And now for my “I don’t have time to look for the perfect Champagne, I just need a really nice one for the evening….no special occasion” Champagne….Gloria Ferrer Brut. I know, I know, we (Americans) drink Champagne for ‘events’ and ‘occasions’, but that is a real shame. Champagne is just another kind of wine, treat [...]

A favorite year-in and year-out, the 2008 Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc is all about fresh, crisp flavors. This refreshing Fumé Blanc offers inviting aromas of sweet citrus, pear and a hint of floral spice. The wine is well-structured with luscious melon and tangerine flavors that combine with lively acidity. The finish is long and [...]

I had the opportunity to meet Anne Dashe, owner of Dashe Vineyards, early last year. A emigre from France, she has been making wine in Napa and Sonoma for almost 20 years now, and both her and her husband, Michael are two of the most charming people you could hope to meet. Together, they make [...]

Newton Chardonnay Red Label 2007 is a great value from Sonoma/Napa. Exhibiting all the expected characteristics of superb Northern California Chardonnay it has enticing and delicate notes of honeysuckle, white nectarine and peach are intertwined with baked apple, vanilla spice and freshly baked bread aromas. On the palate, stone fruit flavors combine with ripe melon [...]

Four Vines Zinfandel Old Vine  Cuvee is one of the best “bang for the buck” Zinfandels being made today, and the 2006 vintage continues this trend. The old vine fruit lends increased depth and character to the blend. Aged in small French and American oak barrels, the wine begins with silky layers of berry fruit [...]

We recently made plans to enjoy a Saturday night barbeque with a our neighbors. As Texans (the neighbors), barbeque always consists of brisket, and only brisket, smoked for 10-11 hours. Not having a smoker, I decided to bring a few racks of mustard/bourbon glazed baby back ribs. We paired a nice Sonoma Zinfandel (Turley) which [...]