definitely got it. First we tasted one Pinot and one Cabernet Franc, both by Hargrave , the founding winery in Long Island. The Cabernet Franc was not as impressive, but I liked it a lot, probably more than anyone else at the table. It reminded me of some grenache-based wines from the southern Rhone. And a sense of place? MORE >>

My 5's 2004 Eric Texier Cote-Rotie , $62 - This Northern Rhone Syrah was lighter than his other reds, incredibly intense nose of roasted meat and herbs, olives and soil. NV Renerdat-Fache Bugey Cerdon Demi-sec Petillant , $16 - this is a low alcohol (~7.5%) effervescent rose colored wine from Bugey in eastern France. Just yummy. MORE >>

We don't drink a whole lot of wine from southern France, as those we've tasted are too big and roasted, a bit hot, and they don't drink easily with food (or at all). Nicely perfumed, very fruity and floral, good acidity, very lively, and definitely had the muscle to stand up to the steak. You know what this means? MORE >>

He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in providing lots of information regarding his chosen theme: wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France that are priced between $15-30. This is hot weather France where hardy grapes thrive, like Grenache and Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan, and of course, Syrah. MORE >>

went for the Bubbles, the Beaujolais, the Cab Franc, and the Chenin Blanc. These are piercing wines of great definition, and they can seem like turtles, just their head visible underneath all of that shell. There was simply no way to taste everything, even if this were the only tasting of the day. Burgundy, Jura, and Muscadet.nope. MORE >>