Author Archives: don

The Wines of Babylon’s Peak in South Africa’s Swartland

Posted on September 30, 2019 by don

Located in the Swartland not far from the wineries of Eben Sadie and Adi Badenhorst, Babylon’s Peak has been in the Basson family since 1919. Its most remarkable feature, aside from deeply rutted roads and a profusion of wildlife, is … Continue reading →

Posted in Countries and Regions, Red Wine, Shiraz, South Africa, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Wines of Lawer Estates of Knights Valley

Posted on September 16, 2019 by don

Lawer Estates is a Calistoga-based winery owned and operated by David and Betsy Lawer.   Originally from Alaska, the Lawers launched their operation in 2003.   With their extended family and the help of an experienced team of vineyard managers and winemakers,  … Continue reading →

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

Bodega Marichal of Canelones, Uruguay: Current Releases

Posted on September 13, 2019 by don

Bodega Marichal was one of the first wineries we visited on our recent trip to Uruguay.  Winemaker Juan Andrés showed us the wines and discussed the evolution of Tannat in Uruguay in recent years. His Tannat wines show the incredible … Continue reading →

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The New Muscadine Wines of North Carolina’s Cypress Bend

Posted on September 3, 2019 by don

Dan and Tina Smith have cultivated 35 acres of muscadine cultivars (Carlos, Noble and Magnolia) near Wagram for several years. In 2005 they opened the doors of their winery to the public with the goal to produce modern, dry table … Continue reading →

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

The Outstanding Low Dosage Champagnes of JM Sélèque

Posted on August 28, 2019 by don

Founded in 1965 by Henri Sélèque in Pierry, a Premier Cru village in the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay in the Vallée de la Marne, today JM Sélèque is one of the top producers of grower Champagne (récoltant-manipulant). Champagne in Pierry dates … Continue reading →

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Hawk and Horse Selections from Lake County

Posted on August 26, 2019 by don

Hawk and Horse is a family-owned and operated, certified biodynamic vineyard located in the Mayacamas Mountain range of the Red Hills AVA of Lake County.  Red Hills is one of the six sub-appellations of Lake County. The 18 acre, mostly … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dessert Wine, Fortified, Petite Sirah, Red Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged , | Leave a comment

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