72% Zinfandel, 17% Carignan, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouchet, 1% Mataro (Mourvedre)
Boysenberry scents and that mild licorice flavor of hackberries lend loads to a nose of already redolent of a tart compote made of red fruits. Oh what a punchy palate; fragrant fruit, cheeky tannins, and juicy acids balance one another like a troupe of acrobats whose aerial stunts make you think they must have spent every waking hour of every living day together in order to dance in the air as they do –so effortless and so natural.  This is serious wine with a respect to its gifted component parts –be they the grapes, the land, the guiding vision of Paul Draper and the result is outstanding. 14.3% Read more, watch Paul Draper explain why Geyserville can last decades or buy this wine online >>> 
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, February 2012

Only the Dolomites can yield pure crystalline pear fruit like this bright, clean, and beautiful, sweet scented apples and pears.  Bright on the palate, pure and balanced but though bright and clear as the day is long with the essence of fresh orchard fruit, wines of Lageder are never sharp -just lifted with a purity of structure.  Imagine a striking beauty whose mere pulchritude could cause car accidents among all the inattentive sods driving about without looking where they’re going.  She need not be done up, bejeweled, dressed in the finest fashions or concerned with what’s vogue at the moment; she’s simply beautiful and would not lose a smidgen of charm without the artifice on which so many rely.  Lageder’s 2010 Pinot Grigio is just this sort of beauty –pure, elemental, and striking.  Read more or buy this wine online >>> 
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, February 2012

80% Grenache 20% Syrah
Between the villages of Sarrains and Vaison la Romaine near the dramatic Dentilles de Montmirail hills, the Perrin vineyards of Vacqueyras are a thoroughly compelling argument for this region’s elevation from Côtes du Rhône .  With a bright floral garrigue to the nose it comes as no surprise that this part of the Rhône is known as the Plateau de Garrigues.  Just south of Gigondas, Vacqueras is most often considered a little brother of Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a more pronounced power and less elegance but this elegant and aromatic example speaks to the bright future of Vacqueyras.  Absolutely delightful with roast and grilled meats, all spicy dishes and strong cheeses, Les Christins was a knock out match for a lamb neck stew that left us all dumbstruck.  Ah, delicious… Read more or buy this wine online >>> 
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, February 2012

70% Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouchet) 30% Monastrell
An earthy come floral nose heralds in an exciting red driven by scents of plums and cloves, a nice grip to the tannins, and a refreshing finish despite its full body.  This could be a midwinter aperitif but also carry on through the meal and beyond into the parlor –if only more still made the point of “decanting” to the parlor!  Here’s reason to linger and carry on.  Read more or buy this wine online >>> 
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, January 2012

Made from 100% Mencia, this dark Spanish red sees four months in barrels to round out its edges and lend a lot of depth.  Dense aromas of black cherries and tea leaves combine with a nuanced aroma that reminds me of that evocative scent of freshly tilled earth.  Dried cherries and fresh leather combine to great effect on an assertive palate whose chewy tannins, tangy acids, and pumice like texture make for a great glass of red –like that serious friend whose wry sense of humor peeks through in charming ways that make for the best sort of charm.  This embodies so many contrasts with a weight that makes for an outstanding wine for sipping or else standing up to richer fare like ribs or venison.  Read more or buy this wine online >>> 
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, January 2012