Wine Q&A: Syrah, top to bottom
By Jeff Patten
Syrah is one of the world's greatest red grape varieties and is best known for producing complex, age-worthy wines with remarkable versatility. Originating in France's Northern Rhône, it has since...
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Complete Guide to the Northern Rhône Wine Region
By Jeff Patten
The Northern Rhône is one of the world's great wine regions, producing distinctive Syrah and white wines that rival Burgundy and Bordeaux in quality while often delivering superior value. Whether...
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Flatiron's Guide to Côte-Rôtie
By Jeff Patten
The guide concludes that Côte-Rôtie is the most elegant and Burgundian expression of Syrah in the Northern Rhône. Its cool climate, steep hillside vineyards, unique use of Viognier, and diverse...
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Guide to the Hermitage Wine Region
By Jeff Patten
The article presents Hermitage as the pinnacle of Northern Rhône Syrah, arguing that despite the popularity of appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Cornas, Hermitage remains the region's greatest expression of the...
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The White Wines of the Northern Rhône
By Jeff Patten
The guide concludes that the white wines of the Northern Rhône deserve to be mentioned alongside the region's famous reds. From the aromatic elegance of Condrieu and the legendary longevity...
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The Complete Guide to Saint-Joseph
By Jeff Patten
The article argues that Saint-Joseph is far more than an affordable alternative to Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, or Cornas. While many wine lovers discover the appellation because of its lower prices, its...
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The Ultimate Guide to Cornas
By Jeff Patten
For decades, Cornas was considered an overlooked appellation in the Northern Rhône, known for rustic, inexpensive Syrah rather than the prestige of Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie. That perception changed largely because...
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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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