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. So I eyed the 2004 Jean Paul Brun Vielle Vignes for 45 euro. So testy he was ready to do anything to shut me up, cut a deal, make a bargain. Report from Sonoma. Emilion and Pomerol. MORE >>

In the spring of 2008 I learned that the winemaking prodigy behind Pax Wine Cellars, monsieur Pax Mahle, was leaving the eponymously named venture and striking out on his own, once again. With the help of a dedicated team of growers (and countless hours of spent in the vineyards) we produced some remarkable wines and learned a great deal. MORE >>

The bottle that Brooklynguy and I drank together this week was from 2004, disgorged in April of 2007, meaning that it spent about two years on the lees. Back in February of 2007, I wrote in my notebook that the 2004 "will vie with the 2002 as the greatest Terre de Vertus that Larmandier has made so far." MORE >>

Fabulous new packaging to go along with a wine that is a great deal at its price. As for the reds, the single vineyard 2005 Kayoumi Cab showed black fruit, was round, approachable and very elegant, while the 2004 Kayoumi Shiraz was very upscale shiraz in style with a touch of black pepper, very fruit forward and a long finish.  MORE >>

Rogov gives the 2004 the best score of the bunch, but any will do the trick at $14 or so. Definitely fruit forward, the PS/Zin can be found in the 2004 vintage and sells for between $16-$24 - yes, a wide range. It can be found for both the 2003 & 2004 vintages. The winery has since released the 2004 as well. category. MORE >>