While it was not entirely unexpected, the recent death of Bordeaux’s great wine analyst Denis Dubourdieu of brain cancer at the age of 67 is a tragedy. I can only claim to have known him slightly from annual encounters in Bordeaux, but I valued every connection with this passionate and
We loved Papa's Pilar Dark Rum. Now they've taken it up another notch and given that 93-point rum an additional 8 months of aging in Bourbon barrels. There are plenty of adjectives to choose from, but it's hard to get past the very first "Wow!" that erupts out of your
The color is a very pretty pale pink. Sweet fruit aromas, cherry and strawberry, float up from the glass. The palate is more tart than the nose. Raspberries and cranberries take the lead. Some herbs show up on the mid-palate, clearly marking the primary grape as Syrah. There is a
Troon is in the southern Oregon Applegate Valley AVA. Troon is making wines from some non-traditional grapes, including this blend of Malbec and Tannat. Malbec is the grape that made the famous Black Wine of Cahors, a rich dark tannic grape. It is also one of the six grapes allowed
English sparkling wine is now a thing. Unless you’re a sparkling wine nut like me, you might not have noticed. In fact it’s more than just a thing: English sparkling wine has been beating French Champagne in blind tastings every year, lately. Why? And why now? At some point in
If I were an apple, this is how I would want to give my life. This batch was distilled byHenri Bernard Beudin in 1997 and put up in used Chenin Blanc barrels. This particular cask was hand selected by former sommelier and famed cider maker Eric Bordelet. It was bottled
It is always worth a trip to the southern regions of Italy, particularly in summer when nature is in full bloom. This season I was invited to participate as a judge in Radici del Sud, the Exhibition of Southern Italian wines (organized by the Association Propapilla) which was hosted by
Strawberries and cherries form the backbone of the dry, delicious Rosé. The pinot noir shines through, with hints of earth and depth. The mouth-feel is pure silk, the complexity charming. Drink with pork loin and enjoy. Highly Recommended. 92 points. DBH WHO: Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery WHERE: Sonoma County, California WHAT: Pinot