So I wonder if the folks from Cahors are setting expectations incorrectly since Malbec is often understood to be big, soft, and gentle (a Bloomberg story suggested it was “stealing&# Merlot sales). Is it a good move? Then, rivalry with downriver Bordeaux led to taxes and levies that severely crimped exports and thus renown. MORE >>

The story elaborates on the difficult times of selling expensive wines from Napa and how wineries are struggling to adopt new sales techniques, including social media. The NYT story cites a “meager&# 10 percent of average winery sales in Napa are direct to consumer, via tasting rooms and mailing lists. Doubtful. MORE >>

served with pasta and ultra-fresh peas and morels, 2004 Merlot (the real winner)and the 2006 Syrah paired with Steak, and the 2008 Zinfandel served with the dessert course shown below. it's always fun to sit next to a winemaker / winery owner during a wine dinner at a top restaurant like Park Avenue Spring in New York City. cakebread cake. MORE >>

It is a gorgeous day, and I am sitting in the bright white tasting room with Charles and Richard Theron, Sales & Marketing Manager looking out at sleek Arab horses, meandering sheep, and some healthy looking vines. "So what's the story with these gorgeous horses?" I ask Charles Hopkins, cellar master at De Grendel wines in Cape Town. MORE >>

Over the past month, critics and wine trade buyers have been on the ground in Bordeaux, tasting the 2009 vintage before they go on pre-sale (as “futures&# ) in the coming months. Dry whites or Merlot year.Some superstars. Dry whites or Merlot year.Some superstars. So how did things pan out in the glass? Overall. Latour 99. MORE >>