Château Musar Jeune Rouge – Lebanon – 2012

Didn’t come off as pruney as my colleagues found it, but it is fruity on the back end. Complex nose invokes some earthiness that reminded me of camping, and the tannins are not overpowering. I would drink it again. Blend of Shiraz, Cab and Cinsault....

The Prisoner – 2014

Heard fantastic things about this blend, but ultimately it didn’t live up to the hype. A great wine, but lacking a balance that prevents it from being a fantastic wine. Fruity but medium sweet, nice mouthfeel but still missing something. Very slight nose. Let...

Jules Taylor Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – 2015

Fantastic NZSB with all the usual notes, but dialed up to 11. Lemongrass, cat pee, citrus and stone are all in play in equal measure. Will pair with powerful dishes but drinks well on its own if you like a bold glass. Not for the timid. Only fails a 5-star review...

Cuna de Tierra Nebbiolo – 2014

Fantastic vino mexicano, a lack of nose keeps this from a full five stars. Otherwise it hits all the right notes: earthy berry and chocolate with just the right tannins and perfect lingering finish. Pair with BBQ or a fine steak for the full experience. Buen trabajo,...

Megyer Tokaji Aszú – 3 Puttonyos – 2010

Delicious Hungarian tokaji, but it’s always better to invest in the 5-Puttonyo bottles if you can get them. This one is lacking the usual character and exotic flavors, keeping it from a five star rating, but otherwise a fantastic adventure.

Trapiche Tardio Chardonnay 2011

Nose of grape jelly and a touch of vanilla, with surprisingly subtle sugar and an acidic bite given that this is a near-dessert wine. Was a moderate crowd pleaser during a large gathering, but some were turned off by the acid. Pair with cannoli or vanilla cake.

The Better Half – Sauvignon Blanc 2014

The seebees from Marl’bro rarely disappoint, and this citrusy light cup of slate and lemongrass will prove this true once more. RV duty battery levels of acid keep this from a five star rating, so pair with a white cream dish like crab Alfredo or pasta...

Oak Spring Riesling — 20??

Wrinkled label, plastic cork, no year on the bottle, made in Pennsylvania… what could go wrong? The only hint of Riesling is the word on the label, otherwise its got all the character of Sun-Maid.

Sea Cave Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – 2014

Never has a label more accurately reflected the bottle’s innards, this remarkable SeeBee tastes like the ocean, with crisp slaps of citrus and salt and rope and deckplates. You’ll hear the gulls overhead and the sirens calling you to wreck your ship into...