Latest dispatches

Bordeaux Wine : Lacoste Borie from Paulliac Region

Here at Brasserie Marseilles in NYC’s theater district, the hearty duck confit is best enjoyed with a half-bottle of Lacoste Borie, an elegant offering produced by Xavier Borie as the 2nd wine of famed Grand Cru Classe estate : Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste. The Borie family is highly esteemed within Bordeaux, with Xavier’s brother Bruno at the helm of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou in St. Julien. #lacosteborie #winemaker #bordeauxwine

Rhone Valley White Wine : Costieres de Nimes

Costieres de Nimes wine region within France’s Rhone Valley produces mineral-rich white wines that pair perfectly with a butternut squash risotto enjoyed at Marseilles brasserie in NYC’s theater district. #brasserienyc #costieresdenimes #whitewine

The Enduring Charm of Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley

Spain’s “Macabeo” White Wine Grape

The wine regions of Spain are emerging with top value offerings for budget conscious consumers. White Wine grape Macabeo is grown throughout Northern Spain and is prevalent within Rioja and Calatayud. Today we taste a floral toned selection rich in orchard fruits. #macabeo #whitewinel #winefromspain #winepodcast

Winemaker Michel Rolland ‘s Legacy : Makura Cabernet from The Holy Land

Famed Bordeaux Winemaker Michel Rolland is well known for his projects in South America + California but many consumers are not aware of his efforts to develop Israel’s wine profile beyond the concept of merely kosher wine. Today we taste the 2009 vintage of Michel Rolland’s “Makura” brand produced from Cabernet grapes near Haifa on the Mediterranean Sea. Aged 36 months in French Oak with deep plum notes, this rich offering exemplifies Israel’s campaign to rival the Napa Valley profile. #michelrolland #winemaker #israelwine #mediterraneanwine

White Burgundy : Chablis Wine Region

Presenting a mineral rich Chablis from Premier Cru Region “Vosgros”. Maison Louis Robin dates back several generations to today’s proprietors Thierry + Beatrice Robin. The 2025 vintage displays all the classic characteristics of Chablis’ famed Jurassic soils: known as Kimmeridgian. 100 million years ago this land was submerged and it is not unusual for Chablis vineyards to unearth treasures such as fossilized seashells. #chablis #kimmeridgiansoil #vosgroswine

Values from Spain’s Navarra Wine Region

Spotlight on Spain’s Navarra region for its value based wine production : nestled adjacent to Rioja nearby to The Pyrenees, Navarra is known for its spice toned Garnacha varietals Iike this offering from Vina Zorzal in the $15 range. France’s Pyrenees region grows this red wine grape as Grenache, and its ability to be served chilled is an added plus for savvy consumers on a budget. #garnacha #spanishwine #pyreneeswine

White Wine : Alvarinho OR Albariño ?

Iberia produces excellent white wines. Not to be confused with Spanish Albarino, wine lovers should learn that Portugal’s Vino Verde region is home to the native Alvarinho grape. Today we present a selection from Quinta de Pedra, cuvée Milagres rich in exotic jasmine notes. This 2019 varietal harvested from old vines is still drinking freshly and can be aged for at least another few years. #whitewine #alvarinho #winefromportugal

A New Take on Greek Wine

We recognize Greece’s ancient wine growing history but now highlight new developments in the Peloponnese region. Crisp white wine grape Moschofilero is emerging as a marketing favorite, rich in exotic fruit notes with strong mineral tone. Akin to a dry Viognier, Moschofilero may even become a popular choice within California vineyards. #wine #whitewine #greekwine #moschofilero #winegrapes

Some Myths About German Wine

Consumer feedback on German wine indicates a few myths, such that these wines are “too sweet “ and limited to only Riesling grape selections. But today David Kohl highlights a dry + flavorful varietal from Germany’s Rheinhessen region : white wine grape Weisburgunder, akin to Pinot Blanc, producing offerings rich in orchard fruits with notes of almond + honey. #wine #winepodcast #germanwine #weisburgunder #rheinhessen

Argentina’s Torrontes White Wine Grape

Consumers are already tuned in to Argentina’s rich red wine offerings but may not yet be familiar with its excellent white wines. The Torrontes white wine grape grows throughout Argentina and today we highlight a varietal from Cafayate region, where vineyard elevations can reach over 10,000 feet. Jesuit Missionaries originally introduced the Torrontes grape to Cafayate. #torrontes #argentinawine #whitewine #winehistoy

Turbiana White Wine Grape from Italy’s Lake Garda Region

Adventurous wine lovers know that an abundance of white wine grapes are harvested in Italy, but they may not yet be familiar with Turbiana. Indigenous to the Lugano DOC region within close proximity to Lake Garda, Turbiana has an impressive mineral depth and crisp citrus tones. While not readily marketed in retail stores, Turbiana offerings are worth searching for. #turbiana #italianwine #whitewine #winetasting

Loire Valley Rose Wine + Silky Terrine of Duck Mousse

Here at Augie’s French Bistro in Santa Rosa, the silky terrine of duck mousse is a perfect pairing for a crisp rose wine from the Loire Valley’s Touraine region. #duckmousse #tourainerose #frenchbistro

Acclaimed California Winemaker : Kerith Overstreet

California winemaking culture is indeed fortunate that Kerith Overstreet chose to leave a successful career in medicine to pursue her current lifestyle as acclaimed proprietor of “Bruliam “ winery operation housed at Grand Cru Custom Crush Collective. Today we taste her Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir from single vineyard Soberanes which is reflective of a true Burgundy style offering. #pinotnoir #soberanes #santaluciahighlandswine

MacLaren Winery’s Syrah Specialties

It is important for wine lovers to travel in Sonoma County, so they can taste local wines that are poured at top restaurants such as Songbird Parlour —these wines are not available via traditional distribution networks. MacLaren Winery specializes in Syrah, a red wine grape most closely associated with France’s Northern Rhone Valley. #winetasting #sonomacounty #syrah

Sonoma County’s Small Batch Rhone -Style White Wine Blend

It’s not just about Chardonnay here in Sonoma County. David Kohl dines at Songbird Parlour on Halibut Crudo with a glass of “Homage Blanc” which is a 250 case small-batch production from local winery Sixteen-600 as a tribute to Rhone style blends of Grenache Blanc + Roussanne. #sonomacountycalifornia #whitewine #winepodcast

Tailgating with Wine Country Classics

What a day for Miami Hurricane’s fans : opening day tailgate at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto - - a few local luminaries accompany us / Soliloquy white wine blend from Flora Springs Vineyard, and a pair of Zinfandels from Rombauer + Ridge. #florasprings #winetasting #winelover #tailgate

White Wine Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco

When visiting Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, stop by Fog Harbor Cafe for top rated Chowder + an amazing view of “Chateau Alcatraz”. Remember to pair it with crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley’s Honig Vineyard for a grand lunchtime experience. #fishermanswharf #californiafoodie #winelunch #fogharborfishhouse

Limited Release Pinot : Sonoma Coast Micro-Climate

David Kohl is impressed with the quality of limited release Pinot Noir offerings from Marine Layer Winery : so named for the foggy Pacific Mist that rolls in to create the perfect micro-climate for Pinot Noir grapes. Manager Tyler Haynes explains the story behind the winery’s latest highlighted selection : Gravenstein Hills #sonomacoast #pinotnoir #marinelayerwines

Spring Mountain Cabernet “NIGHT” in Napa Valley

David Kohl visits The Saint, an elegant wine bar in Napa Valley’s St. Helena region where private label wine brand “NIGHT” is featured. Today we taste the Spring Mountain varietal. A deep and rich selection of that reveals why Spring Mountain wines have achieved a cult following. #springmountainwine #winepodcast #napavalley #winetasting

An Interview with Acclaimed Opus One Winemaker Michael Silacci

It was indeed an honor for David Kohl to spend an afternoon visiting the majestic Opus One vineyard to taste a range of selections dating back to 2012 and meet with estate winemaker Michael Silacci who graciously presented a preview of the soon to be released 2023 vintage. #opusone #napavalley #winepodcast

Bordeaux’s Cathiard Family Vineyard in Napa Valley

The acclaimed Cathiard Family behind Bordeaux Grand Cru Classe estate Smith Haut Lafitte have launched their presence in Napa Valley, and today we visit the elegant property to taste their signature Cabernet Sauvignon offering with Candace Bernard-Cathiard, a proud family member who shares some historic insights. #napavalley #cabernetsauvignon #cathiardvineyard

An Interview with Acclaimed Opus One Winemaker Michael Silacci

It was indeed an honor for David Kohl to spend an afternoon visiting the majestic Opus One vineyard to taste a range of selections dating back to 2012 and meet with estate winemaker Michael Silacci who graciously presented a preview of the soon to be released 2023 vintage. #opusone #napavalley #winepassion

Sonoma County Albariño White Wine from Marimar Torres

It is rare to find Albariño wine grapes grown in California, but Marimar Torres is the perfect vintner to do so, considering her acclaimed family heritage in Spain dating back more than 300 years. David Kohl tastes the unique offering at Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa, a tribute to the renowned namesake wine bar in Paris. #albarino #winebar #winetasting