This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany. MORE >>

Jamesport Vineyards 2005 Melange de Trois Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Wölffer Estates 2006 Fatalis Fatum 42% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 27.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Castello di Borghese 2005 Merlot Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months. MORE >>

Produttori del Barbaresco, Barberesco, 2005 (about $33): I poured this wine the first day to illustrate tannins. Domaine Guion, Cuvee Prestige, Bourgeuil, 2006 (about $12): After our discussion online about cabernet franc, the polarizing grape , I had to add this wine to the following lineup. How could it not be? MORE >>

2006 Massena Howling Dog Durif – Barossa Valley. Traditional Cabernet Blends. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Cullen Mangan Malbec Petit Verdot Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Giant Steps Harry’s Monster Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc – Yarra Valley. MORE >>

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1 MORE >>