Archive

Not many people are aware that Palm Bay has some really great French wines – including the value-conscious wines of Loire producer Remy Pannier, and superstar Rhone producer Jean-Luc Colombo. I had to drop in on Xavier Amirault, the North American Director of Remy Pannier, whom I’ve known for several years now. Dr. Gonzo wasn’t [...]

Going back to Monday in D.C., we were immediately surprised by the quality in the El Portillo wines. The Chardonnay was pretty good, yet the Pinot Noir was exceptional at that price. Along with the Salentein wines, most notably their Pinot Noir, Malbec and top-tier wines – the Numina Malbec/Merlot, Primum Pinot Noir and Primum [...]

On the plane ride to D.C. I had Tragically Hip’s “Escape is at Hand for the Travelling Man” on my i-Pod, and I couldn’t help but smile. Yesterday I headed to the nation’s capital, not to make trouble for the Secret Service, but to once again, invade the spaces of Palm Bay International’s Portfolio tasting, [...]

I am headed to D.C. today for the Palm Bay Portfolio Show in Washington D.C. Most of you know I am a huge fan, and hopefully this time, I’ll talk to some of the folks from Anselmi, Fonterutoli, Santa Rita, and maybe even chat with Jean-Luc Colombo himself. I will be keeping you updated via [...]

The world of wine moves fast, like lightning fast. Everyday there is some new change, whether a winery change distributors in a state, a winery is acquired by some megacorporation, a new grape variety is proclaimed the hottest new thing in wine, or another laboring sot has gotten his/her Master Sommelier credentials. New changes in [...]

My Vanguard rep Jeff came by with one of those rock stars in the winemaking biz as part of his swan song with his company (he’s moving to another distributor in a couple of weeks) – Greg Brewer, of Brewer-Clifton and Melville renown. Any other time on a Thursday, I would be working hard to [...]

Good friend and RNDC/Kentucky rep David came by Thursday with some new stuff: Leyda Classic Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding. In keeping with my previous night’s indulgence of Chilean SBs, David brought this little beauty from Winebow’s Chilean portfolio. Crisp, tart, with lovely lemongrass, guava and gooseberry notes, and terrific acidity throughout its vibrant [...]

Our lovely and talented Heidelberg rep Wendy came in with Jennifer from Pietra Santa Wednesday: Pietra Santa Chardonnay Central Coast 2006. Grade=Outstanding. This was holding up surprisingly well, showing signs of creamy lemon and tangerine aromas and flavors, with hints of buttered popcorn, caramel apples, and apricot tarts. Sacred Stone Red California Cask #5 NV. [...]

This past weekend I had the great fortune to be invited down to Elk Creek Vineyards in Owenton, KY. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, and the grapes were a-growing! Just about an hour from Cincinnati, Louisville or Lexington(if you don’t get lost like we did!), Elk Creek is nestled in a cozy [...]

Our RNDC/Barkley rep and good friend Lou came by with a stellar lineup as always: Educated Guess Chardonnay Napa Valley 2007. Grade=Outstanding. I like this Chard, but it’s fairly one-dimensional. There are some nice stone fruit characters, with a hint of citrus and mineral. But it’s really just okay. Jackson Hills Chardonnay Santa Barbara 2008. [...]