bars as opposed to 6) to minimize their impact. With this we drank two different Inflorescence Brut Blanc de Noirs , the 2008 and 2009. preferred the 2008 with its rich, resonant fruit and complex depth, its baseline of minerality. Cédric Bouchard is one of the leaders of the new wave in Champagne. It retails for about $85. MORE >>

Teaberry is a minty berry, sort of like wintergreen, found in Northeastern United States and very popular in Pennsylvania, especially at Heisler's Dairy Bar in Tamaqua. Sometimes you just get lucky when searching out a wine. He did. He actually had one. It was a Pinot Noir. Pricey, but good. Very comparable to French Burgundy in my opinion. MORE >>

Emilion and a Chateau Le Puy September 28, 2008 The last visit of the day was Chateau Le Puy where I saw the Druid stones on its peaceful property. That night, after the Puy visit, after I checked into my inn, after my breakdown about no wi-fi, I had to make a tough choice; go to the local wine bar or the frou-frou resto? Was it me? MORE >>

In its finished state is it only around 4 bars of pressure, whereas most Champagne is about 6 bars. The current release is the 2004 vintage, which I thought was quite nice at the Terry Theise tasting this past fall. 2002 Pierre Gimonnet Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Gastronomme , $40, Terry Theise Selections / Michael Skurnik Wines. MORE >>

brought a bottle of 2004 Antinori Chianti and ordered a whole wheat penne pasta with cubes of chicken and mixed assorted vegetables in a white sauce. We ate and drank at the bar, prices were reasonable, and the corkage fee was $15. Here's another BYOB to add to your list. Full listing of BYOB's MORE >>