I'm just not a big Grenache fan I think. It was another Châteauneuf du Pape, the 1999 Vieux Télégraphe la Crau. That was the question I asked during a great night with friends, dinner, and lots of wine. served three courses, each paired with a wine poured blind. But my friends didn't. And it does, every time I do it. Lot's I guessed. MORE >>

The Monte Bello team was also pouring the 1999, 1997, and 1995 Monte Bellos. The 1999 is still edgy with more woodsy notes and succulent strawberry and cream. The 2007 Lytton Estate Syrah/Grenache ** is also tight, almost light, almost too searing, with blue fruits and tons of tannin. There is no short answer. All are superb. MORE >>

By the way, the 1999 Penfolds Eden Valley Riesling served at that same tasting from magnums (sealed with corks) was stellar, and shows that the potential for this grape is very high in Australia, but the whole wine industry down under (and New Zealand is every bit as large of an offender on this score) has got to deal with the screwcap issue first. MORE >>

Interestingly enough, they make a 100% grenache wine called the (2005) St. Given the time I only managed to taste their 1999 Paje Barbaresco. LdH wines are very well regarded coming out of Rioja, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to try a 2002, 2000, 1999, 1987, 1981 & 1976 Rioja. don't know. great wine. Onto the reds. MORE >>

realized that the only bottles of Italian wine I have, both 1999 Brunellos, are buried literally on the bottom of the wine fridge. Remondo Rioja, but although delicious, I remember it as weighty at 55% tempranillo and 45% grenache. So.what to serve with lasagne and salad? have a nice 2001 Palacios de H. Innocent. 2004 St. MORE >>