Current Issue 2006

Picking the Top 100

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:42:02 -0800

Go behind the scenes with Wine Spectator's Tom Matthews and Bruce Sanderson to find out what it takes for a wine to make it to the top. Although this video is from 2006, the process remains the same.

Picking Wine Spectator's Top 4 of 2006

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:44:21 -0800

After tasting thousands of bottles, it's down to the Final Four. Wine Spectator's Tom Matthews and Bruce Sanderson discuss wines 4-3-2 for 2006 -- and give you with a hint about No. 1.

Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year 2006: Why it Won

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:44:21 -0800

This wine has it all: quality, value, quantity and the X-factor for excitement. Wine Spectator senior editor James Suckling describes the Wine of the Year.

Grand Tasting '06

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:35:18 -0700

The California Wine Experience kicked off with a huge walk-around tasting on Thursday night. Attendees had their hands full, sampling wine from 193 top wineries and meeting nearly as many winemakers.

Friday Tastings

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 16:28:11 -0700

Imagine tasting through 27 top wines in a series of seminars: Pinot Noirs, Secrets of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Napa Valley Cabs, and food pairing with The Four Chefs (Emeril, Mario, Wolfgang and Charlie Trotter). Not a bad day...

Saturday Tastings

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 12:56:00 -0800

The mega-tastings continue: Top Ten Wines of 2005 (with the winemakers), Drouhin (Robert presented Clos des Mouches back to '76 and Marquis de Laguiche) and, finally, a stellar line-up of Spanish reds. Whew!

Tasting the Top 10 of 2005, part 1

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:26:53 -0800

Here's your chance to hear all the winemakers talking about their wines, even if you missed the tasting at the California Wine Experience in October of 2006. This is part 1 of 2.

Tasting the Top 10 of 2005, part 2

Thu, 03 May 2007 11:42:11 -0700

Here's the second half of the seminar, which includes Craig Williams talking about 2005's Wine of the Year, Phelps Insignia.

Piedmont: Picking with Pio Boffa

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:52:04 -0700

It's harvest in Piedmont and Pio Boffa, owner of the renowned Pio Cesare winery, is our guide. See grapes being picked, see wine being made--both with Italian style. Wine Spectator tasting coordinator Jo Cooke produced this video.

Barbaresco: It Takes the Village

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:47:16 -0700

In Barbaresco, the local grapegrowers' coop makes super wine at a great price (the '01 scored 93pts and cost $55, which is a relative bargain). Wine Spectator's Jo Cooke dropped in as the village came together for harvest.

Gaja: Following Family Tradition

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 12:33:37 -0800

At the winery founded by his grandfather, Angelo Gaja makes some of Piedmont's top wines. Joined by his daughter Gaia, he reminisces about his grandparents and their influence on him, his wines and his never-ending quest for quality.

Gaia Gaja: Returning Home

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:47:28 -0700

What reminds you of home? For Gaia, Angelo Gaja's daughter, it's a bottle of Barbaresco.

Champagne Label Lingo

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 09:11:48 -0800

It's much easier to pick bubbly when you know the style clues on the label. Learn the label lingo with Wine Spectator tasting coordinator Alison Napjus.

Champagne Styles

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:30:03 -0700

They've all got bubbles, but there are three main styles of Champagne. Can you name them? Get the answer from Wine Spectator senior editor Bruce Sanderson as he tastes --and explains-- a trio of Champagnes.

Oregon PN: Vintage Matters

Thu, 03 May 2007 10:31:31 -0700

How does vintage affect wine? Wine Spectator editor at large Harvey Steiman compares Oregon's warmer 2003 vintage with the cooler 2004 as he tastes Pinots from WillaKenzie Estate and Lemelson.

Oregon PN: Terroir Matters

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:29:43 -0800

Terroir makes a big difference in these two Oregon Pinot Noirs. Editor at large, Harvey Steiman, explains why as he tastes a pair of wines. Belle Pente is from a cooler, higher altitude and Beaux Frères is from a warmer valley area.

Reading the Signs at Beaux Frères

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:33:31 -0800

(GA, Geek Alert rating) How do you know when the grapes are ripe? Michael Etzel, winemaker/partner at Oregon's Beaux Frères, explains the signs. Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator editor at large, conducted the interview and shot the video (!).

Greek Traditions, Modern Wines

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:58:06 -0700

Some of Greece's best wines are made from traditional grape varieties. Wine Spectator managing editor Kim Marcus tastes a trio of wines and talks about which grapes to look for (and how to pronounce them!).

Portugal's Reds: Revolution in the Douro

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 09:54:04 -0700

If you're into full-bodied, rich reds, you'll like Portugal's table wines. Join Wine Spectator managing editor Kim Marcus as he explains why the Douro isn't just for Port any more.

Marcassin Picks Pinot

Mon, 07 May 2007 18:54:27 -0700

Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer kick off their 2006 harvest with Pinot Noir; their Chardonnay will come later. This wife and husband team have made some of California's most noteworthy wines.

Helen Turley: Marcassin Pinot Noir

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:29:25 -0800

California Pinots are red hot and Marcassin, located on the Sonoma Coast, produces some of the state's top Pinots. Helen Turley makes the wines and her husband, John Wetlaufer, grows the grapes. We caught up with the dynamic duo at harvesttime.

Merry Edwards: Day 1

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 06:04:58 -0800

It's the first day of harvest for Merry Edwards, one of California's top Pinot producers. Grab your rubber boots (that destemmer is messy!) and meet Merry on the crush pad where she tells us, "It's all about the fruit."

Pinot Noir: Hobbs Defines California Style

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:33:57 -0700

What is a California-style Pinot? What difference does climate make? How do you describe a great Pinot? Winemaker Paul Hobbs answered these questions, and more, when he spoke with Wine Spectator's video team, Gloria Maroti Frazee and Kate Elia.

Ducru-Beaucaillou's Winemaker-Philosopher

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:32:05 -0800

What's it like to grow up and live in one of Bordeaux's top chateaus. Meet Bruno Borie, the introspective and charming owner of Ducru, as he talks with Wine Spectator senior editor Dana Nigro.

Borie on Working with Terroir at Ducru-Beaucaillou

Wed, 09 May 2007 13:56:01 -0700

Bruno Borie describes the terroir at Chåteau Ducru-Beaucaillou in St.-Julien and how it influences his wines.

Aussie Chards: You've come a long way, baby!

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:02:27 -0800

It's time to try the new crop of Australian Chardonnays. See why with Wine Spectator editor at large Harvey Steiman as he tastes a pair of them. One is from d'Arenberg in Adelaide Hills and the other is from Voyager Estate in Margaret River.

Australian Riesling: Dry & Full of Character

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 08:02:14 -0800

All this, plus they can offer great value. But what styles and regions should you look for? Find out as Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator editor at large, discusses two noteworthy Rieslings from his extensive tastings.

Rediscovering Malbec in Argentina

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:34:43 -0700

Paul Hobbs, who makes top wines in Argentina (in addition to California and Hungary) recounts how he helped to reestablish Malbec in Argentina.

Welcome to Mendoza!

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 19:45:29 -0800

Malbec has become the star grape variety in Argentinan. See why it shines bright in Mendoza with Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth.

Mendoza Malbecs: Tasting a Sense of Place

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:51:53 -0800

Beyond showing flashy fruit, Malbec can transmit a region's terroir. Wine Spectator Senior Editor James Molesworth compares three noteworthy Malbecs, one from each of the main growing areas in Mendoza, Argentina.

Lurton: A Man of Many Chåteaus

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:20:08 -0800

Pierre Lurton--modern multi-tasker and upholder of tradition--runs two of Bordeaux's top chåteaus, Cheval-Blanc and d'Yquem, as well as his own Château Marjosse. The winemaking and wines are so different! How does he find the balance to do it all?

Harlan: Making Great Cabs

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:30:22 -0700

Harlan Estate makes some of the most sought-after Cabernets in California's Napa Valley. What does it take to make a great Cab? The answer is provided by Bill Harlan, the owner of Harlan Estate.

Northern Rhône Whites: Viognier vs. Marsanne

Thu, 03 May 2007 14:13:35 -0700

Do wines have a size? And why use glasses with different shapes? These are some of the age-old questions answered by James Molesworth, Wine Spectator senior editor as he compares two white Rhônes from the '04 vintage.

Southern Rhône Reds: Beyond Châteauneuf

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:51:12 -0700

Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes probably the most popular red from the Southern Rhone, but there are many other regions worth seeking out. James Molesworth is your guide.