Darren Dittrich

8.9

High QPR wine at $12 (Sigel’s). Typical high-toned cherry and violets, with a touch of barnyard. Solid value, but there are other Langhe wines that are even harder to put down. — 2 days ago

Darren Dittrich

7.9

Tart, acerbic, with unbalanced oak... completely uncharacteristic of the 2015 vintage. Something went very wrong in the production of this wine. Costco fail, but better on Day 2. Perfect bright red Burgundy color and intensity. — 6 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

Another Beaujolais win from SommSelect. This one has big ripe red-berry flavors, and at first it's almost too fruity, but the acidity and mineral kick in to make this a winner. Well-crafted, looking for more from this producer. — 14 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

A rustic and delicious Alto Piemonte Nebbiolo blend (apparently 70% Nebbiolo, 20% Vespolina, 10% Uva Rara, but nothing stated on the bottle). My Piemonte fans loved it, but not sure this would wow the masses. Similar to a Barbaresco, or Langhe Rosso, but higher-toned notes and tobacco/leather notes. Can't wait to try more from these gals. — 15 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.1

Costco winner. Great vintage, no overt prune/raisin notes, but relatively ripe and accessible. Darker fruit notes, but with the characteristic bright cherry, roses, and almond one would expect. Probably not one that needs much aging, it's drinking well now. — 3 days ago

Darren Dittrich

8.9

A rich and aromatic version of Arneis from a top-tier producer. With a couple years of age, this one already has plenty of honeyed fruit characteristics. Typically I’m not searching out honeysuckle whites, but this one has more depth, with white peach, walnut, citrus oil and limestone. Richer than most Arneis we experienced in Piemonte. — 11 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.1

Deliciously vibrant, light-weight, crisp red wine from Sicily. I might prefer this Frappato to other COS offerings, and the price point is better as well. My Sicilian friend very much enjoyed this wine, as did the few others that got a taste. Food friendly, raspberry, bright cherry, mild tannins, Pinot-like weight. — 15 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

SommSelect winner. This 2016 red blend is a perfect complement to any Mediterranean dinner. Rich, but not overly ripe, balancing acidity, and thoroughly enjoyable for $24. Would buy again. — 6 days ago

Darren Dittrich

8.9

High QPR $18 Costco winner. At cooler temps, this leans towards a simple rich black-cherry wine, but at room temp it gains some backbone. — 7 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

Delicious crisp white from this Alto Adige co-op. This wine crosses boundaries for wine drinkers, winning converts from the sweeter wine fans, the Grigio fans, and the dry Riesling camp. Mineral backbone with stone fruit flavors remind me of the Dolomites, and why I always enjoy Pinot Blanc. Terlan is a terrific producer. — 12 days ago