There’s a chili cookoff happening in my neck of the woods this weekend, which puts me in mind of Malbec. It’s a great match for chili, not to mention roasted meats, grilled vegetables and more. In other words, it’s a food-friendly, versatile red wine — aromatic and usually made in a smooth, easy-to-like style. Here are [...]
Read more →Here’s a wine that’s not only delicious, sophisticated and relatively affordable — it’s also widely available! Matanzas Creek 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley ($29). A sleek, lemony throughline stays crisp and elegant from beginning to end, and supports ripe pear, tropical citrus and fig flavors. With touches of toast, butter and cream through the long, rich [...]
Read more →Here’s a recipe that is simpler than you can believe — always a good thing, if you ask me. Recipe: Poultry: Grilled Cinnamon Duck with Caramelized Shallots 8 servings 2½ pounds boneless duck breast ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1½ cups thinly sliced shallots ¾ cup sherry vinegar 3/8 cup light brown [...]
Read more →There are days when I really love my job — and tasting a bunch of big, structured Cabernets is a good example of a really good day. (It looks like another wave of winter weather is on the way — so pick up one of these today to see you through!) Beaulieu Vineyard 2006 Cabernet [...]
Read more →I recently fell for three aromatic whites from Navarro Vineyards – one dry and two sweet. All three are deeply perfumed, with silky, clean fruit flavors and long, intense finishes. Here are my notes: Navarro Vineyards 2007 Gewurztraminer Anderson Valley ($19). Loved the pretty floral and stone accents to the lush apricot, peach, orange citrus and spice flavors, [...]
Read more →Here’s a wine built for aging– like all Mayacamas wines, it will continue to evolve and improve in the bottle for years to come: Mayacamas 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($65). Intense and tightly wound — just a baby at this stage. With black currant, wild blackberry, sage, allspice and big, dusty tannins. Needs loads [...]
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