2005 was the vintage of the century in Bordeaux, the vintage of the millennium in Burgundy, the finest post-World War II vintage in the Rhône, and the greatest vintage in recent memory in the Loire. wonder how they'll stack up against their unheralded brethren from the "classic" 2004 vintage, for example. That they don't age as well? MORE >>

Recently it was our turn to host wine group and I chose Loire Chenin Blancs as the theme. This night for me was further proof for me that the Loire Valley offers truly profound white wines at reasonable prices. Other than H uët's, I have yet to be truly wowed by any Loire sparkling wine, I must say. Beautiful stuff. MORE >>

The fourth night of our 2004 Oregon Pinot Noir festival brings BrooklynLady and I back to a sentimental favorite. There was no 2004 Quarter Mile Lane, for example. One that I particularly remember is the 1994 Elizabeth's Reserve that we drank while packing the night before our Loire Valley trip. But back to Pinot. MORE >>

The Vouvray Brut was tasty as usual, but my goodness, the 2004 Vouvray Brut (only in magnum for some reason) was just fantastic. My first time tasting a wine of 100% Menu Pineau, one of those old Loire grapes that has mostly faded from memory. If you're into Loire whites, this is one to try. Pinon's wines. Did I just say that? MORE >>

Domaine Filliatreau, Saumur-Champigny - the 2005 Saumur-Champigny Grande-Vignolle was one of my favorite Loire Valley everyday reds, when it was around. The 2004 Chinon les Picasses and the 2005 Bourgueil les Perri è res were both dense wines, full of fruit and earth. And it probably needs a bit more time in the bottle. MORE >>