The Hugel Family has been around since 1639, representing 12 consecutive generations of winemakers. One must believe they have it all together by now, evidenced by some of the finest, elegant dry Rieslings and other varietals in and around Riquewihr, in Alsace. This section of Alsace is the driest and coolest AVA in France, withContinue reading “Famille Hugel Classic Riesling 2023”
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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”
Roc de l’Abbaye Sauvignon Blanc 2023- an absolute delight to drink.
The winery is located in Saint-Satur, a village in the heart of Sancerre, and is known for its Abbey and its Siles (flint) soil, which contributes wonderful minerality and tension in the wines. The grapes are sourced from the Oisly vineyards, located at the foot of the ‘Clos du Roc’, and named after the abbey.Continue reading “Roc de l’Abbaye Sauvignon Blanc 2023- an absolute delight to drink.”
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.”
Blue Zones and Drinking Wine – Can drinking wine make you live longer?
The short answer is yes, research tells us that 1 – 2 glasses a day is the right amount to outlive your non-drinking friends. The 5 Blue Zones include: Nicoya in Costa Rica, Sardinia, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, and Loma Linda in California. There are many commonalities but the two that, I believe,Continue reading “Blue Zones and Drinking Wine – Can drinking wine make you live longer?”
Ruffino Modus 2008
This Tuscany gem is a blend of Sangiovese 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, and Merlot 25% Drinking window on this was 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,Continue reading “Ruffino Modus 2008”
Vine to Table 