by Christina Waters | Apr 7, 2010 | Wine |
Big Basin Vineyards Open House, Saturday, April 10, noon til 5pm
Make plans to visit one of the truly hidden gems of Santa Cruz Mountain wine country this coming Saturday, April 10, at 830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek, from noon til 5pm.
The extended Big Basin Vineyards April Open House will feature tastings of all the currently released wines, as well as some barrel samples of upcoming vintages.
Dan Robbins will be playing music and Desiree will prepare Syrah and Pinot-friendly foods, including bison meatballs, herb encrusted baby red and fingerling potatoes, and assorted cheeses.
Taste this amazing lineup!
2009 Aura Rosé of Syrah
2007 Bald Mountain Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
2007 Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
2006 Rattlesnake Rock Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains
2007 Fairview Road Ranch Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands
2007 Mandala Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains
2007 Odeon Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon
2009 Lester Family Pinot Noir (Barrel Sample)
2005 Rattlesnake Rock Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains
and lots more! Weather permitting, enjoy a stroll in the verdant spring vineyards.
For directions, please go to: www.bigbasinvineyards.com
by Christina Waters | Feb 23, 2010 | Wine |
Expert interpreter of the pinot noir grape, Jim Schultze of Windy Oaks Estate, will brings some of his supple Burgundian-style pinots to pour, detail and interpret, this coming Saturday, February 27.
The informal tasting workshop takes place at Soif, from 2-4 pm, for a $15 per person fee, which includes bread and cheese to accompany the various cuvees.
If you haven’t sampled Windy Oaks wines, or yet had the pleasure of hearing this consummate winemaker talk you through his award-winning vintages — you’re in for a memorable treat.
By reservations only, call wineshop at 423-2020, or email: luke@soifwine.com.
by Christina Waters | Feb 14, 2010 | Home, Wine |
Harlow Ridge. You’ve seen it. You’ve been tempted. You’ve walked on.
Reconsider. For $6.99 you could do worse. And you have.
This is a better-than-decent tipple, good for a handful of black cherries, a soupçon of cedar, even a hint of smoke. Light 12.5% alcohol, this is a solid pour to go with anything crying out for red wine.
Don’t expect layers of complexity. When chilled, however, it is surprisingly drinkable.
You’ll find it everywhere.
by Christina Waters | Feb 4, 2010 | Home, Wine |
Brad Briske (pictured here) still turns out astonishing dishes at Gabriella, which remains open (thanks to voodoo sacrifices and an astute tax attorney). We were once again rendered speechless by lunch last week showcasing designer pizza, hand-made cured meats and natural beef burgers. Oh and dessert of pound cake with orange zabaglione that was TDF.
Valentine’s Day at the Cellar Door. No prix fixe that evening, just romantic, candle-lit small plates by Charlie Parker, such as…. * Kumamoto oysters, with Meyer lemon granita & dill creme fraiche * Roasted lobster, artichokes, sunchokes & Buddha’s Hand * Bacon-wrapped galantine of rabbit, green garlic, young roots & prunes* vanilla-chocolate tart, burnt caramel ice cream & sea salt.
For even more romance, the Bonny Doon Vineyard folks are including live music by the Magnolia Jazz Band. Yes, by all means, make reservations.
Joseph Schultz is offering an intense,whirl-wind Greco-Turkish cooking course on Feb 23 at New Leaf on Ingalls St. 5:30-8:30pm, details at New Leaf website. Learn the tricks of the masters at this cooking class with the mastermind of the late lamented India Joze restaurant.
by Christina Waters | Jan 24, 2010 | Food, Home, Wine |
Here’s how we handle it, this winter/recession thing.
Beans, rice and Italian sausages (all natural pork made by New Leaf).
Add a big glass of Bonny Doon Vineyard‘s excellent Sangiovese, a few candles (yes, David, we still dine by candlelight every night), and voila!
by Christina Waters | Jan 23, 2010 | Home, Wine |
Jeff Emery’s splendid Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard wines just continue to find traction, most lately with the judges of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Emery’s robust Graciano 2007 bearing his Quinta Cruz label, took Best of Class & Judges’ Choice awards in the “Other Red Varietals†category. The big, spicy Graciano — often blended with Tempranillo in distinguished Spanish wines — offers complexity, rounded dark berry notes and plenty of grip. At $28 it makes a confident partner for game meats and spicy pastas. Available at the winery, 334-A Ingalls St., on the Westside,  as well as your favorite stores.
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