Jancis Robinson – Too late to save Sauternes?
Jancis Robinson makes a compelling case for buying Sauternes now, noting that these exquisitely crafted sweet wines are undervalued and out of fashion, making them a savvy pick for patient collectors. She highlights their long aging potential, labor-intensive production, and the historical ebb and flow of wine trends as reasons they may rise again in both prestige and price. From the Article:
You may think me crazy but I would suggest buying fine Sauternes now.
There’s absolutely no shortage of it and it is so unfashionable currently that prices are ridiculously modest in view of the difficulty of making it – far cheaper than equivalent red bordeaux. In my long career, I’ve seen so many reversals of trends that I feel Sauternes and its neighbour Barsac (shown in detail on this World Atlas of Wine map) are bound to find favour again. And because the best last almost forever, it doesn’t really matter how long this takes.
Press Release – Napa Valley Wine Academy Launches Taste Coach™ Wine Fundamentals Certification
Napa Valley Wine Academy’s new Taste Coach™ Wine Fundamentals course offers a more affordable and practical alternative to WSET Level 1, focusing on real-world wine skills over theory. At just $99 and fully online, it’s designed to build confidence in choosing, buying, and talking about wine—ideal for beginners, enthusiasts, and hospitality staff. While it doesn’t carry WSET’s global certification weight, it serves as an accessible entry point or stepping stone to more formal wine education.
And the certification paths just keep getting bigger.
Press Release – Shafer Vineyards ‘One Point Five’ Cabernet Sauvignon Now Available In United Airlines Polaris® Business Class
Shafer Vineyards announced that its flagship 2021 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon is now being poured in United Airlines’ Polaris® business class cabins. A decent glass of wine on a US airline? Maybe so… From the article:
One Point Five, a balanced and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from top Napa Valley vineyards, is setting a new standard for premium in-flight wine service.
Hailed by critics as one of the top Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley, the 2021 One Point Five has earned outstanding acclaim, receiving scores of 96 points from both global wine critics Jeb Dunnuck and Wine Enthusiast.
I’ll be flying United Polaris in three weeks, and see if this is real or not.
Santa Maria Times – Modesto-Based Gallo Closing Central Coast Winery
In the Santa Maria Times, E. & J. Gallo Winery announced it will permanently close its Courtside Winery facility in San Miguel, resulting in 47 layoffs and a full shutdown by December 1, 2025. The move marks another step in Gallo’s retreat from California’s Central Coast, following recent divestments in Edna Valley and Templeton. From the article:
The downturn in the wine market has hit the California wine industry hard as can be seen from those counties that have published their 2024 Crop Reports.
That includes Santa Barbara County, which reported winegrape values down 28% from the year before, Monterey County reporting decline of 22% and Napa County announcing winegrape values down 14.4% as well as a decline in production of 23,632 tons or almost 14%.
San Luis Obispo County has yet to report, but is expected to follow a similar trend.
Allied Grape Growers continues to advocate for vineyard removals across the state, including on the Central Coast. But the industry group says coastal growers brought more bearing acres into production in 2024 than vine acreage was pulled.
Crawford Family Wines in Solvang, CA
At Crawford Family Wines in Solvang, California, wine is a family affair built on passion, precision, and a deep love for the Santa Barbara region. With a cozy tasting room and a relaxed vibe, it’s a small winery doing some pretty impressive things with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhone-style wines.
2019 Crawford Family Wines Second Street Cuvée
The 2019 vintage of Second Street Cuvée is a Rhône-style red built on Santa Barbara County fruit, blending 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah. It hails from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a coastal zone better known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but one that can also produce assertive, structured reds when conditions allow. With 14.7% alcohol, a dark fruit profile, and firm tannic grip, this wine delivers depth and power in a style that rewards decanting and pairs well with richer fare.
Mother Wolf at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV
In the ever-evolving culinary playground that is Las Vegas, Mother Wolf arrives with pedigree, pasta, and a punch of personality. Tucked into the sprawling Fontainebleau, this Roman-inspired eatery is the brainchild of Chef Evan Funke—a name synonymous with hand-rolled pasta and deep reverence for Italian tradition.
A night at Mother Wolf is a full-on Roman holiday, with flavors that dance between soulful and bold. Think ancient recipes with modern swagger, served in a buzzy dining room filled with energy, flair, and just a tad too much bass. If you’re looking for a quiet meal, this might not be your temple. But if you came to eat exceptionally well and maybe shout over your cacio e pepe—welcome.
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