2014 was a great vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon based wines of the Left Bank. Although the Right Bank slightly under performed, there is no question, that overall this the best vintage since 2010. The three vintages proceeding the 2014’s were largely unremarkable and although 2009 and 2010 were true classics, most of the Classified Growths were overpriced in my…
Category: Cellar Management
Pick My Next Bottle – 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The June Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Saturday and a Bottle Note will be published the following week. 2005 was…
Pick My Next Bottle – Some New Zinfandels
The May installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Zinfandels that have not been reviewed on this site since its inception over 5 years ago. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened on…
2014 “Birth Year” Case Wine Recommendations
This is my 6th annual “Birth Year” case blog post. This post can serve as a guide for readers who had children born in the year of 2014 and want to set aside some wine for them to enjoy when they reach the age to appreciate said wines. My 2013 list was published in May of last year. 2014 was exceptional in…
Pick My Next Bottle – 1995 Bordeaux
The April installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Bordeaux from the the now 22 year old 1995 vintage. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened on Saturday and a Bottle Note will…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2005 Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
The March Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Washington Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2005 vintage. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Sunday and a Bottle Note will be published…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel
The February installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Old Vine Zinfandel from the the 2013 vintage. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened on Saturday and a Bottle Note will be published…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Showdown
The February installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the best regions in the world known for growing this noble grape. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. I will open the winning…
Prioritizing the Carlisle Mailer
With the arrival yesterday of the Carlisle mailer so began the semi-annual struggle of deciding what wines to buy from one of my very favorite producers. This mailer, with 13 different wines, included two whites, two Syrahs, a Petite Sirah and 8 different Zinfandels. What makes this particular mailer somewhat unique is it is the last vintage for a couple…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2010 Syrah
The December installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Syrah from the 2010 vintage. All three producers included make exceptional wines year in and year out so vintage variation is rarely a factor when I buy their wines. The winning bottle will be opened on New Years Eve and a Bottle Note will be published the following week. The…