Jan
4
Pyramid Valley Vineyards Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2009
Pyramid Valley is one of the more remarkable estates in the new world. Located in the Waikari Valley in southern New Zealand, near Christchurch, Mike and Claudia Weersing spent 15
Dec
23
Two Top Wines for the Holidays
Holidays demand much of us. I like to see them as an opportunity to treat yourself and those who deserve it in between the rest. When those moments do arrive,
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
Oct
20
Rippon “Mature Vine” Pinot Noir 2013
Fall speaks to me of Bourgogne Rouge and thereabouts. Great Pinot Noir speaks in hues. Fall is a time to slow down and look back. Rippon has been making great
May
27
A Few Notable Bottles of Boutique and Cult White Burgundy
The British Columbia market is quite limited in its burgundy selections, particularly white burgundy. We mostly have access to the large negocients and large producers. We are lucky to see
May
24
Reflections on Mid-2000’s Burgundy
The inimitable Pinot Noirs of Burgundy require regular revisiting. The typical comments about Burgundy’s unevenness misconstrue why the region is always among the best in the world for terroir-driven wine.
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
5
Pipeno Santa Juana 2016
Chile is not generally associated with natural wine. Natural wine is not often associated with cleanliness and precision. Enter the Pipeno red from Chile’s Maule region, made by French winemaker
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
Feb
27
Giacomo Fenocchio “Bussia” Barolo 2011
Barolo is a wine I buy regularly. For the quality it may be the best value truly apex terroir-driven red left in Europe. In contrast, my drinking habits for Barolo