Category: Classics
Chablis – Introduction to Distinctive Chardonnay from Jurassic Era Soils
Chablis is one of my favorite wine regions in the world. It is the northernmost outpost of Burgundy. It often struggles with frost and other weather issues. Yet even in less-than-great years, the purity of these 100% Chardonnay...
Read MoreGlobal Masters 2026 Pinot Noir Winners
Patrick Schmitt, master of wine and chairman of the Global Masters competition in the UK, asked: “What is the perfect Pinot Noir? It’s a question I found myself asking after our blind tasting of wines made in a wide range of...
Read MorePaso Robles Wine Country Continues to Grow in Numbers and Quality
This blog idea came up after reviewing the results of a recent blind tasting by the Carmel Valley Wine Club, its 348th monthly tasting, featuring one white and seven reds from Paso Robles using varieties and blends in...
Read MoreExploring Chilean and Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon
Major wine publications and respected critics have extolled the rise in quality across most wines from South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the continent have recently received top...
Read MoreBest of the Best Global Wine Masters 2025
The Global Wine Masters Competitions began in 2013 as an offshoot of the Drinks Business, the world’s leading magazine for the wine and spirits trade. The goal was to use their collective industry expertise to promote the...
Read MoreFavorite Wines of 2025 – Bordeaux, California Cabernet, Italian, and Other Reds
As noted in the first posting of notes on my favorite wines from 2025, covering Burgundy and Pinot Noir, good values can be found from the top wine-producing regions of the world. The caveat: trust the best producers from each...
Read MoreFavorite Wines of 2025 – Burgundy and Pinot Noir Edition
In reading through my tasting notes from 2025, a couple of themes stood out: wine drinkers are enjoying an excellent supply of well-made wines under $25 from around the world; direct-to-consumer offers from discount and flash...
Read MoreClassic Italian Wines Dominate Sangiovese Masters
The Global Masters conducts monthly competitions featuring varietal wines from throughout the world. Experienced judges from the wine trade and with advanced degrees judge the wines blind. Scores are tallied and results issued....
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Fine Wines on Display in Gaja Roadshow
Giovanni Gaja stopped by San Diego while on the road to leading markets in the U.S. to preview...
Read MoreTasting Notes from Domaine Drouhin, Duckhorn, Far Niente, and Frank Family
Winery dinner tastings are a quick way to learn more about the wines from each operation, their philosophies and stories, and how the selections pair with food. The approach is less clinical and much more fun than at blind...
Read MoreCalifornia Cabernet Stars of 2024
Everything from the global news networks to major daily newspapers, financial magazines, TikTok influencers, bloggers, and podcasters of every stripe are issuing their Best of 2024 highlights. This motivated me to see what rose...
Read MoreDiscoveries at Napa Valley Vintners Road Show
Wineries, negotiants, distributors, regional and national associations, and even countries organize trade tastings to introduce new wines to decision-makers with bars, restaurants, chains, and wine writers in large markets...
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