Category Archives: Rhône

Great Values of 2017

Posted on January 15, 2018 by

This is a new feature I’ll probably do annually for The Washington Post, highlighting my favorite wines of the past year that I gave the “Great Value” designation. I’m deleting the store listings here, so it won’t be such a … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Bargain Wines, California, Cheap Wine, France, Germany, Portugal, Rhône, Riesling, Spain, Wine, Zweigelt | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Wednesday wine recommendations, 8/23/2017

Posted on August 23, 2017 by

Riesling can be one of the most thrilling wines. This week’s selections include a scintillating example from Alsace, made from organic grapes, plus a lovely Rhone red and an electric white from Sicily. For novelty, how about a tasty kosher … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, France, Italy, Rhône, Riesling, Sparkling Wine, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wine Camp 2011: This wine’s from WHERE?

Posted on December 29, 2011 by

Something extraordinary happened this Christmas. Not birth-of-the-savior extraordinary mind you, but something so unexpected that I had to rub my eyes before I could believe it actually happened. I was served a Virginia wine at “Wine Camp.” Wine Camp is … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, California, Eastern US, France, Italy, Local Wine, Parker, Rhône, Virginia, Wine | Tagged , , | 6 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

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

Randall Grahm Tinkers With the Vin Gris …

Posted on August 4, 2010 by

Randall Grahm is a restless soul, who seems incapable of settling down and just being contented with what he’s accomplished. Which is probably good news for fans of his Bonny Doon wines, for he is always looking for something new, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biodynamic, California, Rhône, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wine Camp, and Other Ideas

Posted on January 6, 2010 by

Over Christmas weekend, my family held our annual “Wine Camp.” This is an extremely vinonerdy exercise in which we pour several wines blind and say, “Tell me what this is.” Over the years, it has taken on an air of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bargain Wines, Cheap Wine, Eastern US, France, Games, Maryland, New Zealand, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Rhône, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Virginia, Washington, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Montirius Côtes du Rhône 2007

Posted on April 9, 2009 by

Montirius hits the stony, mineral side of Rhône wines. It is tight and focused, delicious and very much alive. Increasingly I find myself saying “focused” and “lively” about wines that impress me. This one impresses me. I won’t recite a recipe … Continue reading →

Posted in Biodynamic, France, Rhône | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bad Mood, Continued

Posted on February 20, 2009 by

Tasted more American syrahs tonight. I really want to like these wines, but at the very best I find them …. meh. I opened four, then three more. Some nice herbal aromas from a Sonoma entrant, but it was still … Continue reading →

Posted in California, France, Italy, Rhône, Syrah, Too Much Alcohol!, Washington | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Domaine Brusset “Les Travers” 2006 $20

Posted on January 27, 2009 by

From Cairanne, in the Côtes du Rhône-Villages, this wine is dark and dense, with earthy hints of the garrigue – that wonderful word wine lovers love because we can pronouce it. And because we can define it –  garrigue smacks … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Rhône, Washington Post | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment