Very interesting tasting of Australian wines Susan Barros organized today for the first Wine Australia Tasting of 2011 -- Unusual Varietals and Classic Blends. Traditional Cabernet Blends. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2006 Elderton Ode to Lorraine Cabernet Shiraz Merlot – Barossa Valley. MORE >>

And, on a related note, what Michelle Obama has done with the organic garden at the White House is terrific. 2008 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley ( about $65 ) USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley. Sure enough, Eric posted the wines served, complete with tasting notes. Appetizers: crostini. MORE >>

The second, I enjoyed with my daughter's roasted organic free range chicken and some fabulous roasted potato fingerlings. This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. MORE >>

This dish was also accompanied by the Riserval Cabernet Sauvignon ($12) and both went very well with these dishes. Santa Julia Brut Rose NV ($13) was paired with cervice, and the Organic Chardonnay ($11) with the first course salad. The fact that many of the wines are organic makes it so much better! MORE >>

so it is always so cool to see Joshua Green, editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, organize a top panel to identify the trends of 2010 when it comes to wine in restaurants. The panel consists of three very influential people in the NYC restaurant world. Strolling through the aisles one could see and sample the winning restaurant wines. MORE >>