Category: wine mini-reviews

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format. They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read…

NV Albert Bichot Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Burgundy): Earth-y, biscuit-y, and pleasingly apple fruit-y. $27 B+

2017 Chateau Simone Palette Blanc (Provence): Bruised yellow apples, honey, and golden richness to challenge the intellect. $70 A-

2021 Domaine Labet ‘Fleur de Savagnin’ en Chalasse (Cotes du Jura): A masterclass in racy, linear, focused acidic backbone. $190 A…

2022 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Bianco Colline Teatine (Abruzzo): Yellow apple, ripe citrus, minerals, this is a banger of a bargain in this vintage. $25 A-

2022 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo Rose (Abruzzo): Strawberry to spare. A tasty delight. $23 B+

2018 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva (Abruzzo): This is young, focused, and excellent. A little funky, but more than a little fruity and deep. $55 A-…

NV Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port (Portugal): Solid stuff. A bit more dried fruit than compote, but this is a go-to if you want your Port dark and ready to roll. $20 B

NV Sandeman 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Portugal): Lots of delicious caramel and somewhat less-delicious heat, but it’s still the total easy-drinking Tawny package. $32 B+

2019 Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Les Legendes ‘R’ Blanc (Bordeaux): A serious, approachable bargain. Delightful, tropical, and zesty. $17 B+…