THE STRANGE NEW WORLD

Isn’t it funny how things can get so alienated at a point in time? I guess now a lot of folks are focused on politics and the polarization that is being experienced as we head into elections next year. But, how about the current world of food and wine? Here we have yet another polarization. Food is moving rapidly toward lighter, fresher, natural ingredients. Wine, on the other hand, seems still stuck in the industrialized wines that I talked about in my recent article What is Wine?

BLENDING PARTY – A NEW TWIST – FLASH DASH – WHAT’S IN YOUR GLASS?

OK. So I have been writing recently about inexpensive red wines and doing blending of wines that are not exactly to your liking to make something that you do like. Yes, I know that sounds radical to some and down right heresy to some wine purists. So what? Get over it. Wine is just a beverage. It is a beverage that exists to complement your food and contribute to the dining experience.

A LEGENDARY WHITE BURGUNDY AND TWO OF THE GREATEST EVER CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIRS

I recently wrote an article including tasting notes on a trade tasting of California Pinot Noirs “In Pursuit Of Balance.” It was held at RN74 in San Francisco. The purpose was to showcase California Pinot Noirs that are balanced and not overly extracted and alcoholic. It was a great success. And, if you did not see my article, please take a look under Trade Tastings.

TRADE TASTING – CALIFORNIA PINOT NOIR “IN PURSUIT OF BALANCE”

I recently attended a trade tasting featuring California Pinot Noir. It was held at restaurant RN74 in San Francisco. Rajat Parr, the sommelier, has been a strong proponent of wines with alcohols lower than 15%. Lower alcohol wines are something that has been advocated by many of us for a very long time.

ALONG THE BURGUNDY TRAIL – VINTAGE 2009

Background And Table Of Contents I started going to Burgundy in 1981. In the early days, I was accompanied by Geoffrey Troy and Edward Lazarus and occasionally John Brincko. Later Geoffrey and I continued to visit Burgundy and we were joined by Ted Swinnerton. In recent years, John Brincko rejoined Geoffrey and me. Our most […]

Ah, Spring, The Vintage of the Century Is In the Air!

Ah, Spring, The Vintage of the Century Is In the Air!

Last November when we were in Burgundy, we were impressed with the 2008 red wines. They showed better balance and richness than the 2007s tasted from barrel (our review will follow shortly – stay tuned). But nearly everywhere we went, when tasting any 2008s and expressing a positive opinion, the reaction was “just wait for the 2009s.” Later, this year we will go back to Burgundy and taste some of the 2009s. But even without tasting the wines, it seems obvious that given the quality of the harvest, that there will be many lush and concentrated Burgundies of great appeal. And, more recently, at the opening tastings of the 2009 Bordeaux, the cry is echoed. Here are just a few of the early proclamations: “2005 a great vintage or better,” “the best young vintage I have ever tasted,” “Best wines ever.” So it looks like we are in for another “Vintage of the Century.” Again? OK. In my 40 years of tasting wines, I have only heard this about 10 times. Wow! I am not that old!!