Tasting through this year’s release parade of 2007 Cote du Rhones (CDR) reflects an intensity of reward found in vintages where mother nature sets the perfect table. I have been grinning and tasting the releasing 07 CDRs acknowledging their richness, depth of fruit, aligned structure, and across the board enjoyment. They offer a value buying opportunity with only one question; Buy just enough to drink over […]
2005 Sierra Cantabria Crianza
The 2005 Sierra Cantabria Crianza rises to the top of my charts in the continuous search for world class wines in the sub $20 range. I stumbled across this Rioja last night on a restaurant list for $38 a bottle. A quick check shows it can be bought for mid teens at retail. It is a 100% Tempranillo that […]
Primofiore 2001 Bin End
It’s a name to remember and a wine to forget. First the name: Giuseppe Quintarelli. Now the wine: 2001 Primofiore. And finally, the caveats. I made a last minute stop into a local wine shop on the way to one of the two BYOB restaurants within driving distance of my home. Living in the Boston area and thinking BYOB is probably […]
90 Points of Costco Wine
It seems legitimate to me that Costco, operating at an incredibly low 0.2% retail margin, seeks maximum turns and sales volume for its entire inventory. As a big box, non specialty retailer chasing lowest possible SGA expense in a declining sales environment, Costco leans on merchandising advantages like brand names and informational signage as strategy elements to turbo power sales volume. So, if Costco wine […]
More Eleven Madison Park
Restrained but glorious flora, service staff whispers, John Ragan’s selections, the Daniel Humm aura, soaring ceilings, Madison Park fauna, a team-in-motion “whoosh”, and Will Guidara sets the Eleven Madison Park tone. Like explorers’ in the deep rain forest, your senses are pumped with addictive tonic to lure you back; again and again. Returning recently after a regretfully long hiatus, I anticipated another evening of wine and food wizadry with my colleague who […]
Castle Rock Rocks
There is so much value built into the wine market today that with careful picking you could pass a few months drinking a different high quality, inexpensive wine every night and never get bored. In the midst of a value wine streak of my own, I found it worthwhile pausing on the Castle Rock 2007 California Cuvee Pinot Noir ($10-$13). The […]
One Robert Parker
Robert Parker and his Wine Advocate have shaped wine markets and consumer behavior more than any other contemporary critical influence. The newsletter continues to fulfill its role as the most useful independent review source available. During the early years as the Wine Advocate cemented that position, Parker did all the tasting. Now, Parker relies on a wider network of regular contributors. The publication navigates a love/hate relationship with buyers […]
The Long Road to Puglia
Our group of six moved purposely into Sportello a couple of nights ago, Barbara Lynch’s latest addition to her standout group of Boston eateries. Hosting dinner at Sportello for out of town guests on my first visit felt safe. I knew the space was invented to provide superior service and included twists (our New England […]
Antinori in 60 Minutes
There are better and harder to find Chianti and sangiovese in the market, but a wine this good in most years from a large program like the Antinori’s is my kind of “go to” wine.
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