Robert Oatley rose of Sangiovese, Australia ,2008
Robert Oatley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Australia, 2007
Robert Oatley Shiraz, Australia, 2007
Cost: $18, Rose; $20 Cabernet and Shiraz
What: Robert Oatley, who made Rosemount and other Australian wines famous around the world in the 1980s, is back with a new winery. He’s got a great stable of [...]

J Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Cost: $35-38
What: I’ve had the J Pinot Noirs several times and they never disappoint. Winemaker George Bursick selects great fruit from throughout the Russian River Valley to create a magical blend with an elegant style and grace. In Bursick’s capable hands, the Pinot grapes become a [...]

Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay
Cost: $32-35
What: Frank Family Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay, California, 2008
Frank Family Chardonnay has become known for its balanced, elegant style. It opens with citrus and peach aromas. You anticipate the great fruit in the bottle and you’re not disappointed from the first sip to the last. It’s a [...]

Event: It’s First Friday again. Though it was cold and wet outside, inside Wine World the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Six outstanding wines and some fine cheeses had a big crowd of tasters in a good mood. Everyone had their favorites, from the two outstanding white wines to the three very strong reds to [...]

Blackstone Merlot, 2007 California

Cost: $10-12
What: Blackstone Merlot is one of those wines that you can count on to be an excellent buy year after year. It’s usually not spectacular, but it never disappoints. I’ve had both the 2006 and the 2007 recently and they’re both terrific. The 2007 has some toasted oak aromas with lush [...]

337 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cost: $10-12
What: This is an incredible bargain wine that is packed with flavor, finesse and complexity. The wine is named for the 337 Cabernet Sauvignon clone that originated in Bordeaux, France. It produces great wine in France and it flourished when it was brought to the Lodi region of California.
The wine is soft, [...]

Event: Wines of the Southern Rhône with Sally and Dick Benjamin. Sally led the group through the wonderful wines while giving lessons in history, religion and politics of the region. It was a most entertaining evening. The tasters even got pronunciation lessons from a native Frenchman who was there, Charles Combier.
Dick and Sally say, “We [...]

Candor Zinfandel Lot 2, California
Candor Merlot Lot 2, California
Cost:$18-20 each
What: Hope Family Wines has decided to go against the grain with these two wines, mixing vineyards, regions and vintages. Most American wines stick to grapes from one year, and many only use grapes from one region or even one vineyard.
The result is spectacular, producing [...]

Event: Wine World celebrated Second Friday with it’s usual First Friday tasting of six great wines and matching cheeses. Though the temperature was below freezing and dropping outside, it was warm and cozy with lots of friendly smiles inside.
The wine selections and the warm atmosphere kept everyone happy and relaxed. The wine was first rate, [...]