An Italian and Two Frenchmen Walk Into a Bar…
Bonny DoonSuper Tuscan2008Price: about $15 This wine is a blend of 52% Sangiovese, 33% Syrah, and 15% Cinsault. So that means it's: bright, fruity,…
Red Wines
Two Elegant French Dinner Companions
Guy LarmandierCramant Grand Cru Blanc de BlancsNVCurrent price: about $55 Château de BeaucastelChâteauneuf-du-Pape1993Current price: about $60 Last night we hosted an intimate dinner party…
A Dark Spaniard
Buil and GinéToro DO2004Price: $24 The Toro Denominación de Origen is located along Spain's Duero river valley, where the stony soils and relatively high…
Simple Gifts
A remarkable thing happens to me when I let myself stretch a little, when I take a little risk: the gifts come pouring in….
Cooling it on the Rocks
Las Rocas de San AlejandroViñas Viejas Garnacha2003 We bought quite a bit of this wine a while ago for twelve or thirteen dollars a…
The Rhône Rabbit
Bonny Doon VineyardCigare Alternative C2004 Brilliant red-purple, like the queen's velvet. The nose is floral; I get violets, the breath of spring. I get…
A Little Trip to the South of France
Château de FlaugerguesLa Mejanelle "Cuveé Sommelière"2006 Ruby red, this Coteaux du Languedoc opens with a nose of washed linen, cherry, and fresh Provençal herbs…
Parla Italiano? Mi dispiace, no.
Il PoggioSangiovese Rubicone IGT2008 The color is ruby purple, and it has a jammy nose, with smoke and earth and tobacco. On the palate…
Bordeaux on Our Table
Chateau La Croix du DucBordeaux AC2007 This 100% Merlot is brilliant cherry red and very clear in the glass. It delivers a funky, earthy…
Flesh and Bones
Villa PozziNero D'Avola Sicilia IGT2007 This wine is a deep, inky ruby in the glass. The nose is plummy and smoky, with scent of…
Sonnets from the Portuguese
Symington Family EstatesAltano Douro DOC2006 This Portuguese red is 70% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and 30% Touriga Franca (Touriga Francesca). It's a deep red-violet, offering…
Windy Oaks Pinot
Windy Oaks EstateEstate Cuvée Pinot Noir2007 This wine is brilliant red-purple, ringing with clarity. Its nose reaches up with lovely red fruit plus a…