A daily sample of thoughtful writing and discussion from (mostly) independent wine blogs:

Jamie Goode argues against excessive negativity in wine writing.

Karen MacNeil reports on the sex life of wine grapes.

Peter Pharos takes down the critics of wine critics with an insightful post on the real value critics provide.

Cool Climate Wine has a detailed account of several wine scoring systems and their flaws.

Alfonso Cevola, On the Wine Trail in Italy, extolls the virtues of Italy’s natural beauty beyond the tourist sites.

The Wine Gourd analyzes growing degree day maps of the Western U.S. and Australia.

Craig Camp of Oregon’s Troon Vineyards  reports on steps taken to move his biodynamic farming forward.

Cellar Tours explores the Spanish restaurants with the best wine lists.

Winery Visits and Travel Posts:

wineOrl visits Tenuta di Fessina on the slopes of Sicily’s Mt. Etna.

The Drunken Cyclist takes us on a picture tour of the Inaugural Wine Writers Educational Tour of Napa Valley.

Selected Reviews:

Meg Houston Maker reviews the 2006 Ridge Petite Sirah Dynamite Hill Spring Mountain

Allison Levine’s Pick of the Week is the 2015 Smith-Madrone Riesling.

Fredric Koeppel reviews the EX Unoaked Chardonnay 2017, Monterey, from Wrath Wines.

Issac Baker reviews several summer sippers.

Julien Miquel reviews the 2017 Drouin Family Domaine des Gerbeaux Mâcon-Solutré, Burgundy Chardonnay from France

Reverse Wine Snob reviews 10 great blends for under $10.

Becky Sue Epstein reviews the 2016 Mari Vineyards Grüner Veltliner from Northern Michigan.

Red Wine Please profiles winemaker  Laura Barret and Napa’s Clif Family Vineyards

Dallas Wine Chick profiles Napa’s Fantesca Estate and Winery and with proprietor Duane Hoff.

Cindy Rynning reviews several wines from Sebastepol’s Dutton Goldfield Winery and tests their compatibility with the grill.

Tom Lee reviews the 2016 Cline Zinfandel Ancient Vines, Contra Costa County