CHRISTOPHER'S BLOG

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! »

Fabulous New Foodie Discovery Normally, my emails tend to focus on the wines; the history, the people, the winemaking, the stuffing that goes into the making and bottling of all these great wines we carry. But today I want to talk to you about a fantastic, yet very casual take-out meal my wife and I recently enjoyed. The food and wine combination was so perfect … Continue reading And now for something completely different! »

Ducru-Beaucaillou’s Neighbor for a Song Sometimes, when searching for great Petit Chateau Bordeaux, it’s not who knows you but who your neighbors are. So it is with the humble but profoundly serious Chateau du Glana in Saint-Julien, located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Their immediate neighbors read like a who’s-who of Bordeaux elite, yet even with all their heft, they have yet to convince … Continue reading The Greatest Saint Julien Value Today »

Vintage of the Decade now on Sale! Villa Collazzi is one of the most impressive estates in all of Tuscany. This architectural landmark was originally designed by Michelangelo in 1560 for his friend, Agostino Dini. It offers commanding views of the surrounding Chianti Classico and Tuscan countryside. Today, I Collazzi is the property of the Marchi brothers, Carlo and Bona. During the last decade, the … Continue reading INCREDIBLE 2015 Vintage Super Tuscan »