Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,840 strong:

Register Today!
Diana Sobolewski Owner, Les Vins Aldi

Diana Sobolewski Owner, Les Vins Aldi

Western Cape

Western Cape Hamilton Russell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015

Western Cape, South Africa
2820 days ago

Diana Sobolewski scored this wine: 95/100

The color is a deep red reminiscent of fine Burgundy. Seductive red berry aromas come to the forefront and are followed by pleasant cedar aromas. Tantalizing red fruit notes and a touch of spice are enveloped by creamy texture and silky tannins. This fresh medium-bodied South African wine has the finesse and complexity as well as the long, elegant finish of a well made serious Burgundy. It is ready to enjoy immediately. As a superior example of cool climate 100% Pinot Noir, this wine is very versatile: Equally good with well seasoned baked salmon and braised meat dishes. Serve at 15 Celsius.

2827 days ago

Diana Sobolewski scored this wine: 93/100

The brilliant yellow colour is appealing to the eye. Citrus, almond and floral aromas reveal themselves after a few minutes in the glass. Green apple with lemony accents, subtle wood and very pleasing flinty mineral notes define this modern, fresh, medium-bodied wine. The ridiculously long finish makes it pure drinking pleasure and highly memorable. As this wine ages, it takes on a golden yellow colour and honey, toasty and baked apple notes. Drink now or hold for up to three years. Serve at 12 degrees Celsius with smoked salmon, salmon tartar and Asian style fish and seafood dishes. I have seen two people who were self professed red wine drinkers exclusively, embrace this wine wholeheartedly. Disclaimer: I work for the agency that represents this wine.

Burgundy

Burgundy Domaine Millet Chablis 2015

Burgundy, France
2820 days ago

Diana Sobolewski scored this wine: 91/100

Clear pale yellow color dazzles in the glass. Beguiling aromas of white peach and pear characterize the nose of this 100% Chardonnay wine. White fruit notes lead from the first sip, but the style of this medium-bodied Chablis is undeniably fresh and crisp. The finish is medium-long with just a hint of spice. Ideal as an aperitif, it also works well with flaky white fish, scallops with a lemon butter sauce or creamy mild cheeses. Serve at 11 Celsius. Disclaimer: I work for the wine agency the represents this wine.

2788 days ago

Diana Sobolewski scored this wine: 91/100

This young, but already accessible Spanish wine composed of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, is the color of black cherries. The nose is defined by a red fruit fruit aromas. Lively notes of sour cherries and red plums thrill the taste buds, backed by just a hint of spice. Full-bodied with plushy tannins and restrained French oak, it has a medium-long finish and is an ideal red wine to accompany Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cherry-Thyme Sauce or Cherry and Onion Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. Serve at 17 degrees Celsius for maximum drinking pleasure.

2788 days ago

Diana Sobolewski scored this wine: 91/100

A wine with a sunny disposition. This ruby red Californian has an aromatic nose of dark fruit. Dark brooding fruit comes through on the palate as well, with a hint of cedar and gentle vegetal notes on the back end. Fruit forward and fresh, this sunshine infused concentrated red is a refined blend of 76% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc ... Bordeaux grapes, hence the term Claret. Medium-bodied with a medium-long finish, this delicious wine begs for a thick juicy steak bone-in or a slab of medium-rare roast beef. Serve at 17 degrees Celsius.

Diana Sobolewski Owner, Les Vins Aldi

Memorable Wine

Château Gruaud-Larose Grand Cru Classé 1966 & Château Ausone Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 2005

more

First Wine

Mateus Rosé

more

Unusual Wine Experience

Watching the train scene in Casino Royal (Daniel Craig as James Bond) with Coralie de Boüard featuring her family's Château Angélus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 1982 in a Montreal theater, then going to her wedding in Saint-Émilion.

more

Current Fav Wine

Champagne de Venoge Louis XV Brut 1996

more
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award