Montecillo Singladuras Rias Baixas Albarino 2022

The standard of Albarino has risen noticeably in the past 5 years, or is it that the better ones are finally reaching US shores? Whatever the reason, they have been super impressive, this being the second in as many weeks where I thought this could be the best of the year. This has a deepContinue reading “Montecillo Singladuras Rias Baixas Albarino 2022”

Val Do Avia Treixadura 2021

If you have not heard of the grape varietal, Treixadura, do not be concerned, you are in good company. It is originally from Portugal but is grown in Spain, especially in Ribeiro and Rías Baixas. This one is from Rías Baixas. There is a lot of documented history so rather than repeat it here, checkContinue reading “Val Do Avia Treixadura 2021”

The 2022 Harvest in Italy has been called the ‘Harvest to End All Harvests’

This has been compared to the 1828, 1947, 1967, 1994, and 2011 harvests. The 2022 Harvest has been described as a ‘miracle harvest’ and will first show up in the US with Rosé, Whites, and then Reds which will trickle in over the next 5 years. The question is, could this be the greatest HarvestContinue reading “The 2022 Harvest in Italy has been called the ‘Harvest to End All Harvests’”

Allan Scott Family Winemakers – 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

This displays all that Marlborough Sav Blanc is known for: aromas of citrus and tropical fruits- passionfruit, tangerine with a hint of green peppers and ginger. The palate is expressive, mouthwatering, and inviting with notes of lime and tangerine with passionfruit, mango and ginger making their presence felt on the midpalate. Nice length on theContinue reading “Allan Scott Family Winemakers – 2023 Sauvignon Blanc”

John Duval- proves there is life after Penfolds Grange.

After three decades of making Grange, he left to embark on a new venture, John Duval Wines. He started with one wine- Plexus adding Entity in 2004, Eligo, a reserve Shiraz in 2005, then Plexus White, Annexus Grenache in 2013 and Annexus Mataro in 2016 and Integro. I had an incredible opportunity to attend bothContinue reading “John Duval- proves there is life after Penfolds Grange.”

More Santa Rita Magic- Rancho Las Hermanas Winery

Rancho Las Hermanas Winery 0r RLH for short. Rancho Las Hermanas is a north-facing ranch covering almost 600 acres, with just over 200 acres of grapevines planted, and 40 acres of avocado trees along the upper ridgelines. The ranch is steeped in history being part of the original Mexican Land Grant in 1837 called RanchoContinue reading “More Santa Rita Magic- Rancho Las Hermanas Winery”

Ronald McDonald House Wine Tasting. A great cause and a great evening.

Last year I was asked if I would like to be involved in the Ronald McDonald House Auction Dinner, I of course said yes- after all, it is a great cause. So, we put together a wine tasting to be auctioned off, selected the wines, and a long story short it went very well onContinue reading “Ronald McDonald House Wine Tasting. A great cause and a great evening.”

Frankland Estate Wines- another undiscovered gem from West Australia.

Huon Hooke believes ‘Frankland Estate has emerged as one of the great vineyards in Australia’ Imagine leaving Perth and driving south east for 3.5 hours with nothing but scrub through ‘towns’ you cannot pronounce eventually travelling through Kojonup, population 878, about the only major town in outback WA. You think your lost, in the middleContinue reading “Frankland Estate Wines- another undiscovered gem from West Australia.”

A White Malbec and a ‘Super Tuscan’ worthy of an invitation to your next dinner party.

Artesano De Argento White Malbec 2022 ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’ Juan Pablo Murgia introduces the US to ‘Artesano White Malbec’ made from 100%, Organic grapes sourced from a single vineyard, situated in the foothills of the Andes, in Mandoza, Argentina.    Made in the ‘Blanc de Noir’ technique with no skin contact and harvestedContinue reading “A White Malbec and a ‘Super Tuscan’ worthy of an invitation to your next dinner party.”

Four Wines that define the term ‘Highly Allocated’.

Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2019- Clare Valley, South Australia- Spectacular! Yes, you read correctly, Assyrtiko, the classic Greek varietal is now grown in Australia, since August 2012 no less. When you think about it, the climate in Clare Valley and surrounding wine regions is most definitely Mediterranean so it makes sense that it was bound to appearContinue reading “Four Wines that define the term ‘Highly Allocated’.”