“Shows such intensity and finesse” – Suckling Way back in 1988, Luca Sanjust launched what would become one of the most successful and sought-after proprietary wines of our generation. Known as Il Torrione, based primarily on Sangiovese, Sanjust’s first vintages became the darling of the American press, a cult wine was born. One of the first vintages to hit the pages of the Wine Advocate, … Continue reading Il Torrione – One of Tuscany’s Great Cult Wines »

Part I, A Couple Killer Whites We recently restocked some of our – and, based on the sales, your – favorite wines since our opening back in January. These are wines which cover the spectrum; white to red, lite to full, easy going to complex. But the one thing they all have in common is their uncanny ability to wow! Each time I’ve suggested one … Continue reading Outstanding Best Sellers – Now Back In Stock »

Four to Choose, All Priced Under $100! Back in our Houston stores, in the 1990s and early 2000s, one of the most successful offerings we did were our mix & match sampler cases. Back then, these offers acted as sort of a wine club for us, where I would hand pick three or four different cases each month and offer them via email and our … Continue reading All New Sampler Cases »

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate LOVES This! In Italy’s deep south, resting just off the toe of her “boot,” lies the Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily. Sicily’s eastern edge is home to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes at just under 11,000 feet high. Mount Etna is not just active, it is volatile, frightening and quick to erupt. So why plant vineyards here? Furthermore, why … Continue reading 2014 Etna Rosso Animardente Now on Sale! »

Their Flagship Cuvee – Premices – is Now Available! To date, I’ve been able to offer the Brother’s Durand’s killer, smokin’ hot St. Josephs to all of you. And based on the responses, you’ve fallen just as much in love with the wines as have I. Well, folks, OUR SHIP HAS COME IN! I have finally gotten my hands on the Brother’s most important wine. … Continue reading The Wait is Over! Durand Cornas has Arrived! »

Best Priced Cru Bourgeois for the Money Many of you have enjoyed our Chateau Panigon, as it’s one of our best-selling Cru Bourgeois in the shop. But Panigon is so much more than just a great tasting Bordeaux, it’s a wine with a magical, ancient history, as is so often the story with wines of its caliber. The word “Panigon” appeared for the very first … Continue reading 2015 Panigon – François Rabelais Fav, Yours Too! »

THE Finest Vacqueyras I’ve Discovered I first visited the wine growing appellations surrounding Chateauneuf du Pape on one of my annual buying trips through the region in the early 1990s. I spent the bulk of my time in the town of Chateauneuf du Pape, visiting with and tasting through literally dozens of the finest wines on the planet. But I had been encouraged by my … Continue reading Montmirail Vacqueyras Cuvee des Deux Freres »

“Sleeper of the Vintage” Ninety-Three points is that threshold where things get serious, where a merely good wine becomes great – or at least something very special. It’s also where we generally find wines in the $30 and up range. Case in point, most of my favorite Castillon, Pomerol and Petite Chateaux in better vintages are reviewed at 93 points (sometimes higher) and START at … Continue reading Hot Wine Offer: 93 points & Under $18! »

Italy Mimics Burgundy’s Best Meursaults I love Chardonnay! In all its many facets. From Burgundy’s crisp, bone dry Chablis to Puligny and Chassagne where we get Chardonnays with incredible complexity, drive and vigor. I love Chardonnays from the Maconnais with their tautness and hints of fresh butter. I adore Napa’s big, bold, buttery, creamy versions with all my heart. Sonoma, too. With their nod to … Continue reading The Best Chardonnay You’re Not Drinking – Yet! »

The Flavor of Syrah, the Texture of Pinot As I sit here today, a bottle of this wine open next to me, my mind wanders back to some of the finest, earlier vintages of this wine that I’ve tasted. The wine I’m tasting and writing about today is the phenomenal 2017 Domaine Durand Saint Joseph Cuvee Lautaret. Delicious doesn’t do it justice. The 2017s are rock … Continue reading One of the Most Profound St Josephs Ever! »