Prosecco, the name of a perfumey grape as well as a lightly fizzy, refreshing sparkling wine from Italy, can be absolutely beautiful but also complete crap. Shopping by name or specific region is imperative and Martini and Rossi is always consistent (you might have heard of their sweet Asti Spumante? ... Read More »
Easy to Find
Reviews of easy to find wines in the United States.
Wine review: Mettler 2007 “Epicenter” Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi
The Mettler Family’s grapegrowing roots date back to the 1770’s, so they’ve had a couple of years to get the farming formula in California’s Lodi region right. Their 2007 Epicenter Zin is not a wine for those seeking light-hearted red wine. Burly, muscular, concentrated flavors ... Read More »
3 great boxed wines – yes, tasty 3 liter wines in a box exist
I’ve been a proponent of wine-in-a-box, or “cask wine” as the Aussies call it, for years. But with the recession siphoning our wallets, these vinous countertop accoutrement are becoming as popular as half off restaurant coupons. Whereas before Australian wineries ruled the boxed ... Read More »
Wine review: Apothic Red Wine 2008 California
One word: Delicious. If you’re one for lovin’ on sweet-ish, juicy smackin’, full-bodied reds, RUN, don’t walk, to pick up this bottle.
... Read More »Wine review: Kim Crawford 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Overwhelming flavors, reminiscent of sucking on a key lime. Grapefruit and green herbs rush up the nose and onto the tongue. The acidity is almost too present — the wine isn’t as balanced or as smooth as other vintages.
... Read More »Wine review: Los Alamos 2009 Malbec Mendoza
A darling of the critics for a few years now, this Los Alamos Malbec from Argentina’s Mendoza region has one great thing going for it: It costs under $12, sometimes even under $10.
... Read More »Corporate wineries: The best of the worst
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wines produced by massive corporations, but as I’ve harped on before, the little guys generally make better wine, displaying more heart and soul. Both attempt to produce income but corporations exist solely to do so. So I already have a ... Read More »
Sam’s Club releases its own wine label: Infinite 2008 Spanish Red
I suppose it was bound to happen. That partytrain known as wine sales had to arrive in Generica, stopping at the Sam’s Club station. Like the last guy at a party to realize his fly is open, Sam Walton’s masterminding crew has released its own private wine retail label. I should’ve ... Read More »
Wine review: Erath 2008 Pinot Noir Oregon
This pinot pioneer winery was started by Dick Erath in the early 70’s. I visited Erath early in my wine career and had the fortune of staying at their winery guesthouse while in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. On the Saturday we stayed there, the toilet backed up and Dick Erath himself (a ... Read More »
Wine review: Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
I’ve always despised this brand’s name, conjuring thoughts of the forums, test cases and focus groups that must’ve gone into its development. Even Adam Richardson, winemaker for Cupcake, sheepishly admitted to me the name wasn’t “inspired” by much. But I begrudgingly ... Read More »
Wine review: Bogle 2008 Pinot Noir California
Tasty, inexpensive pinot noir made by a hands-on, family-owned winery.
... Read More »Napa Cellars 2006 Merlot Napa
This monster merlot takes the movie Sideways and kicks it in the balls. The damage that movie inflicted to the California merlot biz took its toll on this beleagured grape, but it did one good thing: Pulled the plug on all the crappy stuff that trolled the sea of wine. Now, we can buy and drink great ... Read More »