Staff writer Joe Roberts delves into the red wines of Tuscany’s Vignamaggio, an estate with seven centuries of history behind it, but one that is also staking a claim on modern styles of reds made from varieties beyond Chianti’s ubiquitous Sangiovese.

Read story

From the magazine

A Beckstoffer Deep Dive: California’s Next Spot for Premium Cabernet Might Lie in Lake County

Many wine insiders know Andy Beckstoffer as the influential farmer behind some of the highest-scoring Cabernets in Napa Valley History. But as staff writer Joe Roberts recently discovered during a media tasting of wines from Beckstoffer’s vineyard holdings in the Red Hills Lake County AVA, Beckstoffer’s Midas touch (particularly with Cabernet Sauvignon) extends well beyond the storied Napa properties that are his modern claim to American winegrowing fame.

Read story

Meet our sister publication

The SOMM Journal

Go deeper into the regions, traditions, and people that shape how we drink. Discover a different perspective behind the same shared passion.

Explore The Somm Journal

Bring your bottle to the Tasting Panel

Made with passion.
Tasted, reviewed, and scored by the passionate.

Share your wines and spirits with our tasting team.

Submit your samples

Already a print subscriber?Claim your digital subscription

A world of taste.A fresh perspective.

Beaulieu Vineyard Is Back

The latest reviews and scores

Firebrand

Cloud Break

Hall Ranch

Cloud Break

Chenoweth

Lincourt

Behind the labels

A “Rightful Place” for Pinot

Beyond Sangiovese: A Tuscan Red Masterclass with Vignamaggio

A Beckstoffer Deep Dive: California’s Next Spot for Premium Cabernet Might Lie in Lake County

The SOMM Journal

Made with passion.Tasted, reviewed, and scored by the passionate.

A world of taste.
A fresh perspective.

Made with passion.
Tasted, reviewed, and scored by the passionate.