Retrospective Review Volume III, Number 6

In the summer of 1982, Volume III, Number 6 offered the following articles: One Winedrinker’s Opinion – A Case For Old Burgundies, Coming Attractions, 1979 Bordeaux, California Cabernet Sauvignons, More 1979 Red Burgundies, Distinctive New Wines, California Chardonnays, Selected Tasting Notes, Barrels and Bottles, and Cellar Notes. We are currently reproducing a copy of Volume […]

THE COMPLETE(R) STORY

  Description And History of Completer   Completer is a wine grape that is an indigenous cultivar from Eastern Switzerland. These vines in the area of Malans in the Rhine Valley of Switzerland were known as far back as 765. However, the name Completer is first thought to have appeared in 1321 where the name […]

THE NEW YORK FINGER LAKES – WINES THAT DESERVE YOUR ATTENTION

INTRODUCTION In late September of this year my wife Laurie and I traveled with our good friends and neighbors, Jim and Marcia Wolfe, to upstate New York where Jim and Marcia were born and raised. We had many great visits during our stay including Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls and the […]

UNDER THE RADAR & VALUE PRICED ROSÉS AND WHITE WINES

My last Distinctive New Wines article featured rosé and white wines (to read that article click here). As the end of summer approaches, here are more rosé and white wine selections that are perfect for warm weather drinking. There are many Under The Radar wines and many terrific values. There are also rare wines and […]

A PAIR TO DRAW TO – ALBARIÑO AND TORRONTÉS

When it comes to white wines that are under the radar, inexpensive, easy to drink, and food friendly, Albariño and Torrontés are two that are at the top of my list. They are very different, but have a place on our table depending on our mood and the type of food we are eating. Albariño […]

BLENDING PARTY – A NEW TWIST – FLASH DASH – WHAT’S IN YOUR GLASS?

OK. So I have been writing recently about inexpensive red wines and doing blending of wines that are not exactly to your liking to make something that you do like. Yes, I know that sounds radical to some and down right heresy to some wine purists. So what? Get over it. Wine is just a beverage. It is a beverage that exists to complement your food and contribute to the dining experience.

NEW RELEASE TRADE TASTING – NEW ZEALAND WINES

I recently attended a new release trade tasting in Los Angeles for New Zealand wines. Some 26 wineries were represented and there were well over 100 wines available to taste in a 3 hour period. These types of tastings are a way to get a general idea of the wines. But, for me, they are not an opportunity to write detailed notes on each wine.

Call For Torrontes, Other Terrific Inexpensive White Wines, An Old Friend Chardonnay, And A New Friend Pinot Noir

Recently, in buying wines for my Inexpensive Red Wines article, I picked up a few other wines. Voila! I hit the mother lode! All these wines are terrific and not expensive.

I found a new Torrontes, 2009 Trapiche. Earlier, in my Under The Radar 2009 Wines article, I reviewed two others, 2009 Inacayal Vineards and 2009 Zolo. All are from Argentina and all are outstanding.

PINOT GRIS. IT’S FOR ME. DO YOU KNOW PINOT GRIS?

I doubt that very many people do know Pinot Gris. That’s a shame. It is one of the most food-friendly white wines (especially when domestic wines are considered) and is generally very affordable. So with that introduction, let me first provide a bit of history.

Under The Radar 2009 Wines

We’ve been talking about the very favorable growing conditions in almost all parts of the world in 2009. So continuing with that theme here is a representative sampling of generally inexpensive 2009 wines that are distinctive and generally not well known. Hence, the “Under the Radar” theme. Be adventuresome. Try a few. I think you will be really glad you did and I expect you will find many new favorites.