by Christina Waters | Jan 20, 2010 | Home, Wine |
The prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has showered the winemakers of Soquel Vineyards — Jon Morgan, Peter & Paul Bargetto, with gold (and not the kind advertised on those TV infomercials either).
Three opulent Pinot Noirs, a Sangiovese and a Cabernet Sauvignon made at the small Santa Cruz mountains winery, took Gold Medals — with a double gold going to the cab!
This could be the excuse you’ve needed to get out to the beautiful tasting room located in the hills above Soquel to sample all of the award-winners. Or you could check out your favorite wine store (e.g. New Leaf, Shoppers, VinoCruz) and pick up one of these tasty tipples. Three of Soquel Vineyards’ award-winning pinots come from Lester Family Vineyard, where ace viticulturist Prudy Foxx tends the vines.
Kudos!
by Christina Waters | Jan 8, 2010 | Home, Wine |
The beautiful 2008 chardonnay made by Sal Godinez for Vine Hill is a surprisingly tangy, tart pour that avoids the cloying oak and butterscotch of so many California chardonnays.
Laced with minerals, the new Vine Hill release clocks in at a solid 14.4% alc, begins with plenty of lemon and lime, and then finishes up with hazelnuts and an appealing hint of banana.
Spectacularly distinctive, this wine adores middle-eastern flavors, grilled chicken and oil-rich seafoods. For $27 it is a great way to get acquainted with the future of Santa Cruz Mountains white wines.
by Christina Waters | Jan 6, 2010 | Home, Wine |
That would be the 2007 Billy K Estate Merlot – from Alfaro Family Vineyards.
A tasty tipple indeed (I can’t believe I am recommending a merlot!), this is an enlightened wine with enough macho moves to please cab drinkers, and enough finesse to play hide ‘n’ seek with your favorite pinot.
The initial nose yielded apple, leather and plum, turning to sassafras and bacon – substantial and crying out for bbq chicken or pulled pork. We found it interesting in its own right, with a complex central core, and perfect for partnering most entrees this side of scallops.
Named for Richard Alfaro’s late father-in-law Billy Kempker, the wine is all estate, a beautiful ruby color and balanced to drink now, or age for a few years. At 14.5% alcohol this makes for a well-spent $30.
by Christina Waters | Dec 21, 2009 | Wine |
Delightful, definitive and doonright intriguing is this Perfect Gift for the inquiring wino on your list.
Been Doon So Long — Randall Grahm’s beautifully produced and illustrated collection of rants, ruminations and reminiscences is available at any bookstore worth the name for $34.95.
Get one, and then get another one for yourself!
by Christina Waters | Dec 21, 2009 | Holidays, Wine |
So you want to greet 2010 with a major party? Look no further than the Cellar Door where chef Charlie Parker has nothing but luxury in mind, cuisine to match the wines by Randall Grahm. Dinner and a Masquerade on New Year’s Eve! For details check the website — and better make those reservations fast!
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Amuse-bouche
paired with 2008 Ca’ del Solo Albarino
Sunchoke Soup with Osetra Caviar, Brioche & Quail Egg
paired with: 2008 Grenache Blanc
Roasted Lobster with Brussel Sprouts, Kohlrabi and Uni Butter paired with: 2004 Le Cigare Blanc
Seared Foie Gras (more…)
by Christina Waters | Dec 16, 2009 | Wine |
Would you like to have wine with this man? Of course you would! And you can, by coming up to Big Basin Vineyards this Saturday, December 19, and sample some award-winning syrah with winemaker Bradley Brown.
He’ll be pouring lots of bold red wines for your holiday parties and gifts at the winery on Memory Lane in Boulder Creek, from noon to 5pm. Directions and details on the winery’s website.
