Tuscany New Releases, Part 1
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Mar 2020
This first installment of our Tuscany coverage looks at a wide range of new releases across a region that is vast, wonderfully diverse and full of wines that are well worth exploring. From the big, bold reds of Maremma to those of perhaps slightly lesser known appellations such as Carmignano, Montepulciano, Cortona and Orcia, Tuscany offers readers so much to discover. The journey with Italian wines is truly never-ending. Tuscany alone is a great example of that. Best of all, many of the wines in this article also offer terrific value in today’s world.
Piedmont: Beyond the Usual Suspects
Italy: Piedmont, featured
, Mar 2020
With its plethora of appellations and indigenous grape varieties, Piedmont is one of the most intriguing regions in Italy. The range and diversity of wines is just breathtaking. Although Barolo and Barbaresco continue to command quite a bit of attention, the reality is most of us can’t afford to drink Barolo or Barbaresco every day. I certainly can’t. But Piedmont has much to offer beyond those famous areas, including so many wines that deliver superb quality for the money. Readers will find plenty of gorgeous, affordable wines in this report.
Remembering Renato Vacca
Italy: Piedmont, Vinous Remembers, featured
, Mar 2020
I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Renato Vacca at just 51. Painfully shy and introverted, Vacca crafted gorgeous wines that capture all the pedigree nestled within the striking hillside vineyards of Barbaresco. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him and all those who his wines touched.
Vinous Table: Via Forno, Scarsdale, New York
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Mar 2020
Via Forno is one of my local pizza joints. Despite the somber outlook, the staff at Via Forno has been upbeat on the few times I have been there recently. I am looking forward to going back when things eventually come back to something resembling normalcy.
Roses de Jeanne La Bolorée Retrospective
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, France: Champagne
, Mar 2020
"What would you like to taste?” Cédric Bouchard asks as we descend into his cellar. We are in the middle of a brutal heat wave in France. The cool cellar provides a much-needed break from the unrelenting heat. “Really, whatever you want,” Bouchard says, sensing my apprehension as I gaze at a stunning collection of bottles, but not wanting to ask for too much….
Vinous Table: NoMad, New York City
Vinous Table
, Mar 2020
I have been to NoMad many times, but most of the times to host Vinous events in one of the private rooms. I was really looking forward to this dinner in the main dining room as a brief distraction during what has become a very rough time around the world.
2017 Bordeaux – Mirror, Mirror on The Wall…
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Mar 2020
The bottled 2017 Bordeaux capture all ups and downs that were characteristic of a growing season marked by dramatic frost and uneven weather throughout the rest of the year. Although 2017 is not a great vintage across the board, it is a vintage with many great wines, as readers will discover in these paragraphs and reviews.
Vinous Table: Providence, Los Angeles, CA
Vinous Table, United States: California
, Feb 2020
This recent dinner was a great opportunity to catch up with friends over a leisurely meal and enjoy some nice bottles. The food was off the charts, and the wines were pretty terrific too.
Cellar Favorite: 1990 Soldera – Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Feb 2020
Soldera’s 1990 Brunello di Montalcino doesn’t quite have the visceral power and lushness of his Riserva, but you know what? It comes pretty close.
Vinous Table: Piedmont Icons at Legacy Records
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Feb 2020
There are few things I enjoy more than hosting small dinners for Vinous readers. The conversation and company are always just as good as the wine and food, while the intimate format allows for deeper conversations than at larger events. That was certainly the case at this recent dinner we held Legacy Records featuring wines from a handful of benchmark Barolo producers.