2019 Brunello di Montalcino is “…the vintage we’ve all been waiting for,” so “Buckle your seatbelts,” and strap on your helmets because the newest vintage from Montalcino is “…an embarrassment of riches for collectors and fans of the appellation” (Eric Guido, Vinous Media). The hotly anticipated Brunellos have “…definitely lived up to [their] lofty reputation as an excellent vintage across Montalcino” (Kerin O’Keefe). It showcases the extraordinary qualities of Sangiovese, Tuscany’s most famous and beloved grape variety, and its ability to exploit the region’s phenomenal terroir. This “…magical year…” (Giacomo Neri of Casanova di Neri) of “radiance and appeal” (Eric Guido) will likely set a new benchmark for Brunello wines for years to come.
According to Italian wine expert, Kerin O’Keefe, she has “…never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage.” She confesses that many of the best wines stopped her in her tracks, generating that “…magical moment
Much has been written about the 2011 vintage Ports, only the third vintage declared in the last 12 years. The growing season left a great deal to speculation until harvest, with some fearing that the juice would ultimately be destined for commercial brands. Most Port houses were aware that it was a year when the oldest vines would prove to be the most successful as the summer was quite dry.
At this point, it’s no secret that Spain, specifically Ribera del Duero for me, has been producing magnificent wines for longer than you and I have been on this earth. For several generations, the Calvo Casajus family has produced quality wine in extremely limited quantities and has saved them in underground cellars, mostly for their own enjoyment. But in 1993, Jose Alberto Calvo Casajus founded Bodegas J. A. Casajus Calvo, using modern, more advanced techniques, but always keeping with the family traditions. Up until recently, they went unrecognized globally and were known only locally for producing magnificent wines. That is until Neal Martin from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate had the opportunity to taste through the wines. I enjoyed a bottle this week that I paired with my slow cooked short ribs recipe. When it comes to value, Bodegas Casajus Calvo delivers two-fold! This is a perfect wine to pour over the holidays or to gift to the
"The best Chateauneuf-du-Papes are among the most natural expressions of grapes, place and vintage.” - Robert Parker 
“I make my wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon.”
A recent Saturday night was a very special occasion - we were getting together with old friends, ones we don't get to see nearly enough. The restaurant was selected, an easy pick as we all love Italian. My task was to select a wine for the table, and I decided to bring along a bottle of Brunello.
Pinot Noir, an unpredictable and demanding grape, is considered to be the hardest to grow yet it carries the title, the ‘Nobel Grape’. Pinot Noir is a main focus of Sean Capiaux, one of California’s thriving Pinot producers. The Capiaux Cellars label was created in 1994 by Sean with the intention of producing single vineyard wines in a natural fashion, which he has accomplished. 
In 1929 the aromatic white grape Kerner was bred in Germany by crossing the red variety Trollinger (also known as Schiava Grossa or Vernatsch in various parts of Italy) with the noble white grape Riesling. Not authorized for general cultivation until 1969, the Kerner quickly became the most planted modern German cross. That being said, there has been a trend in Germany since the mid-90s to pull out modern cross varietals and total acreage is now less than half of the amount at its height.
About two weeks ago I was listening to Ask Burghound #2. One of the questions Allen Meadow’s addressed was about climate change and its effect on Burgundy. He mentioned how Chablis has been one of the biggest benefactors as frost is now much less prevalent than it used to be. How the Grand Cru that was most admired from the 2nd half of the 19th century through the 1st half of the 20th was Vaudésir, being a big amphitheater that shields the vines from wind and collects heat. And how these days much of the praise you hear is for wines from Les Clos, Preuses or Valmur.
Can anything get a celebration started better than the pop of a cork from a Champagne bottle? Not in my opinion! I love to keep a few bottles on hand not just for celebrations, but to make any occasion special.