The Wine Road Less Traveled

Pinot Noir is often mentioned as a wine that pairs well with the Thanksgiving repast. I have noticed one particular Pinot Noir making a lot of the different “Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner” lists. That wine – Castle Rock Pinot Noir. Cast...

It’s hard for me to believe that Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away. I have not even begun to think about the Thanksgiving menu (yes, I know turkey will be on the menu – but when you are of Italian heritage there are many courses before you get to the turkey…). To s...

Apparently when one graduates from one of the top schools for Oenology in California or New York one does not immediately consider Missouri as a destination to practice one’s newly acquired trade, even though Missouri is now one of the top 10 wine producing states in the U.S. ...

I love a well made Pinot Noir (who doesn’t?). It is among my favorite varietals. I also love it when I can find a good Pinot Noir that does not cost an arm and a leg. ...

Have you ever wondered how many calories there in that glass of wine you are enjoying. Well wonder not more...

I read a recent article where the wine reviewer commented that a $54 bottle of wine that received a rating in the high 90s was an unbelievable value. I paused for a moment with raised eye brow. Now I realize that everyone’s idea of value is based on their own perception, means, and values. ...

I tried the Joseph Carr 2006 Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon (actually a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc) earlier this week. It was my first wine from this producer whose wines are produced at the Larson Family Vineyards in Carneros...

Reuters has published a list of the top 10 wine destinations in North America (see: Travel Picks: North America’s top 10 wine destinations, Reuters, October 9, 2009). As one might expect, the usual suspects are on the list – Napa (#1), Sonoma (#2). Wh...

I have often seen positive references to Killer Juice box wine on the web so it was with some anticipation that I tried the 2007 Killer Juice Cabernet Sauvignon expecting at least a half-way decent, inexpensive wine...

First it was the ec0nomy acting as a boat anchor on the price of premium wine. Not it appears to be oversupply – and if you remember your basic rules of supply and demand, oversupply drives down prices. See: Vintners suffer hangover from too much wine, MSNBC, September 30, 2009. ...

I read with great interest a recent post in Vinography (Who is the Average Wine Consumer?). They cite a recent report in Restaurant Wine about the most popular wine in restaurants. 3 of the top 10 wines are Chardonnays (predictable). 3 more of the top 10 are Pinot Grigio...

I recently read an article in Examiner.com (Top 7 Wine Bloggers, September 21, 2009) that I have to take slight issue with. Typically I like these kind of lists because it helps with finding nice wine resources that I did not already know about...

Yet another very nice box wine is the Turning Leaf 2007 Reserve Chardonnay. This is a nice, well made, light Chardonnay with bright citrus flavors and a hint of oak. I found this to be a very refreshing wine that pairs well with most classic white wine dishes...

According to the Beverage Information Group, wine consumption in the U.S. rose 0.9% in 2008. While representing a slowing in consumption increase, it still represents the 15th consecutive year that wine consumption in the U.S. has increased. See: U.S...