A multifaceted grape gets not-so-tough love at a Roussillon competition. Outside our jury room, where we are sequestered in a restaurant on the outskirts of Perpignan, the February sun is fighting to overcome the chill of the night before. On another day, the room might be hosting a boisterous wedding
If you ever need a new nose for your 1983 Mercedes 230E, Chtaura in the Bekaa Valley is the place to go. It’s full of workshops keeping Lebanon’s extraordinary range of 1970s and ‘80s European and American cars on the road. Yet, while this area looks like the last place you'd expect to
Anyone who has followed my wine writing, even casually, will know that obscurity is my passion. The weirder, the better. I recently, for example, wrote a book about a winemaking area of Pennsylvania that thrived in the 1800s. And about a year ago, here on PP, I covered my favorite
Rhone-style blend, strong on the Syrah, explodes on the nose with a blast of raspberry and crisp beef fat. Savory and juicy on the palate, raspberry, crisp fat, pencil lead, and thyme knit smoothly together. Firm tannins and bright acidity call for crispy pork belly. Highly Recommended. 91 points. DBH
The nose offers aromas of red fruits and roses. On the palate it is flat-out juicy, with the sensation of biting into cherries and plums and letting the juice run down your chin. Floral aromas come across on the palate as delicate highlights, while graphite and milk chocolate provide anchoring
Fresh raspberries come through on the nose. The palate offers us raspberries, candied strawberry, roses and hints of nutmeg. This is juicy and soft, a nice pre-meal sipper. Drink with soft cheeses. Recommended. 88 points. DBH WHO: Troon Vineyard WHAT: Grenache WHEN: 2016 WHERE: Rogue Valley, Oregon HOW MUCH: $25 (media sample) POINTS:
Delightfully fruity aromas come out on the nose - strawberry, banana, and pineapple. The palate was a bit more subdued, leading with melon, followed by raspberry and herbs. This is refreshing and fruity, and would pair well with a summer salad. Recommended. 89 points. DBH WHO: Murrieta's Well WHAT: Grenache,