Argentina Reaches New Heights
Argentina, featured
, Sep 2019
Despite economic tumult, Argentina is making better wines today than ever before, thanks to a recent string of very good to outstanding vintages, increasing vineyard plantings in cooler, higher-altitude sites, and winemaking techniques designed to produce fresher, better-balanced wines with clear site character.
A Revolution of Place: Argentina Classifies Its Terroirs
Argentina, featured
, Sep 2019
Until quite recently, one might have been forgiven for describing Argentina’s wine industry as a vast enterprise that made little distinction between different styles and terroirs. That is no longer the case. Producers in Argentina are going through their terroirs with a fine-tooth comb, hoping to discover outstanding sites that are capable of world-class wines.
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Northern Rhône: 2016 and 2017 Reds
France: Rhône & Beaujolais, featured
, Sep 2019
The two most recent vintages of bottled reds from the northern Rhône present two quite different faces of Syrah: 2017 full of dark fruit character, power and even opulence, and 2016 with bright, well-defined fruit qualities, distinct freshness and harmonious tannins.
Cellar Favorite: MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s Selection Madeira – Blandy’s
Portugal, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites
, Sep 2019
This year marks 600 years since the discovery and settlement of the island of Madeira in 1419. To celebrate, Blandy’s is releasing a special blend called “MCDXIX, The Winemaker’s Selection.”
Larkmead’s Solari Cabernet and LMV Salon: 2001-2015
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, United States: California
, Aug 2019
My recent tasting of Larkmead’s Solari Cabernet and LMV Salon blend showcased the comprehensive renewal that has taken place at this venerable property over the past 20 years in both the vineyards and the winery under the tenure of Cam and Kate Solari Baker.
Vinous Table: Trattoria di Campagna, Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Vinous Table, Italy
, Aug 2019
Trattoria di Campagna is a simple country restaurant in beautiful Valle d’Aosta that offers first-rate cooking based on local ingredients. An excellent wine list and friendly service add to its charms and explain why local wine producers and food lovers alike flock to its tables.
Songs Full of Light - Lafaurie-Peyraguey 1906-2018
France: Bordeaux, featured
, Aug 2019
Continuing the series of Sauternes articles, a truly remarkable and certainly unrepeatable vertical of no less than 60 vintages of Lafaurie-Peyraguey from 2018 back to 1906. Everything you need to know about this outstanding estate is here.
Cellar Favorite: 2009 Domaine Vincent Dauvissat Chablis
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, France: Burgundy
, Aug 2019
We often focus on the rarest of the rare in our Cellar Favorites column. While it is undoubtedly fun to taste and drink highly coveted bottles, there is also a lot to be said for cellar worthy wines that consumers can find without spending a fortune.
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2016 Chianti Classico – A Modern Day Benchmark
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Aug 2019
I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about Chianti Classico and its wines. My July trip included a number of truly memorable estate visits, two unforgettable verticals, and the thrill of discovering a handful of wineries that were new to me. The top 2016s have turned out to be just as extraordinary as I had hoped they would be, and the 2017s, while less consistent, have plenty to offer as well.
Vinous Table: All'Osteria Bottega, Bologna, Italy
Vinous Table, Italy: North
, Aug 2019
Bologna is one of Italy’s temples of gastronomy. There are few better places to partake in its delights than at All’Osteria Bottega, an informal eatery that serves up a bevy of tried and true classics.