My Great Uncle George had Thanksgiving food and drink pairing down pat: “Everything tastes better with Budweiser”. Straight shooting and always to the point, you’d never have known George was first generation Portuguese given his... more>

Perhaps it’s because t hasn’t popped up on #sommlife or the less-used but seemingly less annoying #awesomm. Or, perhaps it’s just that the punt volat (·) tosses people for a wobbly, but Xarel·lo is still... more>

In 2010, those who make Grenache decided that the third Friday of September would hence forth be “International Grenache Day”. While initially hatched at an event in France’s Rhône, this has indeed became a thing... more>

For those who may not know of it, the Geoffrey Roberts Award is one that takes on the form of a bursary granted to those who show “…a genuine commitment to New World wines or... more>

Given my living location and writing focus I’m viewed as a “Spain person” for the Decanter Awards. This is great and I’m very happy to judge these wines but I made a mention to the... more>

One of the grandest of sagas that took place in Napa Valley during the 20th century was the split between the original Mondavi brothers of Robert and Peter. Many a wine drinker will know the... more>

The 2008 vintage for DOQ Priorat was something of a crossing-the-Rubicon, come-to-Bacchus, everything-has-changed vintage. The wineries started the year coming off of one of their best vintages ever, 2007 (read more) and they ended the... more>

Fully booked! Sorry for those who couldn’t get in this time around! I have admittedly been a bit crazy about Carignan lately. It’s no wonder as I posted this large, “Grand Tasting of Carignan” from... more>

This past February, the impossible happened: I actually slept in Napa Valley. In fact, I slept seven nights and passed an entire week within the confines of these world-famous vineyards bracketed by the Mayacamas and... more>

The “Judgment of Paris” is one of those things that anyone the least bit tinged with wine will most likely never let go of. Big events in wine are often only big to wine people,... more>