Wine

Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.

New-release wines from Ancient Peaks offer good...

John McDonald
3 years ago
I was provided a selection of three Ancient Peaks new-release wines from Margarita Ranch Vineyards...

When buying California Pinot Noirs keep 2019 weather...

John McDonald
3 years ago
Have you heard of bioreactors? Among other applications, these produce real meat from animal cells...

Transport delays plus summer heat may add up to...

John McDonald
3 years ago
Fires, drought, and too much rain are wreaking havoc in the world’s wine regions. Please say...

Shout ‘hurrah’ for a deeper dive into Syrah

John McDonald
3 years ago
The response on last week’s Syrah article was quick and above normal. The gist was, what about...

Syrah: Tis the season for grilled meats and veggies

John McDonald
3 years ago
“What am I tasting” is a fun, blind tasting game from Wine Spectator that doesn’t require actually...

Affordable New Mexico rosé sparkler gets high marks

John McDonald
3 years ago
Try to read the recent wine news from Mexico’s El Financiero, an economic publication, discussing...

The Prisoner breaks out new upscale label - Unshackled

John McDonald
3 years ago
Pour yourselves a glass of 40-degree F Unshackled Rosé from The Prisoner: Citrus, melon and...

It’s the season for sparklers, so let’s talk Prosecco

John McDonald
3 years ago
Daughter Marguerite’s wedding went off swimmingly. A good thing, because the temperature was in the...

Try some new beers for July Fourth; just don’t mix...

John McDonald
3 years ago
Happy Independence Day! Just got a huge laugh. Spelled Independence with an a, and spell check’s...

Pairing wines with barbecue-season faves? Yes, it...

John McDonald
3 years ago
Let’s take a look at a few selections this week for the summer grilling season and the upcoming...

Why bother reviewing bad wine?

John McDonald
3 years ago
The current state of affairs reminds of one of my fav quotes from George Orwell’s “1984” – “Every...

Weather says it’s time for Pinot Grigio porch sippers

John McDonald
3 years ago
Is it my imagination or is Memorial Day weekend frequently gloomy, rainy and sandwiched between two...

Wine storage basics deserve another look

John McDonald
3 years ago
A new reader asked about storing wine. That is an involved story, as longtimers know. It is also an...

Prices may be rising on European wines; buy now if...

John McDonald
3 years ago
On Monday, we’ll be observing Memorial Day. Since this weekend is the kickoff for the summer season...

Screaming Eagle has struck again in price

John McDonald
3 years ago
Regulars are well aware I enjoy reading Oliver Styles’ work. Ironically, it was an article,...

Mother’s Day jaunt reveals hidden-gem winery nearby

John McDonald
3 years ago
2021 Mother’s Day was a wonderful success at Chez McD. Marguerite, our daughter, planned a lovely...

Celebrate all moms and look forward to summer wines

John McDonald
3 years ago
Don’t forget Mother’s Day this Sunday. This past week, I was reflecting on my mom and grandmothers...

Avoid overhyped wines with overinflated prices

John McDonald
3 years ago
A recent solicitation for Chateauneuf du Pape and a variety of other well-known Cotes du Rhone...

Experienced winemakers are worth following

John McDonald
3 years ago
I had the opportunity to sample several South African wines from Sadie Family Wines, one of...

Q&A covers winning wines, tariffs, and a good gadget

John McDonald
4 years ago
Let’s have a Q & A today. Josephine asked about No. 3 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, San...

A world of wine news to catch up on

John McDonald
4 years ago
What a glorious Easter Sunday; 12 of the family members were outdoors for a kiddy Easter egg hunt...

Wines to accompany lamb, plus a look at spiritual...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Although many are aware of the inspiration for Passover, the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt,...

Spring holidays are here; shop local for special wines

John McDonald
4 years ago
With Passover and Easter rapidly approaching and time running out, I decided to write about several...

Visit award-winning Virginia wineries, or stay near...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Hot off the press, news from a friend at the Virginia Wine Board. The 2021 Virginia Governor’s Cup...

Food-friendly wines can be fun and fine

John McDonald
4 years ago
Domaine Paul Mas Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé, from Languedoc, Roussillon, France, is a beautiful...

Take a look at outstanding wines from both coasts

John McDonald
4 years ago
How about a Stags’ Leap Winery duo to lead this week? I sampled their new release Napa Viognier...

Some special-occasion picks and catchy names on review

John McDonald
4 years ago
Happy days for McDs. Our first granddaughter, Palmer, was born Sunday. All is good! We celebrated...

Thinking ahead about wines for Passover, Easter dinners

John McDonald
4 years ago
2020-21 is now officially the coldest winter in 26 years. The polar vortex, formerly known as the...

Have your Valentine’s Day wines ready to go

John McDonald
4 years ago
Did you receive the COVID-19 notice from DE Public Health? What a disappointing note. So far, of...

A sampling of Ports to cozy up with by the fire

John McDonald
4 years ago
Sad news – SCOTUS refused certiorari on Lebamoff v. Whitmer. In plain language, they chickened out...

Be very careful of the hype around top rated Vintage...

4 years ago
RIP Henry Aaron. Mr. Aaron was a champion for human rights, a generous donator, and from all...

Many happy returns: Spaced-out wines, collector’s...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Due to a plethora of breaking news for winos, Port will keep aging until next week. Twelve bottles...

Port wine is a versatile style to explore in the new...

John McDonald
4 years ago
This week is about Port – but don’t turn the page. Unfortunately, too many read or hear Port and...

Visitdelaware.com offers guide to Delaware drinkables

John McDonald
4 years ago
Dear elected officials: If you continue killing our business community, who will support the...

Start your new year with some side-by-side tastings

John McDonald
4 years ago
2021 at last. Bright-eyed optimists have provided reams and terabits of statements that the new...

New Year’s resolutions can include smart planning...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Happy New Year! I may be a bit premature, but I’m completely over 2020. How about you? I saved this...

Perfect choices to share with your favorite wine pals

John McDonald
4 years ago
Christmas comes but once a year. When it does, I’m glad it’s here. This year, in an effort to buoy...

Search out limited editions and reserve selections...

John McDonald
4 years ago
The clock is ticking, so here are some examples of wines available in our local stores which can...

Check out second-tier wines when hype boosts first...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Let’s start with some housekeeping news. This W. Blake Gray article on interstate shipping of booze...

Wines can provide many gift-giving ideas

John McDonald
4 years ago
To forestall scheduling conflicts, McD family Thanksgiving is on Friday this year; I sampled...

Kosher wines reach across holiday lines

John McDonald
4 years ago
Those looking for an under-$12, low-alcohol (5.5%) sparkler which enhances desserts may wish to...

Chenin Blancs are underrated holiday wines

John McDonald
4 years ago
Congratulations to all the winners. A huge turnout, well handled by those who worked in the process...

More West Coast wines to sample plus an update on...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Although I am as anxious as most concerning the election results, I’m writing this column on...

Experts recommend Sherry with leftover Halloween...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Please vote. I’m hoping for decisive results so we aren’t forced to go through another Bush/Gore...

Fall brings a shift to red wine explorations

John McDonald
4 years ago
Crisp, cool days and nights signal a change in wine reviews. I’m not banishing rosé and whites,...

Thinking ahead to holiday sparklers – why not sample...

John McDonald
4 years ago
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, so let’s start looking at affordable sparklers. I’m...

Dicey outlook for 2020 West Coast wines, but don’t...

John McDonald
4 years ago
This week it’s a mixed bag. Joel wrote, “Do you have a list of the most expensive wines?” I didn’t...

Pinot Noirs are food-friendly for Thanksgiving and...

John McDonald
4 years ago
This week will be about affordable Pinot Noir. Smart planners will remember that many PNs are fine...

Search out Syrah from Washington state for good variety

John McDonald
4 years ago
RIP, RBG. As an originalist, I was not a fan of several of Justice Ginsburg’s decisions on the...

More West Coast whites to sample; fire-ravaged...

John McDonald
4 years ago
I won’t dwell on the West Coast other than to type that an area slightly bigger than the entire...

Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, or by any other name, this...

John McDonald
4 years ago
California is still roaring, with up to 24 separate sites ablaze. Recently, a terrible heat wave...

I’m sampling Sauvignon Blancs - hey, somebody’s...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Before finishing with some upper-scale Sauvignon Blanc, let me recommend Angeline SB Reserve RRV...

Plan ahead for wine buying before fires affect...

John McDonald
4 years ago
The good news keeps on coming. To provide some idea of the scope of the California fires, which was...

Sometimes the family stories are as delightful as...

John McDonald
4 years ago
Let’s look at Cabs that are top quality and very affordable. Not easy but entirely possible. When...

Walter Hansel wines are consistently well rated

John McDonald
4 years ago
Walter Hansel North Slope RRV Pinot Noir 2017 is a good value around $45, 92 McD points. Hansel...

Exposure to several different varietal selections...

John McDonald
4 years ago
I’ve received several emails concerning the spate of mixed case wine offerings that seem to be...

What’s in a name? Check your wine labels carefully

John McDonald
4 years ago
I had the opportunity to sample the new-release Stags’ Leap Winery selections. Be very careful with...

Mondavi new releases are worth looking for now

John McDonald
4 years ago
Just finished reading an article which highlighted one reason I so enjoy reading Jancis Robinson,...

Try some Italians for summer food pairing

John McDonald
4 years ago
How many celebrated July 14th? Your faithful wine guy forgot a tickler last week, and July 14,...

Summer sangria can pop with local fruit flavors

John McDonald
4 years ago
Hazy lazy, no doubt. For those who are spending more time at home, here’s a brief tutorial on wine...