Argiano NC Confunditor 2007 Rosso Toscano
March 10, 2010 by Christopher Prawdzik
Filed under Cabernet Sauvignon, Features, Italy, Merlot, Red, Steaks, The Weekly Pick
When you arrive at the III Forks prime seafood and steakhouse restaurant in downtown Austin, Texas, and enter its walk-in wine room, you’ll be greeted by more than 500 wine selections from all over the world. You also might bump into Danny Payne, former III Forks sommelier and now general manager, who’s always quick to [...]
Dominus Napanook, Napa Valley, CA
February 28, 2010 by Derek Swanson
Filed under California, Claret, Features, Napa Valley, Red, Steaks, The Weekly Pick
This week’s pick was recommended by Frank Ortiz, sommelier at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. Dominus was founded on the historic Napanook Vineyards by Christian Moueix, the man behind the coveted Chateaux Petrus and Trotanoy. His Napa estate wine is a staple of award-winning wine lists across the country and beyond, and factors into [...]
2007 Reginato “Celestina” Rose of Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
February 12, 2010 by Derek Swanson
Filed under Argentina, Features, Mendoza, Red, Sparkling, The Weekly Pick
This week’s selection was made by Thomas Perez, sommelier at L’Auberge Carmel: ”This unusual sparkling wine is hard not to love. It has a deep vibrant berry hues with a crisp, dry and refreshing mouth-feel. It’s a fun and versatile wine; you can either have it as an aperitif or you can enjoy [...]
Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Oregon
January 21, 2010 by Derek Swanson
Filed under Chocolate, Duck, Features, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Red, Salmon, The Weekly Pick, Williamette Valley
This week’s pick comes from Richard Barbato, sommelier at 22 Bowens in Newport, Rhode Island: “One of my favorite wines is Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir for a couple of reasons. For such a quality-made wine it is moderately priced; it’s a “great value” wine. It has a great balance of spice (cinnamon and [...]
Blue Rockin’
January 18, 2010 by Derek Swanson
Filed under Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Editor Picks, Features, Red, Red Grapes, Sonoma, Steaks, Syrah/Shiraz
I was excited to taste the samples wine-maker Kenny Kahn sent me last month. I thought his 2005 Blue Rock Estate Cabernet was the best of show two years ago at Bassin’s Annual California Barrel Tasting, where 50 top California wineries descend to the basement of the Mandarin hotel in DC with barrel samples of [...]
