Of the 4 whites, 1 was a Chardonnay, 2 were blends (both were 80% "Macabeo" [AKA Viora & often used in Spanish sparkling wine or "CAVA"] & 20% Chardonnay) and the 4th was a beautiful bone dry Muscat. Finally, the Muscat, the 2007 Carinus Blanco Muscat (Carinena). But I found out today. It is in Spain. The "8.0.1 MORE >>

would guess that this Red Moscato is a relative to the White Moscato (or Muscat) grape, which is known as a white grape that when fermented actually smells like grape (while most grape wines smell of fruit other than grape). I was fortunate to be able to attend the Alto Adige Grand Tasting this afternoon. new record high for me. WHAT A TREAT. MORE >>

2005 Kuentz-Bas Alsace Blanc, $12, Kermit Lynch Imports (Blend of, in order, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Blanc, Muscat). Reds: 2005 Chateau la Rame, $13, Rosenthal Imports (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). For several months now the Euro is comfortably in the 1.5 range. Yup, it costs over $1.50 to buy one Euro. We are in a recession. MORE >>

When tasting Cabernet Franc (and Merlot, but I don't have enough context on that grape so I'm limiting this thought to Cab Franc), I found wines that smacked of vanilla and some sort of blackberry jam. Shinn's 2005 Estate Merlot is balanced and spicy, and just delicious. Enough to make you rethink Merlot. Where is the soil? MORE >>