Contrary to common belief, there is an American vermouth that uses wormwood! Tad Seestedt makes this beauty at the Ransom Wine Company and Distillery. Grippy, bitter, savory, wild hay, dry,... 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 →
Once upon a time I loved Zinfandel. But over the last 15 years, they have gone all syrupy on me and there are very few I want to drink. Then... read more →
It’s not Loire Valley chenin but it’s sure not bad. Not much more to say than what’s on the label. But I’ll say more anyway: this 12.5% ABV chenin got... read more →
Over a pizza dinner, I snuck this to a table full of anti-California wine drinkers. I had to wrestle the bottle away from them to get a sip. Lively, delicate... 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.
I tasted this at 12:30 on a Friday afternoon and had to stop myself from drinking a full glass. Born of Loire-lover Don Heistuman’s brain with Steve Edmunds winemaker skill.... read more →
Mike Roth has left Martian Ranch and that’s a good thing, because now he can develop into the vigneron he was meant to become. While he’s waiting for his vines... read more →
I love this dry-farmed Mendocino vineyard, and so do Tracey and Jared. This is their first effort from it. At first I gave it a not bad, which sounds like... read more →
You won’t find the 2013 on the east coast until the fall (meanwhile, you can pick up the more whole clustery 2012), but you’ll want to keep an eye out... read more →