This wine, 2001, was from a spectacular vintage and was a brilliant shade of pure gold. Nicolas offered me a private tasting of the last several vintages of the great wine. The Nairac family were very important in 17th century Bordeaux, but by the time Nicolas parents Nicole and Tom bought the property in 1972, it was in bad shape. MORE >>

Baccarat 's presentation of their beautifully designed crystal wine glasses was matched only by the vertical tasting of 3 vintages of Chateau Rauzan-Segla Gran Cru Classe-Margaux. Chateau Rauzan Segla 2001 Gran Cru Classe-Margaux 63.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% French oak barrels for 18 months. MORE >>

Clearly one of the places to start would be with 2005 or 2006 Loire reds - they will age along the lines of a top-flight Bordeaux and offer tremendous value. If its not a tasting night with samples, usually red Burgundy. John Gilman is one of the people who I have enjoyed getting to know in 2008. broke it up in to two postings. Onward! MORE >>

Just too many varieties of grapes yet to be tasted for a first time. This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. MORE >>

Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. Then again maybe I just have to taste a few more and that's not a bad thing now, is it? From that day on I was a fan. MORE >>