Wine

Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.

Wine

Who knew a Maryland Pinot Noir could be so good?

John McDonald
11 years ago
This wineflash just in: Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale 2009 has just come on...
Wine

Liberty School wines, always well done, are ready...

John McDonald
11 years ago
College wrestling has come to an exciting end for another year. I'm happy to report that Jarrod...
Wine

Celebrating champs with sweet Italian red sparkler

John McDonald
11 years ago
Another weekend of wrestling immersion, as I enjoyed watching Division 3 NCAA championships...
Wine

Readers are asking for advice about Malbecs

John McDonald
11 years ago
I have a great deal to write this week, so let’s jump right into it. How about a 91-point red...
Wine

1906 a gem of a restaurant at Longwood Gardens

John McDonald
11 years ago
Please visit Longwood Gardens. We enjoyed the sumptuous orchid display. Sorry this is so late since...
Wine

What wine does one drink while watching wrestling?

John McDonald
11 years ago
More bad news for Robert Parker and WA: Antonio Galloni, a critic whose expertise on Italian,...
Wine

Beringer provides a lovely Cabernet, fairly priced

John McDonald
11 years ago
I had so much fun watching wrestling - both high school and college this weekend - I nearly forgot...
Wine

Sauternes best enjoyed with salty cheese, spicy food...

John McDonald
11 years ago
Before I take off on an expensive group of wines, here are a few real values: Columbia Crest Grand...
Wine

Eucalyptus permeates many Sonoma vintages

John MacDonald
11 years ago
Implore your wine pal at a local store to bring in a case of Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling...
Wine

It takes years to establish great vineyards, but...

John McDonald
11 years ago
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 is so delicious, I decided to sample some of the 2010...
Wine

European wine grape harvest down in 2012

John McDonald
11 years ago
Domaine Jean Descombes Morgon 2009 DuBoeuf is a terrific buy right now, at perfection. It is rare I...
Wine

Beringer Knights Valley Cab provides steady quality

John MacDonald
11 years ago
I just returned from the Virginia wrestling duals. You folks know I love amateur wrestling, and...
Wine

Educate yourself to avoid becoming a victim of wine...

John MacDonald
11 years ago
Rudy may be coming to trial soon. Rudy Kurniawan, an alleged wine fraud perpetrator, recently had...
Wine

Explore Austrian wines at Maryland tasting event Jan...

John McDonald
11 years ago
Well, the new year has finally arrived. The Mayan end of the world has been thwarted somehow, and...
Wine

There is a selection of excellent California...

John McDonald
11 years ago
It may be a bit late for the gift-giving season, but the following are findable at local spirits...
Wine

When a wine gets too pricey, check out the neighbors

John McDonald
11 years ago
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve does not come to mind for most Champagne consumers. I was very...
Wine

Port goes especially well with cheeses, nuts, fruits

John McDonald
11 years ago
The holidays are the perfect times to enjoy Port. Instead of steering you to those expensive...
Wine

Pointing out the difference a winemaker can have

John McDonald
11 years ago
Herb Lamb Vineyards, Two Old Dogs, Cab 2009 arrived with fanfare. As usual. Folks who are in tune...
Wine

There's still time to review top vintages

John McDonald
11 years ago
Great ideas for your grantee who would like to know about wine. These are easy-to-acquire gift...
Wine

Check out Nassau Valley Vineyards for holiday sipping

John McDonald
12 years ago
Just received my Happy Thanksgiving Day letter from my pals at Nassau Valley Vineyards, with a...
Wine

Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego hits it out of park

John McDonald
12 years ago
Congratulations to the Progressives. This week I drank a lot of wine, so I have quite a few...
Wine

Don't be tricked into buying 2010 Vacqueyars

John MacDonald
12 years ago
Hi gang, I had to write this pre-election. Sure hope all of you voted for candidates you supported...
Wine

Spaniards are returning armed with great, cheap wine

John McDonald
12 years ago
It’s been nearly 500 years since they invaded our shores. The Spaniards are returning armed with...
Wine

Grand Cru Bordeaux 2009s coming down in price, but...

John McDonald
12 years ago
Just in from a tasting of 134 red wines priced under $10. Here is a listing of the six the panel...
Wine

Joseph Phelps Insignia prices spike, then decline

John McDonald
12 years ago
Galloni, WA and IWC rated Joseph Phelps Insignia 2009 93-96 points. Parker said, ”One of the finest...
Wine

Jury still out on Matthews-Veeder venture

John McDonald
12 years ago
News flash, Chardonnay drinkers. The Bianchi Signature Selection Santa Barbara Central Coast...
Wine

Amarone should be chosen judiciously

John McDonald
12 years ago
What do you know about Amarone, asks Louisa? First off, Louisa, I love your name, which you share...
Wine

Wine critics know what they enjoy; if you agree,...

John McDonald
12 years ago
Howell Mountain is a special place for Cali wine buffs. Frank and Kathy Dotzler, owners of Outpost...
Wine

Paul Avril Clos des Papes C-d-P 2004 has revived;...

John McDonald
12 years ago
Since 2000, RP awarded 10 Chardonnays priced under $15, 90 points or more. Those who enjoy the...
Wine

Walter Hansel is a star, so his wine prices jump

John McDonald
12 years ago
Today is answer some mailbag questions day. Paolo and Mario both wrote to ask about Super Tuscan...
Wine

The Warden does a fine job with Big House wines

John McDonald
12 years ago
Regulars know that I am a large fan of Randall Grahm. When he sold Big House to the Wine Group, as...
Wine

Great wine on the cheap with Chateau La Dominique

John McDonald
12 years ago
Please keep this web address to read when you are finished with the paper. You will find a succinct...
Wine

St. Francis produces top-flight Cali Cab at the...

John McDonald
12 years ago
Michel Chapoutier is at it again, with top-flight Shiraz from a new vineyard designation, Pyrenees...
Wine

Deep Sea Red 2008 should have rated better

John McDonald
12 years ago
Barbara and I spent an afternoon with the candidates this past Sunday, thanks to long time friends...
Wine

Eric Asimov's Wines Under $20 is worth a read

John McDonald
12 years ago
Recently, I named Tim Mondavi as the winemaker for the RM Oakville 2009; several readers and a...
Wine

Atoning for plonk poured on neophytes

John McDonald
12 years ago
Most stringent gun control: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, St. Louis and Baltimore...
Wine

2009 Mondavi Oakville Cab deserves more credit

John McDonald
12 years ago
Great week for McDs. Visited Timothy's to hear Back Seat Becky. Daniel is bass man. While we were...
Wine

2009 Bordeaux are great, but watch for overpriced...

John McDonald
12 years ago
Two decent Chardonnays on the cheap? I got 'em. These were winners in a recent tasting of 96 Chards...
Wine

The most mineral-driven white Burgundy is Meursault

John McDonald
12 years ago
Hope all is well aupres les vignes. The Grove is jammin' and I'm happy I'm only working four days...
Wine

Novy offers well-made California Syrah

John McDonald
12 years ago
I was quite surprised by an article that listed the top 11 wine-consuming countries. The list was...
Wine

High-altitude Argentinean Chards are gaining popularity

John McDonald
12 years ago
Recently, I was sent a couple of bottles of Trivento Reserve 2010 from Argentina. The Syrah was...
Wine

Foley Rancho Santa Rosa Chardonnay 2009 simply unctuous

John McDonald
12 years ago
Melissa Alesi is a songbird worth hearing. Barbara and I caught her at Big Chill last Saturday. She...
Wine

It's time to break out the Sauvignon Blanc

John McDonald
12 years ago
Hope all is well in sunny Lewes, pres de le vignoble! Here’s the Sauvignon Blanc I’ve been...
Wine

A deal on this caliber of Bordeaux doesn't come...

John McDonald
12 years ago
I had a very nice Memorial Day weekend with family and at work. Still doing a few days a week at...
Wine

Three cabernets worth investing in

John McDonald
12 years ago
Silverado 2007, Kuleto 2008 and Oakville Ranch 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon can be found in a three-pack...
Wine

Hess select Chardonnay 2009 is a real steal

John McDonald
12 years ago
What a strange world this is. Two weeks ago, I mentioned that the bargains were not in Chile...
Wine

La Rioja Tempranillo the top Spanish Reserve

John McDonald
12 years ago
This week brings more summer treats. First, however, I wish to alert all to a Reserva Especial 2001...
Wine

Ca di Ponti Sangiovese a stone winner

John McDonald
12 years ago
Too much to cover today for this space, so let’s jump right in. Summer wine reviews are into their...
Wine

Everything but the kitchen sink in 99 Point Wine

John MacDonald
12 years ago
Wow!! A brown bag bonanza for Pinot Noir guzzlers flashed across my palate at a recent tasting. If...
Wine

High on the Hog Viognier blend pairs great with rabbit

John McDonald
12 years ago
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday with Barbara and my grown-up children...
Wine

Good Chards available in a variety of styles

John McDonald
12 years ago
For all my Chard Pards, Patz and Hall Dutton Ranch is produced from some of the oldest plantings of...
Wine

Inexpensive, top-flight French Sauternes on the market

John MacDonald
12 years ago
Move quickly, only 800 cases were produced. Poggio Nardone Brunello 2006, WE 96, Suckling 93, McD...
Wine

Many wines complement chocolate

John MacDonald
12 years ago
The chocolate show appeared to be a grand success. When Barbara and I appeared, the line was out to...
Wine

Spanish wines are in the spotlight

John MacDonald
12 years ago
Spanish wine rarely gets the ink it deserves. Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos Bierzo 2009...
Wine

La Crema PN 2009 comes down in price; buy now

John McDonald
12 years ago
I know this is a wine column, but I am compelled to do a brief book review first. “The Lily:...
Wine

Here's the lowdown on some Tuscan reds

John McDonald
12 years ago
Le Sughere di Frassinello Maremma Toscana 2009, a lovely Sangiovese blend by Rocco Frassinello, was...
Wine

Cult winemaker Sweetanos back in business

John MacDonald
12 years ago
The Polar Bear weekend was a nice success this year. Fun program activities last Friday and...
Wine

Great ratings don't bring price hikes at Frankland...

John McDonald
12 years ago
Another week packed with interesting finds. The best value for my palate: Chateau Les Ormes De Pez...
Wine

2007 Brazin Zin scores double gold at California...

John MacDonald
12 years ago
There’s quite a bit of ground to cover, so let’s get cracking. A well-written Greg Dal Paz article...
Wine

Antica 2009 Chardonnay: Save your money

John McDonald
12 years ago
Antinori, the well-known Italian Chianti producer that has been sharpening its image by trying to...