Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Lisa's Whites, Rosé Rosato etc.

Recent Favorites

Normally I would start a late-March post with "It's been a tough winter with cold and snow and we were stuck inside tasting new wines." I can't use that excuse this year, as our winter was remarkably temperate and dry. In fact, it was the perfect weather for seeking out new wines. Here are a… Continue reading Recent Favorites

Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs

Year-End Wine Finds 2022

Instead of a Best Wines of 2022 we're sharing some recent finds that have quickly become favorites. Most are $20 and under; a few are a bit pricey. Bring any one of them to a New Year's Eve party or other gathering and your host will thank you. Cheers, Salut, Skoal, Santé and L'Chaim to… Continue reading Year-End Wine Finds 2022

Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Tastings

Going Vertical With Edict Reserve Cab

2014, 2018 Vintages Tops in Vertical Tasting We’ve been buying Edict Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet for years, since the 2010 release. Dependably delicious and well-priced [$40ish] when compared with Napa Cabs that sell for twice the price, we amassed quite a collection of Edict vintages over time. When Napa Cab-loving friends came to visit, we… Continue reading Going Vertical With Edict Reserve Cab

Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Central/South American Wines, Shops + Shows, Tastings

Mexican Wine? Si!

When Americans hear “Mexico” and “alcohol”, we think Tequila. Then maybe Mezcal. Beer too. Wine, not so much. But Mexico has been producing wine since the 1520’s, when homesick conquistadors planted vineyards across Central and South America with cuttings from Spanish vines. Whatever devastation Spain wreaked on the countries it conquered, it left a legacy… Continue reading Mexican Wine? Si!

Big Splurges $75+, Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs

Top Red Wines of 2020

Yes, 2020 sucked. And yes, we can't wait to say good riddance. But before we toss 2020 in the dumpster, pour a gallon of hand sanitizer on it and set it on fire, let's at least reflect on the good things about the year. Like, the best red wines we tasted, from Napa to Washington,… Continue reading Top Red Wines of 2020

Big Splurges $75+, Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Tastings

Holiday Wine Gifts: Beyond the Usual Suspects

So friends, Halloween is gone and Thanksgiving and the winter holidays loom. When you're asked to bring a bottle of wine to these gatherings, your first thought might be to grab an old reliable like Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay or the red blend 19 Crimes. How about considering an alternative to these tried-and-true offerings?  With so much… Continue reading Holiday Wine Gifts: Beyond the Usual Suspects

Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Rosé Rosato etc., Shops + Shows, Tastings

The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 3

We wrap up our review of the Carolina Wines Grand Tasting at Symphony Hall with three excellent wines from St. Helena in Napa Valley. ROMBAUER VINEYARDS, St. Helena, Napa Valley CA 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon $65/bottle Let’s start with “wow!” The balance between tannins, fruit and finish is truly a masterpiece. It’s got a full-body mouthfeel… Continue reading The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 3