Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized a tasting last week to sample nine Bordeaux wines from the 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages, and below are some of my tasting notes. 2004 Chateau Sociando Mallet Haut-Medo c Full bodied, animal, barnyard, chocolate covered cherries, cherry liquore, dry leaves, $50. Chateau Dassault St. MORE >>

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerratalto 2005 nose: violets, plums, cherries, flavors: cola, ripe cherries, licorice, yum. Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Campolongo di Torbe 2004 nose: chocolate, mushrooms, roasted meat, saddle, flavors: ripe sour cherries, powder, slate. Herbal, tar, cherries, smoky. MORE >>

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 >>

Extraordinary Vintages in Piedmont 1996 2000 2001 2004 Exceptional Vintages in Piedmont 1990 1997 1998 1999 2005 2006In an exceptional vintage set a Barbaresco aside for a minimum of four years before drinking. In an exceptional vintage set a Barolo aside for a minimum of six years before drinking. MORE >>

2004 Brick House Pinot Noir Cuvée du Tonnelier , $45. 2004 Belle Pen te Pinot Noir Murto Vineyard , $35. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard , $44. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Elizabeth's Reserve , $44. 2005 St Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard , $35. 2005 St Innocent Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard , $39. MORE >>