tasting them day in and out, blending samples, distinguishing between the barrels that will be blended into other main lots and those that may stand out on their own to be designated some sort of "reserve" is a tough process. It's become my practice to taste and blend our wines in June of the year following harvest. Roughly 75% new wood; 13.6% MORE >>

asked this question while tasting with Peter and Eduardo Ojeda, cellar master at Valdespino and La Guita. It is mainly Rolle, also known as Vermentino, with about 10% each of Ugni Blanc and Clairette. I've always appreciated that about Sherry, particularly Finos and Manzanillas, the bright acidity that enlivens the oxidized wine. MORE >>

2006 Guy Bossard Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Expression d'Orthogneiss , $19, Kysela Imports. 2007 Domaine de la Louvetrie Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie Le Fief du Breil , $18, Martin Scott Imports. 1997 Luneau-Papin Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine L' D'Or , $23, Louis/Dressner Selections. Recently re-released by Dressner. MORE >>

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Long Island Explained | Main | No Wine At Alices Restaurant This TDay » What Does the Top Wine of the Year Mean? November 18, 2007 I ground the coffee, boiled the water and poured into the French Press. Clos des Papes Chateauneuf de Pape. thought. MORE >>

Mainly, because a child's meltdown can so easily lead to a parent's meltdown, and when there are two parents, one is likely to remain rational. Obviously I couldn't dig into my cellar at that time, but I merely thought about drinking the 1999 Lafarge Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes , and honestly I felt a little better. Don't move!" MORE >>