Wine of the Week: 2011 Dashe Cellars Zinfandel Les Enfants Terribles, Heart Arrow Ranch

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out. For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2011 Dashe Cellars Zinfandel Les Enfants Terribles, Heart Arrow Ranch The Winery Dashe Cellars, founded by Michael and Ann…

Wine of the Week: 2010 Carol Shelton Wines Pinot Noir Larson Vineyard Carneros

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2010 Carol Shelton Wines Pinot Noir Larson Vineyard Carneros. The wine is produced by Carol Shelton’s eponymous winery – a self-described…

Wines To Pair With #SundaySupper Movie-Inspired Recipes

When I saw this week’s #SundaySupper theme, it didn’t take me long to decide which movie I would pick.  Sideways!  The best wine-theme movie I’ve ever seen.  There are three things I’ll always remember about the movie… First, the line most people remember from the movie is… No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I…

Tasted – A Winning Trio From Smith Madrone Vineyards

Smith Madrone Vineyards, a family run, estate-bottled winery located in St. Helena, California was founded in 1971 by brothers Stuart and Charles Smith who are the Managing Partner/Vineyard Manager, and Winemaker respectively.  The name of the winery is a tribute to the Smith brothers and the predominant tree on the ranch. The Madrone is an evergreen…

Wine of the Week: 2008 L’Aventure Côte à Côte

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2008 L’Aventure Côte à Côte. Winery L’Aventure Winery is located in Paso Robles, CA.  Stephan Asseo is the owner and winemaker. He…

2013 Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting- The Best of Rhone Rosés

I attended, as media guest, the 16th annual “Celebration of American Rhone Wines” in San Francisco, at Fort Mason Center last weekend.  Rhone Rangers is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Rhone varietal wines produced in the U.S. The two-day event featured a Winemaker Dinner on Friday catered by The Girl and The Fig. The dinner also featured…

Wine of the Week; 2008 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2008 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana. Winery Castello di Amorosa is Napa Valley’s own slice of Tuscany.  It’s a winery with…

Best Wines to Pair with Paella?

Every cuisine has at least one – a one-pot meal, a dish of humble origins that is the quintessential definition of that place and people. There’s Gumbo, Cassoulet, Risotto, Irish Stew and Pad Thai to name a few. And the Spanish? Well, they have paella.  March 27th is National Paella Day. Paella originated Valencia region…

Wine Pairing Recommendations for #SundaySupper Religious Feasts

With Spring comes the celebration of Christian and Jewish religious festivals and holidays of Easter and Passover.  Although today many people have secularized the celebration of Easter, at its core it remains a religious holiday.  Of course food and religious feasts seemingly go hand in hand, especially since giving up various foods  for Lent is…

No Reservations Wine Tasting; La Rochelle and Steven Kent Winery

My wife and I do more than our fair share of wine tasting.  From time to time I have a wine tasting experience that stands above the rest, and is everything I’m looking for – great wine and commendable service in a relaxed environment. It’s those such experiences that are the focus of this “No Reservations”…