Trip to Burgundy for the Hospices de Beaune auction
By John Truax
I spent a week in Beaune tasting across top domaines and the Hospices de Beaune, getting an in-depth look at the challenging but promising 2024 and 2025 vintages. Despite heavy...
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Marvels on the Margins Part 7: The Guide to Alto Piemonte
By francester joy
Marvels on the Margins lands in Alto Piemonte—the alpine, Nebbiolo-powered corner of northern Piedmont that I’ve quietly been drinking (and loving) more than any other. Long misunderstood as a “Plan...
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Tasting notes from my November trip to Burgundy for the Hospices de Beaune Auction
By John Truax
Just back from Beaune, and the 2024s and 2025s are absolutely captivating! From Dujac’s elegant Morey Saint Denis to the Hospices de Beaune’s tiny but stunning reds and whites, and...
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Wine Is Actually Cheaper than Ever, Kind of
By Jeff Patten
Despite rising prices for luxury wines, overall wine has never offered better value. Mid-tier wines in the $20–$60 range are significantly higher in quality than they were 20 years ago,...
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Top 10 Most Exciting Wine Regions to Follow in 2026
By Jeff Patten
We live in a golden age of wine discovery. Regions that were once backwaters are now producing world-class bottles, and historic giants are reinventing themselves in fascinating ways.As we head...
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Marvels on the Margins: Part 6 – The Guide to Mt. Etna
By Jeff Patten
Once nearly forgotten, Mt. Etna has reemerged as one of Europe’s most compelling wine regions. Ancient, high-altitude vineyards on volcanic soils produce wines of striking elegance, structure, and precision. Divided...
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A Guide to Bordeaux Beyond the Red: Bordeaux Blanc, Sauternes, and the Undiscovered Wines of the Great Region
By Joshua Cohen
Bordeaux' red wines are worthy of all the praise they get. But don't let that distract you from the incredible wines and mind-boggling values to be found when you look...
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Cabernet Sauvignon
By Jeff Patten
What is Cabernet Sauvignon, in plain terms? A natural cross of Cabernet Franc × Sauvignon Blanc, according to DNA work in the 1990s. It likely originated in Bordeaux. The grape has...
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Sauvignon Blanc
By Jeff Patten
Before we get practical: just so you know, I’m secretly obsessed with Sauvignon Blanc. The 90s may have given it an “everyone’s aunt drinks this” reputation – mostly thanks to...
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Chardonnay
By Jeff Patten
What is Chardonnay, in plain terms? A white grape born in eastern France. Genetically it’s a natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc. It buds early, ripens mid-season, and is a...
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NY Times 20 Under $20: Wines to Drink Now, Summer Edition
By Clara Dalzell
Just in the nick of time, the New York Times' Eric Asimov has released a brand-new 20 Under $20 column. Summer has made its presence known here in New York — it's...
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Marvels on the Margins Part 5: Guide to the White Wines of Fruili
By Jeff Patten
Today, Friuli is known mostly for orange wine and Pinot Grigio. But just 20 years ago it was considered the greatest white wine region of Italy and was on the...
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2021 Barolo Vintage: Everything you need to know
By Jeff Patten
Simply put, 2021 is shaping up to be a classic Barolo vintage—one that captures everything Nebbiolo lovers hope for. Many are already comparing it to recent greats like 2016 and...
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