by Christina Waters | Feb 6, 2009 | Home |
Tasting wines is rugged, grueling work. But I don’t mind. Especially when it involves dozens of the Santa Cruz Mountains increasingly notable pinot noirs, and especially in the company of the winemakers themselves. (Jim Schultze of Windy Oaks considers the second flight.)
From what I tasted yesterday up at the atmospheric Burrell School Vineyards schoolhouse, the upcoming Pinot Paradise Grand Cruz tasting event will be something to remember. You owe it to yourself to come and sample wines that just get better, and exhibit more finesse and consistency with each year.
Pinot Paradise Grand Cruz Tasting – March 29
Villa Ragusa, in downtown Campbell, 2-5pm.
$55 in advance / $65 at the door.
For details, check the SCMWA website — but definitely plan to be there!
by Christina Waters | Feb 5, 2009 | Art, Home |
Who knows why I came so late to this juicy forensic party. But I’m definitely in the game now. Was it the intensely focused, true grit face of Gary Sinise that sucked me in? Partly. Was it the collage of digitized blood cells cross-cut with two or three up close and personal autopsies? Yup. It was also the cast (I’m talkin’ the NY version now) of attractively weary cops and coroners who swipe the bodily fluids, chase the slimeballs and celebrate, briefly, over their laptops before hunting the bad guys, ex-wives and drug lord scumbags all over again.
I adore these people – and it’s possible that I love the forensic nerds, dominatrices, and haggard detectives of the CSI Las Vegas branch even more. I even got my mom turned onto Sinise and his angry Boy Scout looks — as she reminded me, “there’s nothing wrong with watching a bunch of cute guys.”
So naturally I was so totally bent out of shape when my resident guy remarked, way too casually, that the show was “just a formula.” (more…)
by Christina Waters | Feb 5, 2009 | Home |
That’s right. Now the area’s newest dining room — located at the corner of Soquel and Front Streets at the edge of downtown Santa Cruz — serves lunch from 11:30 – 2pm, Tuesday through Friday.
A few things jump out at me. A pork tenderloin sandwich with fries & frisée for $11. (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 26, 2009 | Home, Wine |
Actually, John Locke — the uncommonly erudite raconteur du vin — is doing the honors with this duo of wine intensives at Soif Wine Bar spotlighting the noble grape of Burgundy (ta dah!), Pinot Noir.
John has scheduled two wine classes focused exclusively on the much-venerated Pinot Noir. Each class will feature different wines and a fresh pedagogical approach. Every class will cover basics such as wine and tasting terms, explanation of flavors and the mysteries of winemaking. I’ve already placed my own reservations.
Pinot Noir I – Sunday, March 1
Pinot Noir II – Sunday, March 8
Classes begin at 6:00 pm and last approximately 90 minutes. Each evening runs $40.00 per class or $75.00 when registering for the pair (tax included). Classes will include 4 to 6 wines, a cheese selected to highlight the wines, plus extremely helpful educational handouts.
Participants will receive an additional 5% discount on these wines [5% on individual bottles and 15% on mixed or whole cases].
To sign-up, call or email: 831-423-2020 or Luke@SoifWine.com. Vitement!
by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2009 | Home |
No fewer than six top awards at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition went to wines made by Pamela and Steve Storrs. Gold medals went to the Santa Cruz winery’s 2005 Zinfandel Santa Clara County Lion Oaks, its 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains, and two 2007 Chardonnays, including the renowned Stu Miller vineyard beauty.
A Double Gold went to Storr’s Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains Wildcat Ridge, but the one I’m having with dinner of Middle Eastern lentil stew tonight is the winery’s 2005 Petite Sirah Santa Cruz Mountains, awarded a Best of Class by the prestigious SF Chronicle judges.
Priced at around $20, the Storrs Petite Sirah is an intricate powerhouse of cloves and currants, cradled in a big tannic grip (more…)
by Christina Waters | Jan 25, 2009 | Holidays, Home, Wine |
Join wine-loving lovers for a day of romance, wine and chocolate up at the newest winery located on one of the oldest vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Vine Hill makes stunning pinot noirs and syrahs that you’ll be able to taste along with desserts from top area bakeries. You can also purchase the perfect Valentines gift.
The beautiful tasting room is surrounded by acres of vineyards – very romantic for strolling – and awesome views of the canyons below. Valentine’s Day makes a nice excuse to check out this lovely spot – and treat your sweetie to some fine wine (AKA the elixir of love).
When: Saturday February 14th
Time: 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Cost: $15 per person or $5 for wine club members
Check the website for details and directions.
