Simple, straight and no-nonsense writing - a thought provoking look behind the scenes - backed up by terroir -driven, well-priced wines, and I don't bandy about the term terroir for just anyone. So I opened the 2006 Tablas Creek Grenache (mmmmm, grenache.) as well. Vacation is one of those things I don't do enough. MORE >>

Michel also brought a "GSM" - grenache, syrah, mouvedre (Chateau de Nages 2009 Costieres de Nimes, Chaeau de Nage Vielles Vignes, Rouge) with minimum oak yet a spicey nose of concentrated red grapes. Nicolas is passionate about terroir, and in his presentation showed the many ways he makes his wines more organic/earth friendly. MORE >>

Yes, it is a bit marketing-speak … yet here, seeing the set-up and the terroir, it is very believable. You will find many varietals at Waterkloof – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Mouvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, all very balanced and perfectly delicious! “Dazzling!”. Few wineries could afford this luxury. Waterkloof. MORE >>

He toned down the humor on his labels and has added graphic depictions of crystal formations that map the terroir of a vineyard on the Ca del Solo labels. But his biggest experiment is with his 2008 wine called Le Cigare Volant, a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. Puns and cute labels helped make the wines fun and approachable. MORE >>

Perhaps not terroir specific in the sense that the wine would be identifiable as a Loire Valley wine, but that's okay in this case. This is a blend of Mourvedre, Carignan, and Grenache from the western Languedoc. Is it possible to drink great wine on a daily basis if you're not rich? think it it is possible, yes. or $13.50 Here is one. MORE >>