This IGT blend combines 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc.  It has an appealing fruit forward bouquet which somehow didn't seem, for me at least, to materialize on the palate.  That's not to say this is a bad wine.  It displayed a lively freshness, … [Read more...]

A really fresh offering from this Chateau.  Ripe fruit balanced with a pronounced acidity.  This wine is, perhaps, a bit lighter than I was expecting, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.  More elegant in nature than other vintages.  An elegant offering from this 2nd … [Read more...]

From one of Napa's iconic family run wineries, this is a rich, concentrated effort.  There is no doubt from the moment you open the bottle that you're into a full Napa Cab.  I thought a little more restraint on the oak might actually improve the wine, but that's honestly a … [Read more...]

A super non vintage effort from Veuve Clicquot, made using 50 to 60 different crus.  This cuvee is based on the house's Brut Yellow Label's traditional blend with 50 to 55% Pinot Noir, 15 to 20% Pinot Meunier, and 28 to 33% Chardonnay.  Elegant red fruit is at the fore here, but … [Read more...]

 Definitely a food wine - this offering is more restrained than your typical Malbec at this price point.  Perhaps not austere, but there's a lively acidity that held up well to the grilled Matambre which I attacked for dinner.  Lean, balanced, linear, it all came together to … [Read more...]