A Serious Wine Blog For the Not-So-Serious Drinker
2021 Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): Fresh watermelon that’s sunny summer day perfection. $24 B+
2019 San Felice Bell’Aja Bolgheri Superiore (Tuscany): Big, plush and polished. A modern and sexy take from the Tuscan coast. $67 A-
2020 Donnafugata Floramundi (Cerasuolo di Vittoria): Well balanced feature presentation starring brambly red fruit & roses. $30 A-…
It’s hard to believe that I first met former Bad Company bassist turned chef/wine producer Paul Cullen over ten years ago (“Ten. YEARS. MAN!!!!!!”). Back in 2012, Cullen was establishing his performer/chef second career, which is now successful enough that he’s able to host events for hungry and thirsty food-and-wine (and music) lovers in his…
2011 Holman Ranch Vineyards Estate Grown Heather’s Hill Pinot Noir (Carmel Valley): In fine, meaty, and bright fighting-fit form. $37 A-
2020 Smith & Hook Proprietary Red Blend (Central Coast): In your face, but in an entertaining way. $22 B+
2018 Bannister Riesling (Cole Ranch): While not varietally all that recognizable, this is a delight—fresh, floral, and full of quince goodness. $30 A-
2022 Cattleya ‘Alma de Cattleya’ Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County): This is clearly the work of a winemaking wizard. Tropical, zesty, pithy, and also, at turns, even supple. $25 A-
2014 Northstar Winery Columbia Valley Merlot (Washington): Still managing to be both buxom and elegant. $25 B+
Welcome to port part two of my recap of W & J Graham’s 200th anniversary vintage Port retrospective tasting held in NYC’s Manhatta back in March 2023. You might want to check out Part One (covering several of Graham’s VPs from 2020 to 1983) if you haven’t already to get up to speed. Ok, people,…