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...

It’s that time of year!  On the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau is released.  While it’s not a huge deal in the US, it is a big celebration in France.  It marks the end of harvest, and the coming of a new growing season.  There’s only a short period of time where winemakers get to rest between vintages, as soon it will be time to head back into the vineyards, and begin vineyard maintenance once...

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,...

I just had my first introduction to the Vinaceous wines, with their 2006 bottling of Red Right Hand.  I must say that I usually take no heed to labels when purchasing or tasting wine.  One must not judge a book by it’s cover, or a wine by it’s label.  But the packaging is great.  It hearkens to days past, when stage performances were the main source of entertainment for the masses.  It conjured up images of times when many...