PulpoOriginally uploaded by jamesonf I drank gallons of tasty, refreshing, non-green beany (like New Zealand SB) Sauvignon Blanc in Chile and it was a true delight. I’m ready to crown Chile as the home of the best Sauv Blanc for the money. It’s also fantastic with the local seafood, like this amazing braised octopus.
Catena Zapata
Catena ZapataOriginally uploaded by jamesonf In Argentina there are lots of great rich reds at great prices with extremely pleasing amounts of fruit, oak, and acidity . But if you are looking for wines that will surprise insufferable old-world, French wine snobs (like myself), you need to try the wines from Catena Zapata. From the [More]
Thanksgiving Wines: Better Late Than Never
For Thanksgiving I never bust out the trophy wines. First, I don’t have any. Second, I can’t afford them. Third, when you are having dinner with lots of people, you might turn your head and all of a sudden your cousin(s) have drained the bottle. I like to focus on $15ish bottles; a little more [More]
The Gilda of White Wines
All my thoughts about Rita Hayworth in Gilda and a red wine sexy enough to even be in the same room as her got me thinking about what white wine could be in the same discussion. The answer is: Condrieu. It is the purest expression of Viognier and it makes you wonder why any other [More]
2005 Bordeaux: Believe The Hype
I kinda rolled my eyes when 2005 was proclaimed the best vintage ever in Bordeaux. Especially after saying the 2003 was the best ever, and the 2000 before that. Jesus! Three of the best vintages ever in the space of 5 years! It just sounded like greed to me. But after drinking 2005s from $15 [More]
The Yard Redux
I had a chance to retry The Yard Shiraz again, and it is still a revelation. From the cool-climate of Western Australia, and with a modest 13.5% alcohol, The Yard has a core of rich Aussie Shiraz fruit, but with great complexity and nice acidity on the finish. I brought it home and it really [More]
Fairview Primo Pinotage
We had lunch with the grower, Jan, and sat outside and drank slightly chilled bottles of the Primo 2004. This is the current vintage. It was very modern a delicious; a real crowd-pleaser. Not heavy, easy-drinking, smooth.
Neil Ellis
A few notes about the whites. All the Chardonnays are fantastic. Yes they have oak, but great balance and acidity. Probably my favorite Chardonnay in the world for under $20. I also really liked the Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc; it is barrel fermented, which gives it a nice richness and takes the sharp edge (all [More]
