The first meetup of The Wine Society of Queens was held this weekend at The Wine Room of Forest Hills , where we sampled over a dozen new wines from California, France, Argentina, Italy, Spain and even Georgia (Russia). At the tail end hints of tea leaves, bits of cedar, milk chocolate and roasted marshmallow finish of nicely. MORE >>

As I have previously written, the 2007 wines from the west side of Highway 101 in Paso Robles are un- freaking -believable, and Tablas Creek has a line-up of great wines at very reasonable prices considering the quality. The 2007 Esprit de Beaucastel * is composed of mourvedre, grenache, syrah, and counoise. Nothing. Zilch. MORE >>

I've been checking you out, behind your back, drinking with your friends from Paso Robles without your knowing about it. You think I prefer those blueberry-syrahs with their overtly vanilla profiles, but let me tell you something, they've got nothing on you. Tags: Cellar Selection USA Central California 2007 4 stars MORE >>

This syrah is like a left jab to the face, the aromas of ripe fruit assaulting your nose before you know what hit you. then another quick jab follows with plums. Next, a right cross to the mouth with smoky flavors, and just before you fall to the canvas you're thinking fresh flowers and lingering black pepper. It was a knockout MORE >>

This Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah , 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec -- quite an intense mix, but it works. Stainless steel fermentation, then 14-16 months in oak casks. a glass. alcohol MORE >>