Nice medium body with a thick mouthfeel and taste of tropical fruits and a little lemon. Very hot day today in Central New York, so Sunday dinner turned out to be a couple of organic or free range hot dogs and a tomato/cucumber salad. Decided to try a white wine from Turkey, that Shirley bought last March at 67Wine in Manhattan. MORE >>

I had heard about the fires in Sonoma 2008. But I had never tasted them. David Hirsch poured me a sample of his 2008 “The Bohans-Dillon&# pinot noir at the recent trade tasting of his New York distributor. The smoky taste can come in non-blaze years from the “toast&# level of barrels.) MORE >>

At least two heads of state showed up - President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada enjoyed light conversation while tasting through the Clos Roche Blanche wines. tasted a load of wine, including new vintages from familiar producers and a few things that were brand new to me. MORE >>

In May of 2009 I reviewed a Chardonnay from California that I named as the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted, a Clos Du Bois Calcaire. Tonight was time to uncork a 2008 North Coast Zinfandel( $12 ) to serve with an outstanding beef stew prepared by my daughter Pam. Most notably the blended Marlstone and Briarstone Cabernet Sauvignon. MORE >>

Last year I reviewed a 2007 Petite Sirah from Concannon Vineyard , so I was delighted to recently receive the 2008 vintage. could not wait to open the 2008 Petite Sirah. Felt good in the mouth with soft tannins and taste of cherry, black plums and some toasty oak. The color was a very dark purple. The wine was perfect. MORE >>