learned my lesson with 2005 Bordeaux. Flights are delayed. Market volatility remains high. All indicators point to a long and restless summer. And it's the wettest spring anyone can remember. Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. just can’t bring myself to do it. Never again.” MORE >>

Thus, every trip up Monte Bello Road is a lesson and an adventure. Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. As is obvious, I have a certain fondness for Ridge Vineyards. MORE >>

Perhaps the finest and most memorable lesson that I received in Burgundy terroir came at the hands of Pierre Morey. We began in the cellars of Morey-Blanc, tasting through the lineup of reds. We then moved on to Morey-Blanc's whites, and then drove several blocks to Domaine Pierre Morey's cellars to taste his whites. MORE >>

Mistakes from storing wine upright to keeping it in the kitchen or some other hot place (I did that once - and learned a lesson) can really damage that expensive bottle you have been saving for a special occasion. I received an email today from a new friend asking whether or not I thought he should purchase a wine fridge. Kidding! Until then. MORE >>

Like many a Chatanuef du Pape, the best of Cote Rotie are very pricey yet amazingly have cult followings and need many years of cellaring before it is truly approachable and at its best. Wines 3-6 years following their vintage have often had time in barrel, more time in the winery (in bottle) and a few years of cellaring. MORE >>