Why oh why oh why isn’t there more carignan in California? The grape suits the place and climate so very well. And up in Mendocino? It so often seems brilliant.... read more →
These vines in the back of Hank’s house are finally arriving and delivering. Hank picked these in succession. Fourteen passes, he says. Then the grapes were lightly crushed and added... read more →
Brent Mayeaux did many wine stages (apprenticeships) from conventional to the natural, including Philippe Bornard in the Jura and Yahou Fatal in the Auvergne. Working on his second vintage, he’s... read more →
Hank Beckmeyer of La Clarine Farms is very secretive about both the grapes in this wine and his processes. For now at least wants this line of wines to be... 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 →
When I first broke wine with Steve, it was at Gramercy Tavern. We bonded over our mutual love of gamay, and California’s current gamay revival owes much to his efforts... read more →
Every time I taste this ol’ Familiar, I am reminded what a great little wine this is. At about 12.5% ABV, it is a blend from five vineyards which stretch... read more →
Caleb Leisure fell in love with qvevri and bought several in Georgia and planted them in Tony Coturri’s winery. This was his 3rd vintage and it’s beautiful. Grapes come from... read more →
Jason Charles’ wines are solid and delicious. In a season when one looks for interesting rosés this bottle should definitely be on your radar. The fruit comes from cool Mendocino,... read more →
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 →