thewineguy

From the Cellar … Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2007

Ripassa and Ripasso’s are synonymous and are considered to be baby Amarone’s and about a third to half the price. Great news if you like the style but are budget focused. I’ve tried many different producers and many different vintages and when I found this in my cellar last week, I thought of the MoroccanContinue reading “From the Cellar … Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore 2007”

From the Cellar … Coquerel Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2013

January is a quiet month in the wine business so I’ve taken the opportunity to have some time off work, hence some ‘From the Cellar’ articles reflecting on the longevity/cellar ability of some wines. WOOOW, this is holding up and drinking so well! If anyone has bottles in their cellar, I’d crack one open now,Continue reading “From the Cellar … Coquerel Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2013”

From the Cellar … Clos Apalta Limited Release 2012 Red Blend.

I was fortunate enough this last week to taste the 2012 vintage of this wine and remembered back to tasting it in 2015, too young to appreciate all of the future potentials of this Bordeaux-inspired blend of 66% Carmenère, 19% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet but tasty never the less . Organically farmed I might add.Continue reading “From the Cellar … Clos Apalta Limited Release 2012 Red Blend.”

Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay 2019- an exceptional Chardonnay of sophistication, elegance, and balance.

Upon its initial release in 1998 (then the 1995 vintage) it was presented to the world as the “White Grange” making the front page of Australia’s national newspapers. A first to this day. “Yattarna reflects Penfolds patience and continued commitment to its original goal, its very name being drawn from the local indigenous language,Continue reading “Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay 2019- an exceptional Chardonnay of sophistication, elegance, and balance.”

“The Best Pinot’s in the World”.

Just got through reading an article with the above title from Wine Searcher and was surprised to find that there were some revelations and surprises I wasn’t expecting. Namely, three of the top four Pinots on their top 10 list were Australian. Finally, the world is catching up to what is considered common knowledge inContinue reading ““The Best Pinot’s in the World”.”

Wakefield ‘The Visionary’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

When a third-generation commitment to a vision and legacy collides with a great vintage head on, you get a wine that is only released on vintages deemed worthy in miniscule amounts. May I introduce Taylors ‘Exceptional Parcel Release’ Cabernet Sauvignon. Wakefield Wines- Clare Valley. Is actually Taylors Winery was originally established in 1969 by BillContinue reading “Wakefield ‘The Visionary’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 “

Campo al Mare Bolgheri Rosso 2020.

Another great example of an Italian wine made from grapes varietals not native to Italy. This is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, 15% Cab Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot sourced from the Bolgheri DOC on the western edge of Tuscany boarding the sea. This region was a hidden gem until the 1990’s whenContinue reading “Campo al Mare Bolgheri Rosso 2020.”

Question of the Day: What do you get with hand-selected New World Vineyards, Centuries Old wine-making know-how, and a great vintage?

Great wines at great prices and it is my pleasure to introduce you to … Los Vascos Cromas Wines – Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Yes, you read correctly, Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) Chateau in Bordeaux purchased these vineyards in 1988 and introduced Centuries-old winemaking experience into Chile. The name ‘Los Vascos’ comes from “LesContinue reading “Question of the Day: What do you get with hand-selected New World Vineyards, Centuries Old wine-making know-how, and a great vintage?“

Terroirs du Vent ‘La Violette’ Viognier 2021 – An absolute delight!

Before you say anything, I know winter is closing in and it’s cold outside but this really is an awesome wine. It’s just arrived this week and one sip and I couldn’t say no! I’m sure you’ll agree. Brought to you by Jean Luc Colombo, his wife Anne, and their daughter Laure, now head winemakerContinue reading “Terroirs du Vent ‘La Violette’ Viognier 2021 – An absolute delight!“

Three Italians I Met This Week.

Question of the day: Is it even possible to get an elegant Italian Beauty that over delivers, rated 99pt from an excellent vintage for under $100? How about $65. Allow me to introduce you to … Castiglion Del Bosco Brunello Di Montalcino 2016. This 100% Sangiovese is sourced from the 42 hectare Capanna vineyard facingContinue reading “Three Italians I Met This Week.”