(Originally published June 2008) We recently tasted the latest vintage of a wine that we just have a particular fondness for — as much for the concept as the wine itself. It’s the Casa Nuestra Tinto — actually, this time we tasted the Tinto Classico. It’s made from a “field blend” of grapes, meaning that [...]

(Originally published October 2007) Whenever people ask me about a good bottle of wine to buy and hold for a while… or what would be a good wine to buy now to mark a birth or wedding year… or, frankly, about a favorite California winery — it seems like I always mention the same handful [...]

(Originally published June 2007) I have a confession to make. When I first started hearing about Two Hands wines a few years back, this is how I added things up: New, high-end Aussie Shiraz + Parker raves = Thick, jammy, high alcohol fruit bombs. No thanks, I thought. Been there, had those, love your hair, [...]

(Originally published February 2007) When we first visited Australia’s Yarra Valley a few years ago, there were dozens of wineries on the itinerary. Mount Mary was not included — a fact that did not escape the immediate notice of the writers on the trip. At the time, founder and winemaker Dr. John Middleton was in [...]

(Originally published October 2006) We recently had the opportunity to taste through a range of current releases from Napa Valley’s Sullivan Vineyards. A family owned and operated winery, Sullivan Vineyards was established in 1972 in the Rutherford region of Napa Valley. Jim and JoAnna Sullivan were inspired by the Cabernets of the 1950s and 1960s [...]

(Originally published October 2003) I recently had the pleasure of experiencing several Dom Perignon Champagnes over an exquisite lunch at Mark’s, one of Houston’s best restaurants. I say “experience” because Dom Perignon is more than just a wine – more, even, than just a Champagne. It is history, folklore, prestige, cachet, celebration, legendary innovation, and [...]

(Originally published August 2003) We had the pleasure of participating in a vertical tasting of Beaulieu Vineyard’s Georges De Latour Cabernets at the 2003 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. These were spectacular wines, each in its own way, For those who do not know, Beaulieu Vineyard was founded in 1900 by Frenchman Georges de [...]