Exceptional 2021 Boonville Road Cabernet Franc, Mendocino County, Alder Springs Vineyard ($40): I am extremely fascinated with this classic example of Cabernet Franc that comes from a higher-altitude vineyard that yields an aroma that ha… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t a subscriber, … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”
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Canned Wine
Yes, canned wine is now a legitimate category around the world, which was proven to me on July 19 when I was asked to judge the white wine portion of the international canned wine competition, staged in Mendocino County. A friend and budding wine lo… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Canned Wine”
Alcohol Confusion
By Dan Berger A tax law change in England, which took effect Aug. 1, is playing havoc with wineries around the world as they begin to understand the unquestionably arcane nature of the new beast, which is next to impossible to truly get a handle o… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome … Continue reading “Alcohol Confusion”
Greg La Follette
Dan Berger When I decided to create a philosophical statement by making a tiny amount of bone-dry Riesling from a great vineyard, I needed a great winemaker. My choice was n who rarely made Riesling, but who is one of America’s best winemakers. … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Greg La Follette”
Confusion: Cheap(?) Barolo
By Dan Berger The wine: 2019 Kirkland (Costco) Barolo, Serralunga, $19.99. This wine caused me no end of philosophical angst and several days of vacillating between recommending it and ignoring it for entry into this newsletter. The answer to th… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Confusion: Cheap(?) Barolo”
Re-Evaluating 2018 Barolo
By Dan Berger Speculation about how a particular vintage of red wines will age always entails a massive amount of guesswork, which is almost never scientific. Which is why the following report is nothing more than speculation that comes from an in… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Re-Evaluating 2018 Barolo”
Bordeaux as a Luxury Good
By Dan Berger Several things have changed for Bordeaux’s red wines in the last 30 years and Paul Wagner says one key aspect of it is that Bordeaux is less a wine today and more a luxury item. Wagner, a retired public relations executive who liv… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome … Continue reading “Bordeaux as a Luxury Good”
Ab Simon: Bordeaux Savior
By Dan Berger Bordeaux may never be the same. I’m not speaking of the wine – one of the world’s most important vinous commodities, as well as one of the wine world’s most identifiable status-imbuing baubles. No, I’m speaking of Bordeaux the reg… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Ab Simon: Bordeaux Savior”
Bedlam in Bordeaux
By Dan Berger Wine lovers who are fixated on the red wines of Bordeaux may be a little confused about what they’re seeing regarding the latest pricing of 2022 Bordeaux in the pre-release market, especially if they are thinking about buying quality… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Bedlam in Bordeaux”
Flash Bargain
This week some Grocery Outlet stores began carrying a 2017 Chardonnay from Lincourt in Santa Barbara that is still listed on the Lincourt website for $40. 2017 Lincourt Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills, Rancho Santa Rosa: There is a bit of maturity in… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Flash Bargain”