mean really - Burgundy, the Loire, Sherry, Champagne.what's not to love? This past month I bought two wines that are new to me and both, I must say, were excellent wines, things I would definitely buy again. There is ripe fruit - spiced pear and apple, there is a definite mineral sensation, and the finish is long and pleasingly bitter. MORE >>

Okay, I never have a problem with mature Burgundy, or mature red wine in general. This is definitely a wine that showcases ripe dark fruit, but that's only a part of the package. 2010 Clos de Tue-Boeuf Cheverny , $19, Louis/Dressner Selections. 2010 Domaine Guion Bourgueil Cuvée Domaine , $12, Imported by Fruit of the Vines. MORE >>

Of course it isn't always possible, and with the Vallana Spanna wines, there are questions and few definitive answers. If these wines were represented the way Burgundy wines are represented, as pure Pinot from one specific vineyard, that would be problematic. I've heard similar stories about Burgundy too, by the way. MORE >>

began by reading and talking to friends, and this definitely served me well. If I'm buying an age worthy wine, a good red Burgundy, for example, I'm a believer in buying three bottles and drinking one when young in order to know the wine in that phase of its life. Wine fits in here too. And that's fine. But there just isn't. Who knows. MORE >>