bottle of the Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 1995, a lovely wine, comes with the decanter in a presentation box for $600. The flute has been the glass of choice for champagne enthusiasts for decades. If the folks at Champagne house Charles Heidsieck have their way, the flute’s days are numbered. Or from a lyre-shaped decanter? MORE >>

Since the 1995 vintage, Giancarlo Pacenti's Brunello has repeatedly won Gambero Rosso's most prestigious Tre Bicchieri (Three Glass) award in addition to 90+ scores from all the major international publications. Sometimes Shirley just picks the wrong time to do one of her signature dishes. Tonight it was her Southern style BBQ pork ribs. MORE >>

1995 Blagny was fine but not distinctive. The more I learn about wine, the more I realize that I don't know. This was also true when I played a lot of chess, when I was getting into economics courses in grad school, basically anytime I've undertaken anything of any import. Even within the wine regions I know, I don't really know anything. MORE >>

You won't find much on the Internet about Chateau de la Maltroye -- and Mr. Cournet does not appear to be the talkative type -- yet from what I can gather when he took over from his father in 1995 the quality of the wines improved dramatically. La Maltroye. It is high on a hill, with a gorgeous view of the village and darkening sky. MORE >>

Recently it was the 1995 Calon Segur , whoa. Been so busy lately with work that I just haven't had time to write here. But I want to share some recent "Whoa," wine and food that really knocked me out. 1999 Clos Rougeard Saumur Bréze , Louis/Dressner Imports, price unknown. Whoa, this is just amazing wine. More, please. Briny. Refreshing. MORE >>