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A Rare Tasting with Sea Smoke Winery and the Return of Botella

In the world of California Pinot Noir, few names carry the same cult-like reputation as Sea Smoke Winery. While collectors can get their hands on...

09 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Post & Vine 2019 Carignane, Sandy Lane Vineyard, Contra Costa County

Post & Vine produces Carignane from three different vineyards, each with its own personality and sense of place. This week, I chose the Contra Costa...

03 June, 2026

Nizza in a Glass: The Story of Frasca La Guaragna

In Piemonte, Italy, the three best-known red grapes are Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. Of course, of those three, Nebbiolo is "king" and Barbera has long...

02 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Langhart & Hill 2023 Ka-Le Malvasia Bianca, Dry Creek Valley

Malvasia is not a single grape but a large family of ancient varieties with a long and storied history in Europe. Within the diverse Malvasia...

27 May, 2026

The Future of Wine Is Changing. The Community Around It Is Not.

I have spent more than two decades in the wine industry. And while wine is a product, a commodity, I have never thought of it...

26 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Steven Kent 2024 Rock Cabernet Franc, Morgensen Family Vineyard, Livermore Valley

Cabernet Franc has long had a champion in the Livermore Valley, and that champion is Steven Mirassou. I’ve written about his dedication to this grape...

20 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Ulloa Cellars 2024 Semillon, Vogelzang Vineyard, Happy Canyon

Semillon is one of those grape varieties that often flies under the radar, yet when done well, it delivers freshness, texture, and remarkable versatility at...

13 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Alois Lageder 2025 Riff Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC

Pinot Grigio sometimes has the reputation for being a simple wine; I have even heard it referred to as "flavored water". But there are plenty...

06 May, 2026

Wine for Sushi: The Vision Behind Xander Soren Wines

Many people assume that sushi automatically calls for sake. But wine can be just as compelling at the table. In fact, many white wines and...

05 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Domaine du Gringet 2020 Eponyme, Savoie, France

I love discovering new grape varieties, especially ones I have never heard of before. That moment happened recently while visiting my friend, wine educator Wes...

29 April, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Domaine Bousquet 2021 Gaia Malbec, Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Argentina

At a recent gathering to celebrate World Malbec Day, hosted by the Consulate General of Los Angeles at Fuegos LA, one wine immediately stood out,...

22 April, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Ancient Oak 2024 Pinot Meunier, Van der Kamp Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain

When planning salmon for dinner, Pinot Noir is a classic pairing. But another grape that works beautifully with salmon is Pinot Meunier, a grape I...

15 April, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Bellenda Fratelli Cosmo Prosecco DOC Rosé

At a recent lunch with Umberto Cosmo and the wines of Bellenda, I found myself with a pleasant dilemma; I liked every wine. The fresh...

08 April, 2026

Please The Palate April 2026 Newsletter

I can’t believe another year has passed, but I’m ready to turn the page. 2025 was a challenging year on many levels. With continued shifts...

07 April, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: (Well…Not Quite): Unified Ferments Non-Alcoholic Fermented Tea

Wine of the Week usually means, well…wine. April Fool’s Day felt like the perfect moment to change things up for Wine of the Week. No...

01 April, 2026

A Dodgers-Inspired Night at Habit Burger in Echo Park

Last week, just in time for the start of the Dodgers' opening season, I was invited to The Habit Burger & Grill in Echo Park...

31 March, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Crocker & Starr 2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Napa Valley

When my friend came over to watch TV and catch up, we decided to order in Chinese food, and I knew exactly which wine to...

25 March, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Martha Stoumen 2024 Post Flirtation White, California

At the recent Skurnik portfolio tasting, I stopped to say hello to Martha Stoumen. A fan of her wines, which I have written about before,...

18 March, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Giornata 2025 Orangotango, Paso Robles AVA

I first tried Giornata’s Orangotango a few years ago, and it was my introduction to the winery. Since then, I have enjoyed a number of...

11 March, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Velenosi 2024 Villa Angela Pecorino Offida DOCG, Marche

I attended Gambero Rosso’s annual Tre Bicchieri tasting this past week, an industry-only event showcasing Italy’s top wines as awarded in the Vini d’Italia guide....

04 March, 2026