2018 and 2019 are being lauded as two of the most successful vintages for German Rieslings by most major wine writers. The extraordinary 2018 Weingut Wittmann Morstein Riesling Grosses Gewachs (Grosses Gewachs is the German equivalent of Grand Cru in Burgundy) is a very good example of the power, richness, and intensity of the best wines. It is the equal of Grand Cru white Burgundies that sell for 10 to 20 times the price. And it is a wine that your grandchildren (perhaps great grandchildren, if stored in a cool place) can drink some day. There are only three six-bottle...

The Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell has long been one of our favorite everyday Spanish reds and the 2018 vintage might be the finest edition yet. It's full-bodied, rich, smoky, meaty, and earthy (it's monastrell, after all). The perfect wine for braised short ribs, any kind of barbecue - or just a hunk of Manchego with fig jam. And our price is only $12.99! Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate agrees with us, saying: "This is the first vintage that is certified organic. There were some challenges, but they resulted in a fresh and balanced wine with integrated oak and a...

Here's a good strategy for finding excellent but affordable wines: Look for the entry-level wines from wineries that produce amazing wines at the higher end of the spectrum. Delas is one of the most respected wineries in the Northern Rhône Valley and their Hermitage les Tourettes and Hermitage les Bessards are two of the finest Syrahs made anywhere. The same passion and attention to detail goes into their Côtes du Rhône and the 2018 Delas Cotes du Rhone "St.-Esprit" is just a wonderful wine. Medium-bodied, dry with dark red fruits, loads of forest floor and garrigue on the nose, earthy,...

Markus Molitor is one of the most unique winemakers in the world. He made over 75 wines in the 2016 vintage (he is the only winemaker) and almost every single wine is absolutely stunning. This wine is evidence of that and there are only two six-bottle cases for the state of Minnesota (and guess who got them!). Of course, German Riesling is terribly misunderstood by most people who say they hate them because they are sweet. Some are - many aren't - the best wines are sweet, but most people who say they don't like them because they are sweet...

New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs might be the most polarizing wines in the world. Some people just adore them because of the pink grapefruit, gooseberry, and lemongrass character they exhibit. Other people detest them because of the pink grapefruit, gooseberry, and lemongrass character they exhibit. This winery, which you probably have not heard of (I hadn't until recently) has finally figured this conundrum out. Their wine is a blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Chardonnay and 5% Viognier, and it is a revelation. It is fresh, fun, and tropical with a splash of lime. The palate is clean and fresh with...