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 [...]

Drinking Begins at 10 a.m. at Wine Bloggers Event in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA, Wash.–Starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, the Wine Bloggers Conference began a tasting (still ongoing), offering dozens and dozens of wines from around the world. In just an hour, I have already sampled more fabulous wines that I can count. I stop drinking now to share thoughts on a few–listed in the order [...]

Rhone Rangers Ride Into DC

Tonight, June 11 at the Museum of Natural History, the Rhone Rangers continue a series of special events in DC by participating in The Smithsonian’s Savoring Sustainable Seafood reception.  The winemakers of the organization will pour wines made from Rhone varietals to match with dishes prepared by dozens of notable DC chefs, including Robert Wiedmaier, [...]

Cline Cellars’ Reliably Delicious Wines

Ask me what wineries produce portfolios that are all reliably terrific and Cline Cellars immediately comes to mind.  And after a couple visits to their tasting room, I can also attest that it is among the friendliest in Sonoma. Cline Cellars was founded by Fred Cline, grandson of Valeriano Jacuzzi, inventor of the Jacuzzi tub [...]

Colonial Estate Émigré, Barossa Valley, 2005

If you are looking to spurge on a very big, delicious red wine this winter consider Colonial Estate Émigré, 2005 from Australia’s Barossa Valley. This is a beautifully rich blend of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscadelle, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2007, the Wine Advocate rated it 94, noting it will age well through 2025, which [...]

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