Yearly Archives: 2009

Sparkling Wines and Champagne for the Holidays: Best Bets

Posted on December 26, 2009 by don

Just the other day I was asked by a friend to recommend a wine for the holidays. Without hesitation I offered two suggestions. “If you can afford it,” I offered, “drink some good vintage champagne with your holiday meal.” I … Continue reading →

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Miguel Torres in Chile

Posted on December 22, 2009 by don

The International Wine Review’s upcoming report #21 on the Wines of Chile will identify the exciting changes taking place in Chile today with the emergence of new terroirs, new varietals, and new wine makers. It also examines the role of … Continue reading →

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Morgan Wine Reviews

Posted on December 22, 2009 by don

The International Wine Review just published a new report on the wines of the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of California’s finest regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. All the top producers like Morgan Winery are reviewed. Here are some excerpts: … Continue reading →

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Lucia Wine Reviews

Posted on December 21, 2009 by don

The International Wine Review just published a new report on the wines of the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of California’s finest regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. All the top producers like Gary Pisoni’s Lucia are reviewed. Here are some … Continue reading →

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Chinon Clos de la Dioterie: Blast from the Past

Posted on December 9, 2009 by don

Anticipating our upcoming issue on the Wines of the Loire [excluding Sauvignon Blanc, which was covered in Report #17 of the International Wine Review], I decided to try the bottle of 1995 Clos de la Dioterie, produced by Charles Joguet, … Continue reading →

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Mariano Fernandez Elected Head of International Wine Academy

Posted on December 8, 2009 by don

The International Wine Review congratulates Mariano Fernandez, Chile’s Minister of Foreign Relations, on his election as Chairman of the prestigious International Wine Academy in Geneva, Switzerland. Mariano Fernandez, shown here with Secretary of State Clinton, has a life-long love of … Continue reading →

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Santorini and Assyrtiko on a Sunday Afternoon

Posted on December 7, 2009 by don

This past Sunday afternoon I visited good friends in Potomac, Md who I had not seen for awhile. He had grown a beard, a white one which made him look so distinguished and learned. She, vivacious as ever, showed her … Continue reading →

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Andes Peak Wine in a Box: Environmentally Friendly and Great Value

Posted on October 1, 2009 by don

The 2008 Andes Peaks Select Chardonnay from Chile’s Central Valley is the best white wine in a box I’ve ever tasted and quite different from the dilute, saccharine offerings one often finds at this price point. Andes Peak is affiliated … Continue reading →

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Navarra’s Rosés Are Terrific Food Wines

Posted on August 24, 2009 by don

Rosés are magnificent food wines. Highly versatile, they pair well with a wide variety of dishes from les moules to Moroccan tangines. Today almost every wine-producing country makes respectable rosé. However, few rosés can compare with the Garnacha rosés (rosados) … Continue reading →

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Tasting Notes: 2008 Riesling Hochheim/Rheingau/Germany

Posted on August 17, 2009 by don

A couple of weeks ago, the Weinfreundeskreis Hochheim, of which my wife Annette and I are founding members, invited 5 winemakers from Hochheim to present their new wines of the 2008 vintage. We were at our German domicile at that … Continue reading →

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