As in, “I did not think it was possible to find a bargain Burgundy in the 2005 vintage and I was right to think so.” Actually, as in, “I found a bargain Burgundy from the 2005 vintage.” There is so much Burgundy at every price point (including $100+) that is thin, acidic, stemmy, stinky crap. [More]
Bordeaux
Two of the best red wines I have had were Bordeaux; both from the 2000 vintage, and not very expensive. (The Thunevin Clos Badon and the Chateau Fontenil, if you are curious). Another favorite of mine is the Chateau La Vieille Cure from Fronsac. It is a Merlot/Cab Franc/Cabernet blend. Today I tried the 2004 [More]
Huet; For Vouvray
Althought the URL starts with “Vouvray”, I have done a shameful job of writing about them. Tasting the 2006 Huet Vouvray Le Mont, from a legendary producer in Vouvray, has made up for that neglect. With the dollar in the crapper, I could not believe that a dry Chenin Blanc this wow-worthy can be bought [More]
The 2004 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone…
…is drinking beautifully. Don’t worry about the synthetic cork. I recently drank a 2000 Maculan Brentino with a synthetic cork and it was great. But this should not be about synthetic corks. Rather, just a quick note that a 14 dollar wine from two vintages ago is as pure and lovely as a Syrah that [More]
The Holy Grail
That’s what trying to find a good Pinot Noir under 10 bucks feels like, a quest for the impossible. I finally found one and it is from Chile. The 2007 Cono Sur Pinot Noir is available for 9 bucks and I think it is great because at this price it: 1) Tastes like Pinot Noir2) [More]
Carmenere
Carmenere is a grape that died out in France and has most recently come to prominence as Chile’s go-to red wine grape. I have yet to have a bad Carmenere from Chile; they are cheap and reliable. Flavor-wise, I would say that they are a little earthy, a little smoky, and have a bit of [More]
Cadence Coda
The 2005 Coda is 80% Cab Franc, 20% Cab Sauv. Once again, Cadence is making the best wines in Washington. And by best I mean balanced, non-boozy, un-oaky. They have plush Washington fruit and a lot of character. I am lobbying for a 100% Cab Franc. This wine drank great on day two. I think [More]
Rehab: Soave
Except for Chablis, no wine’s good name has been besmirched more by big jugs (hee hee) than Soave. Inama’s basic Soave Classico is a great, distinct white that would be great with, uh, a glass. I don’t really want to say it tastes like blah blah blah. Just drink it. They also make great reds; [More]
