Please note the time sensitivity of this report A decade ago, on a visit to upstate New York’s wonderful Finger Lakes wine district, Fox Run Winery’siconic winemaker Peter Bell and his wife, had me over for dinner and invited a young man who Pete… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “A Finger Lakes Star : A Flash Update”
Volume XXVII – Issue 1
Simplification
By Dan Berger One of history’s greatest composers of classical music was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. One of his most frivolous, almost humorous pieces of music was his Rondo in D for piano and orchestra, K382, a charming bit of fluff that lasts roughl… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Simplification”
The Theory of Deliciousness
I live by a series of homilies, most of which I created from observing life in all its bizarre-ity. Such as: “If you don’t count your change, it will be incorrect and not in your favor.” “Ignore statistics that say ‘as much as’ or ‘as few as… Want to read more? If you’re already a … Continue reading “The Theory of Deliciousness “
Sulfite-Free Wines
Some of the most vocal advocates for “natural wines” say that the use of sulfur dioxide (S02) disqualifies a wine from being called natural and that the use of sulfur is considered a terrible tactic. But a report out of Europe recently said that 7… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Sulfite-Free Wines”
En Zed Pee Enn
In a recent issue of Decanter magazine from London, an interesting article points out that New Zealand Pinot Noir has become all the rage Down Under. I noticed this fact nearly 20 years ago during a trip to the southern hemisphere. It became clear th… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “En Zed Pee Enn”
Smoke Taint Reply
New York Magazine published a story a few weeks ago that was dedicated to explaining in (agonizing) detail some of the issues relating to the smoke taint that affected several dozen wineries’ Cabernets and other reds following the severe California f… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login … Continue reading “Smoke Taint Reply”
A Faux Sweetness Scale
Alsace has adopted a sweetness scale that has a huge flaw in it, one that I discovered 20 years ago when I agreed to create such a scale for the International Riesling Foundation. Although I heartily agree that sweetness scales are vital to helpin… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “A Faux Sweetness Scale”
Tasting Notes
Exceptional 2020 Acorn Gruner Veltliner, Russian River Valley, Alegría Vineyards ($35): After decades of making primarily red wines, Bill and Betsy Nachbauer decided to plant white wine grapes and their first efforts are incredibly rewarding. This… 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”
Wine of the Week
2019 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County ($20) – Effusive winemaker Alicia Sylvester uses fruit from several areas of Sonoma County including Petaluma Gap and the Russian River Valley to make this character, fruit-driven wine that has hints of depth y…. Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”
Bargain of the Week
2019 Burnside Road Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($14): Zinfandel fanatics might suggest that this wine is a bit simple. And yes, simplicity is an issue. But after I tasted it in a blind tasting of 12 much more expensive Zinfandfels a few weeks ago, I … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome … Continue reading “Bargain of the Week”