But his biggest experiment is with his 2008 wine called Le Cigare Volant, a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. But if one makes the right adjustments in winemaking (lower levels of SO2, longer aging in cellar, holding the wine in bottle longer before release) the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Absolutely. MORE >>

For this tasting I was joined by Rosemary Gray, the Champagne, Austria, Germany, and Sake wine buyer and a manager at Chambers Street Wines , Ben Hagen, the wine buyer at Slope Cellars , one of my favorite Brooklyn retailers, and Dan Melia who runs the US operations for Mosel Wine Merchant. But the inexpensive red wines of Provence? It is 12.5% MORE >>

The Mas and its vaulted cellar built in the 17th century are the oldest buildings of the estate, and is very romantic looking. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. Cedric was kind enough to arrange visits to two other properties where we could see examples of how other producers run their cellars. MORE >>

The red (a blend of syrah, cinsault, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, and others) has a rich toast nose with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate, and on the palate full bodied with a finish of black licorice. Philippe and Mischa live in the “big red house’ which is a three minute drive where Mas de la Marotte. Hilaire terroir. MORE >>

Pannell Shiraz/Grenache, McLaren Vale. 1996 d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache/Shiraz, McLaren Vale. 2002 d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre, McLaren Vale. 2006 d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre, McLaren Vale. Day One. Australia’s Fine Wine. MORE >>