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. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany. MORE >>

None was produced in balmy 2003, but my heart is gladdened to see the 2004 Francois Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvee Renaissance, $18 in stores. drank the bottle over 3 days and the wine was at its best near the end, suggesting to me that it will reward cellaring. I hesitate to do this, because right now it's still basically a secret. MORE >>

One factor is that the wines are quite expensive, almost calling out for cellaring; bright, fresh acidity can be found much less money with Bourgogne blanc (or Chablis), for example. Bernard Morey et Fils, Chassagne-Montrachet, “Les Embrazées,” 2003 : from the hot vintage, the wine was flabby and a little tired. follows after the jump. MORE >>

Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 MORE >>

While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. From that day on I was a fan. enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili. MORE >>