-
Review: Giuseppe Sedilesu “Mamuthone” Cannonau di Sardegna (2020)
“Cannonau” is the Sardinian name for the variety Grenache. This is the sort of random wine fact that I didn’t know six months ago, or need to know. But then the wine bug bit and some book learnin’ happened. Now when I see the word “Cannonau” on a wine list or a label, I don’t…
-
Merlot Thursday: Château Larmande Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé (2005)
Today is a very special #MerlotThursday because I’m featuring a Merlot wine straight from the source: The Vins de Bordeaux expo table at TEXSOM 2025! The Bordeaux delegation is on the expo floor for all three days, pouring beautiful reds that rotate each day. Likewise, three winemakers are here for the conference: François Despagne of…
-
Review: Mitolo “7th Son” McLaren Vale Grenache-Shiraz (2017)
It’s an exciting evening at the Wine Fairy house: The bottle on the table is big, red, and Grenache-y. We’re tasting the “7th Son” red blend from McLaren Vale’s Mitolo Wines, and the one-word review summary is, “Whoa!” Mitolo’s “7th Son” is in the genre of GSM blends, but with an Italian twist: The Mourvèdre…
-
Merlot Thursday: Hope Tree California Merlot (NV)
On the tasting table today is a $5 bottle of non-vintage Merlot from Sprouts Farmers Market. But is it a Merl-icious bargain, or a Merlot no-go? Time to grab my best dollar-store glassware and twist that cap! We are earnest aspirants to fine-wine appreciation in this household. But we’re also cool with not-so-fine wine and…
-
What Is This Thing? El Tuerto Tempranillo Blanco Rioja (2022)
Driven by curiosity (and captive to novelty), it’s time for us to uncork another strange little wine bottle: A white Tempranillo from Rioja. White Tempranillo? Yeah, that’s right. Like Pinot Noir and Grenache before it, the premier black grape of Spain has lately spawned an albino cousin. (Yes, I know that productive vines can’t technically…
-
Review: Trapiche “Tesoro” Uco Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)
Recently, through weekly Merlot tastings, I’ve been rediscovering the joy of Merlot. And readers of this blog know about my recent infatuation (now entering its second year, so maybe things are finally getting serious) with Grenache. But my long-term honeyboo, my ride-or-die, my desert-island soul grape is still none other than Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s what…
-
Merlot Thursday: Château Franc Patarabet Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (2020)
Like a made-from-scratch spinach dip, a pair of suede loafers, a corduroy armchair…the best things in the world are cozy and opulent at the same time. We can surely add Merlot to that list. Unapologetically plush and oh-so easy to enjoy, it’s no wonder Merlot has been snubbed by those who think wine needs to…
-
Review: w/o Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT (2023)
Tasting a new grape is a lot like meeting a friend of a trusted friend: Hello, new grape! Unless you give me a reason not to, I’m certain I’m going to love you. I was especially predisposed to love Frappato, one of Southern Italy’s rare and special wine varieties. Lighter and more aromatic than Nero…
-
DFW Day Trip: San Martiño Winery (Lavon, TX)
On a drizzly summer Saturday, we wandered east of Dallas to San Martiño Winery & Vineyards. A tip from a wine friend had led us to this hidden family winery in a growing DFW suburb. It’s located in Lavon, Texas on Highway 205 between Lavon Lake and Lake Ray Hubbard. Spanish touches are everywhere, beginning…
-
Review: Donnachiara Fiano de Avellino (2022)
When shopping for EU wines, it can be hard to make sense of the label. There are far too many proper nouns. It’s a humbling reminder of how much there is to learn in the world of wine. For those of us who grew up drinking mass-produced domestic wines with just a couple of words…
-
Merlot Thursday: Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Merlot (2021)
Today’s #MerlotThursday pick is a by-the-glass pour at The Wine Authority: The 2021 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Merlot. Welcome, wine friends–let’s bring Merlot back! 🍇🍷 Ferrari-Carano makes moderately-priced, food-friendly wines from their Sonoma County vineyards. I generally find them to be a good value and I reviewed their exuberant Dry Sangiovese Rosé earlier this year. In…
-
Review: La Croix Bonis Saint-Estèphe Bordeaux (2018)
No adventurous pairings or exotic bottles tonight. It’s Restaurant Week in Dallas, which means it’s time for some steak ‘n Bordeaux! For local foodies, taking full advantage of DFW Restaurant Week–it actually lasts for more than a month–can be hard on the liver, the waistline, and the wallet. That’s why me and my table opted…