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 Jerry Lee: Robert Weil Reisling Spatlese

This week’s pick comes from Jerry Lee, wine director and sommelier at The Stonehouse restaurant at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, CA.  I asked Jerry to recommend a bottle to pair with a first course (smoked duck and avocado spring roll with boursin cheeze and asian coleslaw) and a second course (Arctic Char with [...]

Salmon and Pinot Noir

Fish usually calls for white wine, as we’ve heard over the years. But not all fish are alike. The oily fishes (sounds better than “fatty fishes,” doesn’t it?) are best paired with a bigger wine, one with more texture and body. Salmon is a perfect case in point. Whether grilled, baked, or marinated and sautéed, [...]

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 [...]

Mr. Stox’s Sommelier Ron Marshall: 2008 ZD Pinot Noir

This week’s pick was offered by Sommelier Ron Marshall of Mr. Stox Restaurant in Anaheim California, who recommended the 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir from ZD Wines.  ”The 2008 vintage marked the 40th Anniversary of ZD Wines, and this wine is the 40th consecutive vintage of Pinot Noir produced. Crafted from a blend of the highly [...]

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