also drank a few Oregon Pinots with my old pal Deetrane this month, and so all of the sudden I have a decent sample of Oregon wine notes to share with you. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard , $44. 2005 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Elizabeth's Reserve , $44. 2005 St Innocent Pinot Noir Justice Vineyard , $35. MORE >>

In this first posting, John discusses what would be in his cellar if he were starting collecting today, what he drinks at home on a Tuesday night, the most underrated wines for aging, where Lafite 2005 will be in five years, and what would be his “desert island wine.&# If its not a tasting night with samples, usually red Burgundy. MORE >>

The East End has 49 wine producers and many were on hand at The Astor Wine Center to pour some of their samples. Jamesport Vineyards 2005 Melange de Trois Bordeaux blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Castello di Borghese 2005 Merlot Aged in French oak barrels for 13 months. million per year. MORE >>

I went to the big Michael Skurnik / Terry Theise tasting last week, the only tasting in NYC where one can gaze upon Robert De Niro's father while sampling wine. Many of the non-vintage Champagnes are based on 2005 grapes, a very ripe year, as it was in most of the wine making world. Sorry, back to the Theise Champagne Tasting. MORE >>

Behind the bar one of the owners, Joe Rabasco recommends the Costa Del Sol Napa 2005 blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Merlot produced by Bennesere Vineyards. After the good advice Joe gave us on the wine, he and his brother Peter help us pick a sampling of some Small Plates. That’s a good start. I'll definitely be back MORE >>