note the appellations of the six right bank wines since they are mostly Merlot based as opposed to the Cabernet-based wines from the Medoc. Sometimes that style can obscure the grape variety or even the place to such an extent that one might confuse a cabernet for a merlot, a Medoc for a Pomerol. Finally, we dove into the first flight. MORE >>

Here is a Chianti DOCG that is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Ciliegiolo. This everyday Chianti is an absolute value for the $8.95 pricetag. Nicely balanced, bright, fruity, supple and very easy to drink besides being a good food wine. MORE >>

Paul Giamatti : played role of Miles in Sideways (2004); crushed the fortunes of Merlot with a single line while the film boosted interest in Pinot Noir. Thanks to everyone for the fascinating discussion suggesting nominees for the Wine Person of the Decade. Now it’s voting time! You can only vote for one person. MORE >>

just returned from Bordeaux where I had attended En Primeur, a week long tasting for international fine wine journalists to taste the new 2009 vintage. After the 2009 Margaux blind tasting, I discovered I too had given it top marks. Tags: News 2009 baron de brane Bordeaux brane-cantenac henri lurton Henri Lurton. MORE >>

Nights like tonight I usually go through my white wines, but for some reason, I just wanted, or better yet, yearned for a nice red and a Tapiz Malbec 2009 ( $12 ) that was in the fridge since January was just the ticket. After a few minutes catching up on today's emails, that insatiable yearning for a nice glass of wine took control. MORE >>