Author Archives: don

The Alicante Bouschet Wines of the Alentejo

Posted on August 2, 2019 by don

Alicante Bouschet originated in Franc, but today its principal home is in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Developed in 1886 as a cross of Petit Bouschet and Grenache, it’s a teinturier (red colored flesh) grape that produces inky red wines. … Continue reading →

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The Wines of Santa Barbara’s Happy Canyon Vineyard

Posted on July 31, 2019 by don

Happy Canyon Vineyard is a family owned and operated estate vineyard and boutique winery in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County.  It was purchased in the early 1990s by Tom Barrack, a polo enthusiast who also has a … Continue reading →

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André Brunel’s Les Cailloux & Cuvée Centenaire from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Posted on July 22, 2019 by don

Fabrice Brunel came to town recently, bringing with him his excellent, new releases from the Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  We paired them with the elegant cuisine of the French restaurant Convival in Washington DC.  We’ve long been fans of … Continue reading →

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The Friuli Wines of Perusini from Corno di Rosazzo

Posted on July 3, 2019 by don

The Perusini ronchi di Gramogliano winery is located in Italy’s Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region, which produces some of the finest wines of Italy. Sandwiched between the Adriatic Sea to the south and the Julian Alps to the north, Friuli’s cool climate is … Continue reading →

Posted in Countries and Regions, Dessert Wine, Friuli, Italy, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment

Tongue Dancer Wines: New Releases from Sonoma County

Posted on July 3, 2019 by don

James Mac Phail, one of California’s most accomplished winemakers, is crafting some superb wines under a new project called Tongue Dancer. The unusual name was chosen to reflect his special interest in wines that have texture and mouth feel. Under … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Rosé, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Francis Ford Coppola: New Releases from Napa Valley and Sonoma County

Posted on July 2, 2019 by don

The four wines reviewed here are exemplary of the depth and breadth of Francis Ford Coppola’s wine portfolio. This foursome offers excellent Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at an affordable price and two delicious proprietary red blends. The 2016 Eleanor … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Many Styles of French Rosé: The 2018 Vintage

Posted on June 23, 2019 by don

France makes rosé wine almost anywhere it makes wine, including Bordeaux, Champagne, and the Loire. But Southern France and Provence, especially, is where most French rosé comes from.  French rosés vary greatly in style from the pale, perfumed ones of … Continue reading →

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East Coast Rosés: Current Releases from the Finger Lakes to North Carolina

Posted on June 17, 2019 by don

The rosé wines of the East Coast have improved dramatically in recent years. Not long ago, rosé wines from the East Coast were likely to be sweet and made from native grape varieties. Today, they are made from vitis vinifera and … Continue reading →

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Rosés of Pinot Noir from Around the World: The 2018 Vintage

Posted on June 13, 2019 by don

Rosés made of Pinot Noir are the stars of this year’s rosé tasting. They’re typically light red in color, fragrant with red cherry and pomegranate scents, medium bodied with good fullness in the mouth, and flavorful with flavors that mirror … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Countries and Regions, France, Germany, New Zealand, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Rosé, South Africa, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment

New Sparkling Rosés from North America, Europe and South Africa

Posted on June 10, 2019 by don

Sparkling rosé is made all over the world.  In this article, we review new releases from North America [California, New York, Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia] and Europe [Austria, France] and South Africa. Sparkling rosés come from numerous grapes—almost … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, California, Countries and Regions, France, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged | Leave a comment