South Africa has more than its fair share of gorgeous tasting rooms – yet visiting Nederburg in Paarl, the fabulous scenery upon arrival, the immaculate cool and refreshing entrance to the tasting room, and the appearance of the fun, friendly, and gregarious cellar master Razvan Macici make this an extra-special visit. Nederburg Web Site. MORE >>

One factor is that the wines are quite expensive, almost calling out for cellaring; bright, fresh acidity can be found much less money with Bourgogne blanc (or Chablis), for example. Vincent Girardin, Puligny-Montrachet, “Les Referts,” 2002 : a honeyed note on the aroma and an oily texture on the palate made this seem more like a white Rhone. MORE >>

Reds include Merlot, some Rhone varietals, and red blends. In the fullness of time he became a butcher, then bought the farm that is today Backsberg Estate Cellars. Arco Laamar & Harry Haddon (checked shirt). Two wineries being neighborly!”. Tread Lightly by Backsberg anyone?). You can read more about the restaurant here. News S. MORE >>

While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. Winemakers Notes: Syrah has found an ideal home in the Finger Lakes , where our climate mimics France's Rhone Valley, where the grape produces some of the finest wines in the world. From that day on I was a fan. MORE >>

Apparently, blending syrah from the Northern Rhone with Bordeaux was fairly common in the pre- appellation controllée era, particularly in weaker vintages, to result in a wine that had been “Hermitagé,&# so-called after the celebrated region that produces fine syrah. in the one I tasted last week. MORE >>