Such is the ambiance of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape type blend from Anaba (pronounced Anń-ah-bah), the winery named after the winds of Sonoma Valley. This 2006 Coriol Red, Sonoma Valley is part of the Anaba inaugural releases of Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir and the red and a white Rhone-style blend, both named Coriol. The wines are handcrafted from Rhône and Burgundian grape varieties grown at their Carneros Estate vineyard and in selected vineyard properties throughout Sonoma County. All five of Anaba’s wines earned medals in the recent 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Continue readingMonth: February 2009
Wine Judges are Inconsistent? Say it ain’t so!
The Fine Art of Giving Back
I believe some of us are blessed with certain gifts — be it the ability to make money; the ability to build houses; the ability to advocate in court; or the ability to cook — that obligate us to “give back.” For me, it’s because I feel that God blesses some of us with gifts. And with this blessing also comes the the responsibility take care of those less fortunate. Wolfgang Puck talks about that same obligation to “give back,” in accepting Wine Spectator’s 2008 Distinguished Service Award.
Continue readingDidn’t I say not to go out for Valentine’s Day?
Be Mine? Gift Ideas for Your Wine Valentine
I know you’d love to go into one of the many naughty or next-to-naughty lingerie shops and purchase some “barely there” outfit for your lady for Valentine’s Day. That’s fine, if you understand it is your Valentine’s gift to yourself! Keep in mind if you’d like to enjoy the Valentine’s evening — buy her something, for her!
Continue readingDarioush Napa Valley Cabernet 2005
Tasting Etiquette: Should the Lady Swallow or Spit?
I know that spitting is a necessity, if one wants to be a proper sommelier or wine taster; or simply to keep from getting drunk and looking like a complete idiot–which is even more unladylike! But I am not yet able to do so properly, especially in a crowd.
Continue reading