Especially noted were the 2003 Pinot Noir reserve, the 2005 Cabernet Franc reserve and the 2005 Merlot reserve. One of her favorites, so I did not press any issue about where we were and why I would have chosen a local wine. don't know where to rank the day's events. have to say it was the folks we met. Still heading south along rte. MORE >>

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine. MORE >>

The last was an unimpressive Pinot Noir that, along with some not so favorable press about NZ reds, kept me away from trying anymore. The 2009 Te Kahu is a Bordeaux style blend of 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec. First, this is the first New Zealand red wine I have tasted in a least four years. MORE >>

Monte Bello, the estate’s top wine, is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot, but also, in some vintages, some petit verdot. It turned out that the wine that had slightly more lift included the addition of a small amount of press wine. Estephe-like in its tannins; turns out it was 76% cabernet sauvignon and 24% merlot. MORE >>

2001 Cullen Wines Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Margaret River. 1995 Cullen Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River. 1998 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot. 1996 d’Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache/Shiraz, McLaren Vale. Yes, it’s 249 bottles of wine on the wall! Day One. MORE >>