Really, they don’t speak for all of New York’s wine lovers, especially those of us patiently waiting for our turn to sample and move on. Sean Larkin is producing exceptional cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot (on the Jack Larkin label). Tags: 2 stars USA 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Napa Valley didn’t even try. MORE >>

Out of the five that I sampled three were from Tenuta San Felice in Chianti Classico, one was from Tenuta Campogiovanni in Montalcino and one from Tenuta Perolla inMaremma. One of the most memorable parts of my cycling trip through Tuscany was a visit to Tenuta San Felice at Relais Borgo San Felice. All photos by Dave Trieger © 2006 MORE >>

And finally the Peay 2005 "La Bruma" Estate Syrah, which I was told came from a very cool Syrah site, was also not a fruit bomb like some of the other Syrah's I tried. based on prices it was actually the cheapest of their 3 Pinots, the 2005 Etude "Temblor" Pinot Noir. Sadly, the prices for Peay wines are quite high. Great stuff. MORE >>

Led by Greg Dal Piaz of Snooth, all the bottles' labels were covered and we sampled 4 flights of three each. At snooth on Sunday afternoon I participated in a blind tasting of 12 red wines. MORE >>

Also, the vignerons poured not only their entry level wines, but their top wines, and this provided the opportunity to taste a $62 Cote Rotie without actually buying it, which is much appreciated if you are in my tax bracket and you want to sample the wares before investing. Texier charge $95 for this bottle and label it Condrieu? MORE >>