by Clark Smith
August 18, 2008

The current bottom line is this: Today smart shoppers go to Suisun to buy Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah. They would buy A LOT of these two varietals because they are not only often terrific values but among the most distinctive and enjoyable in the State. But for wine geeks like me, the real adventure lies ahead. Kept barefoot and pregnant by major wineries throughout the 20th Century, Suisun is only now beginning to explore its potential and to find its identity. For our money, the great wines this region is capable of haven’t been made yet.

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by Alan Goldfarb
August 4, 2008

Ensconced in a world of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, where the varietal is lionized for giving the region its raison d’être, the young winemaker, Remy Drabkin, will soon be making about 12,000 bottles – and conspicuously and consciously - none of it is Pinot Noir. Drabkin is drawn to producing wines made from warm climate Italian grapes such as Sangiovese, Barbera, and Lagrien. Her reasons, she admits, are pragmatic.

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by Tony Aspler
July 11, 2008



You'd be on the bullseye if you think that Canada = Icewine. You'd be on target again if you think of Canada for world-class sparkling wines. What IS surprising is where those sparkling wines are coming from: The wineries of British Columbia on the west to Nova Scotia on the east, Canada is sparkling wine country.

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by Stan Hock
May 16, 2008

Amador's production of robust, intensely flavored red wines also reflects its high percentage of old vines, including several vineyards dating to the 19th century. These deeply rooted, head-trained vines are responsible for the intense, concentrated Zinfandels for which Amador County is renowned. But now Syrah and the entire range of Rhone varietals are giving Zins are run for their money, er...acreage.

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