Chateau Ramage La Batisse 2005 Haut Medoc (Bordeaux)
A finely honed bottle, with eucalyptus and wet stone aromas that edge into black fruit and crème de cassis. Full bodied and velvety, the palate offers fresh red fruit, black tea, and a bracing...
View ArticleDomaine Philippe Portier 2010 “Cuvee Victoires” Quincy
I believe this obscure wine region is worth a fresh look, especially after tasting this example. Located close to the famous Sancerre, Quincy produces classic Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of tarragon, pear,...
View ArticleChateau Carignan 2005 “Prima” Cotes de Bordeaux
When I took a group of my students to Bordeaux, we stayed just a few miles from this Chateau. I did not expect much of this wine when I first tasted it (it is from the unremarkable region of Entre Deux...
View ArticleCougar Crest 2006 Reserve Syrah, Walla Walla
The origin of this winery was 50 acres and a booth at the local airport. No, it wasn’t a grand or impressive start. What it did have, and continues to posses, is un-hyped awesomeness to a degree of...
View ArticleTerre Da Vino 2005 “Essenze” Barolo
This is a under-the-radar barolo negotiant that deserves a bit of attention. The pricepoint is excellent for this level of Barolo. Blended from a few of the top vineyards in the region, including...
View ArticlePierre Amadieu 2009 “Romaine Machotte” Gigondas
Gigondas is one of the most complex wine regions in France, terroir-wise. Some in the valley are remarkably similar to the princely Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Some have the imposing structure of the...
View ArticleQuinta de Maritavora 2007 Touriga Nacional, Douro
Portugal is the last great undiscovered wine country. With wines like this coming into the market, that may soon change. Fresh bright cherry and a steep mineral streak cut through the core of this...
View ArticleDomaine De La Bastide Blanche 2009 Bandol
For sheer force of fruit and a delivery system of nitro-fueled tannin, nothing matches a Bandol. Creme de cassis, mocha, and sandalwood flavors are beautiful, and temper the argressiveness of this wine...
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