Condrieu 2015
This is the second greatest Condrieu in the world, ceding dominance only to Vernay’s Coteaux de Vernon. Whereas most good Viognier is powerful and oily in texture in order to
Oct
1
Two Great Wines of Sancerre: Domaine Vacheron Chambrates 2013 and Pascal Cotat La Grande Cote 2010
How does wine stay interesting? Forever in motion, the immense bio-chemical complexity of wine means you can continue to learn after years of experience. Do not let preconceived notions define
Sep
9
Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 2011
For many the greatest white wine producer in Burgundy and the world, Domaine Leflaive is an icon of biodynamic wine-making and low-impact farming and living. Anne-Claude Leflaive, who sadly died
Sep
3
FX Pichler “M” Riesling Reserve 2013
FX Pichler is one of the greatest white wine estates in the world. They are ambassadors of the Wachau as one of the world’s most important terroirs. With sites like
Aug
25
Vouette & Sorbee ‘Textures’ Champagne
The sad sack wine grape of Champagne is undoubtedly Pinot Blanc. Rarely seeing more than a miniscule percentage in a blend, those wines made from a majority of it are
Aug
6
Egly-Ouriet Champagne V.P. (2015 disgorgement)
One of the great grower-producers in Champagne, Egly-Ouriet, has no fear of oak. One of his top wines, the Vieillissement Prolonge, sees extended elevage and lees ageing, producing a wine