Jan
22
2010
The 2007 Skulls, the cheeky 2007 Chateau Chateau Chateau, and the epic Anamorphosis all have one thing in common (besides being Australian and having Parker ratings): the art of Hungarian István Orosz graces each of their labels (and in Anamorphosis’ case, the incredible poster that is meant to be reflected in its mirrored bottle).
Apr
17
2009
Yesterday, we began receiving stock for our Spring Blowout Sale: 50% on 50 Wines. As we opened box after box of incredible wine after incredible wine, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Three different 1.5 liter-bottles of Herman Donnhoff Riesling , each rated between 93 and 97 points by Robert Parker, marked down from $90, $79, [...]
Apr
14
2009
At a wine bar on the North Side a while ago, I decided to try something different. I reviewed the specials, marveled at the value of a particular $6-a-glass New World red (everything else was priced at around $12 a glass), and placed my order with the bartender.
“South Africa?” My friend raised an eyebrow on [...]
Apr
03
2009
Tomorrow at Just Grapes’ weekly free Saturday wine tasting, we’ll be offering four delicious kosher wines from the Galilee region of Israel.
What exactly makes wines (or food) kosher, you ask? According to About.com, “Jewish Dietary Laws are rules and regulations concerning food that are derived from Biblical laws and rabbinical extensions. A person who follows [...]
Mar
04
2009
On Monday, I attended the Olé Imports Portfolio Tasting at Cream Wine Company, where more than 50 Spanish reds, whites, and rosés from a dozen regions were poured. Region by region, here are the highlights.
Cataluna: The Cataluna (also known as Catalonia) region of Spain is home to D.O. Cava, where 95 percent of Spain’s acclaimed [...]
Nov
19
2008
Grocery store circulars everywhere are touting the release tomorrow of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. Granted, most people don’t expect to find fine wine in the same store stocking Twinkies and Chef Boyardee, but Beaujolais Nouveau has garnered a disrespect in some corners perhaps beyond proportion, considering it doesn’t aspire to much. What is it about this unique [...]
Sep
19
2008
OK, maybe you say it would taste good WITH chicken. But I think this bad boy is a flavor experience all by itself.
Famed blogger Dr. Vino, aka Tyler Colman, was in Chicago today at Just Grapes speaking about some wines coming out of France that do more than part with tradition—they go running from it.
Our fifth wine was [...]
Sep
09
2008
Robert Houde of Garnacha Imports reviews the 2004 Emilio Moro, Ribera del Duero, Spain during a Wines of Spain Seminar at Just Grapes in Chicago.
Sep
08
2008
Robert Houde of Garnacha Imports reviews the fantastic 2005 Finca Allende Rioja from Spain during a Wines of Spain Seminar at Just Grapes in Chicago, IL.