Dry Creek Vineyard Sea Quelle 2021- exceptional drinking.

David Stare, the winery founder’s passion for wine, fueled by living in Germany for a spell and a 2-week trip to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Upon returning to the US in 1970, he read a Wall Street Journal article about California’s bright future for making excellent wines.

That was enough for him to pack up his wife and kids into his station wagon and head for California, immediately enrolling in UC Davis and spending the weekends looking for the perfect site. He discovered a rundown 55-acre prune orchard opposite the Dry Creek General Store and realized his dream was about to begin. He planted the first vines in the area since Prohibition.

If you didn’t know already, Dry Creek can produce some exceptional Merlot, and this wine showcases the varietal front and center. Their 1991 Reserve Merlot won the prestigious Grand Prix d’Honneur at the Challenge International Du Vin in Bordeaux, surprising everyone.

If you are familiar with Dry Creek Wines, and in particular ‘The Mariner’ release launched in 2007, it is a Cabernet-based left bank, Bordeaux Blend. This is the ‘sequel’ to it, a right-bank, Merlot-based Bordeaux blend that is listed as a Meritage, and continues their passion for sailing- they have been the official wine for Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Races since 2016.

It is a blend of 63% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot, spending 18 months in French and Hungarian oak- 31% new.

The enticing aromas of black and blueberries dominate the nose with traces of violets and chocolate that draw you in.

The palate is smooth with bold, broad brushstrokes of blueberries, blackberries, plums, and cherries, with secondary notes of turned rich soil, leather, dark chocolate, and just a hint of spices on the finish.

Impressive balance and structure with pleasing, approachable acidity and fine-grain tannins.

The synergy between these varietals is obvious, with impressive results demonstrating that blending is an art that Dry Creek has perfected over a 50-plus-year period.

This has a long future in your cellar- up to 2035 with confidence, possibly longer. 

This wine screams for red meat- your favorite cut, straight from the grill or the kitchen. For Veggie options, consider Baba Ghanoush with Falafel and fresh Pita bread- always a favorite.

Penfolds Grange 1999

While this doesn’t come near its predecessor, the 1998 (one of the greatest vintages of all time), it is, nevertheless, a Penfolds Grange in all its majestic glory. This didn’t become Australia’s Icon Wine for no reason. 

This is 100% Shiraz, which possesses beautiful, elegant structure with impeccable balance and immense depth and complexity.

We were catching up with old wine friends we haven’t seen in a year or more, and decided to celebrate with something special.

Grapes were sourced from their prized Kalimna Vineyard (known for having some of the oldest shiraz vines in the world) in the Barossa Valley, Magill Estate (Adelaide), McLaren Vale, and Padthaway.

The aromas are bewitching, drawing you in with layers of blackberries, blueberries, licorice, and figs, and a promise of so much more.

When this was released, I heard someone say, ‘Don’t be surprised if this sleeping beauty doesn’t catch the 1998 vintage, with 20 or more years aging, allowing to come together’. This is now 26 years old, and it’s closer to 1998 but not there yet. Will it get there? Who knows? Only time will tell. The estimated drinking window is 2065- so we have another 30 years to find out.

The palate showcases seamless layers of blackberries, black currants, dark plums, coffee, dark chocolate, mulberries, vanilla, oak, figs, and spices. All of this is framed in fine-grain tannins and delicate acidity, with a delightful hint of sweetness in the mid-palate. Despite having bold, broad shoulders, this feels light on its feet- a path it walks very successfully.

This ticks all the boxes and is an absolute pleasure to drink.

Whatever you pair this with, make sure it’s worthy.

Anne Annie Vineyards Pinot Noir 2023

This is the Willamette Valley with elegance and appeal at a price point that won’t break the bank.

Grapes are sourced and hand-selected from two vineyards- Anne Amie Estate & Twelve Oaks Estate, with impressive results. They are located in the rolling hills of the Yamhill-Carlton District and on the steep hillsides of the Chehalem Mountains.

Anne Amie Vineyards traces its roots back to 1979, when Fred and Mary Benoit purchased 62 acres of land in the Yamhill-Carlton District and named it Chateau Benoit.

It was sold in 1999 to businessman Robert Pamplin, Jr, and in 2004 renamed the winery Anne Annie Vineyards in honor of his two daughters.

The 2023 vintage was another exceptional classic warmer Oregon vintage with slightly lower yields, producing more intensity in the fruit.   

Bright cherries and strawberries dominate with hints of forest floor, mushrooms, and oak adding appeal and an urgency to taste.

You’re greeted with a soft, appealing mouthfeel that’s neither too sweet nor too sappy. Impressive focus, depth, and restraint are wrapped up in layers of ripe cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and secondary notes of cranberries, rhubarb, cola, and vanilla complemented by a potpourri of spices, tilled earth, mushrooms, and sweet tobacco. Fine-grain tannins and appealing acidity round this out.

This will cellar out to 2032 without a problem.

Food pairings should include grilled Salmon on Cedar, Roast Turkey, Ham, Pork chops or tenderloin from the grill, wild mushroom pizza, braised short ribs, and grilled Portobello Mushrooms stuffed with vegetarian rice.  

Famiglia Pasqua Amarone Della Valpolicella 2019- 100 Years in the making.

2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the historic Pasqua Winery, located in Verona, in northeastern Italy.    

Innovation is at the core of their philosophy, as well as focusing on sustainable practices with an eye on the future. In 2024, they received the Innovator of the Year award for 2023 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. They are widely recognized as an Ambassador for Veneto wines. They are known for their various expressions of Amarone and labels representative of the winery, located on the east side of Lake Garda, up to the Soave region. They are also strong supporters of the arts in different disciplines.

Seductive aromas of blackberries, plums, black currants, and leather draw you into a world of grapes nurtured and loved, carefully selected, aged for a precise time, and turned into something so delightful, it’s almost criminal.

The palate reflects the enticing aromas, complemented by layers of turned earth, sweet tobacco, dark cherries, vanilla, oak, and dried herbs—a complex proposition indeed, but one that needs to be experienced to be fully understood and appreciated. Impressive depth and complexity, coupled with elegance and

finesse, combined with fine-grained tannins and a velvety smooth mouthfeel, create a crescendo of flavors and experiences that you will want to repeat again and again.

Food pairings should include Barbecue Ribs, Smoked Brisket, Roasted Pork Loin, Lamb Shank, Braised Beef, Steak from the grill, and for those that don’t eat meat- A rich risotto made with wild mushrooms or truffles.

This will cellar out to 2035 without a problem, and I suspect longer.

Two Burgundies I tasted this week- delicious, and won’t break the bank.

Domaine Dominique Guyon ‘Les Dames de Vergy’ 2022
Dominique founded his Domaine in 1980 with approximately 55 acres in Hautes Côtes. It is separate from the well-known family Estate Domaine Antonin Guyon, his grandfather founded, and which he also manages. The Les Dames de Vergy vineyard lies just outside of Nuits-Saint-Georges, which goes a long way to explaining why this authentic Pinot is priced well below its more famous neighbors.
Hauts Cotes de Nuits + Pinot Noir + around $30 = an equation impossible to pass up.

Beautiful aromatic perfume on the nose, wildflowers, dark cherries, strawberries, and rose petals.
The palate is elegantly smooth with fine-grained tannins and acidity evident. Layers of dark cherries, raspberries, and cranberries with secondary notes of red currant, plum, and spices convince you this was the wine to buy.

Maison Roche De Bellene Cuvée Réserve 2022
Burgundy on a budget, that pleases.
Founded in 2009, Maison Roche de Bellene is the négociant label of Nicolas Potel, a well-known and highly regarded winemaker in Burgundy, and the architect behind Domaine de Bellene. His focus is on old vines- 40 years and older, working only with growers who are certified organic, or practicing sustainable viticulture practices.
The grapes from this wine were sourced from 35- to 80-year-old vines in the Côte Chalonnaise, Côte de Beaune, and Côte de Nuits.

Appealing, expressive nose showcasing aromas of dark cherries, plum, forest floor, and raspberries.
The palate is nicely structured with impressive balance and acidity in check. Lovely soft mouthfeel that both invites and entices. Interwoven layers of dark cherries, black raspberries, plums, spices, and mushrooms.


Pairings for both should include French Beef Stews, Veal, Turkey, Pork, and grilled Salmon.
Both wines will cellar out to 2035 with confidence.


Note: Both wines can be ordered from Cork n Cracker and Tasteful Times- my new gig.

Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2020 – excellent release from volcanic soil.

The vineyards for this impressive wine are perched on the southern side of the largest volcano in Europe- Mount Etna, planted on black soils at an altitude of 600 – 750 meters.

Diego and Alberto Cusumano hold just over 500 hectares of Estate Vineyards, producing 3 million bottles annually- not bad for a vineyard established in 1972, and did not gain mainstream recognition until the early 2,000’s.

This is 100% Carricante, a native Sicilian varietal, and is bold, dry with both medium body and acidity and a surprising freshness.

Delightful aromas of a potpourri of citrus, minerals, flint, and pear.

The palate is rich and balanced with elegance and restraint prominent. Intertwined layers of lemons, limes, grapefruit, orange peel, with secondary notes of apple, pear, honey and peach, balanced with a flinty stone note on a lengthy finish. This is Etna in a glass, and worth tasting at least once, or more.

This is drinking so well now but will cellar out to 2028 with confidence.

Pairings should include white fish, lemon butter scallops, grilled calamari, Risotto Primavera, baked or grilled Chicken wings with spices and a lemon marinade and Margherita Pizza. 

Earned a 92 pt rating from Falstaff Wine and Food Magazine.

What are you opening for International Pinot Day?

Dalrymple Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 – Piper River, Tasmania.

Let me say from the start that this is an amazing wine, deeply complex, elegant, exquisite layers of fruit, showing exceptional balance and acidity with celebrated appeal.

I cannot think of a better wine to celebrate International Pinot Day than to open a bottle of 2015- with 10 years of aging under its belt. Not just aging but evolving into what it was meant to be.

A brief history of Pinot in Tasmania- first planted by a Scottish opium farmer in 1813, kicked along by experience and knowledge by a Frenchman, Jean Miguet, establishing La Provence in 1956, and Italian, Claudio Alcorso establishing Moorilla Estate in 1958. In 1974, Andrew Pirie put Tasmania on the Pinot world map, establishing Pipers Brook Vineyard.

Dalrymple Vineyards was established by Bertel and Anne Sundstrup in 1987, on sloping hills that overlook Bass Strait and the rugged coast line. Think north eastern Tasmania.

Peter Caldwell – Vigneron remembers one of his first ‘aha’ moments during his first vintage in Bordeaux. The experience showed him ‘just how great wine can be when it’s not pushed or forced.’ He believes in the right varietal, grown in the right place, and made the right way.  He brings exceptional experience, knowledge, and restraint to making wine.  

Seductive aromas of cherries, strawberries, forest floor, and oak draw you in without realizing the spell this has caste on you.

The mouthfeel is delicate, exquisite, soft, and inviting, yet rich and just a hint of power and structure. All the flavors on the nose are evident complimented by raspberries, plum, earth, mushroom, and just a trace of vanilla and spices. It ticks all the boxes and leaves you smiling. Elegance and finesse balanced by bold defined layers leave you with a sense that you have just experienced something fine, something magical.

Cellar time: at least another 5 years, or more, with confidence.

Food pairing recommended by the winery include Duck, Fungi, Chicken- coq au vin, Salmon, Venison medallions or a rich Osso Bucco.

Langmeil Three Gardens Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro 2022- Iconic Barossa Producer.

Barossa was established as a small trading village in 1842, the same year Langmeil Winery was founded, making it the oldest winery in the region.

The Lindner family, owners of the iconic Langmeil Winery, has been a part of Barossa culture for six generations, with an unwavering commitment to producing high-quality wines. Their name is spoken in reverence in the valley.

The Three Gardens name came from their approach to the land, referring to their vineyards as gardens. The bottle lists this as a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Shiraz, and 25% Mataro. The winery lists it as 44% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, 19% Mataro, 1% Carignan, 1% Counoise, and 1% Cinsault. Whichever it is, this classic Rhône-style blend is delicious to drink and incredible value at under $25.

Vine ages range from 50 – 100 years, planted in coarse sand over red clay and ironstone. Aging occurred in 11% new French oak and 89% seasoned American oak for 17 months

There is a fresh, mint-like quality about the nose that cradles aromas of dark cherries and raspberries, with just a hint of blackberries, mocha, and spices.

Soft and approachable on the palate without being fruity or jammy, this displays depth, complexity, and appeal beyond its price point. There is a bright, juicy appeal to this wine wrapped in layers of ripe red fruits, blackberries, mocha, plums, vanilla, with compelling notes of sweet spices and white pepper. It makes for a complete and enjoyable package.

Food Pairings should include beef, lamb, game, and tomato-dominated dishes. Chicken Cacciatore and Pepperoni Pizza should be considered.

Cellar time: to 2032 with confidence.

Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2020- in a word, delicious.

Bertani, a name synonymous with Amarone’s brings you this Ripasso Valpolicella. A Ripasso is considered a ‘baby Amarone’ given its juice is passed over the skins of Amarone grapes, adding richness with increased depth and complexity while still retaining the freshness and vibrancy, so characteristic of Valpolicella. This is an excellent example.

This is a blend of 80% Corvina Veronese, 15% Rondinella, and 5% Merlot with the vines grown soil dominated by white limestone (calcium carbonate) and red limestone soils (Iron and Manganese) with an average age of 15–20-year-old vines.

Andrea Lonardi, their winemaker oversees every step of the process with first fermentation in steel tanks with a second fermentation allowing the juice to pass over Recioto wine skins, before nine months of aging in French oak barrels and three months of bottle aging before its released.

The nose exudes aromas of ripe red fruits- cherries, plums, red currents, dried herbs and just a hint of dark chocolate.

The palate is the star of the event with a rich, plush mouthfeel, with intertwined layers of dark cherries, raspberries, red currents, plums, dried herbs, and spices, with traces of dark chocolate. This is framed by fine grain, polished tannins, bright acidity and just a hint of sweetness. There is a restrained elegance underpinning everything that makes this a wine to enjoy, especially over the next 10 years, out to 2035, if your patient enough.  

Food pairings should include Salmon, Pork chops from the grill, and spicy Italian Chicken sausages from the grill, Mushroom Risotto, Pasta and meatballs/meat sauce, Chicken Cacciatore, and Herb Roasted Turkey. This is a very food versatile wine so experiment.

Newton Cabernet 2017 – RIP

Peter Newton was one of the cofounders of Stirling Vineyards in 1964 before starting Newton Vineyard with his wife, Su Hua in 1977 on approximately 1 square mile on Spring Mountain. The winery grew into 560 acres with stunning mountain top views and immaculate English Gardens that surrounded the pagoda-inspired winery. Most of the 560-acre property was hidden by a rugged forest.

Peter passed away in 2008 and the winery was purchased by the French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH with the family retaining a 10% shareholding. Tragedy struck in 2020 when the Glass Fire eradicated the Estate from the face of the earth. Earlier this year LVMH announced it would not be rebuilding the winery. This marks the end of an era.

2017 was an excellent vintage producing rich, full bodied Cabernets with great fruit structure and high quality … for those that picked early, before the fires, and most did. Sadly, this also marks one of the last vintages ever released.

This wine is all about balance, elegance, structure, and depth of fruit and possesses immediate appeal from the first sip. Classically styled Napa from mountain fruit.

Enchanting aromas of dark fruits almost overwhelm the senses- blackberries, black currents, dark chocolate, and cedar with a hint of earthiness to round things out.

The mouthfeel is rich, opulent, and velvety smooth with an abundance of elegance, balance, depth, and complexity. All this is wrapped in ripe blackberries, dark plums, dark chocolate, black currents, and vanilla, with secondary notes of truffles, and earthy notes with just a suggestion of dark cherries. Tannins are fine grained but evident.

This will cellar out to 2035 with a problem. This will go the distance.

Pairings should include your favorite choice cut of red meat, cooked your favorite way. If your vegetarian, my favorite with bold reds is Felafels, Baba Ghanoush, and fresh Pita Bread.