Rain Dance Vineyards Lee’s Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2016
Full and expansive on the nose with orchard fruit hovering beneath striated layers of toasted coconut, lemon curd, orange zest, and toast. It’s the perfect compromise between more linear, unoaked chardonnays and full-on warm climate well-oaked expressions of the variety. There is ample concentration on the palate, and lovely round wood-driven character—but it veers well […]
Troon Kubli Bench Blanc 2017
At Kubli Bench, rows of biodynamically-grown Marsanne and Viognier are planted next to each other and are co-fermented. It’s quite floral at the first whiff—white flowers and stargazer lily are met by nut skin, pear, heirloom yellow apple, and a smoky undertow. Texturally, one feels that there is some skin contact, but it’s quite nuanced, […]
Château Manos Cadillac 2016
A nice value in this little half bottle—the 2016 Château Manos is pale lemon yellow in the glass with blooming aromas of poached pear, apricot skin, orange blossom, and granulated honey. This Semillon-dominant blend is round and lush on the palate, and while not as botrytis-laden or rich as some—there is nice purity of fruit […]
Château du Cros Loupiac 2014
For Sauternes lovers, Loupiac is a stunning value—especially when one finds producers such as this. The Château du Cros Loupiac 2014 is a blend of 90% Sémillon, 5% Sauvignon blanc, and 5% Muscadelle grown in chalky clay with limestone subsoil. Mushrooms bloom from the glass followed by pure-fruited splendor: yellow peach and apricot, candied orange […]
Château Filhot Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 2015
A stunning second growth, Château Filhot Grand Cru Classé 2015 glints goldenrod in the glass. Still young and primary in expression it’s brimming with penetrating aromas of apricot, candied pineapple, orange Creamsicle, and savory herbs. Fresh and vivid, yet luscious and opulent, too. As with all well-crafted Sauternes, acidity provides lift and weightlessness amidst depth of […]
Château de Pitray Premier Vin 2015
A right-bank, Merlot-dominant blend, Château de Pitray is now managed by the estate’s 25th generation. The wine is delicious for its price point—Merlot’s dark cherry and Damson plum notes are beautifully matched by Cabernet Franc’s delicate florality, combined with enveloping cigar box and warm spice notes. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with well-balanced acidity. The […]
Salade Niçoise with Copper River Salmon & Provence Rosé
It was in the mid-eighties that I realized that I was from a non-food loving household—a discovery made while on sleepovers at girlfriends’ houses. I started to wonder why it was that other families put so much more effort into their nightly meals. At my home, cooking was utilitarian at best, and not a thing […]
Château de Berne Emotion Rosé 2017
A mere 25 miles from the shimmering depthless azure blue of the Mediterranean, this grenache-dominant rosé from Château de Berne, aptly named ‘Emotion’ is a delicious romp through summer’s bounty—wild strawberries, fresh cherries, and golden raspberries. Cresting over this bushel-basket of fruit, white flowers, and wafting, sea breezes. In the mouth, it’s light and vivid, […]
Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Meadowlark Pinot Noir 2015
Black cherries comingle with briary underbrush and red berries, sasparilla, and fading heirloom roses in this swoon-worthy biodynamic red. In the mouth, the 2015 Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Meadowlark Pinot Noir is poised an polished, with red and black fruit in equal measure, neatly embroidered to a framework of delicate tannins. 14.3% ABV | Sample […]
Vitalonga Terra di Confine 2013
Aging gracefully, the 2013 Vitalonga Terra di Confine is a masterful blend of Montepulciano and Merlot grown in the winery’s Northernmost vineyards, in the clayey-sandy soil. Expressive, penetrating aromas of marionberry pie, cherry turnover, vanilla, and wood spice shows its Umbrian side with the merest hint of leather and subtle earthiness. In the mouth, caressing, […]