This wine has been somewhat controversial in the past. There was a local restaurant that used to serve it by the glass and that’s where I “discovered” it. Since then, I’ve bought it at retail and really loved the 2007 version. …
Continue readingIt’s funny, when I began reviewing this wine I thought to myself – you would think that after tasting and reporting on as many Dry Creek Vineyard wines as I have, that eventually I would find a clunker in the…
Continue readingThe 2006 vintage in Tuscany has produced the best crop of Brunello di Montalcino that I have ever tasted and this wine is no exception. The 2006 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino is superb. Dark garnet in the glass, with that…
Continue readingThe non-winter has turned into non-spring and when the mercury recently hit 92 degrees, yes 92, it was time for a nicely chilled white on the patio. With the dog running around, and a pre-dinner snack, of some grissini, and an interesting “brie”…
Continue readingThis weekend the weather was nothing short of perfect, so after working all day in the yard and garden, we set out to properly satiate ourselves. As a friend once said, “Cab & Cow” – so off we went to…
Continue readingPasta Primavera is ubiquitous. Whether it’s respectfully made at an authentic Italian trattoria or butchered at the likes of Olive Garden, you don’t have to work hard to find it laden with spring vegetables. Such was the inspiration for this dish…
Continue readingDry Creek Vineyard Winemaker, Tim Bell Joining me today is Winemaker Tim Bell, from Dry Creek Vineyard in Sonoma, California. I’ve written about the wonderful wines of Dry Creek Vineyard before, so it only seemed natural to get some additional insight into…
Continue readingThe Ornellaia estate has been one of the crown jewels of Bolgheri and the Tuscan Maremma for many years now. During 1997, the estate was still owned by Piero Antinori’s brother, Lodovico. The brothers split ways years ago and have…
Continue readingAsk wine drinkers where the best California Cabernet comes from and it’s very likely that the majority will answer: Napa Valley of course. And they couldn’t be faulted for that. Like them, I love Napa Cabernet. What I don’t think…
Continue readingLast Saturday, I organized a small double blind tasting of 2006 Brunello di Montalcino. Four of us took three wines to a local ristorante and tried them over various primi and secondi piatti. The wines were not decanted, but were all…
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