Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher used their Friday WSJ column to blast a hole in the side of the barrel that is American Chardonnay, calling it, “simple, sweet, alcoholic and false.&# We did not find cutthroat competition on price among higher-end American Chardonnay. Chardonnay Has No Bargain Bin “ Tags: American wine MORE >>

2009 Franciscan Oakville Estate Sauvignon Blanc. 2009 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay. Style: This is a delicious and restained style of California Chardonnay, with oak giving it an elegant and subtle finish. Wine reviews 2009 Franciscan Oakville Estate Chardonnay 2009 Franciscan Oakville Estate Sauvignon Blanc MORE >>

If you are thinking of a white Italian wine as an aperitif, and if you or your guests prefer a slightly sweeter wine with a richer mouthfeel, you may like the Cantina di Soave Re Midas 2009 DOC. Macari Vineyard has produced some fabulous whites - the 2009 Riesling was a "wow" wine -- pale straw with very slight green tinge. MORE >>

The morning began with an introduction by vivacious Master Sommelier Evan Goldsmith -- and then a tasting of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from his collection of site-specific bottlings from Sonoma and Mendocino counties ($30-$60 SRP). The 2009 Quivira Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc was exotic and delcious, however. scallops. MORE >>

Champagne almost always comes from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes. Dear Dr. Vino, I just discovered that champagne grapes are really tasty. bet they would pair well with champagne… Do they make Champagne or is that a marketing thing? It’s a marketing thing. MORE >>