How does a Syrah, Zinfandel, red blend from the West Coast Taste when you raise it for a toast? I’ve had the hit musical Hamilton on the brain for months and I couldn’t help but think about the opening number when I was pouring a glass of The Federalist Dueling Pistols. The name of the […]
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Smith & Hook 2013 Proprietary Red Blend
It’s chilly, gray and drizzling where I am. It’s the kind of weather that makes me want to close my laptop, light a fire, and get cozy on the couch with a good book and glass of red wine. The wine I’d want to be sipping is the Smith & Hook 2013 Proprietary Red Blend […]
Vinkara Wines: Indigenous Grapes from Turkey
Love Old World wines and looking for something new? Try the wines from Vinkara Winery in Turkey, a place where winemaking started some 15,000 years ago. Vinkara is a leader in the production of indigenous Anatolian grape varietals. They are now introducing their wines to the United States. Vinkara Winery is located in Kalecik, in […]
Patel: Small Winery with Big Taste
When Robert Parker awards your first wine a 95, you know you’ve made something special. But don’t let that number bias you toward Patel Winery. It’s more of a treat if you taste the Napa wines without any preconceived notions. That’s how I came to meet owner Raj Patel, at last year’s High Museum Atlanta […]
Rioja vs Ribera del Duero: A Tale of Two Tempranillos
Can you taste the difference between Tempranillo from Rioja and Ribera del Duero in a blind tasting? The question was posed to a group of wine professionals last week. We had gathered at St. Cecilia in Buckhead for a lunch and tasting with two Spanish winemakers: Diego Pinilla of Bodegas Bilbainas in Rioja and Jorge […]
Septima Malbec 2012
After paying tribute to Cahors, France, the birthplace of Malbec, it’s time to return to South America. The 2012 Septima Malbec is a great example of how well this red wine grape does in Argentina. Bodega Septima was founded in 1999 as the seventh (septima in Spanish) winery from the Codorníu-Raventós family of Spain. The […]
Guide to Cahors Wineries
Here is your go-to guide on Cahors Malbec. For a taste that will make you fall in love with Cahors Malbec try wines from these domaines and châteaux. The wines from each estate are generally listed beginning with entry level (easy to drink, less oak and aging, lower price point) to top of the line […]
A Visit to Clos Triguedina
When you arrive for a visit at Clos Triguedina, one of the first things you will likely say is “I would like to taste something.” It is a sentiment that has been expressed there countless times over many centuries. Cahors and Clos Triguedina are located along the Pilgrimage Route of Santiago de Compostela. In the […]
Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
The Faust of legend sold his soul for knowledge and worldly pleasures. Fortunately for us, there is no need to make a deal with the Devil to enjoy the Faust 2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The man behind the California legend is Agustin Huneeus, best known for Quintessa. With a career in wine that has […]
Champagne and Beyond: Celebrate 2014 with French Sparkling Wine
France is king when it comes to bubbly. Whether you’re looking for Champagne or a great value Crémant, there’s a French sparkling wine to match your taste and your budget. Ring in the New Year with one of these bottles. Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house, founded in 1729. Their elegant […]