2019 Campo Alla Sughera Arnione Bolgheri Superiore (Tuscany): Mint, orange peel, violets, spices, wild red berries, plum. Textual and delicious. Excellent. $40 A-
2021 Campo alla Sughera ‘Adeo’ Bolgheri Rosso (Tuscany): Plummy, vibrant, ripe blue fruits that all want to be your best friends. $25 B+
2016 Cantine Ermes ‘Epicentro’ Nero d’Avola Riserva (Sicily): Brought to you by the letter ‘B’—for Big, Bold, & Beefy. $18 B
“Deciduous Rain-forest” Winemaking (2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case Tasting)
Virginia is a challenging spot in which to make fine wines. Yes, that’s despite global warming trends. In fact, those trends might even make it a bit more challenging. No one knows the challenges impacting that promising little corner of eastern U.S. wine making like the folks with whom I had a recent Zoom tasting:…
Wine Reviews: Mini Round-Up for July 10, 2023
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-…
Movin’ On (Bad Company’s Paul Cullen Takes On Wine Again)
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…