The story of Rhys Vineyards: What happened when a software entrepreneur caught the wine bug. - By Mike Steinberger - Slate Magazine

Rhys is a classic case of one man's obsession run splendidly amok: Kevin Harvey, a tall, genial 46-year-old Silicon Valley software entrepreneur caught the wine bug in the early 1990s. It soon mutated into a Burgundy fixation, and in 1995 he decided to dabble in fantasy by planting some pinot noir vines—Burgundy's signature red grape variety— in the backyard of his Woodside, Calif., home, set in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Imagine drilling for oil in your lawn and immediately hitting a gusher; that's essentially what happened with Harvey. He vinified the grapes in his garage, and the wine turned out to be shockingly good (he insists he had no clue his lawn could cough up such quality; he says it was "pure serendipity"). He had been thinking about starting a winery in Sonoma, but it now occurred to him that there might be gold in the mountains behind his house...

The story of Rhys Vineyards: What happened when a software entrepreneur caught the wine bug. - By Mike Steinberger - Slate Magazine

Wine of the Week: 2007 Kiralyudvar Tokaji Furmint Sec - latimes.com

Tokaji is the luscious sweet wine made from the Furmint grape from Hungary's fabled vineyards. Sweet is the way it's been for centuries — until the late 20th century, when the first dry Furmints were made.

This is the second vintage of Furmint sec from the historic Királyudvar (Kee-RYE-oohd-var) estate, which dates to the 11th century and supplied wine to the Hapsburg court. The bouquet of flowers and citrus jumps right out of the glass. Its intensity, lively acidity and minerality make the 2007 a terrific wine with food.

The wine is a collaboration between Királyudvar and famed Vouvray producer Domaine Huet. (Királyudvar is owned by American Anthony Hwang. who is also a partner in Huet.)

I've practically gone through a case already, drinking it with charcuterie, smoked salmon, oysters and tuna tartare. It's terrific with Thai food. I also like it with cheese. An absolute steal at $20 for a wine of such finesse.

irene.virbila@latimes.com

Region: Hungary

Price: About $20

Style: Aromatic and crisp

What it goes with: Charcuterie, smoked fish, Asian food, cheese

Wine of the Week: 2007 Kiralyudvar Tokaji Furmint Sec - latimes.com

Meet the Winemaker (Episode 63): Alvaro Palacios, Alvaro Palacios Winery | Debra Master of Wine

 Meet the Winemaker (Episode 63): Alvaro Palacios, Alvaro Palacios Winery | Debra Master of Wine

Wine by the Box, Keg and Can: Better Than Bottles? | Lettie Teague on Wine - WSJ.com

2009 Yellow and Blue Torrontes, 1 liter, $12

2009 Yellow and Blue Torrontes

This fresh lively white from the Salta province of Argentina is made from Argentina's Most Favored White grape. It's also made from certified organic grapes (as are all Yellow and Blue wines). Marked by a bright acidity, it's a particularly delightful aperitif.

2009 Yellow and Blue Malbec, 1 liter, $12

2009 Yellow and Blue Malbec

If there is one company that seems to be doing particularly right by Tetra Pak, it's Yellow and Blue. I really liked the three wines (there was also a rosé) that I tried. The Malbec, from San Juan Argentina is light to medium bodied with soft tannins and notes of strawberry.

Wine by the Box, Keg and Can: Better Than Bottles? | Lettie Teague on Wine - WSJ.com