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Domaine Paul Blanck – Pinot Blanc D’Alsace 2007, France Cost: $11.99/Bottle Often overlooked at wine stores amongst a sea of chardonnays, white Burgundies, or pinot grigios are wines from Alsace, and their pinot blancs are extraordinarily good for the hard earned dollar. For about $12, Paul Blanck makes a fantastic dry white wine loaded with […]

Ironstone Cabernet Franc 2004 – California Cost: $5.99/half-bottle (Full bottle at about $10) I’m still dealing with a mild head cold and sinus congestion— taking the day off to rest and load up on the Sudafed; it helps clear the nasal passages. I know I shouldn’t be drinking, but a balanced meal always includes a […]

Amizetta Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 – Napa Valley, California Cost: $22.99/bottle It’s quite a surprise to find an 11 year-old California cabernet at a wine store these days— but I came across this for just a penny under $23 and thought it certainly worth checking out. My palate tends to prefer older more mature wines for […]

Alban Vineyards – Syrah – Central Coast, California Cost: $30/bottle Wow— Anything Alban on the label is probably a rare find lately. This is why: This beautiful wine offers notes of smoky oak, bacon fat, blackberry, spicy peppers and loads of red and black fruit. The nose alone is intoxicating, but in the mouth — […]

Sandwiched on a popular stretch of Mercer St in SoHo, in an unassuming office buliding, past a nondescript desk, three flights up a modest elevator, down a conventional corridor past a row of plain, stark doorways, is a charming and sensuous hideaway to which you’ve never been. Because it’s "by invitation only." Once you get […]

Chateau Les Grande Chenes 2005 – Medoc, Bordeaux Cost: $34.99/Bottle A young claret from the Medoc… becoming a star in my cellar after having had the 2003 and the 1996 vintages (indicating an assurance to live up to its reputation to age beautifully and gracefully). This wine exudes aromas of lead pencil shavings, cassis, walnuts, […]

Francis Ford Coppola – Director’s Cut 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Cost: $18-$24/bottle Dark purple opaque in color. Very young, almost fresh pressed juice but still with a tannic presence. Nice fruit content showcasing notes of toasted oak, vanilla extract, black and red currants and a touch of

Grgich Hills Merlot 2003 – Napa Valley, California Cost: $42/bottle Impressively endowed wine, a merlot that in my honest opinion is the greatest one ever produced in California. This is solid, and ranks even with the finest right bank Bordeaux Grand Cru out there! Complex notes of leather, cedar, black cherry, and cassis with hints […]

Peter Michael Winery – Les Pavots 1997 – Napa Valley, California Cost: $110/bottle   Rainy Sunday, but there’s nothing like having a decent cabernet sauvignon with lunch. Peter Michael has a long reputation of producing fine cabernet, and the 1997 certainly lives up to its pedigree. Still exhibiting its youthful nose upon open with cherry, […]

PX This presents THE F&F REVIEW Hey, sorry we couldn’t make it to "Friends&Family," we were out of town/ had to work/ not invited. We’re really glad we finally managed to come by, though— it’s so nice to see you! What’s that? You would still like us to take the time to fill out the […]