Need to find the right wine for the right occasion? Vino! Wine Reviews will tell you what's good to drink now and what will taste great many years from now!

Reviews

Choose from one of our many reviews on wine for the season, dinners and more:

• February 2008 Perfect Pinot Noirs for Romantic Wine Lovers
  Pinot Noir features a broad range of bouquets, flavors and impressions. Pinot Noir can sometimes be light and crisp, other times full and rich. This Love Month, we will feature Pinot Noirs from the France’s Burgundy region which are remembered for their light, refreshing styles.
• January 2008 Red Wines for Winter from South America
  Nothing beats the cold winter blues than a bottle of red wine. In this month’s review, we will feature red wines that could warm your weary bones and gloomy moods. Ten wine recommendations are presented you to from Chile and Argentina. These wines are of varying styles and varietals. A number of them are also moderately priced, definitely of great value.
• December 2007 Wines for Gift-Giving and Holiday Entertaining
  Holiday gift giving always poses a great challenge for people to buy the most appropriate present to give friends or business partners. Wines, during this festive season are always appreciated. Wine plays a significant part in gift-giving, as well as, entertaining. This month, we will feature more pricey and special wines.
• November 2007 Low-Oak White Wines for the Holidays, Under $30
  Aside from festivities and fun, holiday also spells expenses of various sorts. There is the gift-giving, banquets, decorations and entertaining. In this article, I will feature great-value wines of exemplary quality but of reasonable price. We have a whole gamut of refreshing white wines that perfectly accompany holiday meals. We have unoaked and modestly oaked wines of various grape varieties, mainly from California and Washington.The wines are listed in increasing order- from the lighter to the fuller in weight and flavor.
• October 2007 Dry Rosé Wines Perfect for Autumn Holidays
  Known as either blush, rosé, rosato or plain pink. Dry Rosé is midway between the red and white wine. This crossover wine as they coined it will be the focus of this month’s article. They are not your typical sweet rose. They possess distinct dry and crisp quality, even with residual sugar contained in them. The dry roses that will be featured here are 2006 vintages. The roses are listed in increasing weight and flavor intensity- from lighter to fuller.
• September 2007 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay and 2004 California Cabernet
  2004 marks exemplary quality and excellence for the California Cabernet Sauvignon vintages. The wines possess remarkable potentiality, tasteful color and texture, soft tannins, and balance. This month, I will feature the best 2004 vintages that are currently available in the market. We have three Paul Hobbs Chardonnays, as well as, a number of Cabernet from various vineyards and wineries in California.
• August 2007 Pinot Noirs & Merlots Drinkable Now
  Merlot is the most darling of the wine varietals. It is soft and moderately textured. Merlots are so easy to enjoy and drink. This month, I will feature an engaging selection of drinkable red wines which include top value California Merlots, and Pinot Noir from California and Oregon.
• July 2007 Excellent 2005 Vintage California Chardonnay
  The weather is warm and vibrant. The surrounding is bursting in colors and life. This month, I will feature excellent 2005 California Chardonnay that matches the distinctive quality and beauty of July. The wines featured a broad range of selection spanning from various geographical regions of style, origin, price points and brands.
• June 2007 California Zinfandels for Barbecue Season
  Zinfandel entices you with its bountiful flavors and styles. Sometimes sweet, soft, other times spicy and intense, Zinfandel is malleable and utterly versatile. As we approach yet another summer season, it is best that we examine wines that go marvelously well with our meals. This month, I will feature an exciting batch of 2004 Zinfandel California vintages. 2004’s weather condition allowed Zinfandel to ripen fully, thus the distinctive ripe blackberry, boysenberry, cherry, and plum character. Most of the Zinfandels featured here are quite full-bodied, full-flavored and warm.
• May 2007 New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Noir Wine
  New Zealand is excelling in its wine-making industries. Their wines possess distinctive combination of fruity flavor, earthy undertones, crisp acidity, and vibrant tastes. The New Zealand wines possess intense varietal character and refreshing acidity. This month we will feature distinctive, high quality Sauvignon Blanc, three Pinot Gris, two Riesling, and a Chardonnay.
• April 2007 Italian & German Whites, Red Bordeaux Wine
  This month, we will feature European white wines from Italy and Germany, including moderately priced Bordeaux. The 2005 vintages from Europe are of excellent quality. Equally amazing are the white and red variety. They are well-balanced and intensely flavored. In comparison to other wines, the 2005 European vintages are more open and finely textured. They possess an integrated and supple quality. The 2003 vintages, on the other hand, are extremely magnetic, warm and rich. The Bordeaux, with its full-flavored quality also yielded positive results.
• March 2007 Top Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio & Pinot Noir
  March is our official Pinot Noir month. We will features amazing value Pinot- red and white. Pinot Gris, the white variety of Pinot Noir is a product of a mutation that occurred centuries ago. It subsequently propagated an independent variety of its own. It popularity increased over the years, and many more exciting versions were developed in the far western countries. The red Pinot Noir established itself as one of the noblest varietals. It faired extremely well with in California and Oregon. In this month’s review, we have a number of Pinot Noirs recommended from the 2004 vintages.
• February 2007 Flavorful, Romantic Wines for St. Valentine's Day
  With all the spending and celebrations you would probably be doing this Month of Love. I will be recommending wines that are easy on the palate and your budget. This February, the wines we will be featuring are quite intense in aromas and flavors. We have two Rieslings, two Roses and nine Zinfandels.
• January 2007 Domestic Budget Wines that Won't Break the Bank
  Your savings have depleted with all the shindigs you have hosted in holiday season. But alas, there are many more celebrations on your list. This month, I will feature quality wines not over $20 per bottle. There are numerous top value wines available out there; it only takes a clever eye and adequate knowledge on vintages to spot the excellent ones. This month, we will feature excellent wines from the United States. We have four Pinot Gris/Grigios, 3 Sauvignon Blanc and 4 Merlots.
• November 2006 High Caliber Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Wine
  The holiday season calls for wine of higher caliber. Thus, this month we will focus on some truly outstanding wines that are somewhat pricier than my usual recommendations. For most of us, they are special occasion wines that help the occasion be much more festive.
• December 2006 A Range of Red Wines for Holiday Occasions
  Before I begin, I just want to greet you all first a “Happy Holiday!” In this special season marked by adamant snowfall and gift-giving, I will feature wines of fuller body and distinctive intensity. Below are some of the red wines you might want to enjoy along with your scrumptious winter meals. For your convenience, I have provided wines of varying price, style and producers that would definitely match your discriminating tastes. We feature 2001 vintages which are firm and structured; 2002 with its softer and fruity quality; and 2003 vintages of leaner and excellent kind.
• October 2006 Variety of Red Wines for Autumn
  Autumn is the best season to drink red wines. Thus in this month’s article we will feature wide variety of reds from several regions, wine types and prices. To get the most of your wine enjoyment experience, you might want to try these wines side-by-side. Examine too the more complex depth and flavor of Andeluna Merlot. Note the richness of Australian wine and the volume of Shiraz. See the fruitiness and complexity of the Villa Maria’s Pinot Noir and the Cellar Selection. Finally, note the fruity notes of both Italian reds and the refreshing lightness of the Tuscan blend, as well as, the delicate richness of Valpolicella.
• September 2006 Excellent Chardonnays Under $30
  Chardonnay Galore! This month, we will feature some of the best Chardonnay vailable on the market. I have already tasted some of them, and would proudly recommend some 2004 vintages. All of the wines are of exemplary quality and excellent value.
• August 2006 2004 Vintage California Chardonnay
  2004 marks the year for great California Chardonnays. The vintages are exceptionally excellent, fruity and well-balanced. The 2004 Chardonnays also are somewhat more appealing than the 2003 wines. It is then such a great opportunity for us to buy 2004 vintages, because their texture, aroma and flavor have just fleshed out. To get the most of your wine drinking experience, taste and compare two examples of the wines below. Be observant of their distinguishing characteristics and texture. Taste Hahn with the Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay.
• July 2006 White Wines from Italy and California
  Italian wines have indeed improved substantially over the recent years. They now possess such distinguishing depth and character, without being too heavy or rich. This month, I will feature wines of exemplary quality, price range, varietals and styles. Also included are Unites States Sauvignon Blancs. This wine varietal is characterized by its zesty, pungent style of New Zealand origin. It contains slightly higher acidity and more aromatic intensity accentuated with a distinctive citrus and earthy overtones.
• June 2006 Summertime New Zealand Whites
  “Summertime New Zealand whites” is the theme this June. I have long enjoyed the numerous varietals of New Zealand wines- from racy Sauvignon Blancs, excellent Chardonnays, satisfying Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewurztraminers, etc. Sales of New Zealand wines also faired higher than its United States counterpart. This is partly because of the introduction of moderately priced version of The Jibe and Monkey Bay. Their undeniable presence helped in establishing the awareness of New Zealand wines.The wines in this article feature screw caps closure.
• April 2006 Sideways Movie-Inspired Pinot Noir Reviews
  Sideways altered the course of wine history. It brought about a phenomenal change in the situation of the industry. After the airing of the movie, there has been a significant rise in the sale of Pinot Noir in United States, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Merlot’s sale also dropped by 2% in relation to Pinot Noir. Such statistical observation does not denote that Pinot Noir was not already renowned to various wine drinkers. It only showed that through the positive reactions and comments expressed by the main character to this particular wine varietals, potential new customers started seeing Pinot Noir in a different light.
• March 2006 Thrifty Red Wines from California, Washington
  The tax season is upon us. It is once again time to account our savings and expenses; and pay-off our due. This month I will be featuring a broad range of good value wines from California and Washington. All these wines can be purchased for $18 or under per bottle. We have four Merlots, four Pinot Noir and four Zinfandels.
• February 2006 Good Values in California Chardonnay, Syrah
  I am continuously impressed by the quality of California Chardonnay. They feature distinctive texture and suppleness that is equally appealing and exciting. This month, I will introduce you a broad range of 2004 that possess impressive character and well-balanced structure.
• January 2006 Pinot Noirs from California, Oregon
  Nothing equals Pinot Noir in bringing the festive feel in this cold month. I predict that 2006 will be a great year for wine-drinkers and lovers. Each year, new and better wines are being released in the market. Consumers then can choose between the wide array of wines of differing flavor and varietals.
• December 2005 Rich Red Wines for Cold December Days
  Happy Holidays! Dispel your holiday blues with a bundle of rich red wines. This month, I will feature an impressive selection of Argentinean wines celebrated for their remarkably great value and enjoyable quality. They are supple and intense in flavor. Perfect to be drank now or a few more years after their release.
• November 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon for the Holidays
  It is never too early to prepare for the holiday festivities. This month, brace yourself to the selection of richer wines made especially with the winter season in mind. The Cabernet Sauvignon presented can be enjoyed now, but can be much better with additional aging.
• October 2005 Excellent 2002 California Cabernet Sauvignon
  Generous and fleshy. The 2002 California Cabernets are widely available in the market now. These wines are renowned for their smooth texture, jammy-in flavor and mildly tannic finish. They are such a pleasure to drink and enjoyable to share right on the release.
• September 2005 Chardonnay from California and Washington
  This month, we will explore the exciting selection of Chardonnay from California and Washington State. Among the following Chardonnays, some are medium-to-full bodied, others fruity (Belvedere, Concannon, Chateau Ste. Michelle), while others are richer and oakier in variety (Hahn Estate). There are also those that are crisper and more subtle in style. We have the Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge, Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch, Testarossa, Acacia, Carpe Diem, Chateau Ste. Michelle Gold Creek, Patz & Hall Vineyard and Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands.
• August 2005 Refreshing White Wines from New Zealand
  Take a journey towards the Southern Hemisphere and explore the wide selection of New Zealand wines. Wines from this country are utterly delicious though somewhat under-appreciated. In this article, I will feature four Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough, then a wide selection of white varietals from New Zealand.
• July 2005 Warm Weather White Wines
  Definitely hot stuffs! This month, we will feature refreshing variety of white wines perfect for the pleasantly warm weather. We have Rieslings considered to be warm weather wines, Italian 2003 whites and Champagnes. These wines may be a bit pricier than my usual recommendations but they are really worth it.
• June 2005 Sparkling Wines from California
  Summer is virtually around the corner. We must celebrate the arrival of such pleasant season with a bunch of sparkling wines. This month, I will present to you some of my highly recommended champagne method sparkling wines from California. These wines are of great value and respectable prices. Sparkling wines can either be white, pink, red or any other wine variety. Classic sparkling wines are comparable to Champagne, the grape variety that is available only in the Champagne district in France. They used Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris varietals are also used to enhance the blends.
• May 2005 Italian White Wines
  It’s spring once again. This month, we will be featuring white wines that are as refreshing as the gentle breeze, and lively as the morning sun. Italian white wines are more distinctively richer than its counterparts. They possess bursting fruity notes and flavors, making them successful candidates for those who haven’t been quite that amiable to Italian produce. The 2003 vintages also possess that extra oomph in flavor and dimension.
• April 2005 Great Australian Shiraz
  The snow is just starting to melt, and it is still relatively cold outside. This April, I will feature several full bodied wines from Australia that could warm away your chills. We have eight deliciously tempting Shiraz of varying structure and depth. These wines are also moderately priced in lieu of the tax month.
• March 2005 Magical Rieslings from Germany
  German wines, like its people, pose as a mystery to many of us. German wineries and names are utterly long and very confusing. Most too of the recognized German wines are of the white variety which are often off-dry to sweet. Nonetheless, excellent wines made by good vineyards, good producers and good vintages are created using Riesling grapes. 2003 German vintages are considered the warmest on the record. The Rieslings of this year are fleshy, luscious and ripe. They are appealing; definitely a pleasure to drink.
• February 2005 New Release Wines from California
  A short month, February, but a month long on wines, as we are now in the midst of new release season, especially for wineries in the northern hemisphere. Some of the more interesting wines now available include Sauvignon Blancs from 2003; Chardonnays from 2002; and Cabernet Sauvignons (and blends) from 2001. These are the wine types I am focusing on this month, with one Pinot Blanc included for good measure.
• January 2005 California Pinot Noirs and Other Great Reds
  New year again and new vintages again hitting the market. From the USA, specifically California, the availability of lighter or earlier maturing wines from the 2003 vintage (white and red) is broadly apparent (even a few 2004s are here). Meanwhile, we are nearly at the tail end of the richer 2002 whites. But the richer reds from the 2002 vintage are still plentiful. While we are in the seventh or eighth inning for the fullest 2002 Zinfandels, Syrahs, and Pinot Noirs, we are only in the fourth or fifth inning for top Cabernets, Cabernet blends, and Merlots. By this fall, nearly all the 2002 reds will have appeared. But make no mistake: 2002 is a very good vintage in California. The white wines are generously flavored; the reds a little fleshier and less tannic than usual, but quite delicious, particularly at wineries where a careful selection among lots was made.