Category: Discoveries
Summer Whites: Easy Sipping Party Wines, Plus a Few Complex Classics
The following white wines rose to the top of our tasting leaderboard the past three months, scoring for overall quality of the wines and values delivered. Most are widely available, except for classics from the cellar and...
Read MoreValues from Four Nations in BBQ Wines
With Americans firing up the home barbecue and indoor grills more than ever before, we searched for good values in hearty BBQ wines to enhance the fun. We would typically suggest adding to beach parties and picnic fare as well,...
Read MoreValues in New World Pinot Noir
In seeking gastronomic relief from the high-alcohol fruit bombs attacking our palates from all over the world, we often turn to something more friendly with food – Pinot Noir. Wines from this fine red wine grape can be enjoyed...
Read More18 Chardonnays for Spring and Summer Sipping
The following wines were selected from tastings over the past three months for a combination of quality, style and price. Sources were local grocery stores, wine merchants, online discount houses and a warehouse store. Prices...
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Lodi Reds Redux; New Discoveries from California
After enjoying a class on Lodi wines at the annual SommCon® conference held each year in San Diego...
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Willamette Valley and Seven AVAs — Exploring Oregon Pinot Noir
The seminar was titled “It’s Willamette, Damnit,” to break the pronunciation barriers, and offered...
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Burgundy Wines – Hunting for Quality in Less Famous Appellations
It’s a good day that starts at 9 a.m. with an introduction to the wines of Burgundy. Or you could...
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Syrah Smackdown: Appreciating a Sense of Place and Personality
The annual SommCon® conference provides sommelier-level education and training of wine...
Read MoreBig Reds: BBQ, Picnic and Party Wines from $12 to $32
With many outdoor events scheduled as we headed into the Labor Day weekend, we sorted through notes on bigger wines we’ve enjoyed with barbecue, picnic and party fare. Here are 12 favorites. The selections include wines made...
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Bordeaux: Introduction to Second Labels, Second Wines and Petit Chateau
Confused about second labels, second wines, third labels and petit chateau in Bordeaux? Mary...
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Lodi – the Motherlode of Affordable California Wines
Randy Caparoso, wine journalist, wine country photographer and columnist for The SOMM Journal, led...
Read MoreUnderstanding Dry White Bordeaux
SommCon®, the annual conference and exposition for sommelier-level education and training of wine professionals and serious enthusiasts, returned to San Diego in November. The conference offers a strong educational component for...
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