2005 Penfolds Cellar Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley. 2007 Gemtree Vineyards Bloodstone Tempranillo, McLaren Vale. I’m back from the fantastic Landmark Australia Tutorial. Above is a picture of (some of) the wines opened during the tremendous five days. Yes, it’s 249 bottles of wine on the wall! Day One. Day Two. MORE >>

It is a quaint vineyard and after a tour of the ferementation vessels we have our tasting in the cellar, surrounded by oak barrels. Gran Vino 06  (70 Tannat 15 Tempranillo). "Welcome!" says attractive dark haired Federico Domingo, Export Manager for Bodegas Castillo Viejo as we squeeze into his tiny car. Alexander joins his. MORE >>

1- 1999 Lopez de Heredia Bosconia $28 Grapes: Tempranillo Garnacho, Mazuelo and Graciano Rioja, Spain (wasnt showing particularly well, however, I was happy with is lots of folk identified spice and dill.) hadnt tasted it since a cellar visit in 2004 when I hated them and regretted owning any. What I was in charge of? Many thanks! MORE >>

The Spaniards of the region call it Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). This retails for about $29, and I understand it can be cellared for at least another 10+ years. Hailing from Valdefinas, in the Toro region of Spain this wine has full, muscular body and a viscosity that complements its creamy texture. MORE >>

So, when I asked people where I could hit up an old cellar, where I could drink fine old Rioja at a steal, they said Rekondo in San Sebastian. Now we're at the good stuff. Drinking wine in San Sebastian. Years ago I was in the Pyrenees with Ms. Clark. We were in the lobby, opened up the wine list with low expectations and there was Muga. MORE >>