The rest of us brought along a bottle and we cobbled together a vertical that spanned 10 vintages between 1988 - 2004. Noël Verset made wines in Cornas that for many people define the potential greatness of the Northern Rhône and of Syrah. He grew an old Syrah clone called La Petite Syrah , a clone known for aromatic complexity. MORE >>

This wine helped us two on our goal to the Wine Century Club since it has 40% Kékfrankos, 30% cabernet franc, 15% syrah, 5% Kekoporto, 5% pinot noir, 5% cabernet sauvignon. Someone else brought in the Produttori di Barbaresco, Barbaresco 2004 ($30; find this wine ) after trying it at the wine shop Vino. It is an assignment! MORE >>

So much so, at half time of game, I got on-line and ordered more Atwater Cab-Merlot and Syrah. Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. MORE >>

This is a tiny town in the Northern Rhone, famous for its red wine made from Syrah and white from Viognier. liked the Cote du Ventoux Rouge 2009 (60% syrah, 30% grenache, 20% others) with its blueberry flavors, yet went wild for the white Muscat d Beaumes de Venise 2008. Imagine yourself in Ampuis in 1781. MORE >>

The second course of fish was paired with Azua Bobal Roble 2007 (sweet floral nose, fruit and spice on the palate that does not weigh one down) and Quantum 2008 blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Michael Apstein. Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O. MORE >>