Wine writer on NowAndZin. Cheese lover. L.A. voice actor. Reformed sports handicapper. Trying to taste wine from all 50 states.
This 2020 Albariño is crisp and bright with a pale yellow appearance and a complex nose. Aromas of citrus come first, then stone fruit, then a wonderful salinity that reminds me of the ocean. A tropical note joins the apricot/nectarine flavor and is bathed in lemon. The acidity is fresh and lively, and the finish is medium-long, leaving a trail of the citrus zest in its wake. — 2 months ago
This pretty, pale, pink wine offers a beautiful nose of cherries, strawberries, citrus and minerals. On the palate, the fruit has a tangy tartness and the acidity is as fresh as can be. I love rosés, so I’m an easy audience, but this one rivals any pinkie I have had from the south of France. Delicious and ready for springtime. — 2 months ago
The wine is very dark, so inky that light does not pass through it. The nose is fresh, riddled with black and blue berries, clove, cinnamon and cedar. On the palate, the rich fruit is out front with a savory backbeat trailing behind. The tannins are firm, while the finish is long and extremely tasty. — 11 days ago
The 2019 Chianti Superiore is made from 70% Sangiovese grapes and a 30% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Those grapes really get a chance to shine, since aging took place in concrete and stainless steel tanks for six months, then another two months in the bottle. Superiore serves as a sort of midpoint between the Chianti DOCG and Chianti Classico. Alcohol ticks 13.5% abv and it generally sells for around $12.
This wine sports a nose that is laced with red and black fruit and earthy minerals. The palate features plum, blackberry and cherry, with fine tannins and a wonderful acidity. It tastes so fresh. The finish is medium long and fruity. Pair it with sausages or steaks, or a nice marinara sauce. — a month ago
It is not solely Beeswax Vineyard, as there is a bit of Santa Barbara County Grenache Blanc in it. That means it gets a Central Coast designation. This white wine is bright, savory and full of acidity - ready for pairing with your favorite seafood. The winemaker speaks of its brininess, which I get as a bit of seashore, much as in Vermentino. There is a floral aspect, but the primary focus is on minerals and salinity. It is a fantastic white, perfect for the coming warmer months and just as good until then. — 2 months ago
The Riondo Prosecco provides a nice bit of white froth at the top of the glass, along with beautiful aromas of fruit and flowers. The palate is, as promised, bone dry and features minerals, lemons and limes in the flavor profile. It has a wonderful level of acidity so it is completely fresh and refreshing. I had mine with a grilled cheese, swiss. Delicious. — 18 days ago
The Appellation Cab-Shiraz is a dark wine with a fragrant nose. Blackberries, blackcurrants and plums stand right out front, with a nice layer of oak spice draped over them. Notes of clove, cinnamon, coffee, chocolate and vanilla all appear in the aroma profile. On the palate, it’s a show of dark fruit and sweet oak. The tannins are firm and ready to help with a brisket or roast chicken. — 2 months ago
This salmon-pink wine has a subdued nose which offers scents of cherry, raspberry and a hint of minerals. The palate is tasty and dry, with flavors of red fruit and a cranberry note that does not lean into tartness. Acidity is a little light, but there is enough there to handle easy pairings. As a sipper, it is a winner. — 2 months ago
This wine has huge notes of grapefruit and freshly mown grass on the nose. The palate shows ripe grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, nectarine and a healthy acidity. Shellfish, here we come. Oysters, probably. — 2 months ago
Randy Fuller
This wine makes pretty bubbles which don’t last too long, so enjoy them while they are here. The very pale sparkler offers a nose which carries floral notes along with citrus and minerals. The palate is very dry and loaded with minerality and lemon-lime fruit flavors. It comes off more like a “serious” sparkling wine than a “fun” Prosecco, but there is plenty there to please both camps. — 6 days ago