Red Wines

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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…

Wise Beyond Its Years

Wise Beyond Its Years

Thierry GermainDomaine des Roches Neuves Saumur Champigny2006 Brilliant purple, this wine is a jewel in a glass. I pour, and smell first—what? Herbs, maybe,…

An Elegant, Polished Beaujolais

An Elegant, Polished Beaujolais

Georges DuBoeufMoulin-à-Vent "Prestige"2003 When poured, the wine is milky and brickish red. Floral and very feminine, it offers a nose of blackberries, lavender, and…

A Beautiful Evening Companion

A Beautiful Evening Companion

Domaine Le Mas des CollinesRegis de Taxis Gigondas2005 Inky violet-red, this wine gives off the scent of violets, warm blackberries, smoke, and earth. Supple…