with the first course of shrimp, we enjoyed the Macabeo described above and Realce Crianza 2005, 100% Tempranillo with spice and concentrated red fruit. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O. in Spain that makes quality white, rose, and red wine. MORE >>

Universally these wines tend to be slow to age (often a 2001 is as youthful looking as a 2005) and offer med+ acidity and flavors of faded red flowers. The best are quite full-bodied, full-flavored, and succulent ( Perillo 2003 Castelfranci, Catello dei Monaci "Monaco Rosso" 2003 Monteramarano). MORE >>

blend of grapes from 8 parcels, this version is 72% 2006, the rest 2005. He made a 2003, for example and he says that he got rid of it too soon, thinking it would fall off quickly. The difference between good producers and others is very big in a year like 2003, less so in a year like 2004," he went on to say. Excellent wine. MORE >>

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. 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. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1 MORE >>

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0% MORE >>