A knockout of a red wine from the somewhat obscure Jumilla region of Spain. Made from Monastrell, known in France as Mourvèdre, it is high in alcohol (15%) and presents a heady mix of lush and brawny characteristics. Lovely nose-read more-
Nose of blackberry, cocoa, cinnamon, and even a bit of oil (but that is perhaps because I have BP on the brain). Immediately approachable with soft, not chewy, tannins – beef tenderloin as opposed to beef jerky – and plummy-read more-
Gary Thomas is a 35-year veteran of journalism, spending much of his time having served as a foreign correspondent in places like Islamabad, Kabul, Phnom Penh, and Bangkok. He recently retired from his position as a senior correspondent/news analyst at Voice-read more-
The organizers call it “Cochon 555”—a lovely name, to be sure. But the event could have far more evocative labels, like “Porkstock” or “Pigapalooza” or “Swine Lake.” Okay, that last one I stole from a hilariously famous episode of “The-read more-