Author: gusclemens

Fresh, vibrant “baby Barolo” from a Serralunga d’Alba estate that also makes classic Barolo. In this case, the winemakers work to tone down tannins during fermentation, then forgo oak contact. The result is a young, light, drinker-friendly nebbiolo that shuns the raw power and extreme ageability the grape can attain. $25-35 Continue reading →

Complex, layered wine made with the negroamaro grape, a key black-skinned grape in Salento, the sun-washed peninsula in the heel of Italy’s boot. This is a stellar example of what can be done with the grape. Easy drinker over-delivers. $28-30 Continue reading →

Built-to-please, food-friendly expression of Texas tempranillo, the red grape that has a particularly affinity to Texas terroir. Very accommodating, easy drinker with just enough red-fruit character to be interesting. $51-60 Continue reading →

Cheap easy-drinker. There is only faint depth and complexity, but is a very respectable wine for $5-7 a bottle. There are nights and events and situations where that is all you need. Continue reading →

Domaine Bousquet’s most ambitious wines, made in relatively small amounts and only with superior vintages from block-selected sites from the premier Eva Estate. Excellent effort from one of the world’s reference points in organic wines. This is Argentine quality hitting on all cylinders without requiring a second mortgage to enjoy. $85 Continue reading →

Excellent, affordable sangiovese winner from a historic Montepulciano estate that has reinvented itself over the past 15 years as one of Tuscany’s flagship terroir-driven producers. $25-30 Continue reading →

A showcase for black fruit from a celebrated Washington State vineyard planted in 1972—which easily qualifies as an old-vine site in the Pacific Northwest. Continue reading →

Crisp, bright, lively blend led by chenin blanc with enough viognier (20%) to give it lush mouthfeel. It ranked #27 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2025. Continue reading →

Polished, complex white led by arinto, Portugal’s signature white grape, and abetted by verdelho. Time on the lees and extended oak aging produce an impressive, food-friendly pour with serious structure. The Symingtons rank among Portugal’s elite wine families, and this bottle shows why. $30-36 Continue reading →

Sleek, clean, quintessentially Marlborough wine. It offers everything expected, nothing unwanted in a NZ sauv blanc, with a lemon sherbet element that sets it apart. Consistent, dependable, affordable sipper that should be enjoyed now. Widely available. $13-17 Continue reading →