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”
Volume XXVIII – Issue 1
Tasting Notes
Exceptional 2021 Reustle Prayer Rock Syrah, Umpqua Valley ($39): This may well be the finest Syrah produced in the United States over the last decade. Purists say an aroma of black pepper (rotundone) is one of the key elements in cooler-climate (o… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may … Continue reading “Tasting Notes”
Wine of the Week
2022 Bonny Doon Le Cigare Orange, Central Coast ($18): This is really not a traditional orange wine in the sense of its oxidative elements, and a good reason for this is that it’s 80% Grenache Blanc and 10% Grenache (red), with 10% Orange Muscat! One… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Wine of the Week”
Aussie Time!
By Dan Berger Wine buyers who are intelligent and aware and seek excellent value in premium wines should be eager buyers of some of Australia’s better-known wines. f not now, but soon. It may not yet be widely evident in some U.S. major markets, but… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back … Continue reading “Aussie Time!”
The Death of Fine Dining
By Dan Berger As the COVID-19 pandemic began to subside in an American society that desperately wanted to remove masks and dine out again, the fine dining scene in America began to resurrect itself, and initially, we began to see some of our bette… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – … Continue reading “The Death of Fine Dining”
Smaller Dining-Out Options
By Dan Berger COVID-19 left wine lovers facing several aggravating issues, not least of which is how wines will cost more than they did before the pandemic. Combine that with an infinitely poorer selection of wines that we will see in restaurants … Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “Smaller Dining-Out Options”
The Bargain of 2023: Sauvignon Blanc
By Dan Berger Making predictions about wine pricing often leads to egg-on-face embarrassment that the predictor hopes no one will remember. And yet it seems obvious to me that Sauvignon Blanc is about as cheap as it will ever be and likely will… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you … Continue reading “The Bargain of 2023: Sauvignon Blanc”
Orange!
Orange wine is not a category of wines I adore, but it’s intriguing enough for me to at least try two or three dozen of them over the last three years. Most have not excited me. The best one I ever tasted is a newly released wine by one of history… Want to read more? … Continue reading “Orange!”
For What It’s Worth
A group of experienced Sonoma County winemakers gets together twice a year to evaluate sparkling wines and Champagnes. A recent blind tasting of 12 wines (I did not attend) had the following results: (prices approximate) 2018 Domaine Carneros Br… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login here. If you … Continue reading “For What It’s Worth”
Boxed Wine Drawback
An article listing all of the terrific reasons why consumers should consider purchasing wines in large format boxes appeared in The New York Times recently. It listed 10 boxed-wine options by name and price for consumers to consider. The article seem… Want to read more? If you’re already a subscriber, welcome back – you may login … Continue reading “Boxed Wine Drawback”