Clik here to view.
Soldera Revisited: 1979-2006
This fabulous dinner at Del Posto provided a great opportunity to revisit a number of classics from Gianfranco Soldera, Montalcino’s most iconic producer. Ever since losing his wines from vintages...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s 2010s…Or What Am I Looking for in a Wine?
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s annual presentation of their new vintage this past Thursday attracted a veritable all-star cast of critics, journalists, sommeliers and long-time trade supporters. For...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Once Upon a Time in Serralunga….
Many years ago, I met Il Professore, a collector who wishes to remain anonymous and who also happens to be the world’s greatest expert on the traditionally made wines of Piemonte. I have drunk and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
March 18th, 2013
One of the things I love most about wine is the opportunity to be learning constantly. It is what keeps me energized and focused. My tasting last week at Selosse is a perfect example. I had tasted...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Napa Valley Classics Revisited
This week I begin my tastings of Napa Valley’s 2012s. I will have more on the 2012s as the week progresses. Last night my wife and I enjoyed another fabulous dinner at Press, which arguably has the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
When Wine is More Than Just Wine
There are a handful of wines in the world that inhabit a special place. Iconic bottles are highly sought because they are more than wine. They represent, culture, history, a place, and a vintage, as...
View ArticleClik here to view.
RN74....It's Been Too Long
Note to self: Don’t let so much time pass before next dinner at RN74. That is what I kept thinking as a dear friend and I enjoyed a spectacular dinner at RN74 this past weekend. The wine list, under...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Napa Valley 2012 - A First Look
Last week I started making my rounds in Napa Valley to taste the 2012s from barrel. The estates I visited were Harlan, BOND, Dana, Kapcsandy, Ovid, Abreu and Outpost, where I also tasted a number of...
View ArticleRemembering Franco Biondi Santi
Over the weekend the world lost one of the great figures in wine. Franco Biondi Santi, the scion of Montalcino's most important family, passed away at 91. Biondi Santi was the grandson of Ferruccio...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine Revisited (Part 1 of 2)
A whirlwind weekend. That is what comes to mind as I reflect on the time I spent at Pebble Beach Food & Wine last week. I have to say, my grower Champagne seminar was a highlight, mostly because...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine Recap (Part 2 of 2)
Saturday at Pebble Beach Food & Wine was a more than worthy follow up to the day before. I tasted an extraordinary range of wines and was fortunate to moderate a number of fabulous tastings. The...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Gems From The Cellar at Montevertine
Montevertine is one of the most privileged spots for wine anywhere in the world. If I had to choose only one Sangiovese to cellar, it might very well be Montevertine's Le Pergole Torte. The wines from...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Once in a Lifetime: Castello di Ama L'Apparita 1985-2009
I have been luck to have many fabulous tastings at Castello di Ama over the years, but this was one of the most remarkable. Proprietors Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebaste are true visionaries. An...
View ArticleClik here to view.
La Festa del Barolo - Rare Wine Charity Dinner at Eleven Madison Park
This year's La Festa del Barolo kicked off with the Rare Wine Charity Dinner at Eleven Madison Park on Friday night. The dinner raised over $44,000 for The Robin Hood Foundation's Robin Hood Relief...
View ArticleClik here to view.
La Festa del Barolo - Checking in on the 2008s
The afternoon seminar at La Festa del Barolo featured 14 of my favorite 2008 Barolos, plus one 2007. I chose the wines to represent the entire spectrum of Barolo, from traditional to modern. As...
View Article
