Category: Tasting Notes

Very dark, robust expression of saperavi, a grape famous for its dark flesh—most wine grape flesh is very pale or has no color. Continue reading →

Profound expression of grillo, Sicily’s signature white grape. With the vineyard’s close association to the Mediterranean Sea and grillo’s natural saline notes, this effort can be thought of as a sophisticated companion paired with seafood on a sunny day overlooking the long white sands of San Vito Lo Capo beach. Very much worth a sip, and a trip if you want to visit Sicily. $22-26. Continue reading →

Bright, fresh, elegant, subtle richness, decadent mouthfeel, very bright acidity from an iconic Napa winery and celebrated winemaker, Renée Ary. Limited production, worth searching for it. $64 Continue reading →

Lush, plush black grape polished pleasure from Texas. Left Bank Bordeaux—thus the LB on the label—with emphasis on cab, ably abetted by cab franc and malbec. From Texas? Please, forget your stereotype, Texas is a player in the wine world with growers who know how and what to grow and makers who know how to make. This is impressive example. $51-60 Continue reading →

Bright, fresh, crisp pure grüner play from the master of Finger Lakes winemaking. Continue reading →

Pasqua’s flagship amarone. Outstanding acidity gives this a freshness element that sets it apart from the amarone stereotype. Decadent opulence. Continue reading →

Glossy, robust blend of seven red varietals led by cabernet sauvignon. A big red blend that is approachable on the palate and at the check-out counter. $18-25 Continue reading →

Comes from an exceptional vintage and renowned vineyard made by deeply experienced Chianti-Tuscany winemaking family. It is not a showboat, it is does what Chianti does best—complement the meal. Serious wine, outstanding value for a Chianti Classico. $31-35 Continue reading →

Inspiring example of restraint in Sonoma Coast pinot noir. Subtle, layered, excellent acidity, toned-down alcohol. You will not find Anaba on your supermarket shelf. Try high-end wineshops and the Anaba website. Worth it if you can get it. $74-79 Continue reading →

Mineral-driven chenin blanc from the Samur appelation in France’s Loire Valley. This effort presents chenin blanc’s tension and clarity rather than opulence or plush fruit. Bright and lively with engaging juxtaposition of slight bitterness, hint of honey, and saline minerality on mid-palate and extended finish. Clearly a food wine. Just moving into its best-drinking phase. $45-55 Continue reading →