This week’s Pick may have a really long name, but it is absolutely worth every letter of it! So food friendly, it works with just about anything — from roasted chicken to grilled meats and veggies, charcuterie and cheeses. Enjoy!
Alain Boisson 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Village Cairanne Domaine Cros de Romet ($18). Loved it — exceptional [...]

Here’s a round-up of Chardonnays I’ve  enjoyed lately — with a little something for every budget!
Round Hill 2008 Chardonnay California Oak Free ($12). Crisp and refreshing, with green pear and apple, pretty lemon and a juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kilikanoon 2007 Chardonnay South Australia The Lackey [...]

To me, “bargain” is about more than price — it means value. It means good quality wine at a surprisingly low price. To that end, here are a few that qualify — even a sparkling — at just $10!
RED
Andeluna Cellars 2007 Merlot Tupungato ($10). Nice value on this Argentina Merlot — savory smoke, earth and [...]

I recently tasted this wine at a big portfolio tasting (Prestige Wine Cellars — thanks, Mo!) and had to kind of laugh. It’s such a ringer at one of these things… You taste and spit glass after glass of Malbec, Cabernet, etc. and then you get to something this nectary and soothing and sweet — [...]

I had one of those sublime wine and cheese pairing moments recently when served Pleasant Ridge Reserve alpine-style cow’s milk cheese with an absolutely lovely Washington State Syrah. Here’s the skinny:
Pleasant Ridge Reserve is made by the Uplands Cheese Company in Wisconsin. The company’s cows are reportedly happily grazing away on ridgetop grasses and fresh [...]

I don’t blame people for being confused about many of California’s appellations — most are pretty broad and diversified to the point that they offer little insight to consumers trying to glean information from a wine label.  Examples of a region and grape variety making a practically can’t-miss combination are fairly rare when it comes to the wide and varied [...]

There’s a chili cookoff happening in my neck of the woods this weekend, which puts me in mind of Malbec. It’s a great match for chili, not to mention roasted meats, grilled vegetables and more. In other words, it’s a food-friendly, versatile red wine — aromatic and usually made in a smooth, easy-to-like style. Here are [...]