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 →
This historically has only been made for Japan, but I scored it at the fab Parisian shop, La Caves des Papilles. Nouveau or Primeur or whatever you want to call... read more →
D&R alert in 2011. Pricey, sure. Buy what you can. The white Crozes was like intense melon and ice. This Baties, was a little tough, but drunk two months later... read more →
The 2011s from our friend Steve over in California are lovely. Loved them all, from the melon-like Vermentino ($20) to the Primrose-scented Bone Jolly Rosé ($18), to the subtle and... read more →
Love this one from Chardons, it has that pale blush without the use of any pea or PVPP. Refreshing. Yum.
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 →
Loved this summery wine from Hank, wonderfully refreshing. The pale color comes from 2-3 hours of skin contact and time in the press. As to the flavor? Well it kind... read more →
Nice! So food-worthy and solid, mineral lovely syrah which I matched with black bean hummus. Go figure. At first wildly reduced, but big deal. On the palate it is pure.
The new releases from Martian are fantastic, thanks to winemaker Mike Roth. But the 2012 was his last full vintage, so starting with 2013 (he set them up but left... read more →
In this issue I’m recommending two wines from this lower rent area in the Northern Rhône, lost after phylloxera and now being resurrected. This basic bottle comes from our friend... read more →