2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 2004 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra. 2006 Glaetzer Anaperenna Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley. 1989 Yarra Yering Dry Red Number 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends (3B). MORE >>

Very comparable to French Burgundy in my opinion. Sometimes you just get lucky when searching out a wine. dropped into a local shop this week and during a conversation with the shop owner I had asked if he had any wines from Oregon. He did. He actually had one. It was a Pinot Noir. Pricey, but good. My Notes: It is earthy with a little mint. MORE >>

Global warming might transform Burgundy into a hot climate from a cool one. La Romanee Conti might cease to become the spot for stunning Burgundy. Vermentino (the oh-so-lovely grape of Italys southern islands and Frances Corsica (also called Rolle in the south of France) because it does so well in heat is the new Chardonnay. MORE >>

Oh, I wouldnt bring out the heavy guns, or the older burgundy. Loire Valley Cabernet Franc --dont get too fancy but if you can find Bonaventure, works like a charm with lime pickle and kerala (bitter melon). Of course, downmarket economy or not, I need my weekly Indian food fix. Im a writer, its always down market for me. Great. MORE >>

We drank this wine the other night and it was outstanding, the spicy and floral essence of Cabernet Franc, and with super prickly acidity. Perhaps the downward pricing will hit more expensive wine, like 2004 and 2006 Burgundy that's still on shelves, or 2007 Bordeaux? Just gorgeous wine, worth seeking out and cellaring. MORE >>