Most consumers didn’t realize it from the almost surreptitious announcement, but one of California's main wine producers got a huge boost a few weeks ago when Fetzer, the iconic Mendocino County wine company, was sold to a Chilean few Americans-read more-
What an elegant bottle, clear and stylishly designed! When opened, the aromas are lightly herby, grassy and floral. The wine has a medium body, with a touch of honey on the end palate. The flavors are a bit more round-read more-
The mainstream wine media may not pay much attention to it, and the three-tier system may consign it to retail and restaurant oblivion, but over the last couple of decades, regional wine has rooted itself in all 50 states. There-read more-
Normally I don’t l do reviews of wines of very limited to no availability. But in the case of the Shane “The Charm” Pinot Noir I have to make an exception, for Shane Finley is a winemaker to watch. This-read more-
A lovely '08 California Pinot that is drinking well right now. Opening is a bit alcoholic, which belies what is underneath—a nose of briar and blackberries and light chocolate. Brilliant sweet fruit, like cranberries with sugar. Languorous finish. Not overly-read more-
Glasses clink and the buzz of conversation bounces off the stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels stacked to the ceiling as Steve Shaffer pours wine for thirsty visitors. But outside the cellar doors is no stretch of sweeping green-read more-
This has a pleasant combination of wood and fruit, richness and acidity. The nose presents the aromas of lemon chiffon and mesquite smoke. Flavors are deeper on the palate, tropical fruits, apple, and a bit of pie crust, followed by-read more-
You know how you’re supposed to open the best wine first? Well, this happened to be the second bottle I opened for dinner, after a Merlot from another country turned out to be very lackluster. I poured this one, sniffed,-read more-