Wine of the Week

Nonvintage Plan Pégau par Laurence Feraud, Estate Bottled ($20): This quite rustic Rhône red wine, a blend of Granache, Syrah, and several other local varieties, is the product of a fine producer who rarely bottles it with a vintage date. Instead, t… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”

Bargain of the Week

 2020 Babich Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough ($13 FULL SRP; see below)—This fine producer of excellent red and white wines is located in Hawkes Bay on New Zealand’s north island. Recently, when NZ Sauvignon Blanc was becoming very popular in the United… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Bargain of the Week”

More than One Kind of Acid

When a newcomer tastes a wine that someone just gave 98 points to, often it is a wine that also likely sells for an outrageous sum of money. Invariably the wine (especially if it’s from California) is soft, plush,  succulent, and lower in acidity th… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “More than One Kind of Acid”

A Look Back: 1992

(The following article appeared in The Los Angeles Times in late 1992 and is reprinted here verbatim.) By Dan Berger Los Angeles Times Wine Columnist SANTA MARIA — The scientists at almost any major enology school would cringe if … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you aren’t … Continue reading “A Look Back: 1992”

Italian Whites: Sales Soar

Most buyers of Italian wines who are prepared to spend a little bit more than the average modest $6 Pinot Grigio or $7 Chianti are more conversant with the better wines of Italy and are primarily love the red wines a lot more than the whites. How… Want to read more? If you’re already a … Continue reading “Italian Whites: Sales Soar”