Volume XXVI – Issue 3

By Dan Berger Most wineries start out life with a philosophical plan by the winemaker and/or owner, almost all of which include wine quality as one of the top two or three reasons they get involved in something as risky as this. Such business plans u… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome … Continue reading “Changes in Plans”

At the 90th birthday celebration a few weeks back that was staged at Chateau Montelena in Calistoga for Dr. Richard Peterson,  I got the chatting with him as well as several other icons of the wine industry who happened to be there,  including chef N… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Peterson on Cabernet”

The brilliant Sierra Foothills winemaker Jeff Runquist is very concerned about a trend in this country toward high alcohols in red wines. “I prefer to pick at 23 or 24 Brix, where I can make a  balanced wine,” he said.  One way to achieve that, he sa… Want to read more? If you’re already a … Continue reading “Jeff Runquist on Alcohols”

  Australia has been engaged in an internecine trade war with China for at least the last year, and the result has been an almost complete halt to Australian wine going into China. Despite Australia’s horrendous bushfires, it has continued to pr… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “News Notes”

Exceptional 2018 Scattered Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Morisoli Vineyard ($125, see next wine): Some readers of this publication may find this review to be a little odd in view of the price that I list for this wine. However, I could make … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”

2018 Post Scriptum de Chryseia, Douro ($24) – Portuguese red wines are coming of age, and here is a gorgeous red example — and a real value. A partnership between Bruno Prats of Bordeaux (Château Cos-d’Estournel) and the Symington family of Port fam… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”

2020 Rive Sud Pinot Noir  “Fruitage,” Pays d’Oc ($12): This is a dry rosé with elegant and delicate fruit aromas of watermelon, strawberry, and a bit of citrus. The entry is dry, but the wine’s structure is based on 13% alcohol, so it has a tiny bit … Want to read more? If you’re already … Continue reading “Bargains of the Week”