As part of The Wine Group, Concannon has completed a $30 million revitalization program, preserving the best of its winemaking heritage and practices while incorporating state-of-the-art technology to preserve wine quality. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. Suggested retail is $15. MORE >>

2 2005 Espectacle (Monsant) – about $150 (unrated, but 2004 was WA 99, 2006 WA 96). 3 2004 Pico Madama WA 93. 4 2008 Edgbaston Pepper Pot (South Africa), $14, unrated. 12 2008 Oriol (Emporda) $12 unrated. Remember the saga of Sierra Carche ? Think it couldn’t happen? in White Plains, NY. MORE >>

Such a great group for this tasting - Rosemary drinks loads of minerally white wine and has a tough time with big red wines like this. Rosemary was surprised that she liked the wines, but she found the group to be hit or miss, and imagined that it would be tough to shop for these wines without knowing exactly what you wanted. It is 12.5% MORE >>

Also very excited that Michelle Shaw is leading the group - I had last seen her in Manhattan possibly four years ago giving a very persuasive talk about Prosecco. Our next visit was the wines of Groupo Italiano Vini (GIV) which completed the acquisition of Bolla in 2008. As a group, we tasted through the wines. And New York? MORE >>

The one that really stood out to me was the Michaud 2004 Pinot Noir from the Chalone region.  And finally, the 2004 "The Big Easy" Syrah had big ripe blueberries that were so well integrated with the soft tannins and velvety mouth feel that Fess Parker has a new advocate in The Wine Tasting Guy. But it wasn't all perfect.  MORE >>