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Merlot Thursday: Château la Grâce Dieu les Menuts Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (2016)
If there is any 2016 Saint-Émilion left on the planet at the end of this year, it won’t be for lack of trying. I have been uncorking these bottles with relish on Thursdays (and other days), and they are consistently tasting just right. Want a sip of this vintage? Then you’d better hurry. Château la…
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Merlot Thursday: Château Simard Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (2018)
Merlot Thursdays are taking us to wine regions far and wide–but it seems all roads lead back to Saint-Émilion. Bordeaux’s Right Bank, admittedly, isn’t the most imaginative place to commune with the variety. Still, it’s where I tend to end up when I want to drink Merlot at its most pleasing. Complex fragrance, abundant fruit,…
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Merlot Thursday: Le Petit Vauthier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (2015)
After a long day of decisions and disappointments, sometimes you just feel like going for the sure thing. In this case, the sure thing is 10-year-old Right Bank Bordeaux, which has consistently been hitting just right. This 2015 Saint-Émilion came from the back room at The Wine Authority, where I spied the shipping box in…
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2025 TEXSOM Diaries: Sommer Camp Part Three
I spent five days volunteering at TEXSOM 2025 as part of the Sommer Camp program. These are my TEXSOM Diaries–a day-by-day, behind-the-scenes look at Texas’s premier wine education conference. Also check out Part One and Part Two! It’s Day Four of the wine wonderland that is Sommer Camp, and we’re getting started early: A Sunday…
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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…
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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…
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Review: Château La Gaffelière “Dame de Gaffelière” Saint-Emilion (2020)
I sure do love Bordeaux, but I’d like to retire at some point–hopefully within the next 25-30 years. I really cringe at spending more than $40 retail on a bottle. That means many of the famous Bordeaux producers are a no-go, except for a small taste here or there. Lately, I’ve been really into second…