What happens when a reviewer tastes a good bottle, but some consumers buy what appears to be a completely different product? Guess again and behold the saga of Sierra Carche 2005. The wine on offer was the Sierra Carche 2005, a blend of Monastrell with Petit Verdot and Malbec from the off-the beaten path Spanish region of Jumilla. MORE >>

John Gilman is one of the people who I have enjoyed getting to know in 2008. Clearly one of the places to start would be with 2005 or 2006 Loire reds - they will age along the lines of a top-flight Bordeaux and offer tremendous value. If its not a tasting night with samples, usually red Burgundy. broke it up in to two postings. MORE >>

have already tasted two of the Octavin Home Wine Bar artisan white wines and did review the Sauvignon Blanc from that collection and was looking forward to trying the Zin, but not necessarily writing a review. I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. Best of all is the price. MORE >>

would have pulled out a nice Gewurztraminer if I had one, but settled for a Fontana Candida Frascati Superiore DOC 2008. Its characteristic taste is fresh and distinctive, with just a hint of almond. Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. 10 *Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from the PR folks representing the brand. MORE >>

We like to end the class in style: a giant edition of show and tell and taste. Each participant brings in a wine to present to the class, which means we get to taste about 25 wines that evening. Sadly, Tibor Gal died too young in a car accident in 2005. For some odd reason, Mrs. Vino always refers to this as the party, but no! MORE >>