Wine Basics

Cooked!

by Robin Garr

Jan. 26, 2012

So many bad things can happen to good wine! Many common wine flaws are clearly defined and fairly easy to learn to recognize. Wine judges learn to identify flaws as an aid to scoring wines in competition, but wine enthusiasts can learn to pick them up as well. Read article..

Domaine Bertrand Ambroise

Tasting Report

Domaine Bertrand Ambroise 2009 Bourgogne Rouge ($22.99)

Dark garnet. Typical Burgundy aromas, red plum and tomato skin and a whiff of woodsmoke. Good tart fruit flavors, juicy plums, crisp acidity and soft but astringent tannins; appropriate 13% alcohol for a traditional-style table wine. A bit on the simple side, perhaps, but it offers an excellent introduction to Burgundy at a comparatively affordable price. A natural with beef or wild salmon; fine with mushroom risotto.

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Wine Blue Book

Two issues review Bordeaux, Northern Red Rhones

WineBlueBook.com

Jan. 24, 2012

The January issue of WineBlueBook rates the 2009 Château Léoville Las Cases, Bordeaux St.-Julien a "great value" wine. Earlier this month, WineBlueBook released its 20th focused buying guide, featuring 2000-2009 Northern Red Rhone wines. The 2009 Delas Syrah St.-Joseph Ste.-Épine scored 94 points and is featured as a WineBlueBook "Great Value." Read more at Wine Blue Book.