Volume XXV – Issue 6

By Dan Berger It is extremely rare that, in a number-based wine recommendation, the written description of the wine uses the word “terroir,” or even makes an allusion to it or to regionality. If such a thing were ever to occur, it would run th… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Terroir: A Lost Concept?”

I tasted two very nice Pinot Noirs the other day that were made by a Napa Valley winemaker who mainly makes Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for the wines came from the Russian River Valley, and I wrote in my tasting book “delicious.” Bu… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “What is Pinot Noir?”

By Rob Davis Many winemakers I have met really do not understand Pinot Noir — since they try to make it into something it is not.  They will manipulate the fermentation to extract as much color as possible, thinking that the tannin level… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “A Winemaker’s View of PN”

The Trump administration’s “war” with several European nations over airline industry subsidies continued Aug. 12 when the 25% import tariffs on wines with less than 14% alcohol (just about all affected table wines) were re-imposed. The import tar… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t … Continue reading “Bad News”

2016 Cadaretta Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley We have written about this wine at least twice in the past, most recently some months ago when we noted that it was being closed out at many Grocery Outlet stores. I have called the chain seve… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Tips”

Exceptional 2015 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60): One of my pet peeves about Cabernet Sauvignon is how difficult it can be to deal with its natural proclivity to make wines that have excessive tannins. Some tannins? Fine. Too much? A… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

2018 Decoy Merlot, Sonoma County ($25): In some ways, this is a remarkable wine because of its price: it over-delivers! This superb wine has excellent varietal intensity of black cherry, plum, olivey-tea leaf notes, and an entry that surprises becau… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”

2016 Andre Brunel Côtes do Rhône Villages, La Sabine ($17): Most red wines with this designation have a rustic or “farmyard” sort of personality, but the dramatic fruit of cranberry and black cherry (Grenache?) combined with very attractive succulen… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you … Continue reading “Bargain of the Week”