MIKE THE WINE GUY

TN: Martin Schaetzel 2004 Tokay-Pinot Gris Cuvee Reserve, Alsace

2007-10-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Alsace is located in eastern France and is also that country's most northern wine region. Even so, this region is not as overcast and rainy as one might think. It gets plenty of sunshine, and that helps bring about high quality grapes. The grapes grown here are all white with the single exception of Pinot Noir. The style of winemaking is markedly different from the big, ripe, fruity whites of the U.S., Australia, and other new world countries. Instead their wines go for a bold but dry character, with stone fruit, mineral, and earthy elements that make them a great match with food. In Alsace Pinot Gris used to be known as Tokay, and some wineries use the term Tokay-Pinot Gris in honor of that tradition. This Pinot Gris is from a small estate that has been producing wines since 1803, and like Zind Humbrecht (see previous tasting note) their vineyards are farmed using biodynamic methods. It's hard to believe that this is the same grape as Italian Pinot Grigio, or even Oregon Pinot Gris. This is much more bold and rich than examples from those locations.

Light gold color. Very fine, seductive nose of flowers, honey, vanilla, peach, and apricot. Flavors are rich and even slightly sweet, with apricot, peach, and pear. Rich in texture and concentrated with a bright, lingering finish. Despite the richness this also has good acids, structure, and balance. As good a Pinot Gris as you are likely to find, especially in this price range.
YUM A-GO-GO!

Price: $14 - $18
This might be a tough one to track down unless you have a wine store that likes to carry smaller producers. I did find one online source... http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Schaetzel.asp

TN: Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2003 Riesling, Alsace

2007-10-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

I was working as a restaurant wine director when the 2003 vintage Alsacian wines were first being released. Working in an Italian restaurant, I was eager to add a few food friendly French whites to the list for variety. I normally admire wines from Alsace for their dry character and bright acids, which makes them very friendly at the dinner table. However, as I tasted through a lineup of wines from one of my distributors it quickly became apparent that 2003 Alsace would not make my list. It was an unusually hot vintage in France and the normally bright and vibrant elements in these wines had turned flabby, overly ripe, and unfocused. True, these were only introductory-priced bottlings, but they spoke volumes about how weather can affect a vintage, and perhaps also revealed winemakers who were more interested in high yields than in quality grapes. If only I had tasted this Riesling from Zind Humbrecht. This wine would have easily made the list!

Zind Humbrecht is known as one of the top wineries in all of Alsace, in no small part because of the prime hillside locations of its vineyards. Dedicated to biodynamic practices (a process that goes way beyond organic) and low yields, winemaker Olivier Humbrecht believes that great wine is made in the vineyard first. If this introductory level wine is any indication, this winery easily lives up to its reputation. An excellent Riesling made in a difficult vintage.

Pale gold color. Slight efferfessence. Aromas of honey, nuts, apricot, and pear. Semi-dry to dry in character with a slightly oily texture. Slightly tart and earthy, with flavors of pear and wet stone. This has plenty of structure and should age well. It's definitely less sweet than a German Riesling, though after an hour of air it does become smoother, juicier, and slightly sweeter, with the nutty element becoming more pronounced. Made for food.
YUM+

Price: $20 - $25

Etude 2004 Pinot Noir, Carneros

2007-09-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

Etude is a small production winery that focuses on the Carneros region for their Pinot Noir and Napa for their Cabernet Sauvignon. Their best known bottling is probably the Carneros Pinot Noir, which blends juice from several vineyard sites. Carneros has gone through several incarnations. It has always been known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which tend to have brighter acids and a more elegant style than its counterparts in Napa and Sonoma. At one time it was the darling of Pinot Noir afficianados, who saw this as the promised land of California Pinot. Then those big, ripe Russian River Valley Pinots came along and stole all the thunder. Then along came Santa Rita Hills, Santa Lucia Highlands, and the Sonoma coast. Not many folks were waxing ecstatic over Carneros Pinot anymore. However, the fact remains that Carneros has continued to produce some excellent examples of the grape from local wineries such as Acacia and Saintsbury as well as labels such as Patz & Hall and Truchard. Then there is today's wine from Etude...

Dark ruby color. Intriguing, sexy aromas of sweet red fruits, flowers, raspberry, and an earthy forest floor note. Flavors of raspberry and dark cherry are seamlessly blended with a smoky/spicy element from the French oak. Medium-bodied, elegant, and silky while at the same time densely flavored, this has vibrant acids on the slightly tannic finish and can easily age for another four or five years.
YUM A-GO-GO!

Price: $34 - $45.
Available at: http: http://www.blackwellswines.com/, http://www.wineaccess.com/store/winehouse, http://www.cuveecellars.com/storefront.htm, http://www.izowine.com/shop/welcome.php, http://www.thewinehotel.com/, http://www.klwines.com/

Gallo of Sonoma 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrelli Creek Vineyard, Sonoma

2007-09-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

What's in a name? Well, a lot. Many folks will buy a wine simply based on the name on the label, and will avoid buying a wine for the same reason. For example, many wine lovers steer clear of Gallo simply because of that label's traditional association with simple jug wines. Don't make that mistake, however, when you see the "Gallo of Sonoma" label. In the early 90's Gina Gallo, grandaughter of Julio Gallo, decided to put the excellent vineyard property that Gallo owned in Sonoma County to good use, and created a line of premium single vineyard wines. The results have been impressive, in no small part because Gina has the desire (and the means) to experiment in her search to find out which grape varietals are best suited to specific sites. These are a far cry from the jug wines that made her family its fortune. She still believes in value so even these higher end wines are very fairly priced. Though she has had great success with Chardonnay and Zinfandel, I have a particular fondness for her Cabernets (Frei Ranch, Stefani, and Barrelli Creek). A great example of her style is this 1999 Cabernet from Barrelli Creek Vineyard, located in the northwest corner of Alexander Valley. This is the warmest of Gallo's Sonoma vineyards and the result is big, ripe, gutsy Cabernets that are "in your face" in a good way, though certainly not for the faint of heart.

Dark ruby color. A nose of licorice, cassis, iodine, herbs, and dark cherry is followed by flavors of black cherry, spice, cassis, and black currant. Soft and fruit-driven up front, then closes with chewy, tooth-coating tannins that do not hinder the juicy and delicious finish. This is a dry style, with acids still vibrant despite the age, making this ideal with food. Lots going on here, and while this may be a little big and rustic for those who prefer their Cabs silky and elegant, I think this style perfectly reflects an authentic California/Sonoma personality. Well done Gina! Also a great value at under $30. You will most likely find the 2002 vintage available now. Pick one up and try to forget about it for a few years, as it will definitely reward patient cellaring.
YUM A-GO-GO!

Price: $24 - $30
Available At: On the West Coast try BevMo, Costco, Vendome, etc. Also... http://www.winechateau.com/,
http://www.winerx.com/, http://www.webwine.com/, http://www.wineaccess.com/store/canalshamilton

TN: Donnhoff 2005 Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Spatlese, Germany

2007-08-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

We return now to the cult of Riesling. Don't fight it. Don't listen to your friends when they tell you it's just an expensive fruit cocktail. Chances are they have never tried a bottle of Donnhoff. Now THIS is real Riesling, and it will play with your mind! Helmut Donnhoff is one of the most highly regarded Riesling producers in the world, and his single vineyard expressions are both seductive and beguiling. Trying to put the elements into words is a challenge for me because I have seldom come across white wines with this much complexity. There are so many shadings of fruit dancing across the tongue, how does one pick one out?!

Pale straw color. Aromas of lime, watermelon, papaya, kumquats, and racy tropical fruits with an intriguing green tinge. In fact, the color green kept flashing through my mind throughout. Vibrant, bracing flavors of nectarine, tangerine, watermelon, and... you know, the Wine Advocate wisely stayed away from specifics... "Really delightful palate, with such delicate, fine, refined fruit sweetness... beautiful completeness and harmony." That's all that need be said. I'll just add that all this along with the acids, minerality, and mouth watering finish had me begging for another sip.
YUM A GO-GO!

Around $50. Available at: http://www.wallywine.com/, http://www.garnetwine.com/, http://www.bassins.com/. In addition try these wine stores, who regularly stock Donnhoff wines: Woodland Hills Wine (http://www.whwineco.com/) and Red Carpet Wine (http://www.redcarpetwine.com/).

For my reviews of other Donnhoff 2005 Rieslings, see the June folder, as well as www.thewhole9.com (click on "stay in", then click on "grapes").

TN: Gloria Ferrer 2004 Chardonnay, Carneros

2007-08-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

I seem to often be reviewing obscure, limited, or hard to find wines, which is no doubt an endless annoyance to you, the reader. I have to admit that I have always had a fondness for the obscure, the independent, and the road less traveled. If I walk into a wine shop and notice a varietal I have never heard of, chances are I am walking out with that bottle. Having said all that, it's time I reviewed a wine that has a fairly wide availability. No better place to do that than California Chardonnay.

I am often critical of California Chardonnays for their predictability. An abundance of buttery oak and pumped up flavors often lays to waste the food on your dinner table that it is supposed to complement. So it's nice to find a full flavored Chardonnay that has plenty of oak character balanced with purity and vibrancy. This comes from a well-known producer of California sparkling wine, and from a region known for its quality Chardonnay (as well as Pinot Noir).

Light-to-medium gold color. Aromas of sweet apple, peach/pear, citrus, and vanilla. This continues on the palate, with ripe, rich flavors of apple, peach, and pear. Smooth, luscious texture and flavorful finish. This is not subtle, but is has concentration, balance, and good acidity, and will probably show best with food.
YUM+

$12 - $16. Available at many good wine stores. If you are on the West Coast also try Bevmo, Trader Joe's, etc.

TN: Domaine Gres St. Vincent 2003 Cotes du Rhone Villages, France

2007-08-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

I liked this wine before I ever opened it, simply because of its very cool pencil sketch drawing of a low table with a wine jug and a cup. It immediately gives the impression of simple pleasures, country life, and of another time and place far removed from our own. Once opened, the character of this wine seemed to reflect the label. It is indeed a simple but delightful pleasure.

80% Grenache/20% Syrah. Dark ruby color. Aromas of dark berries and violets are followed by flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and a touch of spice. This has smooth tannins and a slight chocolate chewiness. Though this a light-to-medium bodied wine, it features big, up-front fruit flavors. Overall this is soft, ripe, tangy, and friendly, with just enough complexity to be interesting. And for around $10 it's also an excellent value. We can thank winemaker Maria Vincent for this satisfyingly simple pleasure.
YUM.

Look for this in a wine store that has a strong French or Rhone Valley selection. By now the '04 and '05 bottlings should be available.

TN: Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Barossa Valley, Australia

2007-08-18T22:27:00.000-07:00

When you are in the mood for something special after dinner, with dessert, or as dessert itself, you should definitely consider opening a bottle of fine Port. You don't have to drop a large sum of money on a vintage bottling to have an outstanding Port experience - I have always found non-vintage 10 and 20 year old tawny ports to be an excellent value. Tawny ports are not vintage ports but blends bottled after years of aging in the shipper's cellars. These are not as dark, dense or concentrated as vintage ports but are just as delightful to drink. And because the Port shipper has essentially aged the wine for you, these are ready to drink upon release (vintage Port will take an average of 10-15 years after release to mature).

Here is a wonderful Port that is also a good value. Since this wine comes from Australia, the grapes used are different than what you will find in traditional Port. This features a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Shiraz. In my opinion Australian dessert wines have always been underrated. They can be quite dense, complex, and powerful. They are certainly not subtle, and are not for the faint of heart, but if you want a decadent and memorable dessert wine experience, a good Australian label will usually not disappoint.

This medium-amber colored Port immediately jumps from the glass with aromas of caramel, walnut, and toffee. Unctuous flavors of vanilla, creme brulee, toffe and honey are sweet but also complex and well-balanced all the way through the luscious finish. This is big, rich, and a hedonist's delight! It's hard to imagine getting more bang for your buck.
YUM A GO-GO!

$18 - $27. Available at: http://www.winex.com/, http://www.winecommune.com/, http://www.cellar91.com/, https://www.finewinehouse.com/, http://www.winerz.com/

TN: Steltzner 2005 "Allison" Rose of Syrah, Contra Costa County

2007-08-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Most California wine drinkers know Steltzner as a reliable and well-priced producer of Cabernet, Merlot, and an excellent Claret in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley. What many people don't know is that they also produce a rose, made entirely from Syrah. Allison, as you might guess, is one of the daughters of owners Dick and Christine Steltzner, and had quite a bit to do with the creation of this wine. The story goes that while Dick was off on a trip Allison, who is general manager and national sales director, was presented with a surplus of Syrah grapes on the cush pad. She decided to turn it into Steltzner's first ever rose, and they have been producing it ever since.

Medium rose color. Aromas of strawberries and white cherries. Juicy red berry, white cherry, and strawberry flavors. This was smooth, well-balanced, and slightly sweet. And since we have just looked at a French rose let's compare them. This sticks to the California tendency to feature a single varietal rather than a blend. Like the Chateau du Gres, this is a full-bodied and forward style of rose. And you can taste the bright, warm weather in both of these. While this is just as delightful to drink, the French rose has more complexity and is also less sweet. By itself this wine is a charmer, but with food it is almost always preferrable to stick with a French rose.
YUM+

$15 - $18. This is made in limited quantities, but a good wine specialty store may carry this. I picked mine up at Topline Wine in Glendale.

TN: Chateau Morgues du Gres 2006 "Les Galets Roses", Costieres de Nimes, France

2007-08-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

In summer it always a good idea to have at least a few whites in the frig in order to help you beat the heat. But don't hesitate to include a rose or two. It is always baffling to me why so many people seem uninterested in roses. One explanation is that White Zinfandel, so popular in America in the 80's and 90's, has led most people to think of rose as sweet and simple wines. Another factor may be that red wine buffs simply are so used to the body, texture, and ripe fruit of red wines that the lightness of a rose just doesn't do it for them. In my view both camps are missing out. The best roses (and the best still come from France) are dry, complex, pungent, refreshing, and perfect for lighter summer meals. True, they will never give your senses the same exhilarating experience as a good red wine, but that is not what we should look for in a rose. Not every relationship we have should be one of mad, deeply felt passion. That would get quite exhausting after a while. So now that it is summer, change it up and find a nice rose you can become friends with.

The Costieres de Nimes appellation, which is within the Languedoc region in southern France, is known for its soil, which is made up of flat pebbles. These pebbles are called "gres", thus the winery's name. "Les Galets" are large stones which heat up during the day and release their heat at night, thus helping ripen the grapes. This rose has a beautiful medium-rose color. Inviting strawberry, cherry and earth aromas are followed by pretty, ripe, semi-sweet flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, and pomegranate. Luckily this finishes earthy rather than sweet, with a slight touch of heat being the only flaw. More concentrated and full-bodied than the typical French rose, this was refreshing and quite tasty. Unfortunately I did not write down the grapes that went into this and some web research has not turned them up. However, this tates like a typical Rhone blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.
YUM +

$12 - $15. Look for this in a wine store that carries a good selection of roses. In Los Angeles I have seen this at Topline Wine (Glendale), and Silverlake Wine (Silverlake).

TN: B Cellars 2005 B23, Napa

2007-08-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while it's good to check out the new guys on the block, so here is a new Napa winery called B Cellars (the "B" stands for Brix, which refers to the sugar/alcohol content in grapes). The philosophy at this winery is very specific: to create high quality wines that blend varietals as well as vineyards. The phrase used on their website is: "exceptional artisan wines". When you see that phrase on a winery's website you know you're in store for fairly steep prices. And indeed, this white blend retails for $26. However, this wine sports a winning personality and, given its limited production, this price is not out of line. Although they only currently produce two blends (one red, one white), this is a winery to keep an eye on. As a side-note, winemaker Kirk Venge's father Nils is the winemaker for the very highly esteemed Groth winery.

Chardonnay (66%) and Sauvignon Blanc (34%). Medium straw color. A fine, uplifted nose of hazelnut, apple, and slightly sweet oak is underlined by a grassiness from the Sauvignon Blanc. Flavors of peach, pear, apple, and citrus are tangy and fun. Well balanced, full-bodied, and complex. Very nice.
YUM+

Available at: www.silverlakewine.com/, www.hitimewine.net/, www.specsisit.com/, www.pacific-wine.com/. If you live in Los Angeles look for it at the following restaurants... Boneyard Bistro, Café Pinot, Dakota Restaurant, Eight-18, Four Seasons (Westlake Village), Kendall's Brasserie, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, Patina (Disney Hall), and The Lobster (Santa Monica)

TN: Siltstone 2006 Pinot Gris Guadalupe Vineyard, Oregon (ORGANIC)

2007-08-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it's like where you are but here in Los Angeles it continues to be hot Hot HOT! So let's go straight to the white wine, shall we? Sometimes we take Pinot Grigio for granted. After all, many examples still showcase the rather generic light and dry style we have grown accustomed to over the years. Luckily there are fine Pinot Grigios now being imported from northern Italy. But Italy is not the only place good Pinot Grigio is grown. There is of course the Alsace region of France, but today let's focus on Oregon, whose whether is cool enough to create a friendly environment for this grape.

Siltstone is owned by perhaps the most respected Vineyard Manager in all of Oregon, Joel Myers. He makes his wines from a single vineyard and the quality shows. This Pinot Gris (same thing as PInot Grigio) has a pale straw color, with a ripe, exotic nose of pear, lime, minerals, and possibly kiwi or honeysuckle. In the nose this was slightly reminiscent of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc. Flavors of pear, spice, and green tropical fruit. This not only has a tangy "green" edge to it, but also a butter/honey sweetness. This is one of those wines that seems to dance the line between dry and sweet. For a Pinot Gris this is tasty and complex, and on top of that it's organic! Unfortunately this is a small production winery so will be hard to find. You are most likely to find it on a wine list, but I did find a few places where you can actually buy it.
$15 - $18.
YUM+

Available at: http://www.linerandelsen.com/, www.silverlakewine.com/

TN: Ippolito 2004 Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore Liber Pater, Calabria

2007-08-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you want to "get down with the funk", you must go to Italy. Yes, France has Syrah from the northern Rhone as well as Mourvedre and Cabernet Franc, and Spain has its aged Rioja's, which can definitlely "dial in the funk". But there is no country with such a diverse range of funky wines than Italy. What is "the funk"? Well, it's different for every taster, but for me it's about off the beaten track aromas, flavors, and textures. Usually earthy, dry, tangy, gamey, and sinewy. This can also include ethereal, surprising, and hard to label. If your average California Merlot is pop music, then these wines are opera, punk rock, acid jazz, Jimi Hendrix, Shuggie Otis, John Coltraine, Bjork, Beck, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin. They offer a different point of view. Not automatically better but usually more interesting. These are wines that get conversations going.

So back to Italy and the only wine store I know of that consistently celebrates "the funk", Wine Expo in Santa Monica, CA. No, this is not an ad, I just love these guys! They only sell wines they love, and boy do they love Italy. In fact, outside of Italy and Champagne, you won't find much else in the store. On a recent trip I stocked up on some new wines to try, one of which was this small gem, selling for only $15.

The Ippolito 2004 Ciro (pronounced Cheeroh) Rosso is made from 100% Gaglioppo, and has a dark ruby color with aromas of dark cherry, flowers, spice, herbs, meat, and game. Flavors of dark cherry (and a touch of red berries), with chewy tannins on the finish. This was aged 6 months in barrique and is a classic Italian in the earthy mode, but not so much so that it will turn off newcomers. Like most Italian wines that "do the funk", this will show better with food than without and also benefits from some air, becoming silkier and smoother after about 20 minutes.

Wine Expo imports many of its wines directly, which means it may be hard to find this wine elsewhere. If you don't live in Los Angeles try a store that specializes in Italian, or call Wine Expo and inquire about shipping. A similar wine that is more widely available is the Librandi San Felice Ciro Rosso. In fact, for those of you headed over to Mozza, the hottest pizza joint in Los Angeles (you currently have to reserve about a month in advance), you will find the Librandi on their excellent wine list. This is Doctor Funk signing off!
YUM+

WINE EXPO
2933 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90404
(310) 828-4428

TN: Anima Negra 2004 AN/2, Maillorca, Spain

2007-07-31T19:42:00.005-07:00

Here is a wine from Maillorca, a region one rarely, if ever, hears from. What's surprising about this wine is it is actually available on several websites as well as several wine stores here in Los Angeles, so you have a unique opportunity to add this region to your list of exploits. Why is it rare? Well for one thing Maillorca is an island, just of the eastern coast of Spain. For another, 60% of the wine they produce is sold locally, as the island is a very popular tourist destination. However, with spanish wines being such a hot commodity on the wine market at present, it's no surprise to see distributors bringing us wines from every corner of the country.

The AN/2 (you gotta love the weird name) is a blend of three grapes: Callet, Mantonegro, and Syrah. Mantonegro and Callet are two grapes native to the island. This had an intriguing dark brick red color. Fragrant aromas of cherry/black cherry, earth, and chocolate. Flavors of black cherry/blackberry were rich and friendly. This was generous, well-balanced, and had a nice acidity on the finish that was refreshing. Overall a nice wine that would do very well at the dinner table.
YUM+

Available at: http://www.silverlakewine.com, http://www.klwines.com/, http://winelibrary.com/, http://domaine547.com/, http://www.winerz.com/, http://shop.missionwines.com/.

Prices average $18 - $22.

TN: Rioja Vega 2005 "Joven", Rioja, Spain

2007-07-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Things sure have changed in Spain, which is unquestionably the "country of the moment" in the current U.S. wine market. Back when I was first earning my wine chops Spain was known for traditional, dry, earthy reds that were strictly for the dinner table. One never thought of them as "fun". Back then Spanish wine was defined by its most famous region, Rioja. Now imports have exploded thanks to an infusion of modern winemaking equipment, techniques and philosophy that have resulted in wines styled to please the international market (i.e. more ripe, fruity, and soft). One can argue whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, but there is no denying that the overall quality of Spanish wine has gone way up. From the point of view of value, you can get a lot of bang for your buck from such regions as Jumilla, Penedes, Montsant, Castilla y Leon, Terra Alta, and of course the excellent Rubero Del Duero. Priorat, though not a value region, has also made a lot of waves. And this brings us back to Rioja. Perhaps they are afraid of being left in the dust as new wine drinkers flock to these value wines. All I know is that I've been seeing more wines like this bottle coming out of Rioja. The style could not be more different than those dusty, funky Riojas I drank way back when. Have no fear, there is plenty of tradition left in this region, but this style will bring a whole new generation of winedrinkers to a country whose wine roots go back to the BC days.

The Rioja Vega "Joven" is made up of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha (Grenache). "Joven" means young and most likely younger vines were used in the making of this wine. Medium ruby color. Aromas of cherry, black cherry, and red berries followed by juicy, ripe cherry flavors. This is fresh, tasty, and luckily shys away from sweetness, keeping a slightly dry character throughout. This is not complex nor deep, but as a quality party wine you couldn't do better. This wine received no oak in its treatment, and to catch that fresh character you will want to drink within its first few years of life.
YUM+
Available at Bodega de Cordova, a nice Spanish wine bar here in Los Angeles (http://www.bodegadecordova.com/), also try... http://www.winerz.com/, http://domaine547.com/

TN: Podere Ruggeri Corsini 2004 Nebbiolo delle Langhe, Italy

2007-07-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Have I said that Italy is my favorite country for wine? If not then let's correct that oversight right now! I love Italy, for it's fascinating array of grape varietals (I'm still discovering new ones), the dry, earthy, and playful character of many of its wines, it's funky soul and the downright subtle way it opens up in the glass as it takes on more air. This is wine for food, and for those who want more than big fruit and round textures in their glass.

A case in point is Nebbiolo, the grape that makes two of Italy's most famous wines, Barolo and Barbaresco. In the 80's and 90's I heard many folks complain that these wines were simply too expensive, reaching $100 plus for top name, single vineyard bottlings. The fact that the second half of the 90's saw some great vintages in Piedmont didn't help the price issue. There was an answer however. In 1994 the Langhe DOC was created. This ares overlaps the Barolo and Barbaresco zones, but the rules are much less stringent. For example, in Langhe winemakers are allowed to blend other grapes with Nebbiolo. Winemakers began releasing less tannic, earlier maturing Nebbiolos from Langhe for those buyers who were waiting for their Barolos to properly mature (usually 10+ years). These were less expensive and allowed those of us with thin wallets to actually get a hint of Nebbiolo's character without going broke.

This brings us to today's wine, a 100% Nebbiolo from the Langhe DOC. Ruggeri Corsini is run by a husband and wife team, she is the winemaker while he is the vineyard manager. This wine has a dark ruby color tending toward brick at the edge. This is typical of this grape and the brick color will become more ponounced as it ages. Aromas of licorice, flowers, meat/game, and brown spice are hypnotic (the aromas always seem to me to be the strong suit with this grape). Flavors of earth, blackberry, and chocolate meet ripe tannins on the finish. This is definitely one to decant if opened now. With air the aromas begin to take on a sweet, almost zinfandel-like character and the flavors lean more strongly toward blackberry. This wine is much less subtle and elegant than its more famous neighbors, but this is a good quality, serious Nebbiolo for the price, and will give you a clue as to why people will spend $100 for the finest bottlings of this grape. After all, Barolo is not known as the "King of Italian Wines" for nothing.
YUM+
Available at K&L Wines and cellar91.com for around $18.
http://www.cellar91.com/searchresults.cfm
http://www.klwines.com/product.asp?sku=1026341&cid=TPV-Winesearcher

TN: Becker Vineyards 2005 Claret, Texas

2007-07-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Becker Vineyards is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, a little east of Fredericksburg. The winery itself is a reproduction of a 19th century German stone barn, and the tasting room contains a bar which dates back to the mid-1800's. Behind the winery sits 3-acres of lavendar fields, which only adds to the picturesque quality of this winery. As for the wines, the whites were disappointing, but the reds were of definite interest. Among the best of these was the Claret, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah. As with the other reds I found compelling, most of the grapes for this wine came not from the winery's vineyards but from vineyards located in another part of the state, in this case the Texas High Plains to the north.

Medium ruby color. Aromas of pencil lead, dark berries, and cassis. This continues in the flavors, which are pleasant and uncomplicated. Light-bodied, with good balance and nice concentration. No one will mistake this for a Bordeaux or a California Meritage, but this has character and is a pleasure to drink. As with many other wines tasted at this winery, there seemed to be a bit of heat on the finish. However, that did not detract from this wine's other qualities. I did not hesitate to buy a bottle.
YUM.

http://www.beckervineyards.com/

REPORT: TEXAS WINE COUNTRY!

2007-07-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from a trip to Austin, Texas, where I visited my sister and also (of course) tasted some Texas wine. It might surprise you to learn that there are over 50 wineries spread out across the state of Texas. However, 21 of these are located in the the Texas Hill Country, a beautiful series of lush hills and plains that runs west of Austin. This appelation is the second largest in the United States, covering 15,000 square miles. There is a cluster of wineries around the city of Fredericksburg, which is about 80 miles west of Austin, and this is the area we visited, hitting three wineries. I will feature several of these in upcoming tasting notes so keep an eye out for them.

In general I will say that the white wines I tasted were not very impressive. They tended to be light, dry, and thin, with muddled flavors and a lack of depth and character. The finish was usually short and tart. There were, of course, exceptions but it is safe to say that white wines are not a Texas strong suit. The reds on the other hand showed much more promise. Though they tended to be lighter and less focused than California wines, most of the wines showed good fruit and authentic character. There did not seem to be one grape that stood out as a Texas specialty, but the classic reds showed fairly well, including Cabernet Sauvingon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Mourvedre, Sangiovese, and several wineries had a very decent Malbec. If there is a criticism it is that the wines don't show a great deal of complexity, even in blends. Also, the best grapes seemed to come not from the wineries themselves but from vineyards located in other parts of the appelation. Many of these wineries are fairly new and their vines are still young, so this situation will probably change.

While there is much room for improvement there is also much to enjoy, and the lighter style is perfect for the hot, humid weather that is typical of Texas in the summer. Also it must be said that after visiting only three wineries, one can only make generalities, not pronouncements. One thing is for sure and that is that The Lone Star is definitely rising on Texas wines! For more info on Texas wines just click on...
http://www.texaswinetrail.com/index.html

ANYONE CAN NOW POST A COMMENT!

2007-07-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, I have turned off the "registered users only" setting, so now anyone out there can comment on these tasting notes. I was told that if I kept comments to "registered users only" I would avoid a deluge of comments from all over. Well, I'd rather have too many comments than no comments at all! The whole idea of this blog is to provoke discussion about wine and to compare tasting notes. I will, of course, respond to as many comments as I can given the time at hand. Please feel free to add your two cents!
Yours In Tasting,
Mike The Wine Guy
www.mikethewineguy.com

TN: Hopler 2005 Gruner Veltliner, Burgenland, Austria

2007-07-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

Ok. I'm saying it right now. Gruner Veltliner is my very favorite white grape. I know this will tick off the Chardonnay-heads and Riesling-addicts no end, but I can't help it. While I must admit that several of the best bottles of white I have ever had happen to be Chardonnay and Riesling, if I had to pick one white wine to take with me to a deserted island, it would probably be a Gruner. This native grape of Austria (I know of no other country in the world that grows it) is made in every style, from light and bone dry to big and rich to sweet. Many Gruner Veltliners have a unique, subtle green tint to their color (as well as their flavor, which is often herbal). My favorite style is dry (but not too dry!), with minerals and vibrant, juicy citrus and green herb elements. Gruner is right up there with Sauvignon Blanc as far as being a fantastic food wine, and is one of the few wines that I find will actually match up with asparagus.

Light gold color with a subtle hint of green. Slightly effervescent. Aromas of citrus and pear, and slightly floral as well. Light-to-medium bodied, a dry style, but with ripe citrus flavors accented by minerals. Bright and refreshing, with a pleasant, tangy finish. This is not a bold or complex Gruner, rather an everyday version that will be an excellent introduction for those who are new to this grape.
YUM+
$13-$16. Available at Topline Wine, Glendale, CA.

TN: Chateau Marouine 2005 Rose Cotes de Provence, France

2007-07-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the weather where you are right now, but it's about midnight here in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles)and it's still pretty darn warm in my apartment. It is summer and it is HOT! Time to break out some rose wines! Few drinks are more refreshing than a nice rose on a warm summer evening. Here is a rose with real character made from all organic grapes.

This rose comes from the French countryside, in a region in Southeastern France called Provence. Not only that, it's organic! Peach skin color. Aromas of watermelon, white cherries, and... green apples? This begins dry and earthy but soon the juicy, mouth-watering flavors take over. Melon, red berries, and earth. The earthiness persists through the finish but does not detract from the juicy fruit flavors. This is a light-bodied style that surprisingly will show best with food, though it can certainly serve as an aperitif. Each sip makes one think of a picnic in the country. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvèdre. If you want a real contrast in style pair this up with a typical California rose. $9 - $11.
YUM+
Available at Topline Wine, Glendale, CA., also try these websites... www.winerz.com/, www.vinado.com/wine-shop/

TN: The Black Chook 2005 Shiraz/Viognier, Australia

2007-07-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Black Chook is a project of Penny Hill's winemaker Ben Riggs, and a very successful project it is. The sparkling Shiraz (which I reviewed for thewhole9.com) is a very worthwhile effort and this Shiraz/Viognier is also excellent, offering big bang for your buck. The wine blends grapes from McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, two excellent wine regions in South Australia.

Dark purple color. Dark, ripe blackberry and oaky spice aromas. Flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, mulberry, and cocoa are rich, concentrated, and smooth, with ripe tannins on the slightly sweet finish. Very Zinfandel-like, but despite the high alcholol (15%), this is well balanced and retains some elegance. Big and chewy no doubt, but not overdone. And it has the structure to age for at least a few years and become more complex. However, fans of big, manly wines don't need wait. Get out the grill and the beef and go to town! 95% Shiraz/5% Viognier. $15 - $19.
YUM+

Available at Silverlake Wine Shop, Silveralake, CA., Topline Wine, Glendale, CA., and other fine wine shops.
Note: Current release is the '06 but no worries, this bottling is pretty consistent vintage to vintage.

TN: Donnhoff 2005 Riesling Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Spatlese, Germany

2007-06-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love German riesling (if California makes a great riesling I haven't tasted it yet). But let's face it, many Americans shy away from German rieslings. The claim is always the same: "I don't like sweet wine." But there are different types of sweetness. There is the sweet, syrupy, cloying, and one dimensional sweetness of sodas, milk shakes, candies, etc. And then there is the sweetness of delicate, pure fruit lifted by acidity and enhanced by minerals and evolving aromas/flavors/textures. A well-made riesling can age for decades, and can be difficult to pin down to individual tasting terms, being both complex and beguiling. Donnhoff certainly ranks among the best (I recommend any bottle with a Donnhoff label), and recently I tasted three new releases from their 2005 vintage. You will find my review for the first of these at: www.thewhole9.com. Just click on "stay in", then scroll down and click on "grapes". Ok - plug over! I oftentimes have trouble picking out all the elements jumping around in the glass of a good Riesling, and this bottle was no exception.

Pale straw color. Seductive, awesome aromas of mint, wet stones/minerals, honey, and tropical fruits. Another element was in the foreground that I had trouble identifying. I termed it "nut oil" though I am not overly confident about that term. I was tempted to say "petrol", but that term is usually applied to the bouquet of more mature rieslings. Flavors are racy, pure, and fine, with lime and minerals predominating. Quite frankly, the term "sweet nectar" came to mind more than once. According to Terry Theise, this wine's importer and a major riesling guru, this will age for another 20 years. Enough said.
YUM A GO-GO!
Available at: www.klwines.com, www.wallywine.com, www.dvw.com, www.whwineco.com... $32 - $45.

TN: Chateau de Coulaine 2005 Chinon, France

2007-06-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Just a few days ago I reviewed a Cabernet Franc from Saumur Champigny, within the Loire Valley region of France. Today we'll look at Saumur's neighbor to the east, Chinon, which is even more famous as a producer of high quality Cabernet Franc. Though this is traditionally a light-bodied, lightly tannic wine, some bottlings from this region can be rich, dense, and in need of aging. This particular bottling however is meant as a simple, delicious everyday wine and is very successful on that level.

Made from 100% organically grown grapes, this opens with aromas of sweet, smoky dark red fruits with a slight meaty/gamey edge. Flavors of sweet cherries, cranberries, and smoke, with a slightly earthy/spicy finish. Light bodied and surprisingly ripe (likely due to another hot summer in France), this is a fruit driven Chinon that still retains an element of this regions typically earthy character. A friendly, accessible introduction, and at around $10 a bottle you can't go wrong.
YUM+
Available at Topline Wine, Glendale, CA.

TN: Domaine de Saint-Just 2002 Les Terres Rouges, Saumur Champigny

2007-06-24T14:00:00.001-07:00

For those of you who want to stray away from big, heavy reds now that the summer heat is upon us, here is a something different that will put a sensory spin on your taste buds. That would be... Cabernet Franc! This grape makes for a lighter bodied wine that has plenty of flavor but also leans toward the earthy/gamey side of things, making it a versatile food wine. While there are good Cabernet Francs made in California (e.g. Lang & Reed), to get the real Cab Franc experience one must go to the Loire Valley in France, specifically Chinon and Saumur.

The name for this wine, "Les Terres Rouges", means "red soil" and alludes to the red clay subsoil in which these grapes are grown. Dried cherry, herbs, vanilla, minerals, and slight earth/game on the nose. Flavors of dried cherry, strawberry, and game. Light bodied and mouth-watering, with zippy acidity. With air the aromas turn more ripe and flavors turn toward red berry, cranberry and cherry. With this, as with most well structured Cabernet Francs, some time in air will flesh it out a bit, allowing the fruit to come forward and mingle with the earthier aspects. For around $15 this offers a nice change to your favorite Cabernets, Syrahs, and Zinfandels.
Avaiable at: Topline Wine, Glendale, CA., for around $15.

TN: Beckmen 2006 Grenache Rose Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley

2007-06-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Beckmen Vineyards is one of my favorite wineries from the Santa Ynez Valley region. I used to carry their Grenache when I was a wine director, and it always made a favorable impression on the customers I served it to. They also make excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, a Rhone-style blend called "Cuvee Le Bec", and this rose, made up of 100% Grenache grapes. This used to be only available at the winery, so I was quite surprised to see it popping up at places like The Wine House (West L.A.) and L.A. Wine Company (Culver City). I grabbed some immediately and served it just last night at a wine party I was hosting. Let's just say that was one happy crowd.

Beautiful light ruby rose color. Pretty and pungeant strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon aromas. Fresh, vibrant palate of strawberry, watermelon, pomegranate, and spice. Balanced and juicy, but not sweet, with a slightly earthy finish that puts it right up there with the best roses of France. And although $15 may sound like a bit much for a rose, this one is definitely worth it.
YUM+.

TN: Claude Michot "Les Berthiers", Pouilly-Fume, France

2007-06-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Pouilly-Fume is an appleation in the Loire Valley region of France which exclusively makes Sauvignon Blanc. Don't get this confused with Pouilly-Fuisse, which is located in Burgundy and only makes Chardonnay! Pouilly-Fume is generally considered to be slightly lower in quality than its more famous neighbor Sancerre, but if you stick to a good producer you won't be disappointed. This appelation can produce absolutley top-notch Sauvignon Blanc, and this Claude Michot is a perfect example

Pale straw color. Light bodied but smooth, with ripe grapefruit, lemon/citrus and green apple aromas. Properly dry but nicely ripe flavors of grapefruit that turn more juicy with air. Wonderful balance. This has vibrancy and character all around, and would make a fantastic match with shellfish. This is definitely my style of Sauv Blanc, not pumped up or given any steroids. This is all about purity of grape and place.
YUM A GO-GO!
Available at Topline Wine, Glendale, CA., a steal at around $15.

TN: J. Rochioli - West Block Pinot Noir / River Block Chardonnay

2007-06-18T21:25:00.001-07:00

Wow. That was a long wait in between tasting notes. Not something I want to repeat. I hosted quite a few wine events in April and May and I'm afraid I let this slide. No more! My tasting notebooks are literally bulging with reviews! There is plenty of material to keep us going for quite a while. My job: to find time to post reviews on a more regular basis. I'm up for it if you are. Keep checking back as I have made myself a pledge to write a minimum of three posts a week from now on. Let's start off with a big one... J. Rochioli.

J. Rochioli certainly has to be mentioned as one of the wineries that put Russian River Valley on the map. Their block-designated Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are strictly small production and often only available to mailing list members, so they are much sought after. I had the good luck recently to taste two well-aged Pinots from their West Block and one Chardonnay from their River block. The West Block is perhaps their most highly regarded plot of Pinot (the others are Three Corner Block, East Block, and Little Hill Block). Grapes from this block were sold to Williams Selyem in the 80's and 90's and were at least a part of that winery's success.

1994 West Block Pinot Noir: Tom Rochioli originally said about this vintage... "You could just see this year coming... the berries were small, the season was excellent and you could taste the balance in these wines from day one."
Dark ruby color. Deep, fine, ethereal, sexy nose featuring sweet, dark cherries, licorice, leather, and herbs. Black cherry and cranberry lead to an earthy finish. Not as sexy in flavor as in the nose, but silky in texture and well-balanced. With air the flavors become slightly sweeter and more charming. Definitely made in a big, full-bodied California style, and for the most part this delivers. While the flavors are not ideally complex the nose really carries you away.
YUM A GO-GO!

1997 West Block Pinot Noir: Medium ruby color. Sweet, ripe aromas of strawberry, brown spice, earth, and herbs. Flavors of cranberry, tea, and dark berries. On the edge of silky and juicy - more age (and perhaps more time in air) would no doubt bring it there. This is well-balanced, earthy, and seems more burgundian than the '94. Like the '94 however, this is more fascinating for its nose than its flavor. Still well above most California Pinots.
YUM A GO-GO!

2001 River Block Chardonnay: Toasty oak aromas that mingle with almond, hazelnut, and flowers. Flavors of toasty oak, vanilla, and hazelnuts. After some air it took on a caramel character and became creamier. Certainly well-balanced while at the same time sporting a big style. Plenty of character, but to be honest this is not my preferred style of Chardonnay, and I found the toasty oak flavors a little cloying. I've had under-$30 Chablis that I've enjoyed more than this (which by the way sells for around $100 when you can find it). So it all depends on what you look for in your Chardonnay. If you like the big, toasty, buttery style, then this does deliver the goods with style.
YUM+.

TN: Cambria 2005 Julia's Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

2007-02-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

Cambria has been making wine in Santa Barbara County since 1987, and is probably best known for their Katherine's Vinyeard Chardonnay. This Pinot Noir comes from the Santa Maria bench, on the northern end of Santa Barbara County. Here the vineyards are influenced by the mild temperatures coming in from the Pacific. Medium ruby color. Light aromas of strawberries, cinnamon, and a hint of raspberry. Light-to-medium bodied, with a silky texture and juicy flavors of strawberry and spice, followed by cranberry and a youthful astringency on the finish. A delicate style of Pinot by California standards. Definitely needs time in bottle to smooth out the edges, but this promises to be a smooth and friendly Pinot Noir.
Yum.

TN: Hitching Post 2005 Pinot Noir Corkdancer 5.1, Santa Maria Valley

2007-02-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

This winery probably needs no introduction after the success of Sideways, which featured not only its wine but also one of the two Hitching Post restaurants. Always one of the leaders in Central Coast Pinot Noir, their wine is now harder to find then ever given its new name recognition. This particular bottling is only in its second vintage, and is a blend of vineyards from Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills.

An aspect of many 2005 Pinots from this region that I have noticed is a tendency toward the cranberry/tea side of the grape, and this bottle was no exception. Dark ruby color. Light/closed aromas of strawberry, cranberry, and cola. Stawberry, cranberry, tea, and cola flavors. Acids are alive and jumping, and the wine currently has an astringent character, even after several hours of air. Currently this is young and tight, and will definitely benefit from several years of bottle age. No doubt the flavors will flesh out with time, but one wonders how complex the cranberry/tea/cola profile will become. Only time will tell. Overall, I found this effort slightly disappointing given this winery's excellent history. However, one should never underestimate a Hitching Post Pinot Noir's ability to age and transform, so the jury is out on this one for now.
Yum.

TN: Plumpjack 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa

2007-02-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

Hello! My apologies for the lack of tasting notes lately. Believe me, it's not for a lack of tasting, as there has plenty of that going on. I have been happily embarked on hosting wine tastings for folks, as well as submitting reviews to a wonderful website: www.thewhole9.com. You should definitely check them out. On their home page just click on "stay in", then click on "Grapes", and you will find some of my reviews, along with other reviews from fellow wine guys.

However, now it's time for some exclusive wine reviews for my blog viewers! We'll start with one that you probably won't find on your local wine merchant's shelf. Plumpjack is well known for their concentrated yet friendly Napa Cabernet and Merlot. However, they do make Sauvignon Blanc in very limited quantity. And as you might expect, this is a big, ripe, California version of this grape. And it has a screwcap!

Ripe, exotic nose of kiwi, lime, grapefruit, with tropical notes. Ripe, elegant, and round mouthfeel. Oak-infused flavors are slightly sweet and have a hint of orange peel. The finish is tangy and flavorful. This is well balanced and well made, it's just a matter of the style of Sauvignon Blanc you are looking for. Personally I prefer the grassy, minerally, sleek style of French Sancerre or the exotic yet dry style of a good New Zealand version (think Seresin or Isabel). However, if you are a fan of the smooth, round, full bodied New World style in general, you will probably love this. And objectively speaking, this is a very tasty wine. It went very well with the Roasted Prawns w/shaved fennel & ruby grapefruit salad at the excellent restaurant Bistro Verdu, which is located at the Glendale/Montrose border.
Yum+.

TN: Joan D'Anguera 2004 La Planella, Montsant, Spain

2007-01-29T21:44:00.000-08:00

It was almost two years ago that I found myself, for the very first time, in Paris. The sun was out and the air was pleasantly warm. I had a list of wine bars, meticulously researched a month ahead of time, and a map of the Metro (subway) in my hand. Around two in the afternoon I came to "Juveniles", a small wine bar quietly situated on a small avenue off the main boulevards. Like several other wine bars in Paris, this one was owned by a middle-aged British gentleman. Other than a French chef who was a friend of the owner, I was the only one in there.

I tried several wines while lounging at a round, no-nonsense wooden table, but my favorite by far was a Spanish wine called La Planella, a blend of Carignan, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, and Syrah. This comes from the hot northeastern region of Montsant, and a family run winery that is 200 years old! The latest release of La Planella is just as impressive as what I remember tasting that day in Paris. Dark ruby color. Beautiful earthy/gamey nose is followed by flavors of dark berry, currant, and smoke. Dry, elegant, pure, and balanced. With air this turns juicy and the flavors turn to red berries. An excellent value at around $16, this was great with the Roast Pork Loin at the recently opened Canale (Atwater Village).
Yum A-Go-Go!
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale

TN: Pelissero 2004 Dolcetto D'Alba Munfrina, Piedmont, Italy

2007-01-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

You know what? I'd love to live in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Just for a month or two. I could sit down at the local enoteca on a Saturday afternoon and sip Barolo, Barberesco, Barbera, and sweet red Brachetto all day long. And don't forget about the Dolcetto! Dolcetto is an unpretentious and charming Italian grape that wants to be your friend from the moment it hits the glass. It doesn't want to be taken too seriously, and is just as happy at a party as at a sit-down dinner. Right now I can't afford to spend a month, much less a week in Piedmont. No worries, I've got my corkscrew and a bottle of Dolcetto right here!

This is a single vineyard Dolcetto that is aged in stainless steel tanks. Dark purple color. Blackberry and violet aromas are accented by a whiff of blueberry. Smooth and soft, and there is plenty of concentation in this light-to-medium bodied wine. Not deep or complex, but ripe, tasty, and fun. Acids are little low, and there is little of that unique bitterness (not tannins but part of the grape's natural flavor) that usually appears on the finish, and this keeps this wine from moving up to the next level. Make no mistake though, this is just fine as it is. Party alert!
Yum+.
Available at: Vendome Wine & Spirits, Toluca Lake (around $17)

TN: Ridge Vineyards 2002 Geyserville, Sonoma

2007-01-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

Ridge Vineyards, through its pioneering winemaker Paul Draper, is largely responsible for the championing of Zinfandel in California (in particular the idea of single vineyard bottlings). He was making georgeous Zins when you and I were just learning how to play "Monopoly" and "Operation" (Ok - so I AM older than you!). What I love about Ridge is the "field blend" approach Draper takes, with all his Zinfandel bottlings featuring small quantities of other grapes such as Petite Sirah. This adds complexity to what can often be a very ripe and forward grape. While having a reputation for long-lived Zins, Ridge's bottlings are always accessible and vibrant when young, and Draper himself prefers them in their first 6-7 years, admitting that Zins rarely improve after 10. So, at just short of five years, this bottle should be the perfect Zin age! On top of that it is from the great Geyserville vineyard in Sonoma, where some of the vines reach 121 years old!

Opulent without being over-the-top, rich and concentrated while at the same time elegant, this wine highlights the beauty of Paul Draper's style, which is all about balance. These are Zinfandels you can drink with food, and so we did, with this matching up just fine with several different Italian dishes. I didn't have my notebook with me so I will do my best from memory... Dark purple color. Aromas of dark berries, flavors of blackberries and chocolate. Smooth, elegant finish. Great stuff. Whenever possible, grab a Ridge Zinfandel and give it a try. It is part of our California heritage!

Yum A Go-Go!
Available at: Wherever good Zinfandel is sold (current vintage should be '04).

TN: Justin 2003 "The Orphan", Paso Robles

2007-01-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

Justin Vineyards & Winery is certainly one of the shining lights of the Paso Robles region, producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and several first-rate blends. But not everything has come up roses for Justin. On October 12, 2005, a tragic fire tore through a wine warehouse in Northern California, wiping out a good deal of Justin's upcoming releases. They then went into their cellar and blended their only remaining barrels from the 2003 vintage into a wine they called "The Orphan." A small drawing of a fireman's hat sits on the front label while a small fire hydrant is featured on the back, a reminder of this wine's sad origins.

I am happy to say that Justin made the right decision here and the result is a happy conglomeration of elements. Clean, dark ruby color. Wild berry aromas are complemented by a floral character as well as a gamey leather note. Juicy and jammy, with wild berry flavors and a juicy finish. While this wine doesn't necessarily have focus it is fun and light on its feet. A friendly blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot. One source said there was also Syrah in this, and based on the aromas I wouldn't be surprised if there was even a little Mourvedre they snuck in there. Anything is possible considering the circumstances. One thing is sure, this is tasty stuff! Unfortunately it is also sold out in most places, but hey, at least you got a good story out of it.

Yum+.

TN: Kilikanoon 2004 Shiraz "The Lackey", South Australia

2007-01-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

With a playfully irreverent name like "The Lackey", you just know this wine has to be from Australia. A well regarded winery, Kilikanoon makes this wine exclusively for its American importer, and it shows in the fruit forward style. Ripe, opulent aromas of vanilla oak and raspberries lead to ripe blackberry flavors and friendly, smooth tannins on the finish. This is full-bodied and smooth throughout. With air the flavors become juicier and take a turn toward black cherry. This is tasty, but in my book needs more earthy complexity to take it to the next level. However, if you are a fan of ripe, fruit-forward Shiraz this will certainly fit the bill.

Yum.
Available at: Silverlake Wine.

TN: Mil Piedras 2004 Malbec, Mendoza

2007-01-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

When you think of Argentina and the region of Mendoza, only one wine springs to mind... Malbec! Mil Piedras is a small-production winery which sits atop an ancient lakebed, and has only recently has been imported to the U.S. Typical of Malbec, this has a dark purple color. A slightly oaky, dark berry, bittersweet chocolate nose also had an intriguing boysenberry note that came and went. More dark berry and bittersweet chocolate on the palate, followed by smooth but dark tannins on the finish. This was an elegant, medium-bodied, fairly dry Malbec, and a good value at around $10. The tannins may be offputting for some when drunk on its own, but pair it with some red meat and it should do well.

Yum+.
Available at: Silverlake Wine.

TN: Val de Sil 2005 Godello Montenovo, Valeorras

2007-01-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

This dry white comes from Valeorras, a scenic valley in northwestern Spain. This is comes from 100% Godello grapes, and from an estate that boasts the world's oldest Godello vines, at 140 years old! This wine is not made from those esteeemed vines but if these are just a quarter of that age no one will hear me complaining. A pale color is followed by light, dry, tight aromas that have a note of green apple. Dry and tart in the mouth, with pear and green apple flavors. This is racy, with good acids. An interesting and pleasant white that, while not deep or complex, offers simple pleasures. A solid match with nuts, cheeses, or light fish/shellfish.

Speaking of old vines... it is generally accepted that old vines result in great wines, but this is not always the case. Sometimes an analogy can be made between vine age and people. When the vines are young they are ripe, forward, bright, energetic, and giving. In their old age they can become tight, reserved, dark, sour, and less giving. This subject warrants a full article, and so I will save further discussion for just such an article.
Yum.
Available at: Silverlake Wine

TN: Bodegas Dios Baco NV Oloroso Sherry, Jerez, Spain

2007-01-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

Dios Baco has a reputation for small production, high quality Sherries and has a proud history dating all the way back to 1765, though the cellars for this property were not built until 1848. The Oloroso is made by adding sweet Moscatel to the dry Palomino base. Medium amber color. Aromas of hazelnut, butterscotch, and toffee, semi-sweet and smooth on the palate, tapering off on the slightly astringent finish. With air the aromas and flavors take a turn toward caramel. A good balance between the dry and sweet styles of sherry, slightly favoring the sweet end. A good introductory sherry, and a good value at under $15 for a 750ml bottle. Try pairing this with manchego, parmagiano reggiano, or aged cheddar cheeses. Should also be good with almonds and desserts such as creme bulee, as well as roasted game birds, roasted chicken, and spanish ham.

Yum+.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale

TN: Alvear NV Solera Cream, Montilla Moriles, Spain

2007-01-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

Alvea is a well regarded winery which is just north of true Sherry country, and so their fortified wines cannot be officially called Sherry. But make no mistake, this is Sherry, and damn good Sherry at that. This is an Oliroso sweetened by adding Pedro Ximenez. Wonderful medium amber color. Aromas of slightly burnt caramel are followed by caramel and maple flavors that are full bodied and juicy, with a long, smooth finish. Really impressive structure here, acids are present but not obtrusive. This is definitley sweet but as it says on the back of the label, "not cloying". A fine dessert wine that can be sipped by itself, though mine went just fine with a fresh berry and creme crepe. Also a good value at around $14 for a 500ml bottle.

Yum A Go-Go!
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale

TN: Tenuta Caparzo 1999 Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

2007-01-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

You can talk about Super-Tuscans from now until the cows come home, but at the end of the day Brunello will still be my favorite wine from Tuscany. Montalcino is south of Chianti, and like that region, the wine here is made from the Sangiovese grape (here it's 100% Sangiovese whereas in Chianti other grapes are blended in). Here a Sangiovese clone called brunello is used which yields richer, more opulent flavors/textures than those used in Chianti. This is a wine that can easily age for decades, the best even longer than that. The fact that the weather is warmer here than in Chianti also helps make this a bigger wine. It is not all about power however, which this bottle clearly demonstrates.

Beautiful dark ruby color. Focused, elegant aromas of dark cherry with leather/tobacco notes. Smooth and supple texture, with elegant, concentrated dried cherry and cassis flavors. Smooth, lingering finish. What was really impressive about this was first, the texture, which was perfectly round and supple but never oaky, fat, or flabby. And secondly, the structure, in which both acids and tannins were present but hardly noticeable, simply supporting the even outpouring of flavor from beginning to end. Not an over-the-top or opulent Brunello, which is exactly what I liked about it. This is what balance and elegance are all about. Retailed for $50 but bought at Woodland Hills Wine Co. for $35. They are sold out of this but have the reserve bottling, called "La Casa" for $70 (it retails for $109).

Yum A Go-Go!
Available at: Woodland Hills Wine Company (reserve bottling only)

TN: Chateau de Landiras, Graves, France

2007-01-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

Graves, located in southern Bordeaux, is the only appelation within Bordeaux where both red and white wines are made by most chateaux. While the top whites can be right up there in price with the top reds, Graves also offers good value-priced whites, with many offering complex, mineraly, herbal, and honeyed flavors for $15 or under. This value priced white started off with restrained floral and honey aromas, followed by a fat, slightly sweet peach mid-palate, tapering off to a dry finish. Traditionally, all Graves are blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and the Semillon certainly shows in the round texture and fat character of this wine. Unfortunately this bottle is from the hot 2003 vintage. I have tasted many French whites from this vintage that simply do not have the structure (acidity) and minerality they normally have. The result is richly flavored wines that are a bit on the flabby and one-dimensional side. This one falls squarely into that category. While this is not complex or ideally structured, it is still a very pleasant, flavorful wine that at around $10 is a good value. Open this now and serve by itself or with appetizers.

Yum.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale.

TN: Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, Central Coast

2007-01-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

Robert Mondavi's "Private Selection" line of wines was began in 1994 to highlight grapes grown in the central and northern coast, and is offered at bargain prices. Normally this is not a label I look for, but I found myself in an old school Italian restaurant that opened in a small strip mall down the street from me, and the by-the-glass selection was pretty limited. I figured it was a perfect opportunity to get off the high horse of Brunellos, Bordeaux, and Boutique wines and see how California was doing on the bargain wine front. I'm embarrassed to admit I forgot to secure the vintage dates for these two wines before I left, but some research indicates that the current Chardonnay release is 2004 and the current Pinot is 2005.

The first wine I ordered was the Robert Mondavi "Private Selection" Chardonnay. This arrived in a generic 8-10oz. wine glass, with the wine poured almost to the top rim. No chance for swirling. No problem I thought. I'll just down a few quick ounces to get to swirling level. I never made it that far. I found the taste so unpleasant that I returned the glass and asked for the same label's Pinot Noir. It's become almost a cliche for "wine guys" to complain about the buttery, overly-oaked, nondescript Chardonnay that seems to endlessly flow from California's large production wineries. Though I am not a big fan of California Chardonnay in general, they do seem to have improved in recent years, with drier, sleeker, more balanced offerings that don't completely overwhelm your food. And even "big" California Chard can have plenty of nuance, purity, and style (labels like Au Bon Climat, Brewer-Clifton, Melville, Mount Eden & Ramey come to mind). This was not one of them however. It had a muddled fruit cocktail character and so much sweet, toasty oak that it was a losing battle to try and taste the grape itself. I eyed the Pinot Noir warily as the waitress put it down in front of me.

The Robert Mondavi "Private Selection" Pinot Noir turned out to be a more pleasant surprise. While no head-turner, it had much more focus and balance than the Chardonnay. Subdued cherry nose, with fairly light and lean flavors of black cherry and cranberry (?) that peak at midpalate and turn slightly astringent on the short finish. Texture and flavors flesh out a little with air and this becomes a perfectly acceptable table wine. Some day I will mosey on in to this Italian joint, plunk down a bottle of Joseph Phelps Insignia, ask for a paper cup, and reenact the ending of "Sideways".

Chardonnay: Yum No No
Pinot Noir: Yum Semi
Available at: Supermarkets, Liqueur stores, etc.

TN: Chateau de Reignac 2000, Bordeaux Superieur, France

2007-01-15T23:16:00.000-08:00

I promised myself I wouldn't open any of the 2000 Bordeaux I had sitting in my storage locker until 2006, and somehow I managed to keep my word. The greatest benefit of having a wine storage locker is you can file bottles away and literally forget about them for years. Without the locker I don't know if I could keep my hands off those bottles I so badly want to try! I opened one bottle in 2006, and now that the new year is here I wasted no time in delving into my second bottle.

This one is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and is from the less prestigious but improving Bordeaux region: Bordeaux Superieur. Dark purple hue. Opulent, ripe nose of deep black cherry and lavendar/violets, deep black cherry/blackberry flavors. Fairly full bodied, tannins are present but are ripe and smooth. With air the aromas become sweeter and more floral, the flavors juicier, and the texture soft and round. While impressively flavored and plenty of wine for the $20 I originally paid, this seemed to me a bit overly ripe. Complexity and elegance are not words that jump out when remembering this wine. 2000 was a warm, ripe vintage in Bordeaux, and the softer merlot grape does make up most of this blend, but this estate is clearly making their wine in a New World, not traditional Bordeaux style. So, it's all a matter of what style you are looking for from this part of the world. If you like your Bordeaux ripe, dense, and sweet you will love this.
Yum+.

TN: Quarles Harris 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Portugal

2007-01-15T22:44:00.000-08:00

First let's define our terms. Tawny ports are not vintage ports but blends bottled after years of aging in the shipper's cellars. Usually you will see these in 10 and 20 year old versions, but on rare occassions 30 years and older. These are not as dark, dense or concentrated as vintage ports but are just as delightful to drink. And because the Port shipper has essentially aged the wine for you, these are ready to drink upon release (vintage Port will take an average of 10-15 years after release to mature).

Dark amber color. Light-to-medium intensity nose of brown sugar and caramel is followed by more of the same with creme brulee on the palate. Sweet but not syrupy, with high acids that continue on the slightly astringent finish. This is not ideally balanced and could use more complexity, but one can't argue with its mouth-watering flavors. A good value at $15 for a 750ml bottle. Try this at the end of your meal or do what they do in Portugal and serve it with fruitcake, custard pudding or chocolate. Personally I am a big fan of the Port/Chocolate match-up, though this might be too decadent for some.
Yum.
Availablle at: Trader Joe's

TN: Domaine de la Mordoree 2004 La Dame Rousse, Lirac, France

2007-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Rhone Valley in France always looms large in my mind because when I was first embarking on my wine voyage this region was one of my first discoveries, and my palate definitely grew as a result. I think the Rhone is a great place to introduce new wine fans to international styles. It has enough ripeness of fruit and body to comfort someone used to California wine, yet it also has plenty of old world character, with herb, earth, flower, mineral, and game complexities.

This winery also looms large for me because it was one of their bottles I opened at my first dinner date with a woman who became one of the great loves of my life. I remember her well, and yes, I remember the bottle just as well.

Mordoree's "La Dame Rousse" is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. Dark ruby color. Sleek and elegant, with black cherry and violet aromas, juicy, sweet black cherry flavors, with some tannins closing in on the finish. While this is a delicious, quality wine that has both fruit concentration and balance, I was missing some of that old world complexity that my favorite Rhone wines contain. However, given the track record of this excellent winery, it's safe to assume that with another few years of age more complexity will emerge.
Yum+.
Available at: Red Carpet Wine, Glendale (for around $15)

TN: Markowitsch 2004 St. Laurent, Carnuntum, Austria

2007-01-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

One of the funnest things about being a "wine guy" is the feeling of constant discovery. There is nothing quite like that first moment when trying a new winery, a new region, a new style, or better yet, a new grape. You never know exactly what to expect, and it's best not to expect anything, just keep your mind open and let the wine tell you what it is. For this reason I never turn down the chance to taste obscure grape varietals. "St. Laurent", as it's called, is apparently related to Pinot Noir but is rarely found outside of Austria. The grape tends to ripen right around Saint Laurent's feast day, which is August 10. Markowitsch is a very well respected winery which sits 30 mintues east of Vienna.

Dark purple color. Dark and red berry aromas, sleek body and good purity. Flavors of dark fruits, minerals, and possibly cranberries, with plenty of tannins sitting on top of them. This is not for those of you who are fans of ripe, New World style wines. And while this is a somewhat closed and tannic wine right now, it should become more interesting after a few years of aging. If you drink it now decant and have some red meat handy to absorb those tannins.
Yum+.
Available at: Silverale Wine Shop

TN: The Terraces 2004 Zinfandel, Napa Valley

2007-01-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

Nose of wild berries/dark raspberry, with rich, sweet black cherry and boysenberry flavors. Despite the 14.8% alcohol this had impressive balance and structure, with a silky, supple texture. I am sure this is at least in part due to the fact that only 35% of the oak barrels used for aging were new. The tangy, lingering finish featured ripe, easy-going tannins. You can definitely age this one for a few years but it's drinking just fine right now. Zinfandel fans (and I am definitely one!) should not hesitate to buy this.
Yum+.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale (for around $20).

TN: Fontana Fredda 2002 Eremo, Langhe, Italy

2007-01-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

The rise of "Super-Tuscans" has done wonders for the region of Tuscany. Once stuck in the duldrums of sagging Chianti sales, with wines that often seemed too thin or earthy for the international market, Tuscany is now one of the most talked about wine regions in the world. Super Tuscans blended Sangiovese with other classic red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in deeper, smoother, more supple wines that were an instant hit in New World markets.

This brings us to Piedmont, a region just as brimming with good wine and wine history as Tuscany. In recent years winemakers here have tried to emulate Tuscany's success by creating their own "Super-Piedmont", a blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo, the two most famous grapes of this region. I used to carry a succesfull bottling of this when I was a wine director, the La Meridiana "Rivaia". I have had another Super-Piedmont, the Fontana Fredda Eremo, patiently waiting for me for over a year and I finally got around to opening it last night.

Diffuse aromas of dark raspberry and blackberry with a note of sour plum. Light-to-medium bodied, with muddled blackberry flavors. Concentration is thin and there is little complexity. The short finish features more of the sour plum element. 2002 was not a good vintage in most of Italy, and I believe the thin, muddled character of this wine is most likely related to the vintage year. However, it should also be noted that this winery is the largest in the region, so this could be a case of quantity over quality in the vineyards. Maybe someone more familiar with the wines from this label can chime in on this question.
Yum Semi.

TN: Scott Harvey 2004 Barbera Mountain Select, Amador County

2007-01-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

Scott Harvey is a talented winemaker who was largely responsible for the success of the Renwood and Folie a Deux wineries. Now he has his own brand and is making great wine. Luckily for me he makes Barbera, which is one of my favorite grapes. Almost all Barbera comes from the Italian region of Piedmont, but occassionally a good one will pop up in California. The best of those are often from Amador County, which is a mountain region best known for its old-vine Zinfandels. This wine is exactly like a riper, more supple version of a typical Italian Barbera. Aromas of dark berries and violets, full bodied and darkly colored, with tangy flavors of cherries and plums, ripe tannins and a smooth, tasty finish. Despite the 14.5% alcohol this is well balanced and great with food. Will be perfect for Pizza with Italian Sausage. Around $15.
Yum+.

TN: Domaine de la Terre Rouge 2003 Tete-a-Tete, Sierra Foothills, California

2007-01-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

This excellent winery was the first in Amador County to specialize in varietals from France's Rhone Valley. The Tete-a-Tete is their everyday table wine entry and is made from younger vines. A fun blend of Mourvedre (70%), Syrah (19%), and Grenache (11%), it is meant to be a slightly riper version of a Cotes-du-Rhone bottling. The '03 version certainly achieves that; a fine Rhone-style red that is bursting with flavor. Smooth and sleek in texture, this has juicy, concentrated dark berries and a hint of meat and game from the Mourvedre. Soft and not a likely candidate for the cellar, open this one now and enjoy! It's a fine value at around $12.
Yum+.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale

TN: Walla Walla Vintners 2003 Cabernet Franc, Walla Walla, Washington

2007-01-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I LOVE Cabernet Franc! It's fairly light-bodied, has plenty of character, and is a great food wine. This particular bottle was a nice surprise. A focused, sweet, and intriguing nose of forest floor and wild berries is followed by wild berry and boysenberry pie flavors and a sweet, lingering finish. After some time in air the aromas took on a mocha character, and the palate became even more juicy and delicious. Very well done for a New World Cabernet Franc. It has more body than one usually expects from this grape because of the addition of 12% Merlot into the blend.
Yum+.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale ('04 vintage, for about $25)

TN: Penfolds 2001 Shiraz St. Henri, South Australia

2007-01-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

Deep and dark, this excellent Australian shiraz begins with fine aromas of dark berries/boysenberry followed by very ripe black cherry flavors that linger among the fine tannins on the finish. Delicious and like other wines on the upper tier of the Penfolds line, this will age well, probably another 8 years or so. I am often critical of Australian Shiraz for an overly-ripe/well-oaked character that, while impressive in fruit concentration, often renders them overbearing and fairly useless with food. This one impressed me with its structure and balance so I did some research and sure enough, this sees no new oak in its aging. The older the oak, the less "oak character" is transferred to the aging juice, so most wineries employ at least a percentage of new oak when aging reds (and a few whites such as Chardonnay). Red meat is best with this one.
Yum+.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale (for about $25)

MIKE THE WINE GUY'S SCORING METHOD

2007-01-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

Ok. We don't have to have scores. We know that scores cannot describe the complexities of wine, and that even words seem to fall short in accurately describing what is essentially a sensual experience. But hey, it's fun to give scores. People gave me scores from my toddler years all the way through college, so now it's my turn! No numbers, icons, or thumbs up here, just my own slightly silly slant. My scores, from low to high...

Yum No No = the wine has gone bad, or it's just bad wine
Yum Semi = fair to decent, but not much character
Yum = good, solid wine / pleasing with some character / probably a crowd-pleaser
Yum+ = very good / more character, complexity, balance / brings on the smiles
Yum A Go-Go! = "please sir, may have some more?" / great stuff! / brings happiness / superb depth, complexity, and balance
YUM BEYOND... = ultimate bliss / ethereal nectar / jackpot

TN: Vinos Pinol 2004 Portal Roble, Terra Alta, Spain

2007-01-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Terra Alta apparently has warmer weather and less rain than some of its neighboring regions, which include the more famous Priorat, and this would explain the ripe, New World quality of this wine, which is made from organically grown grapes. A dense, sweet, dark berry nose, smooth and medium-bodied, with sweet, wild berry flavors. This is almost Zinfandel like. Robert Parker, Jr. raved over the 2003 version, and while this certainly has plenty of fruit concentration, the surrounding package is a little soft and "easy listening" for me. However, I can see this being a real crowd pleaser at the neighborhood barbeque. A fairly even blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, and Tempranillo.
Yum.
Available at: Silverlake Wine Shop.

TN: Domaine de Fontsainte 2004 Corbieres, France

2007-01-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

This is mostly Carignane, with Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, and Syrah blended in. A fine black cherry and smoke nose is followed by light, tangy flavors of tea, cranberry, and black cherry. This gives immediate pleasure and also has character. If there is any disappointment it is in the finish, which drops off rather quickly. Still a great value in the $10-$12 range.
Yum.
Available at: Silverlake Wine Shop.

TN: Giaciarevalo 2005 Casamaro Blanco, Rueda, Spain

2007-01-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

This wine comes from the Spanish region of Rueda, best known for its fresh, zingy whites. This one certainly fits that bill! It features a native grape called Verdejo, and comes from organically farmed, 100 year old vines. Fermenting in stainless steel allows those old vine flavors to shine through, and shine they do. This is one of the more intensely flavored whites I have had recently, bursting with intense, bright melon and citrus. Some may find this a little too racy now (a year or so of aging will help it mellow), but I loved its youthful exuberance, and for $15 you certainly get some bang for your buck.
Yum+.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale.

TN: Zenato 2005 Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy

2007-01-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

There is a reason that Pinot Grigio is such a popular wine, it's light, dry, unpretentious, and does almost as well on its own as it does with food, though personally I prefer it with salads, fish, or chicken. Zenato is located in the Northern Italian region of Veneto (where most of Italy's Pinot Grigio is grown) and always makes a reliable vaule Pinot Grigio. This one is no different, it's clean and crisp, featuring soft peach/pear fruit and a refreshing disposition. At under $10 you can't go wrong here.
Yum.
Available at: Topline Wine, Glendale.

TN: Ken Forrester 2006 Petit Chenin, Stellenbosch, South Africa

2007-01-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Despite the "Petit" on the label, this is 100% Chenin Blanc. This is a light wine with fine aromas of citrus, lime, and tropical notes at the start, converting to a more lemony aroma as it opens. Clean, fresh, and round, with flavors of pear and grapefruit and a slightly sweet finish. Very pleasant from beginning to end and well worth the $10-$12 price point. Nothing deep or complex but a very tasty introduction to this grape.
Yum+.
Available at: Silverlake Wine Shop in Silverlake and Topline Wine in Glendale.

MIKE THE WINE GUY'S MANIFESTO

2007-01-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hello! I am a native of Los Angeles, California, which is a great place to be if you are a wine lover. L.A. has always offered a wide array of restaurants and wine shops but the last ten years has seen a literal wine explosion, with a deluge of wine bars and wine tastings in every shape and size. There is no doubt that the wine scene here is more exciting than it has ever been. I am a dedicated wine geek who has learned a lot but knows there is still much to learn. That is the beauty of wine. It is a lifelong pursuit, a modern equivalent to the old practice of alchemy. We are searching for gold.

I am going to post tasting notes on a weekly basis, and I encourage others to reply with their own tasting notes. For those of you who live in Los Angeles I will include the price and the store where I bought the wine (if the review is negative or the wine is no longer available, I will omit this info). The wines can be red or white, bargain price or expensive, popular or obscure, there are no limitations here. I should mention that I have no professional affiliations with wineries or wine shops, and all wines are paid for out of my own pocket.

Please feel free to ask any wine-related questions you may have, and I will make every effort to respond in a reasonable amount of time. The goal here is to share information, learn, and celebrate the joys of wine. My manifesto is simple: Wine is fun. Everything starts from there. So let's get started!
Yours In Tasting,
Mike the Wine Guy
www.mikethewineguy.com