Category Archives: Countries and Regions

Smith-Madrone: Wine, Fire, and Economics in Napa

Posted on January 19, 2022 by don

Stuart Smith, an outstanding Napa winemaker, studied economics at Berkeley before deciding to take winemaking seriously. He did graduate work in enology at UC Davis and in the autumn of 1971 bought a derelict, steeply sloped vineyard on the top … Continue reading →

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

Revisiting Sherry: Bodegas Dios Baco

Posted on January 10, 2022 by don

Bodegas Dios Baco began with the Palomino family in the 18th century, but its fame began when Juan Vergara joined forces with Juan Palomino to create Palomino & Vergara, one of sherry’s most prominent historic wineries.  The winery was sold … Continue reading →

Posted in Countries and Regions, Spain, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Current Releases from Sicily’s Mt. Etna

Posted on January 7, 2022 by don

Some of Sicily’s most exciting wines are grown on the northern and eastern slopes of Mt. Etna [see map below] where we spent several days for our report on the Wines of Sicily.  Mt. Etna is one of the most … Continue reading →

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

The Wines of Ktima Avantis on Greece’s Evia Island

Posted on January 6, 2022 by don

Ktima Avantis is located in the village of Mytikas on the island of Evia about 43 miles from Athens [see map below]. The Mountrichas family has grown grapes in this area since the 19th century.  Today the winery is managed … Continue reading →

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

Special Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers: Selections from the Finest Wines Reviewed in 2021

Posted on December 14, 2021 by don

What to give a friend who appreciates and is knowledgeable about wine?  In this article, we give our recommendations based on the many fine wines we’ve tasted this year.  The list includes Champagne, Sparkling Rosé, California Pinot Noir, Napa Cabernet … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Champagne, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Dessert Wine, France, Italy, Oregon, Portugal, Portuguese, Red Wine, South Africa, Spain, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Comments Off on Special Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers: Selections from the Finest Wines Reviewed in 2021

Vriniotis: Modern Greek Wines from the Aegean

Posted on December 5, 2021 by mike

Vriniotis is a modern family winery located in Evia (Euboea), which is among the Aegean Islands  in Central Greece.   It was established in the village of Gialtra in 2007 by 51-year old Konstantinos (Kostas) Vriniotis , although  the family’s association … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine | Comments Off on Vriniotis: Modern Greek Wines from the Aegean

Winemaker Bill Brosseau’s 2019 Testarossa Pinot Noirs

Posted on December 1, 2021 by don

Testarossa has been successfully making a wide range of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines for well over two decades, quite a feat in the ever changing and trendy world of fine wine.They work with some of the most renowned vineyards … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Countries and Regions, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Contratto: Excellent Vermouths from the Piedmont

Posted on November 24, 2021 by don

Made from 19th century recipes, the Contratto Vermouth and Vermouth-like aperitifs are some of the most appealing we’ve tasted. While often used as a base for cocktails, they’re also delicious by themselves over ice with a twist of citrus. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Countries and Regions, Fortified, Italy, Uncategorized, Wine Type | Comments Off on Contratto: Excellent Vermouths from the Piedmont

Thanksgiving 2021: Enjoy the Best of American Sparkling Rosés

Posted on November 13, 2021 by don

There is nothing better than sparkling rosé to pair with the variety of dishes of the traditional Thanksgiving meal.  The 15 wines listed below are the best of the American and Canadian sparkling rosés that we tasted earlier this year. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Countries and Regions, Oregon, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Wine Type | Comments Off on Thanksgiving 2021: Enjoy the Best of American Sparkling Rosés

The 2019 Testarossa Chardonnays from Central California’s Premium Vineyards

Posted on October 31, 2021 by don

It seems like ages since we tasted with Diana and Rob Jensen at their winery in Los Gatos, but then almost everything pre-Covid seems to have happened a long time ago.  We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to again … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Countries and Regions, Uncategorized, White Wine, Wine Type | Tagged , , | 1 Comment