Archive

So not to delude myself into believing that my Top 50 will in any way rival the pomp and circumstance of Wine Spectator’s soon-to-be-revealed Top 100, coming out Monday, November 22nd, but my list isn’t a big bunch of politics, it’s merely a list of the wines that kicked my ass the most over the [...]

Good friend and Tramonte rep Devon came by the other day with 11 wines, some of which I have had earlier in the year, and others, all new ones on me: Ceviche Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast 2009. Grade=Average. Mild, slightly flat SB with some decent notes of gooseberry, guava and hay. Not bad, but has [...]

Today I have been hiding in my lightning closet, away from the cold, drab rain that is drenching the south banks of the Ohio River here in Covington with a ashy ennui that has taken up residence until more than likely next St. Patty’s day. Today is the unofficial beginning of ramping up for the [...]

In trying to go over wines I have missed reviewing or just wanted a self-refresher, I scooped up 4 Zinfandels that seemed to be languishing a bit on the shelves, the by-product of an overwhelming plethora of cool stuff that has come out in recent weeks. One of these wines is headed home with me [...]

Every now and then, we get a cold call from one of the new local wineries, and this past week it was Greg Karsner from Horseshoe Bend Winery in Willisburg, Kentucky. Horseshoe Bend Golden Sun White NV. Grade=Outstanding. This blend of Vidal Blanc and Riesling is slightly sweet up front with notes of golden raisins, [...]

The power of the Internet introduced me to a guy by the name of Strappo last year, and while those that haven’t met him via Facebook, Twitter or his blogs Mondosapore (RIP) and Muddy Boots, hearing the name Strappo may bring to mind something of a bondage or dominatrix Web site – but Strappo is [...]

Last week, our good friend and Bryant point man Jimmy came by with a couple of new wines. The first, from Folio wine partners, was the La Revolera Red Navarra 2008 (Grade=Outstanding). This blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano is lively with bright, ripe red berry fruit, baking spices and fresh cut cedar notes. [...]

Our resident SWS-Crown division madman and good friend Dr. Gonzo dropped in last week with local Palm Bay sales guy Tommy for a flight of upper tier Spanish, Italian and Chilean wines: Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva 1996. Grade=Outstanding. Faustino should be regarded as something of a historian, keeping true to the traditional style of [...]

A quick little post on today, my birthday. I am not one to celebrate my birthday that much. You know you’re getting old when your wife asks you what you want for your birthday, and you don’t reply “sex,” you ask for “sleep.” A good birthday for me is a good steak, a bottle of [...]

Wines have this uncanny knack of evoking all kinds of various visions and recollections in me, whether it be a hint of the homemade blueberry pies my Grandma would make me for my birthdays as a kid, or hiding in between the rows of tomato vines in my Dad’s garden. I am more wow’d by [...]