Robert Parker posted his reviews of Bordeaux 2009 yesterday on his subscription web site. In an article entitled “Once Upon a Time (1899, 1929, 1949, 1959, 2009),&# he lavished praise on the vintage, particularly the cabernet blends of the left bank, and on many wines individually: 21 wines received scores of potentially 100 points. MORE >>

Here is a wonderful Barbera I had at Il Poeta paired with an appetizer of porcini mushroom risotto with truffle oil and a main course of short ribs. The woody character of the truffles compliments Barbera's smoky nuances very well. MORE >>

I love traveling, but I don't love traveling for work. don't have to travel very often, but when I do, I always hope for good restaurants or something like that to make it a bit easier to be away from home. Last month I was in New Orleans and although it's never easy to be away from the wife and kids, I had a great time eating while not working. MORE >>

As the weather warms up, a couple of zippy whites may be in order. I’ve had both of these recently and they struck me for both being built on lean, acid cores but with slightly more weight roundness on the finish than your average summer sipper. Chill and serve with seafood on the deck. MORE >>

I usually like to spend one morning a week visiting blogs in my blog-roll or those I follow on Facebook. For me, I rather hear what bloggers say about the wines they review, rather than the opinion of the so-called experts. also come upon many facts that I would have never known, unless I enroll in an expensive wine appreciation class. Thanks Eve. MORE >>