Monthly Archives: January 2018

Old Vine Cinsault from Lodi, Stellenbosch, and the Swartland

Posted on January 29, 2018 by don

The Cinsault grape doesn’t often get a lot of respect. It’s a prolific vine that can produce light wines of little distinction. But old vine Cinsault put in the hands of outstanding winemakers is another thing altogether. In this article, … Continue reading →

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Carol Shelton Zinfandels from the Queen of Zin

Posted on January 26, 2018 by don

Carol Shelton is a pioneer in the wine industry and considered by many to be the Queen of Zin, a title she has earned by producing some of California’s finest Zinfandels. In this article we review her current Zinfandel releases, … Continue reading →

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New Zealand White Wines: Reviews of Current Releases from 19 Producers

Posted on January 22, 2018 by don

New Zealand established its wine reputation on Sauvignon Blanc, a variety uniquely suited to the terroir of the South Island, especially the Marlborough region.  Over time, growers have diversified their white grape plantings to Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and other varieties, … Continue reading →

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New Zealand Pinot Noir: Reviews of Current Releases

Posted on January 18, 2018 by don

Pinot Noir is one of our favorite grape varieties and New Zealand is one of the top sources. Since issuing our  Report #7 New Zealand’s Exciting Pinot Noirs,  we have admired the progress made by local producers in improving the … Continue reading →

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Michel Chapoutier’s Domaine Bila-Haut in Roussillon: Current Releases

Posted on January 15, 2018 by don

Michel Chapoutier is best known for his Rhone Valley wines, but he also puts his stamp of excellence on Roussillon with his Domaine Bila-Haut, a which he purchased in 1999.  Thanks to Jane Kettlewell of Creative Palate Communications and HB … Continue reading →

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The Di Giovanna Wines of Sicily

Posted on January 11, 2018 by don

The Di Giovanna family traces its winemaking origins back to 1860 when Cristoforo Ciaccio planted his first vineyards in 1860. Today, brothers Klaus and Gunther Di Giovanna manage this Sicilian family estate located southwest of Palermo.  Its 56 hectares of … Continue reading →

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De Toren: Current Releases of Bordeaux Blends from the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch

Posted on January 9, 2018 by don

De Toren is one of South Africa’s premiere producers of Bordeaux red blends. We visited De Toren last week, our first winery visit of 2018, to taste the current releases, including the new, ultra-luxury wines Book XVII and Black Lion. … Continue reading →

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More Premium Wines from Bulgaria: Quality Meets Value Part II

Posted on January 3, 2018 by mike

  This is the second part of a two-part review of Bulgarian wines.   In our first article in mid-November,   we  focused on the premium wines of  Bulgariana, one of Bulgaria’s largest producers in the Thracian Valley.   Here we turn … Continue reading →

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The Exciting Wines of Northern Greece: Macedonia REPRINT

Posted on January 2, 2018 by mike

Introduction Greece is producing exciting wines that are little known outside its borders and Macedonia is one of its most important wine producing regions. In this report, we alert our readers to some of the leading wineries and wines of … Continue reading →

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