Recent Posts

Photo of Ameri Red Blend and Malbec wines on table with tree in background

Ameri: Domaine Bousquet’s Single-Vineyard Wines

Ameri represents Domaine Bousquet’s top tier of wines. They are sourced from the Bousquet Estate Vineyard that was planted in 1998 and are made only in the best vintages. The land was untamed when the vines were first planted by Anne Bousquet’s father, Jean, and the vineyard has been farmed organically since the very beginning.  As you may know, Domaine […]

Photo of Avignonesi 2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in front of wine books

Dinner with Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

One of the highlights of my wine year in 2023 was an introduction to Avignonesi and their single-vineyard Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines. I had the good fortune of meeting Xiaowen DU, Marketing Manager and Assistant Winemaker at Avignonesi, and Master of Wine student in April. We connected via Zoom, she in Montepulciano with Avignonesi’s vineyards over her shoulder and […]

Photo of two Lang & Reed wines on a table with chairs in background

Lang & Reed and Rockhound — Two Wine Labels, One Family

Tracey & John Skupny established Lang & Reed with the expressed goal “to explore the distinct charms of Cabernet Franc and to craft wines that are both expressive and enjoyable to drink.” Their appreciation of Cabernet Franc came from years of experience as sommeliers. Their appreciation of Napa Valley’s vineyards drew them to the region and they moved to Napa […]

Photo of five Masciarelli wines on table with trees in the background

Masciarelli Winery’s Family Legacy Continues in Abruzzo

Gianni Masciarelli is described by his family as Abruzzo’s first “garagiste”. He began as a home winemaker with a 6-acre family vineyard in San Martino sulla Marrucina in Abruzzo’s Chieti province. His first vintage was 1981, in a simpler time. He was a forward-thinking man (he introduced new vine-training systems, French oak barrels and higher density plantings in the vineyard), […]

Bell Wine Cellars featured photo of eight small bottles of wine on a table with fountain in the background

Bell Wine Cellars: Cabernet Clone Specialists in Napa Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon is so well known in the wine world it is on a first-name basis with most wine enthusiasts. Napa Valley, a wine region also on a first-name basis with many wine enthusiasts, undeniably specializes in Cabernet. And true Napa Cabernet lovers know the vineyards and sub-appellations by heart, but what about Cabernet Sauvignon clones? That’s a less common […]

Amarone Confidential featured photo of book cover

A Wine Book Review: Amarone Confidential – Everything You Should Know About Valpolicella Wines

Amarone Confidential is an e-book written by Elisabetta Tosi that gives you a local’s perspective on Valpolicella, its wine and Amarone in particular. Elisabetta tells the story of Amarone by first introducing you to Valpolicella – the place where Amarone is made. Valpolicella is also where Elisabetta lives, so her account is firsthand. And the question and answer format of […]