I was recently invited by good friend Denise to collaborate on “Everyday Vs. Sommelier,” a new article in TUSK Magazine.  Each month a group of her friends will choose two wines under $20, and will write their reviews.  Then, I’ll give my professional review of the same wines.  Check out the May 2010 issue to see how the reviews match...

We’re getting close to spring, and warmer weather means time for more white wine again.  I’ve always been a fan of Las Brisas, a Spanish white wine produced by Bodegas Naia.  The current 2008 vintage continues to please.  This blend of Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a fine balance of fruit, minerality and acidity.  The peachy, grapefruit nose follows through on the palate, with a nice herbaceous, citrusy...

Ben Glaetzer has come up with a wonderful wine from Australia called Stickleback Red.  It’s an eclectic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Lagrein (the latter two grapes are native to Italy, and aren’t planted widely in Australia).  Stickleback is named after the small Australian fish. The grapes are from Southern Australia; 90% Langhorn Creek and 10% Limestone Coast.  This tasty blend is full bodied, showing...

Sparkling Shiraz, you say?  Yes.  They’ve been around for years, but have yet to gain widespread popularity.  Usually the good ones are too expensive to appeal to the curious customer.  No way in hell I would gamble my money on an expensive sparkling Shiraz.  But luckily, working in the wine industry has it’s perks . The 2006 MollyDooker “GooseBumps” sparkling Shiraz is one unique wine!  It’s a full...

It started when Christian Mouiex was going to school at U.C. Davis back in the 60’s.  By ‘69, Moueix was finished at U.C.D.  In ‘82 he began a partnership in the joint-venture with Robin Lail and Marcia Smith, dubbed “Dominus.” In 1983, the vineyards gave birth to the first vintage of Dominus. Christian has since been running things at the estate, and purchased the estate outright in 1995. Twenty years...

This is a great wine.  It took the gold medal at Denver International Wine Festival, in the “Other New World” category.  And this wine is deserving of the honor.  Hailing from Tupungato, a sub region of Mendoza, Argentina, this is a blend of 50% Bonarda and 50% Malbec.  Planted in sandy soil at an altitude of 3600ft, the vines are grown on a high trellis. This full bodied wine sees 18 months in oak.  Aromas of dark fruits,...