So this 2007 Late Harvest Dusi Ranch is the only wine from Ridge I couldn't really get into this year. I'll just say it: I'm not a fan of late harvest zinfandel. On the bright side, Ridge has instituted a new membership log-in to streamline purchases online. Thank baby Jesus, too. MORE >>

BTW, they are Zinfandel, Syrah, Pitite Sirah and Carmenere. This past week-end I started ordering the Petite Sirah at the Lounge and tonight I opened what is, as of now, the best. Bogle Winery 2007. The Bogle Petite Sirah was the perfect match. At least I am no longer afraid of Petite Sirah. MORE >>

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel. MORE >>

did stop at one and tasted their 2007 Meritage. Treleaven Meritage 2007 produced and bottled by King Ferry Winery in King Ferry NY was exactly what was needed for the steak. The Treleaven Meritage 2007 , very enjoyable. was also out of bed early enough to tag along, which is unusual. King Ferry Winery was founded in 1984. MORE >>

Tonight I opened a second choice, The Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha 2007. It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. The first was disappointing. It lacked the dark fruit and the balance. This is what I expected. MORE >>