The idea that vigneron Ren Mosse was making bad wine and finding success because he was marketing himself as natural was not an informed one. We could be at Oko Time in Ukiah drinking some absolutely fantastic REAL Handley Riesling or a surprising grenache from Eaglepoint. Maybe a vindaloo will cool me down. Lets put Alice up to it! MORE >>

also shared some friendly and informative emails with one of the owners, and viewed photographs of him and his son tasting wine in a Provence cellar. Le Grand Blanc is a blend of 30% Grenache Gris, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Roussanne, 10% Muscat, and 10% Rolle (aka Vermentino). think sugar plums typically arrive in July. MORE >>

For more on this, check out Bert Celce's profile on the estate on Wine Terroirs - full of excellent photographs and information. The blend is typically 75% Mourvèdre (appellation rules require that a Bandol rouge contain a minimum of 50% Mourvèdre), the rest Grenache and Cinsault. We had one of those nights this week. MORE >>

In the spring of 2008 I learned that the winemaking prodigy behind Pax Wine Cellars, monsieur Pax Mahle, was leaving the eponymously named venture and striking out on his own, once again. Emails for more information went unreturned. and a 2006 Sonoma Coast Syrah Prices range from $32 to $45, about 30% less than Pax Wine Cellars. MORE >>

tasted some nice Chardonnays by Foxglove/ Varner Wines , L'Angevin , DuMol and Neiman cellars. Interestingly enough, they make a 100% grenache wine called the (2005) St. Drew Neiman of Neiman Cellars is someone I had not met before, but whom I engaged in conversation as I noticed a wine I was familiar with on his table. MORE >>