Sommelier John Lancaster: Peay Vineyards “La Bruma” Syrah

This week’s pick comes from John Lancaster of Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco.  I was interested in  John’s pairing recommendation for the California squab & quail combination on Boulevard’s menu.  Here’s a description of what the pan roasted birds are served with:  Wild Rice & Farro with Seared Foie Gras & Caramelized Shallots, Knoll Farm [...]

Bianchi Winery Zinfandel and Petite Sirah

If you are looking for bold flavors and character in your wine without breaking the bank, the wines of Bianchi Winery are worth trying.  I recently sampled their Zinfandel and a Petite Sirah sent by the winery’s PR rep, and thought both offered a high quality-price ratio.  The 2007 Heritage Series “Zen Ranch” Zinfandel is ripe [...]

Sommelier Gino Campbell: Fiddlehead Cellars “Fiddlestix Vineyard 728″ Pinot Noir

This week’s pick comes from Gino Campbell, the veteran sommelier behind numerous first-class wine programs across the country.  Gino currently offers his services at Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe, where he manages a dynamic and thoughtful combination of wine offerings.   Delicias offers an entrée called Earth and Ocean, which consists of charred short rib, port [...]

Sommelier Mario Ortiz: En Route Pinot Noir

This week’s pick comes from Mario Ortiz, sommelier and wine director at The Firehouse in Sacramento, California.  Since their menu was available online, I chose an entrée and asked Mario to pair a wine with it.  My choice was the Lamb Loin Chop with herbs, serrano ham, pecorino polenta, in a minted lamb jus.  Mario [...]

Reviews of Ten Sisters and Emblem

Last Friday the baby-sitter bailed on me last minute, so my plans to meet the WWP staff with wine samples at Charlie Palmer Steak (they offer free corkage on Fridays) were scratched. Plan B: When I informed my wine-loving neighbor Scott I had 3 bottles to review, he said he had 4 steaks to review [...]

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