Just Say Thanks...nothing more is needed or wanted.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Moving
Moved this week. Never a fun time but it opens up a whole new area to explore. Still near the coast, great training loops (have always ridden up here but now with no commute), good restaurant scene and more friends and colleagues nearby. Most important though, all the wine is safe and secure in it's new home. Resting and waiting.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Giro d'Italia 2011
Click on the links below for Giro highlights.
Click on the links below for Giro highlights.
Giro Stage 9
Giro 2011 ZONOCOLAN stage
It's Grande Tour Time
Well, summer is almost here and for cycling fans that means the grande tour season is upon us. Currently in Italy the Giro d'Italia is finishing it's second week of racing. One week to go until the final dash in to Milan. The majestic snow capped Dolomite mountains are the playground this week for the riders. Brutal climbs exist in northern Italy and having ridden some of the mountain passes in the Veneto region, I marvel at the courage and ability of the pros.
Tonight, to celebrate the Giro,: Spicy and Sweet sausages, rosemary polenta, tomato compote and a rustic red wine.
Cheers
2009, Monferrato Rosso, Allesandra Bodda, Piedmont.
CHABLIS
Finally pulled the cork on the 2009, Domain Costal "Les Truffieres." Brought back the good memories of tasting Chablis in Chablis, France. Clean, crisp minerality with a zesty mouth feel. Perfect pairing with the shrimp and scallops we enjoyed for dinner. The tasting notes provided by Kermit Lynch mentioned a hint of truffle... didn't taste it this time, but I'm willing to open as many bottles as it takes to experience the unmistakable essence of the famed truffle.
Southern Rhone
Tasted a great Rhone this week. The 2009 Cotes du Rhone, "Pourpre," Maxime-Francois Laurent delivered exactly what a southern Rhone should: Deep purple color, fresh fruit, tempered tannins and earthy freshness. Distributed by Kermit Lynch in Berkley, Ca and available by ordering directly from their wine reps. Looks to be a summer favorite.
$22.00 USD
Sunday, May 8, 2011
WINE
Wine is many things to many people. To some it's merely one of many alcoholic beverages to choose from, to others ..a bore, but to many; wine is a hobby that provides a lifetime of searching and tasting and collecting. Whether enjoyed in a cold, damp tasting room, at an intimate dinner for two or with good friends; tasting and pairing wine is always a great experience.
Our cellar is growing and is full of interesting bottles from Europe and the United States. Laying down 1st growth Bordeaux is fun but researching bottles from different regions and developing a nice selection of food-friendly wine is good fun. Recently, we've been bringing in a nice selection of Burgundies (red and white).
Having lived, literally, over the hill from the town of Chablis during my cooking stint in France, I always search for high quality Chablis wine. The 1970's era boxed "chablis" sold in the US severely tainted the name Chablis here, so selections are still fairly limited. Without Kermit Lynch in Berkley and Garagiste.com in Seattle, I doubt my Chablis selection would be as solid as it is. If you are interested in a food wine with a tasting profile of green apple, citrus and a hint of vanilla, then Chablis is for you. Paired with fresh water fish, halibut, scallops or even chicken, Chablis' balanced fruit and acidity makes for a perfect pairing.
Back in the USA. Being a huge fan of Chateau Montalena in Calistoga, Ca, I find it difficult to turn down an opportunity to add to our collection. After receiving an email from the winery recently announcing new releases from their cellar, a few bottles of Montalena Cabernet has recently been added to our vertical. Montalena cab is a known for it's deep ruby color with blackberry and plum fruit on the palette and firm tannins. Always a winner when red meat or game appears on the menu.
Cheers...pull that cork!
Cheers...pull that cork!
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