Some wines fail to get the hipster card for no good reason. This is one of them. From basalt soils, from rugged terroir, it delivers a good sense of place—licorice,... read more →
My appreciation of Hank’s wines is no secret and I’ll try to comment on all new releases. This one comes from a head trained old vineyard in a town called... read more →
I’m a big fan of La Ferme and have been frustrated that all the cuvées have not been imported into the States. This one is utterly fun. Destemmed, 10 day... read more →
What’s a little skunk between friends? Just a little bit? Maybe call it oyster shell. No matter what you call it when combined with the stone and the fruit of... read more →
Another Rafa wine, as above, but the polar opposite of the Los Cipreses with more savory on the outside than the in, strong yet silky. Destemmed, steel ferment, returned to... read more →
Rafa! What a special man and a very fine winemaker. Everything made under the Viñedos Culturales label (his project, reviving old vineyards and methods of winemaking) is worth exploring but... read more →
Home Vineyard always has a higher alcohol level than Hank’s other wines and we feel it here even in 2011. But it’s a beauty, with plenty of that savory sage... read more →
Love this one from Chardons, it has that pale blush without the use of any pea or PVPP. Refreshing. Yum.
Old world alert! Jacqueline André sidesteps the trend towards 100% grenache, embraces concrete and thus manages finesse and elegance, even with 14.5% abv. Cellar the powerful 2010s and 2011s—they’ll be... read more →
The second vintage I’ve tasted of this wine gives a peek into what San Diego can do. It’s delicate, vibrant and intense, and that’s not a contradiction.