Sommelier Spencer Cruse of Drago Centro
March 14, 2012 by Derek Swanson
This week I interviewed Spencer Cruse, who is the relatively new sommelier at LA’s Drago Centro. Spencer took the reigns from Michael Shearin, who continues to help Spencer with sourcing in his new capacity as an importer/distributor. The first thing I noticed while perusing the Drago’s menus was the difference in prices between this year and [...]
Is American Wine Making You Dumb?
March 6, 2012 by Derek Swanson
I am not buying anymore American wine. Not for a while, at least. I made this decision after wondering whether it would be possible to try wine from every unique vineyard on earth. However ridiculous that idea might sound, I had to wonder why I was wondering it. The answer dawned on me today while narrowing down [...]
The Fear of Bacchus in Me
March 2, 2012 by Derek Swanson
More than a few friends have told me they want to learn more about wine so they are not embarrassed when handed the wine list during a business dinner or a date. After all, knowledge breeds confidence, right? Well, recently I had a revelation, or what Jules Winfield might call a “moment of clarity,” and [...]
The Wines of Planeta
February 15, 2012 by Derek Swanson
Sicily. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Volcanoes? Mobsters? Square pizza? How about wine? Though often overshadowed by the big boys of Italy such as the Brunellos, Barolos and Super-Tuscans, the pedigree of wine from this Mediterranean island can be just as compelling. At a recent lunch with winemaker Alessio Planeta, I [...]
A Valentine’s Day Value
February 5, 2012 by Derek Swanson
If you blew all your dough on a pricey gift for your Valentine, have no fear; you still have enough for a bottle that will make your honey think you really spared no expense. The 2009 Caminada Malbec tastes very expensive, but retails for under 12 bucks. I received a sample and was very [...]
