Monthly Archives: May 2008

In Bordeaux, the original wines made before the 19th century were basically field blends. That is, they harvested all the grapes together without sorting by varietal and vinified the lot together. Sometimes it would result in a pale red called … Continue reading →

Price and availability trends in Burgundy are of great concern. Prices of everything European have been climbing rapidly, in great part due to the falling dollar. As consumers, we face tough decisions trying to seek out top producers whose price … Continue reading →

Below are some links I find very useful. I’d love your comments on your favorite sites or your thoughts on the sites below. Helpful Links: Seattle Wine Events CellarTracker Wine Dictionary Wine Grape Glossary Italian Wines French appellations Wine-Searcher (wine … Continue reading →

Many people ask me about the difference between Shiraz and Syrah. Are they different grapes? Shiraz and Syrah are exactly the same grape. The stories about the grape’s origins are fascinating: – that the grape’s origins are from the city … Continue reading →

Below is an outstanding value in a Bordeaux red blend which I’ve tasted over the last two days. Vignalta Rosso Riserva 2004 Colli Eugani $19.99/bottle or $227.89/case 92 Arnie points Wow. This wine has been open nearly 24 hours and … Continue reading →

“Year in and year out, one of the three greatest Hermitages made is Chapoutier’s Le Pavillon.” – Robert Parker We just made a terrific ‘opportunity buy” of two great vintages of Michel Chapoutier’s Ermitage “Le Pavillon” single-vineyard Syrah from Hermitage. … Continue reading →

According to Allen Meadows of Burghound, Paul Jacqueson, “runs one of the finest domaines in all of the C’te Chalonnaise.” I came upon this wine at a trade tasting recently. There were approximately 70 wines tasted. I liked this Burgundy … Continue reading →