One, the Carmenere, has been disappointing, but the Zinfandel, Syrah and the Peitie Sirah have joined the list of my favorites. also have become more interested in the wines of France. My best Rosé - Heron Hill Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé 2006. Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Now for my best of 2010. MORE >>

"My great-grandmother was famous for being a harsh negotiator," Gaia Gaja tells me, telling a cute story about her great-grandmother and her marketplace shopping habits, which explains the name of the winery which means "endless negotiations" in Italian. Apparently, buying the land from a merchant family took many years and hence the name. MORE >>

After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown. MORE >>

Released in May with a suggested retail of $24, but you can shop and find on-line for as low as $17. Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. have since tasted a Monthaven Chardonnay (California) and this past week the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). MORE >>

If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing. MORE >>