Author: Dane Kuta

Château Gruaud Larose, in Saint Julien, has both a modern and history feel. The steel lookout tower–and the wines– are simply amazing.

Château Lynch-Bages sits in the Pauillac appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, in the tiny hamlet of Bages (hence the name). Although classified as a 5th Growth, the wine often out performs its ranking and has earned the nickname ‘Super Second.’

Château Phèlan Ségur is a beautiful estate in the northern Médoc commune of Saint-Estèphe.

Château Talbot, in Saint-Julien, is a 4th growth on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Legend has it that the name dates to its ownership by Englishman Lord John Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury, who was killed at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. Records aren’t definitive, but it’s a great story.

Château Latour is a 1st Growth (Premier Cru) estate located in Pauillac on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. This is one of the most esteemed wine producers in the world.

Château Lamothe Bergeron is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Médoc region just south of Saint Julien. It reminds me of Disneyland.

Château Pichon Baron was one of the highlights of my summer trip to Bordeaux. Ch. Pichon Baron is a 2nd Growth estate located in Pauillac on Bordeaux’s Left Bank.

Château Lafon Rochet sits in the northern-most Médoc commune of Saint-Estèphe. Their wines labels are the same stunning yellow color as the château.

The new MiraCosta College Fall catalog is coming out soon. Here is a preview of wine classes offered. I’ll be lecturing every Wednesday night from 7-9pm at the San Elijo campus.

Vino Nobile de Montepulciano is a Sangiovese-based wine from vineyards around the village of Montepulciano in Tuscany, Italy.