The question from Basic Juice: If you were to give a wine out of your own cellar/collection/shelf/fridge as a gift this year, which wine would it be, who would receive it and why? Here’s my answer: Lambrusco – Ceci 2004 “La Luna” Whaaa? Lambrusco? This is not the insipid kool-aid that you may remember, or [More]

That Cahors. Whoa. I had it open for four days and just finished it last night. I have one of those vinu-vac things to pump out the air from the bottle, but I am still impressed. It’s hard to determine what wines will age well but, for me, if a wine is still drinking good [More]

2003 Côtes Catalanes Rouge Cuvée Pierre Audonnet 75% Merlot, 15% Grenache, 10% Syrah

2002 Rigal Chateau de Grezels Prestige Cahors I see so much Argentinian Malbec come and go that I had kinda forgotten about the true home of Malbec: Cahors. This region in France, nearish to Bordeaux, produces killer wines that are usually about 15 bucks. They are agers with some grip, usually blended with a bit [More]

I came across this via basic juice. Check out the slide show at the bottom of the article: http://www.forbes.com/2003/11/19/cx_np_1119feat.html

My new favorite wine region is Bierzo in Spain. They have old-vine Mencia. I drank an incredible wine from this region: 2001 Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas This is 60+ year-old Mencia vines. These wines are so delicious; they have incredible minerality, sense-of-place, and uniqueness. And you can buy this wine for under 25 bucks! [More]

Got to taste some mind-blowing Napa Cabs. Makes you realize that Napa can compete with Bordeaux; they can be in the same room together. 2002 Chateau Montelena2002 Duckhorn Estate2002 Far Niente2002 Insignia2002 Camus Special Selection I have to say that I thought the Camus and the Duckhorn would just be fruit bombs. But the real [More]

I spent a wonderful day at Cadence in Seattle. Just a husband and wife operation in a very industrial area of Seattle. I punched down caps, sorted some Cab Franc, and put some labels on wines. It was a great experience and they craft some lovely wines made the right way. Google Cadence and wine. [More]