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 >>

How does cabernet franc age? Matthieu, the jovial, thirty-something son of Bernard who has been with the domaine since 2000, led us in a tasting of the more-or-less current releases and a few back vintages as well. Generally speaking, the wines under $20 retail offer great value and are ready to drink now or in the next few years. MORE >>

It seems that many times I taste a new wine and just have to add it to a long growing list of favorites. When first tasting this wine, it was, in today's vernacular, 'OMG.' Cabernet Franc is not supposed to be this good. Tonight I dug into my modest wine vault and found a Ravines Wine Cellars , Cabernet Franc 2007. MORE >>

Cousin cultivates Gamay, Grolleau, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Chenin Blanc - there is something for everyone in this portfolio. first had it at the Jenny & Francois tasting back in March and liked it very much. NV Cousin-Luduc Saumur Brut , $26, Jenny & Francois Selections. As it turns out, yes. MORE >>

I recently tweeted that I’d be leading a tasting of hipster wines. The tasting on Manhattan’s Upper East Side came and went and I didn’t wear a woolen cap, flannel shirt, or use empty 40-ounce cans of PBR as decanters. But we did taste some fine and fun wines, if quirky and hard to find (though not in Brooklyn). MORE >>