Tag Archives: France

Inauguration Whine: Me Donner Un Break!

Posted on January 12, 2013 by

Yes, that’s right, “Give me a break!” President Obama is making headlines again in the silly little oenosphere (a word I just made up) because Korbel will be the featured bubbly at the inauguration luncheon at the U.S. Capitol after … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Eastern US, Merlot, New York, Rants, Riesling, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Rooting for Chenin

Posted on March 19, 2012 by

I always root for the underdog grape varieties. In a simplified consumer culture where red wine means Cabernet Sauvignon and merlot and white wine is synonymous with chardonnay, it is easy to lose sight of the amazing diversity wine has … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Food and Drink, France, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sneak Preview Wine: Little James’ Basket Press 2010 Viognier-Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on January 2, 2012 by

Now that the holiday splurge is over, it’s probably time to be looking again at bargains in the wine aisles. Here is a sneak peak at one of my Bargain Bottles recommendations (formerly Recession Busters, but I wanted to feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Bargain Wines, France, Wine | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Sneak Preview Champagne #2: José Michel et Fils Brut Tradition

Posted on December 20, 2011 by

Champagne is, unfortunately, expensive. It will never be an everyday wine for those of us in the 99 percent. But it is possible to find Champagnes that offer exceptional value for a reasonable price, considering what you get. One of … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, France, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sneak Preview Wine of the Week: Champagne Lenoble, Cuvée Intense

Posted on December 18, 2011 by

When the political philosopher Thomas Hobbes described life in a state of nature as “nasty, brutish and short,” he was probably drinking some cheap imitation sparkling wine. He obviously wasn’t referring to Champagne, and certainly not the Champagne Lenoble Cuvée … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, France, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Sneak Preview Wine of the Week: A Châteauneuf wannabe

Posted on November 27, 2011 by

My Sneak Preview Wine of the Week is the stunningly good single-vineyard Côtes-du-Rhône “Montueil-la-Levade” 2009 produced by Clos du Mont-Olivet ($15), which I give three stars (“Exceptional”) in this coming Wednesday’s Washington Post Food section. Châteauneuf-du-Pape lovers, take note: This … Continue reading →

Posted in Bargain Wines, France, Rhône, Wine | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Sneak Preview Wine of the Week: A wild, cheap Thanksgiving wine!

Posted on October 30, 2011 by

Here is my Sneak Preview Wine of the Week, when I give you a heads-up about a recommendation to be published this coming Wednesday in my Washington Post wine column. This week’s sneak is one of the most unusual and … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Bargain Wines, France, Wine | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Parker: Will Bordeaux alienate the U.S. market?

Posted on June 28, 2011 by

A roundup of recent news from the world of wine: * Bordeaux is in the throes of its annual frenzy of futures (or en primeur) sales as chateaux, buoyed by rave reviews from journalists, release the prices for their 2010s. … Continue reading →

Gallery | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Bobby Kacher – Dean of the DC Importers

Posted on January 19, 2011 by

The Washington, D.C., region is a very fun and active market for wine consumers, especially for those of us interested in imported wines. There is a vibrant cadre of wine importers serving this market, enough to keep wine lovers turning … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Argentina, Bargain Wines, Burgundy, Champagne, Cheap Wine, France, Malbec, Organic, Portugal, Rhône, Rosé, Terroir, Washington Post, Wine, writers | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Chablis: The Ultimate in Unoaked Chardonnay

Posted on August 25, 2010 by

I consider myself part of the Anything But Chardonnay crowd – at least, until I taste one I really love. Lately I’ve tasted several from Chablis that make me think of converting to the Chardonnay side of the aisle. These … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, France, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment