Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

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

Register Today!
Bella Mcdowell

Bella Mcdowell

Poetry

Cliff Lede Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United States
4923 days ago

Bella scored this wine: 94/100

I was fortunate enough to try this wonderful Cabernet blend recently with some friends. It is a beautiful, big wine with a nose of blackberries and dark chocolate. The wine tastes of cranberry, blackberry, and dark cherries with a touch of smokiness and silky tannins. An amazing wine that should age very gracefully!

Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2007

Napa Valley, California, United States
4915 days ago

Bella scored this wine: 92/100

Great aromatic nose filled with notes of mango, honey, and peach which makes me think of enjoying a bottle on a warm summer evening. Nice acidity with crisp tastes of tropical fruit and peach with a toasty oak finish. I was able to find a bottle for $39.99...good buy!

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Napa Valley, California, United States
4809 days ago

Bella scored this wine: 92/100

Pours an intensely dark plum in the glass. The nose has notes of vanilla, oak, and cassis. The full-bodied, lush palate is layered with smooth tastes of dark berries, oak, and pepper. Refined tannins linger in the long finish along with tastes of oak and pepper. A very sophisticated wine!

Conundrum Napa Valley

Caymus Conundrum Napa Valley White 2007

Napa Valley, California, United States
4923 days ago

Bella scored this wine: 91/100

One of my favorite restaurants has this wine and I always order it. The Conundrum has a floral nose with notes of peach, vanilla, and pear. Tastes of citrus, honeysuckle, rose, and melons. I recently found this wine for $18 a bottle which is a steal for a wine this balanced and complex.

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2007

D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy
4924 days ago

Bella scored this wine: 91/100

I love a good, full-bodied Chianti and this fits the bill. A nose with notes of strawberries, plum, and cherries. Tastes of dark cherries and blackberries with balanced, silky tannins and a long finish. Great wine and a perfect pair with classic Italian dishes.

Bella Mcdowell

Wine BloggerVisit Bella's Website

Memorable Wine

The first time I tried Opus One when I was 21 years old. It started my romance with the grape!

more

First Wine

Probably something from the gas station when I was a little too young to be drinking it...

more

Current Fav Wine

Bordigioni Family Winery Big Pink Rose of Zinfandel- perfect summer wine

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