Southern Oregon is oft overshadowed by its northerly neighbors in the Willamette. But these fringe appellations often offer stunning value - and a welcome reprieve from Pinot at times. This Syrah/Viognier blend makes clear its Northern Rhône inspiration - a lean varietal expression that finds breadth through a piercingly bright acidic through line. Brambly, yet precise - it tastes of muddled raspberry, bacon drippings, sweat, crushed minerals and sweet wilted herbs. The perfect accompaniment to a weirdly cold late April evening in Vermont. — 6 years ago
I’ve never understood why New Zealand’s aromatic wines haven’t amassed more attention - they’re Pinot Gris wines are consistently some of my favorites outside of Alsace. Loveblock is Erica and Kim Crawford's present project, after selling the popular Kim Crawford label. While still 5 g/l residual sugar, Loveblock's Pinot Gris captivates with its spice and savory flavors - jasmine, white rose, peach skin and white pepper. Beaming with aroma, on the palate the wine finds a more taut precision. A delicious challenge to Sauvignon Blanc's dominance of the Marlborough landscape. — 6 years ago
Charles Baker has swiftly risen to become one of Niagara's foremost authorities on Riesling. Grown from the Vinemount Ridge appellation, that stretches south overlooking the Niagara Escarpment, the 2014 hits all the marks of an outstanding Niagara Riesling - petrol, wet stones, apple skin, and chiseled mineral flavor. Clean, long and precise. — 6 years ago
I always love tasting this wine. Tobacco, wilted basil, black plum, game and pepper. Round and caressing, yet still expressive of Sangiovese’s herby character. A favorite in the Antinori portfolio. — 7 years ago
If I had to list my favorite Napa producers on one hand - Spottswoode would make the cut by the time I reached my pointer finger each time. The 2013 is impeccable - structured and dusty tannins from a to-be iconic vintage. Cassis, pencil shavings, and blueberry meet for a beaming high-pitched finish that seems ceaseless and impenetrable. — 6 years ago
Drinking Barolo with the man himself, from one of my consistently favorite producers. With a firm, but dusty tannic backdrop, the wine seduces with an ethereal rose petal, dried violet aroma while smoke and licorice inform the long finish. Fabulous, structured, and while still nascent, it’s fabulously captivating today. — 6 years ago
So rarely do I taste Chardonnay in dessert form, but when I do, I’m reminded this grape can do literally anything. Tasted blind, I’d likely guess this Burgenland TBA to be Tokaji - it drips with sun soaked apricot, roasted apple, and subtle spice. But there’s also a cereal quality - like some bucolic wheat field on a cloudless July afternoon. Viscous and captivating - I was really sad when this glass drew empty. — 6 years ago
From the same appellation boundaries as Banyuls, this Collioure wine is a stunner. While a bit reductive when first uncorked - it’s stoic, structured and remarkably complex - a pillar of inky anise, leather, cayenne, rosemary flavor. Spice and garrigue meet blackberry liqueur on the lengthy finish. It’s the classic combination of rusticity and elegance that southern France does so well. 80% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, 10% Carignan. — 7 years ago
Bryce Wiatrak
I don’t get to taste aged dry Portuguese wines all too often, and this bottle makes me believe that’s a shame. Soft red currant flavors meet a more savory patina in this nearly three decade old Baga. Game, rose, smoke, and cherry. — 6 years ago