This one’s a request from a good friend, advisor and loyal reader who wishes to remain anonymous: could I recommend a few good gift wines for Mother’s Day? Well, as with so much in life, it all depends on one’s mother.

Chris Phelps and I had the chance to talk about his work, French Tupperware parties, and what happens when you microwave wine.

Winemaker Stu Smith is a Northern California original — direct, approachable, down-to-earth, and, yes, a real straight-shooter.

We’re living in the golden age of wine — never has so much good wine, from so many regions, been accessible to so many of us — but we do pay a price for that choice.

Some beautiful wines from Spring Mountain, which is quickly becoming my favorite region in Napa.

During a 50-hour whirlwind trip to Northern California, I squeezed in a quick trip to Spring Mountain, home to some of my favorite reds.