Lake County’s hidden gem
Bursting with notes of juicy blackberry, raspberry jam, a pinch of cracked pepper, and a hint of oak, it’s plush, fruit-forward, and practically made for the grill.
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Château Paradis Essenciel Blanc 2023
If you’re looking for a crisp, bright white that feels tailor-made for warm afternoons, porch sipping, and grilled summer dinners, let me introduce you to a standout that’s flying under the radar: Château Paradis Essenciel Blanc (2023).
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G.D. Vajra Rosabella 2024
G.D. Vajra is a family-run winery located in the village of Vergne, within the Barolo region of Piedmont, Italy. Established in 1972 by Aldo Vajra, the estate is named after his father, Giuseppe Domenico Vajra. The winery is renowned for its commitment to organic farming practices, having been one of the first in the Barolo region to adopt such methods in 1971.
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Quinta de Raza Alvarinho 2024
Nestled in Portugal’s verdant Basto subregion of Vinho Verde, Quinta da Raza is a historic estate founded in 1791.Situated on the right bank of the Tâmega River, the vineyard spans 50 hectares and cultivates native grape varieties such as Azal, Arinto, Padeiro, and Vinhão.
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Gerações da Talha Natalha Branco 2023
Authentic, heartfelt and refined wine from clay pots. This small project, rich in history and tradition, revives the art and culture of winemaking of the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. It is in Vila de Frades, in the heart of Vigueira, that the couple Teresa and João keep the flame of this thousand-year-old tradition alive.
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Joan D’Anguera Montsant Altaroses 2021
The D’Anguera family has farmed the same vineyard in Montsant since 1820, making them true stewards of the land. With seven generations of winemaking tradition, Joan and Josep D’Anguera carry forward a legacy of innovation.
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A Verticle Tasting From Campania
I was pleased to attend a recent wine dinner presented by Ronald Barron, retired principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He is known among trombonists as “the wine guy” and among those in the wine trade as “the trombone player”. Ron curated this special evening from his personal cellar, titled “An Evening in Campania Mostly.” The traditional regional meal featured an antipasto, followed by… Read more →
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Burlotto Viridis Langhe Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Since 1850, five generations of winemaking have continued at G.B. Burlotto. The estate remains committed to manual vineyard operations, sustainable viticulture, the use of large barrels, meticulous cellar work, and the importance of patience and waiting—traditions that define the essence of its wines.
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Modus Vivendi Ribeiro Blanco 2023
In the glass, it presents a straw-yellow hue with subtle golden reflections—clean and bright. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of stone fruits and citrus, delicately balanced with a hint of balsamic. On the palate, it is structured, flavorful, and enveloping, with a fresh, lingering finish.
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Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Rosso 2022
Arianna Occhipinti is the niece of Giusto Occhipinti, the renowned winemaker behind COS wines, which are widely regarded as among the finest in Sicily. Her journey into winemaking began unexpectedly in 1998 when, at the age of 16, she accompanied her uncle to Vinitaly for four days.
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A Small Sampling of Kermit Lynch Wines
I recently attended an intimate tasting of wines exclusively imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. Known for specializing in French and Italian wines, Kermit Lynch focuses on selections from small, independent producers who practice sustainable, organic, or biodynamic winemaking.
The lineup included a diverse mix: sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines, as well as vermouth.
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Suertes del Marqués 7 Fuentes 2020
Knowing this wine hailed from the Canary Islands, I anticipated an initial volcanic, slightly sulfuric nose—a characteristic that some might find surprising, yet it serves as a gateway to deeper complexity. As the wine opens, vibrant layers of dark berries emerge, bringing an inviting freshness. In the glass, the color is a majestic deep royal red, rich and captivating.
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