I was fortunate to get to taste the 2023 vintage of Dominus- Napa Valley. This world-renowned wine is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, with 40% using new French oak. It scored a 100 Pt rating and several 98 – 99 Pt ratings, and the 2023 vintage isContinue reading “Dominus 2023- a 100 pt stunner!”
Tag Archives: Red Wines
Famille Perrin Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Les Sinards 2010 – from the cellar!
After the region went through several name changes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was settled upon during the ‘Papal Era’ in the 14th century, when, in 1309, Pope Clement V and his successors began developing the surrounding vineyards. Pope John XXII built a fortified summer residence on the hill above the village—this “new castle” is the origin of theContinue reading “Famille Perrin Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Les Sinards 2010 – from the cellar!”
Olianas Perdixi Bovale 2020
Brought to you from Olianas, a winery considered to be the benchmark in Sardinian Wineries. This blend of 85% Bovale and 15% Carignano showcases why Sardinia is considered one of the most unique wine growing regions in the world, producing wines of depth, complexity and charm. The Bovale is sourced from the Anfiteatro vineyard whichContinue reading “Olianas Perdixi Bovale 2020”
Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages 2022
Stéphane has taken a radical step back to the old traditions of making wine. Beaujolais has long been considered a ‘poor man’s Burgundy.’ But thanks to a handful of winemakers, the quality has been getting better by the vintage. Will they be as good as Burgundy someday? Only time will tell. In the meantime, thisContinue reading “Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages 2022”
Contini Tonaghe Cannonau de Sardegna 2024
The Contini Winery is the oldest in Sardinia, established in 1898, and is located in the Upper Campidano, with vineyards at an altitude of about 200 meters, planted on alluvial, sandy, and clay soils. There is something special about Grenache from Sardinia, or Cannonau as it is known there. It possesses a medium-bodied freshness andContinue reading “Contini Tonaghe Cannonau de Sardegna 2024”
Taub Family Rutherford Cabernet 2016 – from the cellar!
Allow me to introduce you to the best-kept secret in Napa. There is no cellar door, but decades of history, no advertising campaign, just whispers of quality, depth, and complexity spoken by those in the know, late in the evening after an impressive meal and wonderful wine. Next to no reviews and ratings, and noContinue reading “Taub Family Rutherford Cabernet 2016 – from the cellar!”
Scaia Rosso 2022
Q: What do four brothers do when they inherit 50 acres of vineyards in the eastern section of Valpolicella from their father? A: Buy 75 more acres and start a winery, of course. They released their first wine in 1995 under the Tenuta Sant’Antonio label before launching a new project in 2006 under the ScaiaContinue reading “Scaia Rosso 2022”
Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna 2022
This is a blend of 90% Cannonau (Grenache), 5% Bovale Sardo, and 5% Carignano. The Cannonau contributes ripe red fruits and smoothness, the Bovale Sardo adds structure, and Carignano builds on color and savory tension. Argiolas is considered the island’s leading winery producing quality driven wines, dating back to 1938. Their ‘Costera’ vineyard covers 88Continue reading “Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna 2022”
Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022
This is sourced from their Hallberg Vineyard, a vineyard stretching 100 acres in size, nestled in the Green Valley sub-appellation, and named after the previous owners. For those technically minded, it is made up of clones 777 and 667, sourced from three different blocks located on the east and west sides of the Hallberg RanchContinue reading “Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022”
Ruffino Modus 2008- an excellent Italian to invite home.
This Tuscany gem is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), and Merlot (25%). The drinking window for this is 10–15 years. Again, let’s open it and see if it’s still holding together. This is 18 years old. This was Ruffino’s ‘Super Tuscan’ offering with a reputation for being refined, polished tannins, elegant, withContinue reading “Ruffino Modus 2008- an excellent Italian to invite home.”
Vine to Table 