After doing winery grunt work in California in 2008, he was ready to plunge into the 2009. found some petite sirah. My wife said, "We don't even drink petite sirah, are you sure? On the train and off to Beaune. Pick up the car at Ada, une bonne addresse for a rental car in the area. Home to Bouilland! MORE >>

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. The 2004 vintage is 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah. Tags: California red wine Sonoma County Zinfandel It's a lot of fun trying new wines now, but just wish I didn't have to go to school all over again at my age. Not that I am old?? MORE >>

The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. Chateau Julien Gewurztraminer 2010 Carmel Valley, California Light golden colors, clean citrus notes of grapefruit, flowers, honey and jolly rancher green apple, the mild and simple palate shows spice and nice acidity. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40. MORE >>

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites. MORE >>

My second choice was a 375ml bottle of white Merlot that was given to me by winery owner Dave Mansfield when I visited his Three Brothers Winery in May. Our visit to the winery just happened to be the same day that the white Merlot was being bottled. The white Merlot has been released and can be purchased at the winery for $17. MORE >>