Wine, Travel, and Classical Music Blog

2025 started with a memorable journey through 13 wines with friends. The year ended with a less memorable, and wholly unworthy taste of a 2026 “French” Merlot, courtesy of the JW Marriott Seoul (more on our Seoul trip later). We will focus on the happy memories of 1 January 2025 for now and look forward to a fresh year of wine, food and travel experiences in 2026.

Expiring travel award points meant a quick trip to Las Vegas. Some rest, some shopping, some time at the Bellagio tables and, of course, food and wine. A highlight of our dining was at Lago . Our time at the tables didn’t pay off so we skipped the full bottle option of DRC and instead sampled a Veneto sparkling, a Brunello and a Super Tuscan. For our meal we sampled the delicious caviar, an endive salad and gnocchi. Sitting with a stunning view of the Bellagio fountains

What did we select for our Thanksgiving wine of 2025? A Grand Cru Clos-Vougeot of course! This 2002 was a pop-and-pour, and was still holding onto acid, some fruit and the exquisite experience of an older burgundy. More please!