CHRISTOPHER'S BLOG

Cuvee 1682 – THE Perineal Overachiever A perineal overachiever, with multiple 90+ ratings under its belt, yet still available for less than $20, Fontareche can trace its unbroken history to the 10th century. Under a grant from the Archbishop of Narbonne, Fontareche and its glorious towers became an official estate, and would remain under that single ownership until changes at the beginning of the 13th century. Additional changes came at the second half of the … Continue reading 10th Century Estate STILL Rockin’ the Charts! »

Chateau Roylland Wows the Critics! I came across Chateau Roylland in the spring of 2017 at the UGC event in St Emilion. That’s where multiple Chateau gather their wines under one roof for convenience and comparison. I was there for the annual En Primeur week and this was my day to taste about 50 St Emilions.  I was crammed into the space, elbow to elbow with hundreds of … Continue reading 93 points and less than $30?! Jump on this one folks! »

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 My Italians are Starting to Arrive! Mount Etna First Up. »

Classic No-Brainer! 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 $30 – Montlandrie and L’Enclos, … Continue reading Hot Wine Offer: 93 points & Under $18 “Sleeper of the Vintage” »